Good morning, Albuquerque.

Communities across New Mexico are gearing up to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Route 66 next year with art projects, restorations, and local festivities.

Grant funding supports upgrades, mural painting, and a musical road project in Santa Rosa along the 487-mile historic corridor.

New Mexico is named a top destination for 2026 as Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos and Route 66 earn nods from major travel publications.

The Tourism Department will host two media conferences later this year and noted that boosted visitor spending supports local jobs—highlighting the state's unique cultural draw.

Environmental group Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition in December to list rare Allred’s flax as endangered in the Yeso Hills of Eddy County, citing threats from oil development and herbicides — a move aimed at protecting its fragile habitat.

Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Nob Hill voted in December to donate its historic building to the state in lieu of costly renovations; officials say the transfer will be completed in the first half of 2026 to preserve it as a public asset.

Local health expert Barry Ramo advises starting the year with regular exercise by combining aerobic activities like walking and swimming with at-home strength training using the RBG workout book + following a Mediterranean diet to boost overall health.

Federal data shows over 2,000 measles cases this year, with outbreaks along the Utah-Arizona border and in Texas that led to hundreds of cases in New Mexico.

Health officials say low vaccination rates may put measles elimination at risk and expect more cases into January + urge increased immunizations.

Albuquerque Career Fair

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North — Free entry — Meet live with hiring employers and explore career opportunities.

Gene Simmons Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Backstage at Revel — Ticketed event — Experience an unforgettable live performance by the legendary Gene Simmons.

International District Book Group

5-6:30 p.m. — International District Library — Free entry — Engage in lively discussions about inclusive YA books with diverse characters and themes.

Giant Kaleidoscope Experience

10 AM – 5 PM — Color Wheel Toys LLC — Free entry — Explore an 8-foot kaleidoscope and create stunning visual patterns with various items.

Visit the Giant Kaleidoscope

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Color Wheel Toys LLC — Free entry — Explore an 8-foot kaleidoscope and create stunning patterns with your chosen items.

Functional Programming Through Construction

6-8 p.m. — CG Infinity, Inc. — Free entry — Explore functional programming concepts like pure functions and immutability while enjoying dinner and insights from Cameron Presley.

The Children's Hour

7:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Little Theatre — Cost varies — Experience a powerful live performance exploring themes of trust and friendship.

Stop.Drop.Rewind Concert

7-10 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets starting at $51 — Experience a live performance by Stop.Drop.Rewind in an energetic atmosphere.

Southwest Indoor Sectionals 2026

8 a.m. — Hit or Miss Archery Center — Early registration fee required — Compete in the NFAA 300 rounds and aim for high scores to improve your national ranking.