Good morning, Albuquerque.

Albuquerque officials open registration this morning for a youth winter break program that will run from Dec.

22 through Jan. 5, excluding Christmas and New Year's Day. The $10 fee program offers full-day activities including field trips, computer labs, game rooms, and free lunch at community centers.

Soup season brings traditional Pueblo recipes made with native ingredients to local tables as cookbook co-author Patricia Perea explains that winter menus feature game while summer dishes offer fresh vegetables from farmers markets and local cooperatives.

Local musician Henri Sweets, known for his self-produced work, explained his creative process during this week’s Mic Monday.

He said his lifelong influences and personal experiences inspire his upcoming metal and alternative track, which is set to release soon.

State economists reported Monday that New Mexico is treading water but is not at risk of a recession - federal tax rule changes trimmed revenue projections by $323 million for this fiscal year, though strong land sales helped steady state finances.

Faculty at UNM thrive in an environment that offers personal support, strong research programs, and a welcoming climate — key factors that keep professors like Abdullah Mueen and Olivia Lanier feeling at home.

New Mexico Environment Department & Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department have begun cleanup of four long-abandoned uranium mines in McKinley County.

The effort uses $12 million in state funding for initial surveys and testing that will guide future remediation of hundreds of abandoned sites.

State projections show $105M in new revenue even though falling oil prices slowed record growth over the last five years.

Officials said the current budget year will bring less revenue than previous years, prompting state adjustments.

NMDOH continues to recommend hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns, countering a CDC advisory to delay the shot for babies born to hepatitis B-negative mothers (the stance aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics), and officials say early vaccination protects young children in day care and school settings.

Health officials and the seven-member Medical Psilocybin Advisory Board met on Friday to announce that DOH aims to open the program by December 2026 + a year early from the planned December 2027 deadline.

The department has hired a program manager and is filling key roles for environmental and compliance oversight.

New Mexico health officials urge residents to get vaccinated against a new flu variant that is spreading quickly.

Doctors advise everyone to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines, with RSV shots recommended for pregnant women and seniors, as flu season typically peaks in January.

Former Volcano Vista football star Diego Pavia is one of four Heisman Trophy finalists & the first New Mexico finalist in 40 years.

The award ceremony airs on KOAT, Dec. 13, 5 p.m. mountain time.

Aaron Watson Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Sunshine Building — Tickets from $67 — Experience a night of country music with Aaron Watson in Albuquerque.

The Legacy Continues: 2 Seasons Beatings

7-9 p.m. — Kiva Auditorium — Ticket required — Experience an electrifying showdown as top athletes compete for glory in a thrilling celebration of sport's legacy.

Albuquerque December Brunch

11:30 a.m. — Central Grill and Coffee House — $10 reservation fee — Celebrate the season in your ugliest holiday sweater with delicious food and new connections.

2nd Annual Luminito Celebration

5:30-11:30 p.m. — National Hispanic Cultural Center — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with cultural performances, music, and local vendors in a festive outdoor setting.

Monday Night Watch Parties with 100.3 The Peak at Steel Bender Brewyard

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live NFL broadcasts with chances to win a football getaway.

Levi Dean Live at El Vado

6:00–8:30 p.m. — El Vado Motel — Cost varies — Experience the soulful sounds of Americana and blues with Levi Dean's live performance.

Saad K’idilyé Winter Solstice Gala

4:30-9:30 p.m. — Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown — Tickets available — Celebrate the achievements of a Navajo language immersion school with food, live music, and a silent auction.

Monday Night Watch Parties with 100.3 The Peak

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live NFL broadcasts with giveaways and delicious eats.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — African American Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in a beautiful candlelit setting.

River of Lights

5-10 p.m. — ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden — Adults $21, Youth $12 — Experience New Mexico's largest walk-through holiday light show with dazzling displays and festive activities.