Good morning, Albuquerque.

Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque has seen food lines nearly triple since a government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits—staff now report more whole families are seeking help and the bank is calling for donations and volunteers after Smith’s donated a truckload of food including 20 pallets.

Today, the annual Native American Heritage Fest takes place at Central New Mexico Community College’s Main Campus, 900 University Blvd. SE, from 1 to 6 p.m.—offering free vaccines, HIV testing, and health resources along with Indigenous music, art and vendors.

Later, Risas y Raíces, a comedy event hosted by Carlos Medina at The Clyde Hotel, and the Broadway musical Chicago at Popejoy Hall both begin at 7 p.m.

New Mexico residents can see the Northern Lights tonight as experts expect a better show than Tuesday’s following a large solar flare yesterday.

Observers are advised to go to dark places—like parks away from streetlights—to view the red, pink, and green lights in the sky.

State officials and energy companies will install more than 40 new AI cameras across New Mexico within the next year—these cameras will monitor high-risk areas and alert fire stations to help stop wildfires before they cause more damage after the severe fires in 2022 and 2024.

Residents in Albuquerque are getting their homes (with shovels, ice melt, and insulated pipes) and cars (by checking tire pressure and tread) ready for winter storms.

Consumer Reports advises stocking up on fuel, spare batteries, and emergency supplies to guard against power loss and make driving safer when bad weather hits.

New Mexico wildlife officials captured Taylor, a male Mexican gray wolf, on Nov.

7 near Gallina and moved him to a protected area in the Gila National Forest after he wandered north past I-40. Conservation groups criticized the relocation as arbitrary and warned that it will interfere with his natural search for a mate when breeding season begins in January.

Bright northern lights lit the sky on Tuesday night when strong storms from the sun hit Earth, making colors visible in New Mexico and as far south as Florida.

A third and stronger burst of sun particles reached Earth midday Wednesday — and experts said the solar activity brought a rare light show across many states.

Local financial experts say that an early holiday season may increase financial stress and advise residents to create a budget and limit unnecessary spending.

They recommend planning ahead for expenses to help ease monetary worries.

New Mexico officials announced that five new wildfire monitoring camera stations using artificial intelligence to detect smoke have been installed near Albuquerque and Santa Fe — officials say the network will improve fire detection and response times in urban-wildland areas.

Sen. Cindy Nava will launch her community dialogue series next month by hosting the SD9 Community Dialogue—scheduled for Dec.

6 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 282 S. Camino del Pueblo in Bernalillo—where coffee and pan dulce will be served; attendees must RSVP by Dec. 3 to share their local concerns. This event offers District 9 residents a chance to voice their ideas and issues directly to their state representative.

University of New Mexico Associate Professor Joshua Grubbs appeared on the podcast 'It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science' to discuss how relaxed gambling laws have increased the link between sports betting and binge drinking—his research finds young men are at a higher risk—and he urged listeners to drink and bet responsibly.

The University of New Mexico Hospital opened its new Critical Care Tower in October to help ease overcrowding and improve patient care.

The nine-story tower now offers 96 beds, an adult emergency department with its own ambulance bay and helipad — and a Sky Campus with training and rest areas for health care staff.

Seasonal affective disorder is common in fall and winter as shorter days lead to symptoms such as oversleeping, cravings for high-carb foods, weight gain, and low energy, according to UNM professor Kristina Sowar.

She advised getting time outside early each day and seeking professional help if self-care methods do not improve mood—clear steps for managing SAD.

A ConsumerAffairs report shows the average New Mexico household will need 17 years to save a 10% down payment on a median-priced home, meaning locals who start saving now may not be ready until around 2042—given a yearly disposable income of about $2,400 from a median of $67,816.

The report ranks New Mexico among the toughest states for homebuyers.

UNM head coach Jason Eck is not worried about a 13-game losing streak vs Colorado State and said his Lobos have a knack for pulling off surprises on the field—this confidence boosts their hope for a win.

The team will use new game plans in the upcoming matchup as they try to end the streak.

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.

Monday Night Watch Parties at Steel Bender Brewyard

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Special deals on food and drinks — Enjoy live NFL action with giveaways and a chance to win a football getaway.

Dirty Brown Jug Band Performance

6-8 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Admission likely applies — Enjoy live music from the Dirty Brown Jug Band while supporting local brews.

Albuquerque Speed Dating for Singles in Their 50s and 60s

7-9 p.m. — Hollow Spirits Distillery — Cost varies — Meet potential matches at a well-organized speed dating event in a fun and friendly environment.

Chris Franjola Stand-Up Comedy

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening of humor with writer and comedian Chris Franjola, known for his engaging podcast and TV appearances.

Jurassic Quest

5-10 p.m. — Albuquerque Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience life-sized dinosaurs and interactive activities in a family-friendly environment.

Kauau Ruins Van Tour

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Los Lunas Museum of Heritage & Arts — Check website for cost — Explore the historic Kauau Ruins, once visited by Vasquez de Coronado, on a guided van tour.

Monday Night NFL Watch Parties

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Specials on food and drinks — Enjoy live NFL broadcasts and enter to win a football getaway.