Good morning, Albuquerque.

UNM and MVM Consultants released the 2025 New Mexico Local News Ecosystem Report showing many rural areas lack trusted news while most coverage centers in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Doña Ana counties, and the news map + data is meant to spur local efforts to boost access.

The University of New Mexico is honoring its Fall Class of 2025 by highlighting graduating Lobos’ stories that show leadership, resilience, and diversity during commencement events.

Profiles feature achievements in programs like nursing and public administration, marking a proud celebration of academic success.

UNM Online honored instructors who completed the Fall 2025 Foundational Course Design Review by awarding each a $500 stipend and clear feedback to improve online courses.

The Center for Teaching & Learning at Albuquerque Main Campus supported the review to boost course quality.

More than 1,600 high school students attended Popejoy Hall on Dec.

11 for Broadway for Teens, a free outreach event funded by Chevron that brought them to a performance of MJ The Musical; UNM President Garnett Stokes welcomed the group (highlighting a push to expand arts access statewide).

Record high temperatures warmed Albuquerque to 67°F Thursday and 65°F Friday, about 20 degrees above average.

The warm weather is melting early snow and may boost drought risks; forecasters expect a brief cool on Sunday + heat to resume midweek.

New Mexico senators asked for emergency funds to remove hazardous fuels from federal lands + state forests after wildfires burned many acres, including in the Gila National Forest, aiming to boost wildfire safety as dry conditions persist.

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.