Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Good morning, Albuquerque.
🚧 Accidents
The city will replace the dangerous crossing signal on Carlisle Blvd, N.E. at the Paseo del Nordeste trail near Montgomery with a new HAWK light that forces vehicles to stop for pedestrians and cyclists+ the upgrade comes after 19-year-old bike safety advocate Kayla Vanlandingham was killed in a July accident while riding near Carlisle and Delamar.
🎭 Culture
The animated TV series Avatar: The Last Airbender will come to life at Popejoy Hall on Nov.
2 when a live orchestra performs the show’s original score along with favorite scenes displayed on a full-sized cinema screen—marking the show’s 20th anniversary tour and Albuquerque’s fourth international stop. The two-hour event will feature Emmy Award-winning music by Jeremy Zuckerman and is led by associate conductor Heidi Joosten.
🎓 Education
UNM launched a new Medical Biotechnology certification course at its Valencia Campus, the first program of its kind in the state.
The 20-credit course offers hands-on lab training with small class sizes — equipping students for jobs in biomedical labs.
The University of New Mexico is hosting a weeklong First-Generation Celebration from November 3 to 8 to honor students who are the first in their families to attend college—events include a kickoff at the College of Nursing, webinars, a panel discussion, and a basketball halftime recognition for first-gen athletes. The celebration aims to offer support and highlight the achievements of nearly half the student body who are first-generation learners.
🏛️ Government
Bernalillo County hosted a virtual community listening session Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to collect feedback on the Regional Behavioral Health Plan under the statewide Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act — residents, providers and community groups shared input, and more sessions in different formats will be scheduled soon.
Documents show that the Department of the Interior planned to lay off over 2,000 employees during the shutdown and warned that the cuts might reduce New Mexico's wildfire-research capacity by affecting its small field station.
A federal judge has paused the firings while employee unions legally challenge the shutdown, leaving the future of local research in doubt.
Planned layoffs at the Department of the Interior—now on hold due to a government shutdown—could reduce the USGS Fort Collins Science Center staff to 30 and risk New Mexico’s scarce wildfire research.
A federal judge has paused the firings for now—leaving experts worried that if the cuts are implemented, local fire studies will lose important expertise.
🏈 Sports
The Lobos hit just over 26 percent from the field in Washington last night and Coach Olen said they will change their offensive approach at the Pit in the upcoming game—he expects the new plan to boost scoring.
The Mountain West conference announced it will add men's soccer as an NCAA sport for the 2026-27 season.
UNM said it will not restart its cut program.
Amid a historic wave of coaching changes at major college programs, UNM head coach Jason Eck said he is very happy at the school—he remains committed to leading the team this season despite ongoing speculation about coach exits.
His comments underline UNM’s stable leadership in a season of shifting coaching roles.
🎉 Albuquerque Events
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Opiuo Live Performance
9:30 p.m. — Electric Playhouse — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night filled with funky beats and warm, syrupy bass for a unique adventure.
Albuquerque Running Fiesta
7 AM – 12 PM — Civic Plaza — Race entry fee varies — Participate in a scenic race with stunning views of the Sandia Mountains and celebrate local running culture.
Monday Night NFL Watch Parties
6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials — Gather for live NFL action with giveaways and a chance to win a football getaway.
Mike Mares Solo Performance
6-8 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Free entry — Enjoy a night of blues country soul dash from the talented Mike Mares of The NOMS.
Mix, Mingle & Munch
5:30-6:45 p.m. — Anew Boutique — Light dinner included — Network with local professionals and enjoy community updates.
Buckcherry Live in Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Sunshine Theater — Cost not specified — Experience the energetic rock sounds of Buckcherry featuring Josh Todd and the band.
Conjunto Primavera Concert
8-10:30 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Starting at $104 — Experience the nostalgic rhythms of Conjunto Primavera and dance the night away in Albuquerque.
New West Coast Music Festival Albuquerque
12:00 – 15:00 — Oasis Event Center NM — Ticket prices may vary — Experience live performances from exciting West Coast hip-hop artists and enjoy food and vendor options.
The Geological Story of the Albuquerque Area
3:00–4:00 p.m. — Cherry Hills Public Library — Free entry — Discover the unique geological features of the Sandia Mountains in this engaging lecture by geologist Jayne Aubele.
Monday Night Watch Parties at Steel Bender Brewyard
6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live broadcasts and win prizes during football season.
🏠 Albuquerque Real Estate
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📣 Albuquerque Announcements
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