Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Soars Amid Windy Weather, State Acts to Keep Health Premiums Steady

04/10/2025 3 min
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Soars Amid Windy Weather, State Acts to Keep Health Premiums Steady

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Episode Synopsis

Good morning, this is Albuquerque Local Pulse for Saturday, October 4, 2025. As we kick off the weekend, excitement is in the air across the city with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta taking over our skies. This year’s Fiesta is living up to its reputation already, launching with vibrant displays but also battling a bit of windy weather. According to KOB, winds are picking up today, with gusts reaching up to 30 miles an hour, so if you’re heading out to Balloon Fiesta Park, hold on to your hats and bring an extra layer as temperatures remain above average for October. The rest of the weekend looks dry, but those winds might linger, so keep an eye on changing conditions and updates from Fiesta organizers.Now over to city hall, where a major development out of Santa Fe will directly impact our wallets here in Albuquerque. State lawmakers have passed a seventeen million dollar plan to keep health insurance premium costs under control for about seventy-five thousand New Mexicans, including many in our city. Without this quick action, some premiums were set to jump more than three hundred percent as federal tax credits expire. With the state stepping in, most families will see their monthly ACA premiums stay close to six hundred dollars, instead of skyrocketing more than two thousand. Lawmakers from both parties say this is a temporary fix as the debate continues in Washington, but for now, it’s welcome relief for those budgeting for next year’s coverage.Speaking of changes, a major shakeup in Native American community leadership made headlines yesterday. The Associated Press confirmed that James Mountain has resigned as chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors and stepped down as a state adviser. His resignation follows a recent arrest for suspected DWI at a Pojoaque Pueblo casino. Mountain has long been a prominent figure, previously serving as governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo and helping to negotiate key water rights deals. The council is now seeking a new leader as it heads into an important season for tribal advocacy.Turning to local crime reports, it’s been a tense few days with Albuquerque Police and Bernalillo County deputies working multiple high-profile cases. ABQ Raw reports that the city saw a dramatic standoff near the airport hotel after a suspect fired a gun. In another case, a man accused in a deadly home invasion in the Foothills was arrested earlier this week. There’s also an ongoing search for Richard Paul Seago Jr., wanted for aggravated battery and arson after a brutal assault in North Valley. Community members are asked to contact authorities if they have any information.On the business front, the job market in Albuquerque is holding steady even as national indicators waver. Local hiring events are up, and several new small businesses are opening near Nob Hill and the Westside. In real estate, the market is still moving fast—homes in Ventana Ranch and the South Valley are averaging less than fifteen days before going under contract. Prices are slightly up compared to last autumn, but rising mortgage rates mean buyers should act quickly if they find the right fit.For community activities, aside from the Balloon Fiesta lighting up the sky through next Sunday, be sure to check out puppy yoga at Civic Plaza this afternoon and free music by local bands tonight at Marble Brewery downtown. APS schools celebrated a win on the field as the Eldorado High Eagles clinched a close game against La Cueva last night, and several students from Albuquerque High received state honors in the New Mexico Science Expo earlier this week.Finally, a small but heartwarming story from Pay It 4ward as Locker 505 volunteers were recognized for helping local students in need with clothing and school supplies. Their efforts mean hundreds of Albuquerque kids are starting the semester with confidence and smiles.Thank you for tuning in to Albuquerque Local Pulse. Don’t forget to subscribe for tomorrow’s updates and more stories that connect us all. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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