Morning
Albuquerque
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rebuilding Together Sandoval County received a $60,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Tuesday to fund free home modifications—such as wheelchair ramps and doorway widening—for low-income residents with disabilities. Sandoval Signpost
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Albuquerque-based Z-CoiL is set to appear on ABC’s Shark Tank tonight at 9 p.m.—showcasing its innovative spring-heeled shoes that reduce the impact from walking and highlighting the family history behind its design. The company, which began when Alvaro Gallegos experimented with a bedspring during a jog, seeks new growth opportunities on the show. KOAT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Mayoral candidate Daniel Chavez faces a misdemeanor battery charge after he allegedly touched a former campaign staffer following a June 19 meeting (court records show). Albuquerque Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, local master roaster Paul Gallegos honors his culture with his North Valley café, Cutbow Coffee, which serves quality brews & builds community through mentorship. Raised in the South Valley with roots in Las Vegas, Wagon Mound, and Mora, Gallegos began his career in the late 90s and continues to uphold strong cultural traditions. KOAT
- ➤ The 13th Annual AFMX is now on from Sept. 24 to Sept. 28 at Nob Hill venues including Guild Cinema where films, music, and talks bring makers and fans together. Two local festivals add more events—New Mexico Prickly Pear Festival at the historic Gutierrez-Hubbell House on Isleta Blvd from Sept. 26 to Sept. 27 and Morgue & Krypt Horror Fest at Isleta Resort & Casino from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28. The Paper.
- ➤ Santa Fe poet Arthur Sze was named the United States Poet Laureate for 2025—26 and will start his term on Oct. 9 with a reading at the Library of Congress. In an interview with KUNM he explained how New Mexico’s rich culture and his work as a professor emeritus at the Institute of American Indian Arts guide his efforts in translation and poetry. KUNM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today, UNM Innovation Academy celebrates 10 years as a program where creativity is the only course requirement, and more than 21,000 students from over 90 majors have turned their ideas into business projects. The academy awarded $772,000 to student ventures and plans to expand its courses and events — a move expected to boost entrepreneurial skills and local economic growth. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque today has opened applications for Broadway for Teens — a program that lets high school students from Title I schools apply to see MJ the Musical fully sponsored by Chevron, with apps closing Monday, September 29 at 5 p.m. KUNM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico State Parks will offer free day use on Saturday, Sept. 27 in celebration of National Public Lands Day while the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish provides a free fishing weekend on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 for families and beginners. Volunteers can also join the Pecos Road and River Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 27 to help protect our local green spaces—safety gear is provided. KOAT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A contentious meeting held Monday showed community divisions as residents and planners discussed potential redevelopment of the 236-acre fairgrounds for the annual State Fair, with mixed-use plans stirring both support and concerns among locals + lawmakers submitted a letter on September 19th urging USDA to exempt New Mexico from the proposed Roadless Rule rollback while state leaders plan to address vaccine policy at the special session scheduled for October 1st. KUNM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed a human plague case in Bernalillo County when a 77-year-old man was hospitalized and later discharged. Officials reported no deaths and urged residents to use insect repellent—especially when outdoors—to protect against infected flea bites. KOAT
- ➤ Dr. Abinash Achrekar explained that herd immunity means enough people are protected from illness—whether by recovery, antibodies or vaccines—so viruses like COVID and measles can be slowed. He noted that more contagious COVID variants pushed the needed protection to about 85% while flu viruses change each year, making vaccines vital to save lives. KOAT
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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.
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Oktoberfest Celebration
1-4 p.m. — Hops Brewery — Free entry — Experience traditional Oktoberfest with food, drinks, and live music in a festive outdoor setting.
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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.
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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.
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Jason D. Williams with Supersuckers and Wayne Hancock
7-10:30 p.m. — Sister — No Refunds — Enjoy an electrifying night of live music with Jason D. Williams and special guests.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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