Good morning, Albuquerque.

Vortex Theatre opens the world premiere of They Must Be Women Now by Nedra Pezold Roberts on Aug.

14, running through Aug. 30 at 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE. A pay-what-you-will performance (with talkback on Aug. 16) marks a special 50th anniversary season as part of NewPlayFest.

Albuquerque Public Schools is urging students to join extracurricular activities early this school year to build confidence, social skills & attendance.

Kenneth Salazar explained that athletics, esports and clubs are available, and families should contact their school for details.

The New Mexico Public Education Department allows districts to opt out of the AI-powered reading test Amira for this school year over privacy concerns with student voice recordings, with some opting for alternative testing methods in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Farmington, Roswell, Clayton + Turquoise Trail Charter in Santa Fe.

KOAT 7, Nusenda Credit Union, and Locker 505 are hosting a back-to-school supply drive for children until August 23, with donations available online to help Albuquerque families get essential school supplies.

The Frijoles Fire, which began last Tuesday, has burned 3,000 acres near Cundiyó with 0% containment as 101 firefighters and aircraft fight the blaze; local officials urge residents to review evacuation plans and avoid the area while keeping drones grounded.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and five colleagues sent a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission asking it to ban wildfire betting due to arson risk.

UNM professor Matthew Hurteau said these wagers have hit a new low — a risk that could endanger local communities.

On Monday, Rebecca 'Puck' Stair, director of New Mexico Energy Conservation and Management Division, told lawmakers in Shiprock that many tribal and pueblo lands are rich in geothermal energy potential — a clean option that could boost local revenue and modernize the power grid.

Health officials report a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs from Texas has affected 98 people across 17 states, including cases in New Mexico; they urge shoppers to cook eggs properly and follow safe food practices.

Residents planning assisted living can use state inspection reports & in-person visits to compare staff training, facility safety and contract details.

The guide advises asking about emergency support and fees before signing any agreement in New Mexico.

State health officials report that 770 residents visited emergency rooms for heat related illness this summer as record temperatures push cities like Albuquerque and Farmington above 100 degrees.

Offices have set up cooling centers, including one in Roswell, while forecasts call for moisture and lower temperatures soon.