Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How one West Side food pantry is reshaping food security in Albuquerque

You won't want to miss A Children's Messiah-Music Concert on the Albuquerque Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Albuquerque! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How one West Side food pantry is reshaping food security in Albuquerque
  • How a massive Albuquerque retail theft ring finally came crashing down
  • How a major STEM conference could boost Albuquerque students next year

Also on today's calendar: A Children’s Messiah-Music Concert and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Albuquerquefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Kath F.!

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Albuquerquefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly to mostly sunny, with a high of 62 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny, temps: high: 63, low: 33.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 61 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rio Grande Food Project Supports Families With Food, Education, and Community Partnerships (newmexicosun.com) — Families on Albuquerque’s West Side facing food insecurity can turn to the Rio Grande Food Project for weekly pantry support, gardening education, and help with utility bills and benefits. Staff and volunteers partner with Albuquerque Master Gardeners, local utilities, and Roadrunner Food Bank to provide fresh food, financial literacy, and practical skills that help neighbors build long‑term food security.
   

2. Albuquerque retail theft leader sentenced to nine years (koat.com) — A man from Albuquerque has been sentenced to nine years in prison for leading what investigators say was the largest organized retail theft ring in the Albuquerque metro, targeting multiple chain stores. Bernalillo County deputies and Albuquerque police say he recruited others to steal high-value items for online resale, and prosecutors emphasize they’ll keep aggressively pursuing large-scale shoplifting operations that impact local businesses and workers.
   

3. Albuquerque to host 2026 Great Minds in STEM Conference (krqe.com) — Albuquerque has been chosen to host the nationally recognized 2026 Great Minds in STEM Conference, expected to draw more than 2,000 attendees. The event will bring students together with leaders in science, technology, engineering and math for workshops and seminars focused on education, careers and entrepreneurship, offering local students a rare high-level networking opportunity close to home.
   

4. Los Lunas Artist Adds Color to Route 66 (abq.news) — An Albuquerque-based muralist who once sold produce and illustrated cards at the Downtown Albuquerque Farmers Market is now creating a major Route 66 centennial mural for the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe. Her work, already visible on several Albuquerque businesses, continues to celebrate the region’s culture while drawing on the community that helped her shift from farming to public art.
   

5. Stolen RC balloon returned to Balloon Fiesta (kob.com) — A remote-controlled hot air balloon owned by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, stolen on Thanksgiving, has been recovered with minimal damage and should fly again next year. Albuquerque police found the balloon and arrested a suspect after an anonymous tip, allowing Fiesta officials to resume using the popular ‘Patriot’ balloon for education and community events.
   

📸 Around Albuquerque

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📸 Holiday spirit in downtown Albuquerque. —Kath F. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Albuquerque

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 697 in Albuquerque. Apply here.
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for Copy - Professional House Cleaner in Albuquerque. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Albuquerque here.

Ok Albuquerque! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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