Albuquerque News: Environmental Concerns, City Budget Debates, and Exciting Weekend Highlights

13/09/2025 4 min
Albuquerque News: Environmental Concerns, City Budget Debates, and Exciting Weekend Highlights

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Good morning, this is Albuquerque Local Pulse for Saturday, September 13th, 2025. We hope you’re starting this weekend with energy and curiosity because Albuquerque’s got a lot going on today.First, breaking news impacting our region. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center just called on Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to halt a proposed tritium venting at Los Alamos National Laboratory, set to begin today. Folks concerned about air and water safety should watch updates from Santa Fe officials as voices mount across northern New Mexico.Let’s talk about city hall. There’s heated debate about Mayor Tim Keller’s spending on his latest city address, with critics calling for tighter scrutiny of taxpayer dollars. The city’s finance committee convenes next Thursday on Civic Plaza to discuss budget priorities for public safety, parks, and infrastructure—so if you care about how these decisions shape your daily life, now’s the time to get involved.Weather today keeps us on our toes. We’re starting off mostly cloudy with temperatures reaching the mid-80s. There’s a margin for some severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, particularly toward the foothills and east side. Flash flooding is possible in low areas—so our listeners near Central Avenue and Eubank, and those heading into the Sandias, please stay vigilant if you’re planning outdoor activities later. Air quality remains good but keep an eye out for quick changes if the rain sets in.It’s also the final weekend of the New Mexico State Fair at Expo New Mexico. The fairgrounds are hosting City and County Employee Appreciation weekend with discounted entry—so it’s a great chance for public servants to bring their families. Highlights today include Roger Martinez signing folklore books at the Hispanic Arts Building, the energetic Los Tapatios at Villa Hispaña, and the annual Pow Wow at Indian Village, running through the evening. Tonight, country star Clay Walker performs alongside the PRCA Rodeo at Tingley Coliseum—tickets get you a two-for-one show.Turning to Albuquerque’s job and real estate scene—unemployment held steady at about five percent this week. There are roughly 7,000 job postings across Bernalillo County, with Intel on Rio Rancho Drive hosting a hiring fair Monday. On the real estate front, the median home price nudged up to about $330,000, though inventory remains tight west of Coors.New business buzz includes a grand opening for Belen Brewing on Fourth and Gold, and word that the downtown Flying Star Café will be closing its doors after nearly two decades. Owners cite surging rent and construction delays. Meanwhile, construction continues on the new Amazon distribution center on University and Menaul, with jobs coming this fall.In sports, a huge moment for our UNM Lobos football team, who stunned UCLA at the Rose Bowl with a commanding 35 to 10 victory. Quarterback Jack Layne led a relentless offense, and running back Damon Bankston put up two touchdowns, securing the Lobos’ first ever win against a Big Ten opponent. Local high school athletics saw Albuquerque Academy’s soccer team edge Sandia High 2 to 1 last night.Crime news this morning includes an arrest in the deadly Foothills home invasion near Copper and Tramway, with APD confirming the suspect is now in custody. Additionally, police urge caution for drivers on Route 66 after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit and run near San Mateo late Friday night. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities.On a lighter note, a feel-good story comes from the South Valley: Neighbors on Isleta Boulevard pulled together to build a wheelchair ramp for their elderly friend after seeing him struggle from his stoop. Their teamwork and compassion remind us of the simple ways we can support each other.As always, congratulations are due to Wilson Middle School’s robotics team, who took first place at yesterday’s State Fair STEM showcase. Their invention helps track rainwater for urban gardens—a timely project given our forecast.That’s your Albuquerque Local Pulse for today. Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up with your city. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease 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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