Morning
Albuquerque
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ ABQ BioPark shifted to winter hours with the zoo, aquarium and Botanic Garden closed on Mondays starting Nov. 17 and open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—visitors should note that beginning Nov. 29 the Aquarium and Botanic Garden will close at 4 p.m. for River of Lights preparations while Cottonwood Café remains closed for renovations until it reopens in eight to 10 weeks, with full operations returning after the New Year on Feb. 16. KOAT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Castelion has selected Rio Rancho for its Project Ranger—a new hypersonic rocket motor manufacturing campus set to span 1,000 acres and create over 300 high-paying jobs—and the company will invest at least $100 million in the first four years with groundbreaking planned for early 2026. KOAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roadside Memorial, a veteran punk band in Albuquerque, will hold a vinyl listening party and record release show on Saturday, November 22 at Flock of Moons Brewing at 111 Harvard Dr. SE with performance by Smorgasborg—promoting their new vinyl La Bajada via Grazil Records. The event follows their earlier split record with European punk group Grazer Grant and promises fast, melodic punk tunes that highlight their storied presence in the local scene. The Paper.
- ➤ The University of New Mexico’s Alza Council will host its annual Celebration of Inclusive Excellence on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Anderson School of Management’s Jackson Center at 1920 Las Lomas Blvd. NE—nominations for the Luminaria Awards are open until Nov. 24 and attendees should RSVP by Nov. 19. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Michael Cook, emeritus professor of art at UNM, has his exhibit Dead Reckoning, Paintings from 2016 to 2025 on view at Gebert Contemporary in Santa Fe until Nov. 21 — a show that blends his love for surfing with creative art. The exhibit draws on Polynesian seafaring methods to guide its theme — featuring 31 paintings that reflect his careful research and lifelong passion for painting. University of New Mexico
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Major UNM groups say academic freedom is under threat after the administration proposed cutting free speech protections during contract talks and then withdrew the plan; they now demand that the administration refuse to share faculty information with federal authorities and start a process to revise free speech policies—especially to protect part-time faculty. This call comes as concerns about federal pressures and labor precarity continue to grow. New Mexico Daily Lobo
- ➤ The University of New Mexico announced Andrew Jacobson as its new University Controller, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The UNM alum with nearly 25 years of financial leadership experience — including roles at Central New Mexico Community College and state financial agencies — will oversee the university’s accounting, payroll, and treasury functions. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On November 15, the Albuquerque BioPark gave visitors a first look at its new Mexican gray wolf conservation facility built over two years with around $4 million, although the habitat was closed to the public as the wolves are expected to arrive early next year. The facility covers four and a half acres with five habitats designed to mimic the wolves’ natural home — with dens, a pool, drinkers, and frost-free pipes to allow safe, minimal human contact. New Mexico Daily Lobo
- ➤ A plume of toxic hexavalent chromium spread from Los Alamos National Laboratory into groundwater beneath Pueblo San Ildefonso — drinking water remained safe since the contamination did not reach any public or private wells. NMED officials said DOE efforts were inadequate and urged immediate action to secure water supplies. KOAT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rail Runner Express is upgrading train security by installing six cameras per car+ a full-time monitor will watch them in real time. The new system will be fully operational early next year+ it will also help spot mechanical issues to keep passengers safe. KOAT
- ➤ The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office reached a $4.8 million settlement with JustFab’s parent company over deceptive online membership practices, which enrolled some consumers without clear consent and charged recurring fees. Affected consumers who made only the first purchase may get refunds if they file their complaints by Jan. 30—while the company must improve its enrollment, billing and cancellation processes. Sandoval Signpost
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sydney Benally, a former Sandia High standout twice named Gatorade Player of the Year, now plays as a true freshman at BYU and averaged seven points and seven assists per game with an 11-assist game against Coastal Carolina—she transferred to be closer to home so her family and community can support her Navajo heritage on the court. KOAT
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Albuquerque Speed Dating for Singles in Their 50s and 60s
7-9 p.m. — Hollow Spirits Distillery — Cost varies — Meet potential matches at a well-organized speed dating event in a fun and friendly environment.
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Chris Franjola Stand-Up Comedy
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening of humor with writer and comedian Chris Franjola, known for his engaging podcast and TV appearances.
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Jurassic Quest
5-10 p.m. — Albuquerque Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience life-sized dinosaurs and interactive activities in a family-friendly environment.
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Kauau Ruins Van Tour
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Los Lunas Museum of Heritage & Arts — Check website for cost — Explore the historic Kauau Ruins, once visited by Vasquez de Coronado, on a guided van tour.
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Monday Night NFL Watch Parties
6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Specials on food and drinks — Enjoy live NFL broadcasts and enter to win a football getaway.
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Family Storytime at East Mountain Public Library
11-11:30 a.m. — East Mountain Public Library — Free entry — Experience interactive storytelling fun with crafts, songs, and early literacy learning.
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Albuquerque Turkey Trot
8:15 AM – 12:00 PM — Balloon Fiesta Park — Registration required — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun-filled day of running and community spirit.
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25th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Holiday Festival
8 AM – 5 PM — Expo New Mexico State Fair — Tickets required — Celebrate Thanksgiving with local artists, live music, and festive food while shopping for unique gifts.
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New Mexico Music Hall of Fame Awards
6 PM — National Hispanic Cultural Center — $24, $2 discount for students, seniors and NHCC members — Celebrate local musical legends and their contributions to New Mexico's vibrant culture.
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Chokecherry
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All Ages — Experience live music from Chokecherry and The Sewing Club in a vibrant Albuquerque venue.
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