Morning
Albuquerque
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At the 53rd Exxonmobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, balloonist Gary Michalek and his crew set up a nearly 300-pound balloon at dawn by unfolding its envelope and inflating it before taking off above Albuquerque. They flew for 45 minutes and then made a safe, bumpy landing—joining over 500 balloonists gathered for the competition this week. KUNM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNM IT announced two new campus resources to help students, faculty and staff expand their creative and technology skills—one offers no-cost access to Gartner’s IT research library until June 30 and the other provides a do-it-yourself video production studio in Woodward Hall. University of New Mexico
- ➤ A 70-page remedial plan submitted by the Public Education Department was criticized by plaintiffs and advocates for its vague language and lack of clear metrics—stakeholder input spanning years appears only in general terms. Feedback is being accepted online until Oct. 17 and a final plan will be filed with the court by Nov. 3. Source NM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Due to the federal shutdown, only six FAA inspectors are at Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta—half the usual number—while Fiesta officials and retired inspector James Malarsie say safety measures remain in place. Trained personnel will continue key ramp checks to ensure that pilots meet all required safety standards. Source NM
- ➤ Today, Rio Rancho City Council will consider a proposed ordinance to authorize $25 million in revenue bonds to improve water and wastewater systems at Council Chambers—the first step in a $50 million utility bond program. City staff recommended that the mayor, city manager and finance director finalize details including interest rates and a maturity date of May 15, 2057. Sandoval Signpost
- ➤ Albuquerque voters have begun early voting for an election that will decide if Mayor Tim Keller stays in office and if 12 general obligation bonds—including a $350 million bond for Albuquerque Public Schools—pass. School officials say the bond will complete stalled projects with no tax increase while watchdog groups warn it could affect long-term costs; early voting runs until Oct. 17 at the County Clerk’s Annex. KOAT
- ➤ The Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development installed five new solar lights on Pennsylvania and nearby streets in the International District around Mesa Verde Park after residents asked for better evening lighting. Director Jennifer Turner said the low-maintenance lights are a smart choice for the park—helping people enjoy it safely in the evenings. KOAT
- ➤ New Mexico lawmakers previewed a bill that will create permanent funds to repair acequias and support land grant mercedes as climate disasters damage these historic ditches. Meanwhile, ICE has begun airing ads in Albuquerque to recruit officers with a fifty-thousand-dollar bonus— and the state Children, Youth and Families Department named a new chief operating officer to fix child welfare services. KUNM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Researchers say plastic kitchen items can shed tiny fragments that enter food and water during regular use. UNM experts reported that scratched pans, cutting boards, and microwaving food in plastic containers release more particles—leading to advice to replace damaged items and use safer alternatives. KOAT
- ➤ UNM researchers are joining a national trial testing a drug called RE104—made from psilocybin—to help people with serious illnesses like cancer and Parkinson’s disease feel less scared and sad. Participants will complete a 42-day process with six appointments to check their health and, if the early results work well, the study may expand to a larger trial. University of New Mexico
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Biohazard Concert
7-11 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the Divided We Fall Tour with Biohazard, Onyx, and more.
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Balloon Fiesta Pints and Painting
12-3 p.m. — Canteen Taproom — $30 includes all supplies + beer discounts — Unleash creativity while enjoying craft beer and painting a Balloon Fiesta theme.
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Kellen Erskine Live Comedy Show
5-11 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with stand-up by Kellen Erskine.
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Leonid & Friends Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Cost not specified — Experience a vibrant tribute to Chicago with Leonid & Friends' powerhouse performance.
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Costaki Economopoulos Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket price varies — Enjoy an evening with Costaki Economopoulos, the football joke guy known for his performance in all 50 states.
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Marisela Concert
8:30-10:00 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary voice of Marisela, the Queen of Palenques, live in concert.
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RENE VACA 2025 TOUR
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Kiva Auditorium — Ticket prices may vary — Experience a night of laughter and entertainment with comedian Rene Vaca.
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SkyDxddy Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All Ages — Experience a night of music with SkyDxddy featuring Demi The Daredevil.
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Black Jacket Symphony Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Kimo Theatre — Tickets on sale now — Experience a live rendition of AC/DC’s 'Back in Black' along with greatest hits in a full rock-and-roll spectacle.
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MasterChef All-Stars Live! Featuring Past Contestants
7-8:30 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Tickets start at $88 — Experience a culinary journey with beloved MasterChef contestants live on stage.
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 do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
~ Les Brown
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