Good morning, Albuquerque.

This weekend, Rio Rancho and Albuquerque will host community events featuring Oktoberfest NM at Sandoval County Administration Park, the Food Truck Fiesta at Cabezon Park, and the Prickly Pear Festival at Gutierrez-Hubbell House (tickets vary).

Live comedy at Quezada’s and a main stage show at The BLOCK add local flair.

Bernalillo County and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta announced the 2026 X Marks the Spot program today, inviting homeowners to mark their properties with a white X to signal a welcome for hot air balloon landings and to qualify for daily prizes.

White X markers are available at local sites such as the Balloon Fiesta office (4401 Alameda Blvd. NE).

New Mexico saw a 1.1% increase in international visitors in 2025 (760,000 travelers), reported by its Tourism Department, bucking a national 5.5% decline in U.S. international travel.

With gas prices rising, auto experts advise Albuquerque drivers to choose hybrid vehicles for better long-term savings — electric models tend to lose value faster — and suggest comparing all costs when shopping for a new car.

New Mexico Voices for Children released the Children's Roadmap report saying state investments in free universal childcare and early childhood programs may not be reaching all families — especially in rural areas.

A roundtable discussion will be held in Farmington on Sept. 25 to offer recommendations for improved access.

For three years, UNM Safety and Crisis Management teams have partnered with Albuquerque Fire and Rescue to run proactive drills and build communication channels on campus.

This summer featured live tests at Yale Parking Structure and Hokona Hall, and fall exercises will use North Campus demolition buildings for hands-on training.

APS officials issued a shelter-in-place order at Edward Gonzales and Helen Cordero Elementary on Thursday afternoon after police activity near the schools raised a security concern, and students were set for controlled release as officials awaited an all clear.

The University of New Mexico and its foundation launched Accelerate New Mexico today+ a $1.2 billion campaign to expand student opportunity, research, and faculty excellence.

With over $600 million raised so far, donors, alumni, and community leaders are invited to support the campaign.

Recent studies found oil and gas operations near Loving raised airborne radiation and ozone levels to up to five times normal, prompting calls for further research.

The Environment Department has upgraded local air monitoring with a mobile lab + new stationary stations in the Permian Basin.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue warned residents that arroyos may quickly flood during monsoon season — crews have completed five rescues and urge reporting camp encampments to 311 and calling 911 if someone is in danger.

Fifty unclaimed veterans were honored with a military burial as the Forgotten Heroes Funeral program held a ceremony yesterday at Legacy Church in Albuquerque; law enforcement + motorcycle groups escorted urns to Santa Fe National Cemetery for full honors.