Good morning, Albuquerque.

Bernalillo County Planning Commission cleared the way on Wednesday for a 45,000 sqft North Valley mosque after rejecting an appeal over traffic and noise concerns; the planned building at 9600 Second NW near Alameda will expand worship and community programs + meet local conditions.

New Mexico State Fair is offering a flash sale with $4 admission tickets available online from today until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5; tickets are limited to 10 per person & Mega Passes at $35 include an unlimited ride wristband with the fair set for Sept.

10 to 20 at Expo NM.

Former educator George R.

Joe launched Tribal Trailz, a free mobile app that plays audio tours along historic routes and Native American landmarks, including on Route 66; drivers can use the GPS feature to get cultural insights and expect more tours in Albuquerque + Santa Fe soon.

APS named Wilson Holland as assistant superintendent of high schools after he served as Los Lunas’ athletics director and officiated NCAA games without taking leave.

APS confirmed he passed the state-required background check and his hiring followed standard vetting procedures.

This summer, high school students are gaining paid research experience at a UNM lab to monitor mosquitoes and other insects that can spread diseases—learning lab skills and scientific methods through a partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and United Way.

New Mexico State University received a $759,000 federal grant to breed a disease-resistant green chile for mechanical harvesting.

The four-year project led by Professor Stephanie Walker and Cornell’s Michael Mazourek is expected to finish next year — a development that could help growers reduce labor and crop losses.

The APS Board approved adding a ninth-grade cohort at Roosevelt Middle School in Tijeras to begin in the 2027-28 school year, expanding high school options for East Mountain families.

The plan now awaits Public Education Department approval and will start with an estimated 40 students.

A wildfire known as the Sacaton Fire in the Gila National Forest has burned over 1,000 acres and is sending smoke over Albuquerque, with hazy skies expected through Friday.

New Mexico officials are urging residents to attend organized fireworks displays as local warnings against personal fireworks grow amid wildfire risks ahead of tomorrow’s July Fourth celebrations.

They say the goal is to keep festivities safe while the West faces dry, windy conditions + increased wildfire incidents.

State regulators reversed a $400M stock sale between TXNM Energy and Blackstone when they ruled the companies broke state law by skipping approval; they also imposed a $300K fine.

The acquisition hearing is set for August 17 in Santa Fe.

With Fourth of July cookouts ahead, the National Fire Protection Association warns that gas grills cause 9,200 home fires — the Federal Emergency Management Agency says to keep grills three feet from homes, railings and trees, open lids before lighting, and never leave grills unattended for a safe cookout.

Albuquerque Animal Welfare urges pet owners to prepare for July 4 fireworks by creating a calm space and walking dogs beforehand—free microchipping and pet tags are available to help reunite lost pets.

The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed Santa Fe County’s first wild animal plague case from a dead wood rat on a resident’s property, the fifth animal case this year.

Officials advise pet owners to use flea control after a fatal human case occurred on June 11.

Lavender Brunch Celebration

9:30-11 a.m. — Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm — Check website for pricing — Indulge in lavender-inspired dishes and cocktails while exploring the beauty of summer harvests.

Official FC Barcelona Soccer Camp

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — APS Soccer Complex — $100 off registration with promo code — Train with official Barça coaches and learn the unique Barça methodology.

Taco Tuesday - Latin Night

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Overtime Sports Bar & Grill — $7 Cover — Dance the night away with Cumbia lessons and lively Latin music from DJ Gabriel Goza & Friends.

Ascension Suspension Summer Hangout

8 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — Free entry — Unofficial pre-NM Tattoo Convention kickoff featuring an exciting lineup of local music.

ToonFusion

3:30 a.m. — Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex — Tickets start at $99 — Experience the can't-miss live show ToonFusion in Albuquerque.

Los Huracanes Del Norte Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Isleta Resort & Casino — Tickets required — Enjoy a vibrant night of legendary norteño music and unforgettable entertainment.

Morning Yoga at Los Poblanos

7:00 – 8:30 AM — Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm — $18 – $25 — Start your week with yoga amidst lavender fields and peacocks.

Taco Tuesday - Latin Night

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Overtime Sports Bar & Grill — $7 Cover — Enjoy a vibrant night of Latin music and dance lessons in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Gabriel Rutledge at Hyena's Comedy Nightclub

Time TBD — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with past comedy competition winner Gabriel Rutledge who brings his unique humor to Albuquerque.

Rufus Wainwright Concert

7-10 p.m. — National Hispanic Cultural Center — Book today — Experience the unique musical artistry of Rufus Wainwright live on stage.