Good morning, Albuquerque.

The City of Albuquerque unveiled Vista Beach at Vista del Norte Park in North Valley — a $426,000 play area with a sandy zone that is watered to let kids build sandcastles and learn about local geological history.

University of New Mexico’s Mountaineering Club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Duck Pond to plan trips for camping, skiing, hiking, and social events, and provides free gear and UNM-funded trip support (including half-off discounts at the Outdoor Adventure Center) as it expands equipment for nearly 380 members.

Mohammed Assaf, the Palestinian pop singer who won Arab Idol, will perform at Popejoy Hall on Sept.

6, bringing a taste of Palestinian culture to Albuquerque. Organized by Zahriah Events, the concert offers locals a chance to enjoy music + celebrate their heritage.

Today, UNM's Department of Economics hosted its 5th Annual New Mexico Economics Research Day, bringing together state legislators, faculty and students to present research on water use (among topics such as cannabis legalization, agricultural conservation and energy transition).

Faculty and students also competed for recognition in poster presentations.

PNM crews restored power after two separate outages in Albuquerque amid record hot weather; one incident in Parkland Hills affected over 150 customers until about 4:00 p.m. Sunday & another near UNM disrupted service for 582 customers with one still awaiting restoration.

Severe drought has forced bears to seek food in human areas, wildlife officials say, increasing the risk of euthanasia.

They report that 129 bears were euthanized this year after complaints, and experts urge homeowners to secure trash and bird feeders to reduce encounters.

Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders, will speak at the United Nations today at 8 a.m. to explain how the 1945 Trinity test harmed local health (prompting calls for better RECA support) and to urge global leaders to ban nuclear testing.

Today, Albuquerque kicks off Gibson Boulevard median beautification near UNM south campus with new lobos silhouettes and foliage, while Alameda Boulevard is closed for widening and sidewalk installation from Rich to Barstow.

Speed cameras will launch in Santa Fe on Monday with a 30-day warning period before fines begin.

Sandia National Labs is testing AI-powered drones, letting them learn through a game of drone tag to help protect critical sites.

Researcher Spencer Jensen said the team will soon move tests outdoors plus assess if the drones can work safely in real life.

On Friday night, the Lobos lost their season opener to the Cal Baptist Lancers (3-1 in four sets) as head coach Brian Hosfeld said low energy hurt teamwork.

New Mexico United lost 2-1 to San Antonio FC on Aug.

29 at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park after conceding an own goal and struggling to find rhythm. Coach Dennis Sanchez said improvements are needed before their next match against Las Vegas Lights FC on Sept. 5.