Good morning, Albuquerque.

Private equity firms are targeting utilities as rising electric bills and the demand from data centers drive profit potential; deals under review include one for the Albuquerque-based Public Service Company of New Mexico.

Regulators and consumer advocates worry that such buyouts may raise costs for local ratepayers—impacting everyday finances.

Mala Maña is an all-women percussion group from Albuquerque that mixes folkloric and modern rhythms and has earned awards for its world beat music—its sound blends salsa, cumbia and reggaeton.

The group will perform Sunday, Oct. 5 at Old Town Plaza Gazebo for Balloon Fiesta’s Shows in the Plaza.

Albuquerque launched a new effort to create 1,000 jobs by 2028 today.

Mayor Tim Keller said the Campaign for Growth will support small businesses and job training programs that have helped over 3,500 workers since 2020—targeting industries like film, tech, and biosciences.

Researchers at UNM and Los Alamos created THOR AI to solve a 100-year physics challenge using tensor network methods that turn week-long computations into seconds.

The tool will help scientists study metals and phase changes faster — a breakthrough that cuts simulation times over 400 times.

Conservationists face a steep challenge saving the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow, which rarely surfaces in green water to feed — a sign that its survival remains at risk.

Federal officials warn a government shutdown may occur if lawmakers do not pass a spending bill by Tuesday night — over 20,000 federal employees, national labs and tribal nations may face pay and service delays.

Michael O'Donnell from UNM's Bureau of Business and Economic Research said the shutdown could shake public trust and mirror disruptions seen during the 35-day shutdown in 2018.

UNM Hospital celebrated the ribbon cutting for its new 570,000-square-foot Critical Care Tower on Sept.

26—attended by university officials, state and federal representatives, and hospital leadership. The facility, which expands emergency and intensive care with new beds, operating rooms, and a second helipad, will begin receiving patients on Oct. 5.

A Laguna couple benefited from NewMexiCare after complications from gallbladder surgery nearly depleted their savings and led to many doctor visits—providing them 17 hours a week of in-home care and transportation.

The couple said the support now lets them focus on recovery while Rebecca leads a local seniors advisory group.

Today, the New Mexico Department of Health warned that opioid overdoses in Taos, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties are surging as fentanyl drives many fatal cases.

State officials have not shown how over $850 million from opioid settlements will be spent — leaving few checks on public accountability.

Fused Glass Suncatcher Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Materials included — Create your own beautiful suncatchers under the guidance of a talented instructor.

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.

Live Music Acoustic Gap

5-7 p.m. — Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience the graceful and elegant bass performance by Anne Luna at one of Albuquerque's favorite venues.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Balloon Fiesta Park — Check event details for pricing — Experience the stunning visuals of colorful hot air balloons filling the Albuquerque skies.

October Monday Afternoon Hand Building

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Check event page for pricing — Hands-on pottery sessions for ages 14 to 120 in Albuquerque.

The Legendary Pink Dots Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of The Legendary Pink Dots with themes of connection and solitude in a post-pandemic world.

Michael Schenker with Armored Saint

7-8:30 p.m. — 120 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM — All Ages — Rock out with legendary guitarist Michael Schenker in an exciting evening of live music.

Buses and Balloons Campout

5 PM - 12 PM — Alameda Little League — Camping fee — Experience a unique campout during the Albuquerque International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta with stunning views from your campsite.

Biohazard Concert

7-11 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the Divided We Fall Tour with Biohazard, Onyx, and more.