Morning
Albuquerque
Friday, September 26th, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Albuquerque will host the NASA International Space Apps Challenge at Q Station on Central Ave from Oct. 4—5, inviting students, community members, and professionals to use NASA data to solve challenges in areas like agriculture, air pollution, and city planning. Participants must bring laptops and relevant materials while cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. University of New Mexico
- ➤ UNM will launch the UNM Gives campaign on Oct. 1 as part of a nearly 30-year partnership with United Way to support local programs in health, education and financial stability; a student team is coordinating events like a Salsa Showdown on Oct. 16 in the SUB Atrium and Smith Plaza. Donors can contribute to United Way initiatives and enter bi-weekly prize drawings as the campaign runs through Nov. 30 — a sign Lobos are making a difference off campus. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Albuquerque Empty Bowls served ceramics and soup to raise money for Storehouse New Mexico—local potters and clay artists organized the event to support community food programs. Albuquerque Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A 2024 state analysis shows that New Mexico roads reached their worst condition in recent history—84% of interstate and 70% of non-interstate miles met fair or better ratings, falling from previous years. Lawmakers and DOT officials warned that slower revenue from gas taxes and fees may not support the current pavement preservation targets. Source NM
- ➤ Bernalillo County ended its $1.5 million contract with Health Yeah! to run a mobile clinic at four APS middle schools and said it will work with APS to find a new provider. Meanwhile, UNM officials debated low stipends for new doctors while a centuries-old map was returned to Mexico—marking a shared cultural legacy. KUNM
- ➤ The New Mexico State Fair District board approved spending up to $22.5 million to buy an eight-acre parcel on the southeast corner of the 236-acre fairgrounds — a needed step as the board moves toward master plan development with public input. Designer Nancy Locke from Stantec said the plans may transform the mostly paved site into more open green space and better community access. Source NM
- ➤ Several environmental groups asked the state water board to recuse seven members from voting on new oil and gas wastewater rules after emails showed interference from Gov. Lujan Grisham's aides. The groups said the board must be fair and impartial, and the motions will be discussed at the meeting on Oct. 14. Source NM
- ➤ The city of Albuquerque is installing pedestrian fencing on East Central to improve pedestrian safety—work that will take about two months. Albuquerque Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UNM is adding new parking options—over 35K fans will come to Saturday’s Rio Grande Rivalry game between the Aggies and Lobos, which is more than double the crowd from three weeks ago. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ UNM Athletics announced a $1.5 million donation from a familiar friend that will be split evenly among the football team, men's basketball team, and a third pool for the athletic director's use—officials said the funds will support key athletic programs. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ Veteran player Tavian Combs helped new players learn about the intense Rio Grande Rivalry as UNM won its third game in a row against NMSU. Albuquerque Journal
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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.
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
If you're not willing to be mocked, you're not going to do anything new.
~ Jeff Bezos
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