Good morning, Albuquerque.

TikTok food creators are boosting Albuquerque's restaurant scene by filming food with smartphones and sometimes using ring lights — their videos bring more customers to local eateries.

Some restaurants plan to update menus to match the popular trends shown online.

Local reggae band The Riddims shared their story and tour plans in an interview published November 3rd, highlighting their high desert reggae sound that mixes hip hop, metal, and ranchera.

They will start their tour with the annual 420 Fest at the Launchpad on April 18 — a show that reflects their deep ties to Albuquerque’s live music scene.

A UNM alumnus published a digital Navajo Corpus of nine traditional narratives to help make the Navajo language easier for learners.

He uses the resource at Navajo Technical University—engaging students and inviting community feedback to improve the tool.

UNM’s LoboBITES event helped Native American Studies Ph.D. candidate Allison Shaddox refine her three-minute research talk on federal Indian law—making her work clearer to a general audience as it was judged by UNM and local community members.

Fall finals will take place on Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. in SUB Ballroom C while top contestants can earn up to $1,000 in scholarships and a paid trip to a regional competition.

Albuquerque mayoral candidates have partnered with local social media influencers to reach voters who ignore traditional political news—these influencers, with hundreds of thousands of followers, share everyday content that also carries hidden political messages.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order on October 27 to use state funds for emergency water delivery to Melody Ranch residents in northern Torrance County—self-serve and bottled water are available at County Line Feed on Pony Express Drive Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and residents are asked to conserve water as a boil water advisory remains in effect until water pressure stabilizes.

Food banks in Albuquerque and Santa Fe saw longer lines on Friday as people worried that federal SNAP benefits would end and Gov. Lujan Grisham said she will use $30M in state funds to help start benefits Saturday—judges have ordered that SNAP funding must continue.

Elsewhere, an explosion at an Artesia oil refinery was contained after three people were treated and the Albuquerque BioPark released 18,000 endangered Rio Grande silvery minnows into the river while some Head Start programs may close because of the shutdown—officials warn that these issues add to local challenges.

Michelle Martinez was named CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque—she previously managed the hospital’s finances as its controller.

On opening night at the Pit, the UNM women's basketball team won 77-59 over NAU by using a pack approach that highlighted their depth.

This strong performance set a promising tone for the 2025-26 season.

The UNM Lobos clinched a bowl win with a 40—35 result against UNLV in Las Vegas, marking an important step to secure their postseason placement.

The victory reinforced the team's strong performance this season.

UNM's Luke Drzewiecki was named Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week after a strong performance this week (his honor adds to several accolades for the Lobos).

Other football and soccer players and a head coach earned honors (highlighting a busy week for UNM sports).

The UNM women’s basketball team — known as the Lobos — will start its season with a game against NAU after lots of practice.

Mix, Mingle & Munch

5:30-6:45 p.m. — Anew Boutique — Light dinner included — Network with local professionals and enjoy community updates.

Buckcherry Live in Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Sunshine Theater — Cost not specified — Experience the energetic rock sounds of Buckcherry featuring Josh Todd and the band.

Conjunto Primavera Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Starting at $104 — Experience the nostalgic rhythms of Conjunto Primavera and dance the night away in Albuquerque.

New West Coast Music Festival Albuquerque

12:00 – 15:00 — Oasis Event Center NM — Ticket prices may vary — Experience live performances from exciting West Coast hip-hop artists and enjoy food and vendor options.

The Geological Story of the Albuquerque Area

3:00–4:00 p.m. — Cherry Hills Public Library — Free entry — Discover the unique geological features of the Sandia Mountains in this engaging lecture by geologist Jayne Aubele.

Monday Night Watch Parties at Steel Bender Brewyard

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live broadcasts and win prizes during football season.

The Buttertones Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All ages — Enjoy an evening of dynamic music with The Buttertones at a vibrant venue.

Kids Craft Classes

10:15 a.m. — Bosque Farms Library — Free entry — Unleash your creativity with fun craft classes for kids aged 6-12 every Friday.

Christmas Joy by Magnify Dance Ensemble

2:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Journal Theater — $36-$42 with discounts available — Experience the miracle of Christmas through inspiring dance performances.

Straight No Chaser Live Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating evening of a cappella music from the acclaimed group Straight No Chaser.