Good morning, Albuquerque.

The Paper celebrated its expansion into the City of Vision with a block party at The BLOCK in Rio Rancho on Thursday evening.

The gathering brought local leaders, friends & family together as they danced, noshed and networked at the event.

A new GHSA report shows New Mexico recorded 91 pedestrian deaths by December 2025 (nearly half in the Albuquerque area), making it the worst state for pedestrian safety; state and city officials said planned upgrades on Central Avenue and other corridors will help reduce incidents.

Route 66 Summerfest celebrates 100 years of the iconic highway with live music, food trucks and family activities on Central Avenue (between Girard and Washington); the free event begins today at 5 p.m., and park-and-ride shuttles will run until the last bus at 10:30 p.m. Central Avenue will close at midnight.

Albuquerque Public Schools met its three-year reading goals for first and second graders—but middle school math scores fell short.

District officials credit focused reading lessons and summer programs for the gains in literacy.

Dr. Steve Goldstein, UNM’s 24th president, began his tenure on Wed.

July 15 by meeting with leaders, students and staff at events including New Student Orientation and a beam-signing ceremony — starting his commitment to listening and learning during his first 100 days.

A public hearing on the air quality permit for Project Jupiter is set for 9 a.m. on Oct.

19 at the Sunland Park Multi-Generational Center. The permit for the data center planned for Oracle and OpenAI draws scrutiny for projected emissions double those produced by Albuquerque in 2023.

The new episode of New Mexico in Focus revealed that discipline in Gallup schools differs by ethnicity and that a large tribal water rights settlement is stalled over leasing debates.

The broadcast also features U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze beginning his second term to support state arts.

BLM released an environmental assessment on Wednesday, July 17 that gives two weeks for public comment on removing the oil and gas buffer near Chaco Canyon.

Pueblo leaders, including representatives from Acoma (who stress the area's cultural ties), urged officials to keep the buffer as comments close July 29.

Local acequia advocates are urging lawmakers to craft legislation for a dedicated disaster fund to repair historic irrigation canals weakened by floods, wildfires, and drought — they met with state committee members this week after acequias incurred millions in damage.

An audit shows that nearly half of the counties and most municipalities have not spent any opioid settlement funds meant for drug treatment and prevention programs, and some local governments are joining forces to avoid duplicate spending & improve service delivery amid rising overdose deaths.

Detainees at the Torrance County facility reported skin irritation from tap water amid Estancia’s water emergency — officials cut the facility’s water intake and plan to drill a new well mid-August to boost supply.

World Cup Final Watch Party

1-3:30 p.m. — Historic Lobo Theater & Event Center — Free entry — Experience the excitement of the World Cup Final surrounded by fellow fans on multiple screens.

Travis Larson Live with Local Acts

7-11 p.m. — Juno Brewery — 21+ (minors ok with parent) — Experience the intricate sounds of acclaimed prog rock guitarist Travis Larson alongside Albuquerque's local talents.

Round Rock Express vs. Albuquerque Isotopes

6:35-7:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — $7 parking — Come cheer on the Albuquerque Isotopes as they take on the Round Rock Express!

First Responder Night

5-7:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a Guns vs Hoses softball game followed by a thrilling baseball match for a great cause.

Monthly Book Meetup: Discussing 'The Day of the Triffids'

11 a.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Free entry — Join in on a lively discussion about one of the first post-apocalyptic novels ever written.

Round Rock Express vs. Albuquerque Isotopes

1:35-2:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — Free lunch bags — Cheer on the Isotopes as they take on the Express in a fun-filled baseball afternoon.

Albuquerque Speed Dating for Ages 25-45

7-9 p.m. — Santa Fe Brewing Company — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 singles in a fun and friendly speed dating atmosphere.

2026 Dive-In Movies Film Fiesta

7 p.m. — Hotel Zazz — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with short films showcased poolside under the stars.

The Technicolors Live

8-11 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets from $69 — Experience an unforgettable night with The Technicolors in Albuquerque.

Simple Plan Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater — Tickets from $46 — Be there live for an exciting performance by Simple Plan in Albuquerque.