Good morning, Albuquerque.

The nonprofit Foster Alliance and the Children, Youth and Families Department host an annual holiday toy drive for foster care children tomorrow at Expo New Mexico from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event is sold out but still accepts toy donations with free parking available (password: Foster) at Entrance Gate 3 (San Pedro and Copper).

Albuquerque social enterprises have strengthened the community as Three Sisters Kitchen offered a 15-week Food Business Training program that launched 30 food businesses, Upside Goods Co donated part of its profits to mental health organizations, & Kei & Molly Textiles provided fair jobs and immigration support.

New Mexico Public Education Department is asking lawmakers for $35M after overpaying Gallup-McKinley Schools for online instruction (the error occurred in May when a K12 contract was canceled), leaving 3,000 displaced students without proper funding.

Secretary Padilla presented the request at a recent finance review.

Graduate Studies' 2025 LoboBITES competition at UNM showcased research from 12 students across four colleges.

Gabriella Guajardo won first place for her film study while Oona Takano and Benjamin Garcia earned honors for research on birds and fish + highlighting diverse topics at the event.

The New Mexico Environment Department has begun cleanup work at five abandoned uranium mine sites in McKinley County that could affect local health, and one site is scheduled to finish by next summer.

Officials are evaluating 15 sites & planning for additional cleanup funding.

MediNatura, a homeopathic company with an Albuquerque facility, recalled its ReBoost nasal spray after the FDA found contamination with yeast, mold, and Achromobacter bacteria.

Customers are urged to stop using the product and return it for a refund.

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.

Monday Night Watch Parties at Steel Bender Brewyard

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live NFL action with giveaways and great food.

Midland Concert

6:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Route 66 Casino Hotel — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the energetic sounds of Midland this New Year's Eve.