Good morning, Albuquerque.

The upcoming Let’s Talk New Mexico show will focus on summer news featuring a potential Sandia Wilderness land transfer and other important local topics, airing Thursday at 9 a.m. Listeners may call in (505-277-5866) with questions and comments.

A Frijoles Fire support crew member died on Aug.

23 after a medical emergency and was taken to a local hospital where lifesaving efforts failed; mandatory evacuations continue for the area and officials ask for privacy for family and coworkers (details withheld).

UNM alum Eric Garcia showed his large new mural 'Since 1776…' at Albuquerque Museum this month as part of the Frederick Hammersley Visiting Artist Program marking 250 years since the nation was founded + the artwork uses bold images to look at America’s past.

James Bennett, the Albuquerque Journal managing editor, emphasized the importance of local journalism and skepticism as essential to finding the truth in local news.

He explained the need for reporters to ask questions and correct mistakes amid an era of misinformation, keeping the focus on accountability + trust.

On Sunday, Aug. 16, local artists competed in a first ever Art Battle (live) at Valle De Luna Event Center.

Salad Bowl America hosted the event with live music and food trucks, and Antoinette Tafoya won a $300 prize (final round) while five more events are planned for November.

The UNM Department of Native American Studies welcomed two new postdoctoral fellows to start the 2026-27 school year (Mendoza is from Rio Rancho).

Madeline Rose Mendoza and Shayla Chatto, a Navajo Nation citizen (with focus on publishing and Indigenous studies), will teach in the spring and contribute to advancing research.

Rep. Leger Fernández and seven lawmakers asked the GAO to review wildfire retardants after tests found antimony, arsenic, and uranium in Mora County wells last November — the agency is evaluating the request to ensure public health and environmental safety.

The New Mexico Supreme Court paused air permit proceedings for Project Jupiter, a hyperscale data center in Santa Teresa, after a petition from New Energy Economy challenged the project’s fuel source, and replies to the order are due by Sept.

2.

FDA updated eggs to a Class I recall after warning that the product could cause serious illness; New Mexico reported three salmonella cases from eggs sold at Brookshire grocery stores.

Chipotle removed jalapenos on July 20 amid related recalls for contaminated produce, and officials advise discarding any recalled items.