Morning
Albuquerque
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The city has been awarded a $5M grant from the state for upgrades at Balloon Fiesta Park to fix flooding and improve ADA access; construction will begin in 2026 to create a safer, more inviting space for guests. KUNM
- ➤ Albuquerque's new street newspaper, The Burque Beat, gives voice and income to vendors facing housing insecurity and is sold at Quirky Books and Art Street (meeting spots at Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless) after its November issue. A February issue will include zines with resources, art, and poetry. KUNM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bosque Brewing announced it is closing its West Side and San Mateo locations as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring process; the closures follow its early December shutdown of its Santa Fe site and the company will continue distributing beer to local retailers. KOAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Merge Modern on Albuquerque’s Westside has launched a creative venue blending art with community coffee culture; its inaugural exhibit, On the Verge, runs from Nov. 29 through Jan. 31. Catalyst Coffee owner Michael Breden and curator Angie Rehnberg (local art advocates) created the space to connect residents with art. The Paper.
- ➤ Mariachi Christmas, a long-standing holiday tradition, will fill Popejoy Hall on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The show combines mariachi, ballet folklórico and regional customs, featuring nationally recognized performers and updated elements that celebrate Mexican and Southwestern heritage. The Paper.
- ➤ The New Mexico Interfaith Dialogue hosts a free lecture tomorrow (Dec. 18) at 7 p.m. at the Raindrop Foundation, where Gordon Bronitsky will speak on Jewish diversity with humor and respect. The event offers an open forum for learning about various faith traditions. The Paper.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The UNM Board of Regents approved a leadership profile — based on campus and community input and prepared with assistance from Isaacson, Miller — to guide a national search for the next president. Candidate screening is set for January and February with five finalists to interview on campus in spring. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The EPA announced today that it will delay Biden-era methane compliance deadlines for at least 18 months, a move that local environmental advocates (including GreenLatinos) say could worsen air quality in our communities. KUNM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Since July, only six NM Turquoise Alerts have been issued for missing Native people after 27 requests from local agencies, and lawmakers + community officials are pushing to revise the statute so alerts can better help families search. New Mexico In Depth
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The New Mexico Department of Health released its 2025 baby name list, showing Olivia and Noah as the most used names and Liam, Sophia, and Sofia remaining in the top 10 — Emma is off the list for the first time since tracking began. KOAT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Albuquerque Career Fair
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North — Free entry — Meet live with hiring employers and explore career opportunities.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Morning Albuquerque
Welcome to the Morning Albuquerque, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Albuquerque, New Mexico community. If you like the Morning Albuquerque, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Albuquerque.
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