Morning
Albuquerque
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Monday night, community leaders in southeast Albuquerque met to discuss future plans for the New Mexico State Fairgrounds — the meeting focused on options such as modernizing the site, mixed-income housing, entertainment venues, or a park and set the stage for two more sessions. Nancy Locke of Stantec and Councilor Nichole Rogers were among those who shared ideas to guide a master plan that seeks to boost economic and cultural benefits in the area. KOAT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Spirit Airlines announced it will furlough 1,800 flight attendants by year's end amid its second bankruptcy as it adjusts staffing to match expected flight demand. The airline filed for Chapter 11 last month and will end service in Albuquerque—along with other cities—as part of its cost-saving measures. KOAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Raven Chacon will present Tiguex this Saturday in a citywide musical event featuring 20 overlapping musical movements with highlights such as a sunrise prayer on Sandia Peak and a hot air balloon trombone ride across Albuquerque–over 200 musicians and community groups are set to join the performance. KUNM
- ➤ The Placitas Artists Series has been awarded a $240,000 grant to design Las Huertas Plaza in Placitas. Sandoval County is partnering with the nonprofit to hold a design charrette for the eight-acre site using $90,000 in federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts — with $150,000 in matching state funds. Sandoval Signpost
- ➤ Blue Heron is a stoner rock band formed in summer 2018 by guitarist Mike Chav Chavez, singer Jadd Shickler, bassist Big Steve Schmidlapp and drummer Ricardo Sanchez that has built a strong local following. They will release a new video tomorrow at Sister Bar as they open for Castle Rat and tour Europe — promising more original riffs and fresh sounds. The Paper.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNM’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Academic Affairs and Academic Affairs are expanding the LIFT program in 2026 to help central campus tenured faculty grow their research and administrative leadership skills. Applications are due Thursday, Oct. 16th and selections will be made mid-November—eligible applicants must have support from their department chair and dean. University of New Mexico
- ➤ The University of New Mexico celebrated the grand opening of the Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center’s new space with a welcome back lu’au that drew over (350) students and community members. The center now provides a prayer and meditation room, open study area and flexible event space to support student success and cultural events. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Public Lands Discovery Center is scheduled to open October 1 in Old Town Albuquerque to offer hands-on programs and a map library that help visitors explore public lands—while a grand opening at 422 San Felipe St NW is set for October 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. The center, run by the Public Lands Interpretive Association, will also feature programs for middle school students to learn about outdoor skills. KUNM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham urged secretaries to attend a Water Quality Control Commission meeting—prompting members to vote to consider a petition that would reverse a May rule banning oilfield wastewater use outside work sites. Environmental groups and industry critics now say the move mixes politics with science as the debate over safe water use continues. KUNM
- ➤ The New Mexico Department of Transportation was honored with the 2025 Perpetual Pavement Award for keeping a nine-mile stretch of original Route 66 near Los Lunas free from structural failure. This award shows the department's careful work to maintain the road for future use. KOAT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Jaimie Martin and her daughter Riley joined the Buddy Walk at ExpoNM Saturday to raise money for the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network in Albuquerque. Local schools, businesses, and residents united to celebrate inclusion — marking the kickoff to National Down Syndrome Awareness Month next week. KOAT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Before closing their season, Isotopes Park honored Bo Nash as the 12 millionth fan to walk through the gates on Saturday night—Nash, who lives in Angel Fire and first attended a game in May, said he was very surprised by the recognition. KOAT
- ➤ The University of New Mexico Bookstores will hold the Beat the Aggies Sale on Sept. 26 in-store and online—offering Lobo fans a 30% discount on UNM clothing, gifts, and accessories ahead of the Rio Grande Rivalry. The sale comes as the Lobos build momentum and prepare to face NMSU on Sept. 27 at University Stadium. University of New Mexico
-
Stand-Up Comedy Show with Samuel J. Comroe
7:30-9 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Check website for tickets — Enjoy a hilarious evening with comedian Samuel J. Comroe as he shares relatable stories of life with Tourette Syndrome.
-
Dustin Lynch Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Sandia Resort & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with one of country music's top charting artists performing his hit songs.
-
Oktoberfest Celebration
1-4 p.m. — Hops Brewery — Free entry — Experience traditional Oktoberfest with food, drinks, and live music in a festive outdoor setting.
-
Aki Matsuri: Japanese Fall Festival
10 AM – 5 PM — Expo New Mexico — Ticket required — Celebrate Japanese culture with performances by San Jose Taiko and family-friendly activities.
-
Bambara: Birthmarks Album Release
7-9:30 p.m. — Sister — Tickets available — Experience Bambara's unique sound with their new album exploring themes of reincarnation and human connection.
-
Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Perico's Taco's & Burritos at Revel Entertainment Center — All ages welcome — Experience the vibrant sounds of Rainbow Kitten Surprise on their Thanks for Coming Tour.
-
Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town
12-4 p.m. — Old Town Plaza — Free entry — Experience daily live music and cultural performances at Historic Old Town during Balloon Fiesta Week.
-
Dwight Yoakam Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Tickets starting at $128 — Enjoy an unforgettable night with the honky tonk legend as he performs his hits on the Cosmic Roundup & Rodeo Tour.
-
2025 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Oct 4-12 — Balloon Fiesta Park — $15+ — Experience the breathtaking beauty of hundreds of colorful balloons as they soar across Albuquerque's skyline.
-
Kellen Erskine Stand-Up Comedy
7-8:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening with TBS's Top Ten Comics to Watch at a hilarious live performance.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Don't look for happiness. Look for meaning.
~ Ryan Holiday
About Morning Albuquerque
Welcome to the Morning Albuquerque, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Albuquerque, New Mexico community. If you like the Morning Albuquerque, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Albuquerque.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Albuquerque and across New Mexico. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Morning Albuquerque
A free Albuquerque community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://morningalbuquerque.com/sitemap