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New Mexico Department of Health warns that monsoon rains and heat are extending mosquito season into fall and may raise West Nile risk for residents; people with weakened immune systems should use EPA-approved repellents, cover up, and remove standing water.

Male tarantulas are on their yearly migration for mates in local foothills from now until October+ wildlife experts advise leaving them be and gently moving them outside if found.

This natural behavior helps control pests in our area.

Officials from the Bureau of Land Management remind residents and visitors on public lands to store food securely, not hike alone, and leave quietly if they spot a bear — staying 100 yards away for safety.

They advise remaining calm and using bear spray if a black bear approaches.

Rio Rancho has approved plans for a preschool and daycare facility, expanding local childcare options.

La Esperanza Preschool will operate at 2218 Arena Drive near Unser Boulevard, and another facility is planned at 1008 Golf Course Road SE.

A brown bear was captured Sunday in a Rio Rancho neighborhood near Jane Circle SE and Golf Course Road SE after resident Anna Moya encountered it while watering her yard (officials tranquilized and safely removed the bear).

Local real estate agents hosted a workshop Saturday for first-time homebuyers to learn the basics of purchasing a home, focusing on the four Cs (credit, capacity, collateral, capital) and easing market jitters, according to Chad Krieger of US Eagle Federal Credit Union.

PNM is offering options to help customers manage high summer utility bills in New Mexico as air conditioning use rises.

The company will reward off-peak usage with time-of-day rates and home energy checkups (services available from PNM) to lower costs.

Verizon is working to restore voice, text, data and home internet services after multiple fiber line cuts disrupted service in Albuquerque + other parts of the state.

Technicians are on site as they address the ongoing outage.