Good morning, Albuquerque.

A new study by the New Mexico Local News Fund shows that two-thirds of residents say they do not have easy access to trustworthy news, with many areas—especially outside Albuquerque—facing news deserts.

The report notes that digital startups and nonprofit groups are emerging to fill the gap, yet most readers have not supported local outlets financially.

Albuquerque offers many holiday events this Thanksgiving week with the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Holiday Festival running from Nov.

28 to 30, an Expo New Mexico Flea Market open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Winter Wonderland at Villa Hispana happening Nov. 28 and 29 then continuing through December. The Bugg Lights show begins Friday at 6 p.m. at Hoffman Drive NE—Chris McCord’s Holiday Light Show starts Saturday at 5 p.m. at 6401 Pepperdine Street NE and will run nightly through Jan. 1.

Today, New Mexico in Focus revisits stories from the Indigenously Positive series—featuring segments on Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations, language immersion at Saad K'idilyé, and Native businesses—and will air on NMPBS 5.1 tomorrow at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 7 a.m. on the PBS app.

Movies including sequels Zootopia 2 and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery are in theaters for the holiday weekend as hits like Wicked: For Good continue to draw audiences — local moviegoers have fresh options this Thanksgiving for a range of new stories and characters.

Professor Emeritus Rich Brody of UNM’s Anderson School of Management was given the CPA Lifetime Achievement Award at a recent luncheon—his decades of teaching, research and mentorship earned him a standing ovation that left him both shocked and proud.

On Nov. 7, dozens of UNM alumni and supporters gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of the Native American Program in Engineering with a social hour and dinner banquet.

The program, started in 1975 and renamed NASTEM in 2011, has provided Native American students with scholarships, internships and support—helping many build careers in STEM.

The Public Education Department has introduced a new action plan to improve education for English learners, students with disabilities, low-income, and Native American students after a 2018 court ruling found the state's efforts lacking—state lawmakers, including Representative Derrick Lente, say the plan does not fully meet expectations and may lead to poor budget decisions. The plan is now open for feedback with plaintiffs due by December 1 and PED set to respond within 15 days.

It is a little cooler today in Albuquerque, but the fall afternoon stays pleasant—forecasters predict a storm with rain and snow will begin late Sunday into Monday.

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández met with state and local officials in Mora County on November 25th to review tests that found heavy metal contamination in private wells after the 2022 fire.

Officials said free testing may begin soon + new funding options might be considered in January to address the ongoing water crisis.

UNM head coach Jason Eck is urging 30,000 fans to fill the parking lot by 1:30 p.m. on Friday (November 28) to support the Lobos in a game against San Diego State that could earn them a spot in the Mountain West Championship.

The team, now 8-3 for the first time since 1997, is also offering two free youth tickets with each regular ticket purchase to help bring in more families.

Joe Kapp, born in Santa Fe, led the Vikings to a 27-0 Thanksgiving win in Detroit 56 years ago—his performance helped launch a nine-game winning streak that took the team to the NFL championship game.

He later lost Super Bowl IV—his legacy endures as a trailblazer for Hispanic quarterbacks.

25th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Holiday Festival

8 AM – 5 PM — Expo New Mexico State Fair — Tickets required — Celebrate Thanksgiving with local artists, live music, and festive food while shopping for unique gifts.

New Mexico Music Hall of Fame Awards

6 PM — National Hispanic Cultural Center — $24, $2 discount for students, seniors and NHCC members — Celebrate local musical legends and their contributions to New Mexico's vibrant culture.

Chokecherry

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All Ages — Experience live music from Chokecherry and The Sewing Club in a vibrant Albuquerque venue.

Monday Night NFL Watch Party

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Catch Monday Night Football with giveaways and a chance to win a football getaway.

Stories & Music in the Sky

11 a.m. — Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum — Free entry — Experience a magical adventure of storytelling, music, and art for young children and their grown-ups.

AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Cancer Evolution

Event Duration — Thu, Dec 4 – Sat, Dec 6 — The Clyde Hotel — Registration required — Delve into how evolutionary principles shape cancer dynamics.

Holiday Stroll in Old Town with NM Museum of Natural History

5-9 p.m. — Old Town Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with local shopping and entertainment from performers.

Emo Night Karaoke

7-9:30 p.m. — 120 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM — 21+ Ages — Sing your heart out with a live band at this vibrant karaoke night.

Monday Night Watch Parties with 100.3 The Peak

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Great food and drink specials with live NFL action — Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere complete with giveaways and delicious food.

The Bouncing Souls Concert

6-9 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening with punk rock legends The Bouncing Souls in their energetic live performance.