Good morning, Albuquerque.

Federal investigators are reviewing flight data and weather conditions after a Beechcraft King Air 300 crashed near Chinle airport on the Navajo Nation, killing four Albuquerque-based crew members who were headed to pick up a patient from a federal Indian Health Service hospital—leaving the local medical community heartbroken.

Chase Cuffie was sentenced to 26 years in prison after a jury convicted him for fatally shooting a person in Northwest Albuquerque by emerging from a storage closet in his ex-girlfriend's apartment—details were provided during the trial.

UNM will join Brown University to lead a new research institute that builds smart AI assistants for mental health care.

The project is funded with a $20 million NSF grant—researchers from several top schools will work together to create safe systems and offer new education programs.

NM public colleges, special schools and UNM Health Sciences Center lost about $102 million in federal research funding that canceled grants, issued stop work orders and delayed projects.

Secretary Rodriguez said her agency is gathering statewide data to guide next year’s budget priorities while capital outlay requests nearly reached $500 million with only about $300 million available — forcing tough decisions on infrastructure needs.

The Bureau of Reclamation projects Lake Powell will drop to dead pool next year if water levels fall below 3,500 ft but water managers will prevent this by drawing water from upstream reservoirs — including Navajo Lake near Farmington.

Water policy researchers say dead pool is unlikely and stress that New Mexico agriculture must cut water use as the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will deliver water to local tribes and Gallup by December 31, 2029.

It has been over a month since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service missed its deadline to release endangered wolf Asha and her pups from Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge because of delays.

Local ranchers and officials are upset—state emergency declarations and calls for help show that political pressure and fear of livestock losses drive the delay—while conservationists worry that keeping the wolf in captivity will hurt its fragile genes.

Albuquerque City Council updated the HEART ordinance to immediately seize animals sold or given away on public property—animals must be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and held for ten days before adoption to reduce shelter overcrowding, according to Councilor Fiebelkorn.

The Rio Rancho Police Department has launched a School Zone Speed Blitz in anticipation of classes starting today as officers increase patrols during morning and afternoon hours and enforce a zero-tolerance rule with a minimum fine of $150 for speeding, passing stopped school buses and ignoring crossing guards—officials say there will be no warnings or excuses for violations.

Some members of the Community Safety Department sued the city over pay discrepancies—saying they lost overtime and holiday pay by being misclassified as salaried workers.

City officials said they are reviewing the lawsuit and have switched responders to hourly pay to better match their work hours.

ABQ Smoke Show BBQ & Music Fest

2 days — Balloon Fiesta Park — $ — Experience the ultimate BBQ festival with top artists like Pitbull and Blake Shelton under the New Mexico sky.

Joe Bonamassa Concert

2-9:30 p.m. — Sandia Resort & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the blues with the master guitarist Joe Bonamassa in an unforgettable live performance.

Mystery Skulls Ultra Rare Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All ages welcome — Experience the electrifying beats and fascinating visuals from Mystery Skulls live in concert.

Okra Pickling Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Learn the art of pickling with fresh okra and take home your own jar of tangy goodness.

Vibestrong Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Marble Brewery — Entry fee not specified — Experience the dynamic rhythms of a vibrant reggae/rock band from Albuquerque.

Walking Through History Tour: National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — National Museum of Nuclear Science & History — Entry fee required — Explore the significance of the Atomic Age during this commemorative tour.

Children's Entrepreneur Market at Sunday is Funday

12-4 p.m. — Haynes Community Center and Park — $1 entry — A vibrant market showcasing kid-run businesses with fun activities and entertainment for all ages.

LIVE and Collective Soul Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Isleta Amphitheater — Check for pricing — Enjoy a night of classic rock hits with LIVE and Collective Soul.

Lock Smith Concert

6:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Sister — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Bury The Hatchet tour with Locksmith and support acts for an unforgettable night of music.

Las Vegas Aviators vs Albuquerque Isotopes

6:35-8:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — Cost info not specified — Catch a thrilling baseball game as the Aviators face off against the Isotopes.