AGP Executive Report

Live Music: Boots in the Park has announced its 2027 lineup at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park, with George Strait, Brooks & Dunn and Dwight Yoakam closing the three-day festival May 16. Jason Aldean headlines May 15. Balloon Fiesta Arts: The 54th Fiesta is celebrating Route 66’s centennial, and a local artist’s roadrunner design is featured on this year’s poster. The Balloon Discovery Center also marked 25 years of introducing visitors to ballooning. New Mexico Film: The state’s film industry is seeing productions ramp up, while the western Angel and the Badman, starring Zachary Levi, Neal McDonough and Tommy Lee Jones, was shot in New Mexico.

New Mexico Film & TV: The state’s film industry is rebounding after a national slowdown, with more productions returning and officials expecting growth into 2027, including Netflix’s “The Four Seasons,” AMC’s “Dark Winds,” and Apple TV+’s “Pluribus.” Local Sports Spotlight: The New Mexico Lobos dominated UTEP 61-7, with Toa Fa’avae, James Laubstein, and a sharp defense setting the tone early. Midterm Politics: Early voting is underway in key states including New Mexico as Democrats and Republicans fight over control of the House and Senate ahead of Nov. 3. Public Health Watch: The U.S. is pressing Russia for transparency after a Siberian lab worker’s death sparked pneumonic plague fears, with Trump saying he’ll speak with Putin “very soon.” Arts & Culture: A new documentary, “Hard Twist: Through the Lens of Barbara Van Cleve,” premieres Friday, Oct. 9, spotlighting the Western photographer’s decades-long work. Community & Events: Early voting also intersects with local civic life, while New Mexico’s Balloon Fiesta art continues to draw attention, including the roadrunner-themed 2026 poster.

College Sports (NM): New Mexico State heads to Miami for a Wednesday, Oct. 7 CUSA matchup vs. FIU at Pitbull Stadium (ESPN2), with FIU listed as a 6.5-point favorite and a projected 25-18 Panthers win. Local Arts & Culture: The Border Archives Bazaar returns Saturday, Oct. 10 at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, spotlighting rare borderland documents and the theme “Living with the Land/Viviendo con la Tierra.” UNM & Community: UNM President Steve Goldstein holds an introductory press conference, emphasizing campus safety and responding to questions about sexual violence. Entertainment (Streaming): Dan Stevens and Rebecca Hall’s sci-fi/superhero horror thriller Onslaught lands on Digital HD and iTunes Oct. 6. Sports Biz/Media: Skydance completes its merger with Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, creating a new Skydance media giant. Obituaries: Dennis Franchione, who coached at New Mexico, TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M, dies at 75. Human Interest (NM): The Blacklist actor Jonathan Holtzman and wife Ali Margolies adopt a rescue puppy from Española Humane after a quick change of heart.

Route 66 Art & Local Culture: Bob Dylan’s “The Beaten Path” is bringing fresh attention to New Mexico stops, with a road trip spotlighting six Route 66 sites he painted and the Gallup-area lore that fuels the mystery. Music Spotlight: Florida metalcore band Wage War dropped the “God Complex” single and video ahead of their Oct. 9 album “Landfall,” with an Albuquerque stop on the North America run. Sustainable Fashion: UNM students teamed up with Depop for a pop-up clothing market featuring vintage and thrifted pieces, pushing secondhand style for campus and community. Sports (Lobos): UNM head coach Jason Eck is preaching humility after a 61-7 UTEP rout, as the Lobos aim to keep improving during the bye before their next Oct. 17 game. Balloon Fiesta Buzz: Jessica Simpson was spotted at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park, posing with balloons and Sandia views during a low-key visit. Public Health Watch: Russia denied claims tied to a suspected pneumonic plague lab death in Siberia, while U.S. officials said they’re monitoring closely. State Politics & AI: New Mexico Democrats asked the State Ethics Commission to investigate AI-generated misinformation images used by Senate Republicans.

Celebrity in New Mexico: Jessica Simpson and her new boyfriend, Thomas Eisenhood, made a low-key appearance at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park, stopping for selfies and balloon photos. Local arts & culture: Max Lehman’s “Ancestral Androids” blends Pre-Columbian-inspired visuals with science-fiction ideas at Hecho a Mano. Balloon Fiesta spotlight: The Balloon Discovery Center marks 25 years with VR balloon rides, interactive wind exhibits, and balloon-flying simulations. Music & metal: Florida band Wage War shares the “God Complex” visualizer ahead of its Oct. 9 album “Landfall,” plus fall tour dates that include Albuquerque. Health watch: PepsiCo recalled 122,000+ cases of 28-oz Gatorade across 37 states for undeclared Yellow No. 5/No. 6 dyes, including New Mexico. Social media safety: A New Mexico screening of “Your Attention Please” spotlights the mental-health risks of social platforms amid the state’s fight against Meta. Sports (UNM): The Lobos snapped back with a sweep over Nevada, protecting the pit in a strong showing.

Local TV/food: George Lovato Jr. announced filming starts Oct. 16 for Season 3 of Chasing The Flames, promising more comedy, bigger guest lineups, new New Mexico stories, and an unrevealed special segment. Arts & culture: Untitled Art Houston is asking a big question—who the fair is really for—as it expands beyond its Miami roots and tries to connect more deeply with the city’s art ecosystem. Community spotlight: New Mexico’s own Love Your Block is part of a broader push for resident-led neighborhood projects, with Albuquerque named among participating cities. Sports (NM): New Mexico United clinched a playoff spot after a 2-1 win over Phoenix Rising FC, setting up more late-season soccer. NM sports (football): UNM’s rout of UTEP (61-7) is driving fresh optimism around QB Toa Fa’avae’s passing rhythm and the Lobos’ overall momentum. Entertainment (film): Santa Fe mourns Marjoe Gortner, the Oscar-winning actor and former child evangelist who died at 82.

AI Data Center Watch: Oracle’s force majeure notice tied to “Project Jupiter” in New Mexico’s AI data-center push is framed as a payments/regulatory-delay safeguard, not a tenant exit—Bloom Energy says it’s still fully committed. PR Marketplace Shift: Essentras is pitching transparency in PR placement by listing publishers by name with visible pricing and site metrics, aiming to make media buys easier to compare. Family Entertainment: Disney On Ice’s “Find Your Hero” rolled into Rio Rancho, bringing a new generation back to the rink with classic characters and big production energy. Local Arts & Culture: Santa Fe’s film festival plans a Lifetime Achievement Award for Pam Grier, while a Santa Fe event will spotlight a children’s book bringing Cherokee civil-rights leader Ruth Muskrat Bronson to wider audiences. Space Tourism (NM tie-in): A Trip.com listing markets a Virgin Galactic suborbital package that includes preflight training at Spaceport America near Las Cruces. Sports (NM focus): New Mexico’s dominant win over UTEP (61-7) and Week 5 Mountain West fallout keep the Lobos’ momentum in the spotlight.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: The 54th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicked off with hundreds of balloons filling the sky, plus a Route 66-themed celebration featuring a drone show and the Fiesta of Wheels car showcase—while seven balloon incidents were reported early Saturday, with no serious injuries. UNM Football: The Lobos crushed UTEP 61-7 in a Mountain West opener, with Toa Fa’avae throwing for 249 yards and three TDs, and Austin Brawley returning an interception 65 yards for a pick-six as New Mexico forced five turnovers. Combat Sports: Albuquerque’s Matt Griego-Ortega scored a second-round KO over Wilner Soto and announced he signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, with a possible January debut. Media & Community: The Albuquerque Journal launched Jrnl+U, offering free digital access to eligible college students at CNM and NMSU. Public Records: A watchdog group sued the NM Livestock Board over alleged improper redactions of investigative reports. Film Buzz: “Coyote vs Acme” is back on track for release as a live-action/toon courtroom drama hybrid.

Mountain West Football: Toa Fa’avae threw for 249 yards and three TDs as New Mexico crushed UTEP 61-7 in a conference opener, forcing five turnovers and jumping to 1-0 in league play for the first time since 2018. Local Public Safety/Media: New Mexico State Police said a “COPS” filming ride-along preceded an officer-involved shooting in southeast Albuquerque that killed a person; the officer was uninjured and officials say there’s no ongoing threat. Student Media Access: The Albuquerque Journal launched Jrnl+U, giving eligible CNM and New Mexico State students free digital Journal access as part of a campus-only push to expand local news. State Politics (District 39): In a Grant County forum, incumbent Rep. Luis Terrazas and challenger Raul Turrieta contrasted backgrounds and plans ahead of the next election. Arts & Community Retail: The Station Corrales reopened a long-vacant property as a women-owned retail hub, with four small businesses launching and more planned into next year. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: Seven balloon mishaps were reported on opening morning, including crashes into power lines and a light pole, with no serious injuries reported. Space Tourism (NM tie-in): Trip.com listed a 5.1 million yuan suborbital package that includes three days of preflight training at Spaceport America near Las Cruces. Online Kids Safety: A Connecticut mom urged Congress to pass broad kids online safety rules after a major Meta settlement, arguing protections must cover all platforms.

High School Football (Live Stream): V. Sue Cleveland hosts Sandia today at 11 a.m. MT, with the game available on the NFHS Network for streaming and on-demand replays. Mountain West Rivalry Watch: UNM renews its decades-long rivalry with UTEP in a Saturday conference opener at University Stadium (2 p.m.), with coverage focused on how the Lobos handle UTEP’s up-tempo “Blue Blaze” attack and how new QB Toa Fa’avae is settling into the starter role. Prep Football Spotlight: Rio Rancho Cleveland (6-0) takes on Albuquerque Sandia (5-0) Saturday at 11 a.m. MT, with both teams’ defenses driving the matchup and a live NFHS Network stream available. Arts & Community (Books): Sonido Reyes discusses their YA dystopia “To Our Untamed Core” at Bookworks on Oct. 6, plus more local author events at Albuquerque bookstores this week. Music (Local Release): Indie music video album “Annakkiliye” by Smith Asher, released by Anirudh’s Albuquerque Records, drops with VFX-heavy visuals and a lyric video premiere. Local Water & Trust: Sunland Park residents push for answers after arsenic compliance changes, higher bills, and ongoing tensions tied to the Project Jupiter data center.

Local Church Controversy: A clergy abuse survivor in the Diocese of Las Cruces says he’s raising concerns with Bishop Peter Baldacchino over an openly homosexual man’s role in his parish’s music ministry. Arts & Community: CHRISTUS St. Vincent Cancer Center in Santa Fe is set to host the “Women Warriors” art exhibit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, while LewAllen Galleries announces Bette Ridgeway’s “Chromatic Luminosity” opening Oct. 16. Education Spotlight: Kristin Garletts, an English and journalism teacher at Volcano Vista High School, was named New Mexico’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. Tech & Law: New Mexico is asking a judge to fine Meta up to $40B after the state’s trial over Facebook privacy violations. Balloon Fiesta Prep: Albuquerque is gearing up for the 54th Balloon Fiesta with upgrades to power, data, drainage, lighting, and security. Sports (NM): Western Kentucky fell to New Mexico State 34-13 in CUSA play. Policy Watch: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez and lawmakers plan a 2027 push for AI guardrails during the 60-day session.

Meta Penalty Fight: New Mexico attorneys asked a judge to fine Facebook/Meta $35B–$40B after a jury found the company willfully violated state consumer protection law over privacy practices, with Meta pushing for a far smaller $345M–$3.45B range. AI Regulation Push: Gov. and lawmakers plan a tougher AI guardrails push during the next 60-day session, citing a “rogue AI” attempt to hack a UNM digital library. Documentary Spotlight: The National Hispanic Cultural Center screens “Your Attention Please,” a film on Meta’s teen harms, featuring discussion with the director and writer/editor tied to New Mexico’s lawsuit. Local Sports & TV: College football’s Week 5 slate is packed, with New Mexico State hosting Western Kentucky in a C-USA opener and UNM dealing with WR Troy Omeire ruled out for the season. Arts & Community: Albuquerque Museum’s “The Other Route 66” exhibition brings local human stories to the Mother Road’s 100-year legacy. Bookish Local: Chaparral Books opens a second storefront in the Ford Building, doubling down on community-first browsing.

California child-marriage ban: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267, setting 18 as the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships and ending the old parental-consent/court-approval exceptions. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Meta and New Mexico media: A free Oct. 2 screening at the National Hispanic Cultural Center spotlights “Your Attention Please,” a documentary tied to New Mexico’s legal fight over Meta’s impact on kids, followed by a panel with state leaders. Local soccer pressure: New Mexico United’s rough stretch continues after a 1-0 loss to FC Tulsa, leaving the club searching for answers as it heads into tighter USL Championship play. Music in Los Alamos: The Los Alamos Symphony’s Oct. 3 fall concert is free and features a dance collaboration with DALA plus Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony. Sports on the move: UNM QB Jack Layne is back in a coaches-box role while recovering from elbow surgery, and NM State opens Conference USA play Thursday vs. Western Kentucky. Community arts: Terrain returns Oct. 1-2 in Spokane with a big, free-to-attend showcase of local art and film.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Expansion: The U.S. Senate passed the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2026, moving parts of the former campus into trust for the 19 New Mexico Pueblos—aimed at growing the center’s cultural and economic role in Albuquerque. MacArthur Spotlight: Santa Fe poet Layli Long Soldier was named a 2026 MacArthur Fellow, earning the “genius” grant of $800,000. Flood Response in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office released up to $3.75M in emergency flood funds, with reports of widespread flooding across multiple southern counties and a reminder to avoid flooded roads. Local Rescue: Crews rescued a woman trapped in floodwaters after her vehicle stalled on Highway 185 near Radium Springs. UNM Leadership: UNM introduced its new president, Dr. Steve Goldstein, outlining priorities including student safety, affordability, and a health “grid.” Breaking Bad’s Legacy: The New York Times ranked “Breaking Bad” as the top TV show of the 21st century, with the series’ New Mexico roots highlighted. Sports TV for Oct. 1: CBS Sports Network will carry Western Kentucky at New Mexico State as part of Week 5 coverage. Art & Community: Photographer Curtis Ray Benally was selected to represent New Mexico in Visual Supply Company’s “THE FIFTY” billboard project. Local Artist Q&A: Painter Cindy Ingram discussed building support systems for women and younger artists through community organizing. College Hoops Schedules: WSU and Gonzaga released full 2026-27 slates, with Pac-12 matchups and national TV dates shaping the season.

Local Film Spotlight: Gilbert filmmaker Justin Rose and actor-producer Christopher Studenka’s ultra-low-budget thriller “Down Radical” was shot entirely in Arizona and is set for a Oct. 2 world premiere at the Tarzana International Film Festival in Los Angeles. Election & Community Outreach: BOLD PAC (Congressional Hispanic Caucus) is launching a creator-led voter outreach push, including a “Vota Tour” aimed at Latino turnout in competitive districts across Colorado and New Mexico. Student Audio Buzz: NPR’s 2026 Student Podcast Challenge highlights the best student-made audio stories nationwide, with finalists and honorable mentions now available to listen. Tech & Privacy: A New Mexico jury found Meta liable in a data-privacy case, adding fuel to the broader fight over age assurance and protections online after TikTok’s Alabama settlement. Arts & Culture: Meow Wolf is bringing back Skyworm and rolling out a month of music and Halloween events. Sports (UNM): UNM men’s basketball is slated for at least 20 televised games in 2026-27, with Mountain West broadcast details released. Weather Watch (Doña Ana): Flooding concerns prompted evacuation orders in Hatch Valley; orders were lifted for several communities late Tuesday, with Rincon still under notice.

TV & Film: Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul announced a January 2027 Australia tour, bringing an in-conversation look at Walter White and Jesse Pinkman to Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland. Live Arts: Meow Wolf’s giant Skyworm hot air balloon returns to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for a fourth straight year, plus a new DJ Snaggy video and an October lineup that includes electronic, indie and Americana shows. Local Arts & Culture: Poet Connie Wanek reads Oct. 6 at Blue Heron Coffeehouse as part of the Laureate Writers Series. Music & Events: Dropkick Murphys set a 2027 St. Patrick’s Day Tour that kicks off Feb. 5 in Albuquerque. Arts Business: Louisville Orchestra sues a New Mexico producer seeking return of 200+ historic recordings and $200,000. Weather/Community: Rain and Hurricane Polo moisture are driving expanding flood watches across New Mexico, with officials preparing for wet conditions around Balloon Fiesta. Sports (MW): UTEP released its 2026-27 men’s basketball schedule, including eight nationally televised Mountain West games.