Good morning, Albuquerque.

Balloons are inflating at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque today for a mass ascension event—Sky 7 offers an aerial ride along as locals watch a stunning static display on the field.

Neighbors in Northeast Albuquerque reported problems with trash, drugs, fires and squatters at a vacant home after emailing authorities; Code Enforcement escorted an unhoused person from the property on Friday.

Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn said officials will monitor the site — they are building a case against the owner — as neighbors call for a stronger cleanup effort.

Clarence Cruz left a lasting impact at UNM by teaching traditional Native American pottery and leading hikes to gather natural clay—his work continues to influence those learning about cultural craftsmanship.

On Monday October 13 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Albuquerque, the Before I Die Festival will offer a resource fair dubbed Death is Not a Dirty Word with over 100 vendors sharing info on green burials, hospice, estate planning and grief care.

The event—organized by death educator Gail Rubin—will feature panels on plant medicine and psychedelic therapy, a Wind Phone for speaking with loved ones and a dance party with ABQ Skeleton Crew along with online streaming.

Zion Romero from UNM’s School of Public Administration attended a summer policy academy in Washington, D.C. and Seattle where she learned about public service and policy through workshops and panel discussions—she gained practical skills that will guide her future in public service.

Ben Cloutier has been named executive director of strategic communications at UNM, where he will guide communications and marketing following Cinnamon Blair’s retirement — he brings leadership experience from Project ECHO and state government roles and is a UNM alumnus.

Members of the UNM community are invited to open forums to meet finalists for the Controller role; the sessions will be held at the John and June Perovich Business Center and via Zoom with dates set for Oct.15, Oct.20, Oct.27, and Oct.28 — details on each finalist will be updated on the UNM Executive Search website starting Oct.13.

UNM campus planners are improving campus safety by removing dark corners and adding better lighting (using CPTED principles) to create spaces that feel secure and welcoming.

The university will complete a new vehicle gate near Redondo in the next two weeks and is upgrading dorm parking with key card access to further reduce unwanted activity.

A flood watch is in effect in the 4-Corners area as storms bring heavy rain + Albuquerque stays dry today with only a slight chance for a shower.

Forecasters say rain chances will increase for parts of the state tomorrow and into early next week.

A recent report finds New Mexico can produce 163 gigawatts of clean geothermal power, with Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Sandoval and Taos counties best suited for tapping this underground heat.

Energy officials and private partners are now planning new rules and projects to lower emissions and boost jobs — a step that could reshape the state’s energy future.

Week 8 high school football saw La Cueva beat Los Lunas 54-35—Cibola won 27-6 over the Cougars and the Eagles overwhelmed Miyamura by 40 points.

The Eldorado Eagles edged the Sandia Matadors 53-50—while the Rams won by 21 points and UNM coach Jason Eck discussed the Lobos’ upcoming road game against Boise State.

UNM's first-year coach Jason Eck is changing the Lobos culture with his focus on belief and sustainable growth—he earned national praise after an upset win against UCLA and a sold-out victory over New Mexico State.

He aims to build a perennial Mountain West power by keeping his players and their families at the heart of the program.

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.

Leonid & Friends Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Cost not specified — Experience a vibrant tribute to Chicago with Leonid & Friends' powerhouse performance.

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.

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.

Easton Corbin Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Dirty Bourbon — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy a night of traditional and modern country music with the talented Easton Corbin.

SkyDxddy Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All Ages — Experience a night of music with SkyDxddy featuring Demi The Daredevil.

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.

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.

FrankenToys Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Central & Unser Public Library — Free entry — Breathe new life into forgotten toys in a creatively monstrous workshop.

Alice Cooper & Judas Priest Tour

6:45-8:15 p.m. — Isleta Amphitheater — Ticket resale available — Experience a heavy metal extravaganza with legends Alice Cooper and Judas Priest in Albuquerque.