Good morning, Albuquerque.

A public hearing held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the UNM student union building gathered local views on Blackstone's proposed $11.5 billion merger with TXNM Energy, amid worries of rate hikes and hopes for job growth and grid investments—residents urged regulators to carefully weigh the costs and benefits.

Xcel Energy is proposing nearly 4,000 megawatts of power capacity across Texas and New Mexico pending regulatory approval — the project mix of wind, solar, battery storage and natural gas will support grid reliability and create construction jobs by 2030.

UNM School of Law’s Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program earned an A+ rating from National Jurist+ PreLaw Magazine this spring, ranking it among 16 top schools nationally.

The school hosted events on art advocacy and will add new courses to boost hands-on learning.

The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is accepting grant applications until Aug.

14 from school districts and charters for a $1 million fund to help install tools like network firewalls and device storage—requirements set by state law to reduce classroom distractions.

The CRS welcomes postdoctoral fellow Jorge Hernández, who will spend a year developing his book manuscript and digital humanities project to map how Mexican American writers shape urban community stories in Albuquerque and nearby cities.

He brings personal insight from growing up in New Mexico (Vado) to enrich his research on local transformation and resilience.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury co-sponsors a bipartisan bill to study funding gaps in 45 tribal schools and develop pay standards for teachers.

The study will use BIE funding data to align salaries with those in other districts + help improve teacher retention.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury introduced two House bills on July 28 to study increased funding for 183 BIE schools, including 44 in New Mexico, aiming to raise teacher salaries to state levels + a similar Senate measure is sponsored by Sens.

Martin Heinrich and Cynthia Lummis.

Albuquerque is strengthening its Bee City USA status by turning medians, parks and roads into wildflower havens for bees, butterflies & other pollinators; city departments have partnered with Think Like a Bee, distributing over 13,000 plants, 660 kits and maintaining 173 wildflower beds.

Firefighters responded Tuesday to a small wildfire near Wheeler Peak in Carson National Forest (0.1 acres in size), using a Chinook helicopter and direct extinguishment methods in the Questa Ranger District.

The cause remains unconfirmed amid reports of similar lightning-caused fires.

State Sen. Cindy Nava will headline a community conversation on early childhood care at 4 p.m. Aug.

5 at the El Zócalo Event Center; area state legislators and local leaders will discuss plans to expand child care access for families (free event open to the public).

The City of Albuquerque is launching Operation Cooldown — a program that activates sprinklers at five neighborhood parks from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31 — to help families beat the triple-digit heat.

Recent rain has boosted roach, ant and mosquito activity around homes, according to a local pest-control expert.

Residents are urged to clear leaf litter and standing water (mosquitoes can breed in small pools) and consider professional pesticide treatments to reduce infestations.

State officials reported that a Medicaid expansion in April 2022 doubled postpartum visits from new mothers as New Mexico works to reduce pregnancy-related deaths.

A full analysis is expected in September (early data show more primary care and substance abuse support visits).

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.

Olivia O'Brien Presents: The PIXIE Tour

7-10 p.m. — Launchpad — $21.50+ — Celebrate a night of pop music with Olivia O'Brien's vibrant performance.

Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Albuquerque Isotopes

6:35-7:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — $7 parking for vehicles with three or fewer people — Celebrate Native American Heritage Night with the Isotopes and enjoy post-game fireworks.

Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Albuquerque Isotopes

1:35 – 2:35 PM — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — $7 parking — Catch an exciting Minor League Baseball matchup with local flair as the Isotopes face off against the Space Cowboys.