Listen "Albuquerque News Roundup: Scorching Heat, Crime Arrests, City Tensions, and Community Resilience"
Episode Synopsis
Good morning, this is Albuquerque Local Pulse for Thursday, June 12, 2025.We’re waking up to a stretch of classic New Mexico heat today. The National Weather Service expects high temperatures in the low nineties, so if you’re planning outdoor activities, be sure to stay hydrated and check in on neighbors who may need extra help. The monsoon season is nearly here, so while clouds may build later this afternoon, rain chances remain on the lower side as we head toward the weekend.We start with breaking news on the crime front. Yesterday morning, police were busy near Central and Wyoming as a stolen car suspect led officers on a chase, eventually ditching the vehicle near the Walmart on Eubank. Estevan Maestas was caught with fentanyl, meth, and outstanding felony warrants. Officers credit air support for wrapping up the arrest quickly and safely. In another disturbing case, police arrested Mohtasem Thabata, the owner of Moe’s Smoke Shop, after a fatal shooting tied to a suspected shoplifting. Thabata reportedly chased and shot the alleged thief after a confrontation. Investigators are processing evidence and reminding store owners and the public to let law enforcement handle thefts and emergencies. Meanwhile, police continue focusing efforts on fentanyl trafficking and have highlighted a decrease in shoplifting across major shopping districts, a relief for local businesses heading into the busy summer season.From City Hall, the tension continues between the mayor’s office and city council as they debate staffing and policy oversight, especially following recent city council meetings at the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The city is also doubling cadet training classes, aiming to put more police on our streets, a move welcomed by many neighborhoods.In real estate, we’re seeing steady but slow growth. Around 350 homes are on the market this week, with the median price holding near 330,000 dollars. On the business scene, a new food hall just opened in Uptown, bringing diverse cuisine and local vendors under one roof, while Barcelona Suites on Menual remains closed after city inspections revealed major code and safety violations.Our job market remains competitive as summer begins, with about 900 new postings this week, mostly in healthcare, education, and construction. The city council continues to discuss incentives to attract more employers, especially for tech and renewable energy sectors.There’s a lot happening on the cultural calendar. The city’s summer concert series kicks off this Friday night at Civic Plaza, headlined by local favorite Red Light Cameras. The Albuquerque Museum is hosting a new exhibit about Route 66 history, and Saturday brings the Growers’ Market back to Robinson Park. High school athletes are shining as well, with the Eldorado Eagles baseball team making it to the state semifinals, and congratulations go out to the Albuquerque Academy robotics team for bringing home a national award.For a feel-good story, Camp Enchantment is back at the Bosque, offering summer fun and support for kids battling cancer, a reminder of the strength and care in our community.That’s our round-up for today. This has been Albuquerque Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.