New Mexico

International fiesta fills New Mexico’s sky with colorful hot air balloons

Published

3 months ago

October 4, 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — One of the most photographed events in the world is set to kick off Saturday with a mass ascension of color for the 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

International fiesta fills New Mexico’s sky with colorful hot air balloons

The nine-day gathering draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and pilots to New Mexico each fall for the rare opportunity to be within arm’s reach as the giant balloons are unpacked and inflated. Propane burners roar and hundreds of the uniquely shaped balloons speckle the sky with vibrant colors.

Everyone usually bundles up in layers to protect against a morning chill that helps pilots stay in the air longer, but this year’s fiesta could be the warmest on record, organizers say.

Morning lows and afternoon highs are expected to be above average for days in a city that on Monday recorded its hottest temperature this late in the year, at 93 degrees Fahrenheit , according to the National Weather Service.

Globally, things have been trending hotter too. It’s likely this year will end up as the warmest humanity has measured, the European climate service Copernicus reported in early September.

While past fiestas have had a warm day here or there, spokesman Tom Garrity said the prediction for prolonged heat is rare.

For pilots, it could mean less time aloft or carrying less weight in their baskets.

Typically, when the mornings are cool, less fuel is needed to get the balloons to rise. Fiesta veterans explain it’s all about generating lift by heating the air inside the envelope to temperatures greater than what’s on the outside.

“With cooler weather, pilots are able to fly for longer duration,” Garrity said. “But when you have warmer temperatures, it just means that you pop up, you go up a little bit and you come back down. So just some shorter flights.”

Still, ballooning happens year-round in many places, including in the Phoenix area, which has seen its share of record-breaking temperatures over recent months.

“These are really non-issues from a spectator’s standpoint,” said Troy Bradley, an accomplished balloon pilot who has been flying for decades. “I don’t see any difference other than they won’t be freezing in the pre-dawn hours.”

Even the fiesta’s official meteorologist has joked about the possibility of wearing shorts this year.

This year’s fiesta also features 106 balloons in special shapes, 16 of which will be making their fiesta debut. That includes Mazu, modeled after the sea goddess of the same name who is deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and traditions.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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New Mexico

Transfer running back Mike Washington signs with Arkansas

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Transfer running back Mike Washington signs with Arkansas

Junior New Mexico State transfer running back Mike Washington has signed with Arkansas, he announced Saturday morning.

A 6-foot-2, 215-pound native of New York, Washington rushed for 725 yards and eight touchdowns on 157 carries (4.6 YPC) in 2024. He also caught nine passes for 74 yards with a score.

His best performance of the season came against Western Kentucky on Nov. 9, when he ran the ball 19 times for a season-high 152 yards with two touchdowns.

Before joining the Aggies, Washington spent three seasons at Buffalo, where he accumulated 1,119 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Washington committed to Utah through the transfer portal Dec. 15, but a visit to Arkansas seemingly made him rethink his decision.

2023 (Sophomore – Buffalo) Had 4 starts in 11 game appearances… ranked 2nd on the team for rushing (362 yards on 90 carries)… scored 2 rushing touchdowns… 13 receptions for 35 yards… had 12 carries for 52 yards vs. Wisconsin… rushed for 57 yards and 2 touchdowns, adding two receptions vs. Fordham… had a season-best of four receptions vs. Liberty… rushed a season-high 88 yards vs. Louisiana… rushed for 39 yards vs. Bowling Green… rushed for 35 yards and added a reception vs. Eastern Michigan.

2022 (Redshirt Freshman – Buffalo) Had 2 starts in 13 game appearances… led the Bulls in rushing with 625 yards and a team-high seven rushing touchdowns… 23 receptions for 135 yards and a score… rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown vs. Holy Cross… rushed for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns vs. Eastern Michigan… Rushed for 36 yards and a score vs. Miami… A season best of 155 yards rushed and two touchdowns, including a 92-yarder vs. Bowling Green (2nd longest run in program history)… receiving touchdown vs. Ohio… rushed 41 yards and a touchdown vs. Central Michigan… had a season-high of eight receptions vs. Akron.

2021 (Freshman – Buffalo) Appeared in 3 games… rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries… 13 carries for 65 yards vs. Wagner… 9 carries for 53 yards vs. Akron… 14-yard touchdown run vs. Bowling Green.

High School Junior season he earned All-State honors after rushing for 1,423 yards and 15 touchdowns… Played defense and had 31 tackles with three interceptions… named All-CNY and MVP of the Regional Championship Game.

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New Mexico

Let’s pass the Clear Horizons Act for a thriving New Mexico

Published

15 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Let’s pass the Clear Horizons Act for a thriving New Mexico

Sen. Mimi Stewart
| New Mexico Senate Pro Tempore

New Mexico stands at a pivotal moment with a historic opportunity to secure a sustainable future that protects our air, land, water, and communities for generations. Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s already devastating our way of life, endangering lives, homes, and livelihoods. We can no longer afford a “wait and see” approach.

This past summer, the village of Ruidoso faced a nightmare. Residents evacuated as the Southfork Fire encroached, transforming a short drive into hours of terror. Though firefighters’ heroic efforts spared the town, not all communities have been so lucky. In 2022, the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fires destroyed over 630 homes, and caused more than $4 billion in damage. Recently, Roswell saw a quarter of its annual rainfall in just a few hours, causing severe flooding, breaking a 123-year record, and claiming two lives. These events are not isolated. In the past two years, one in three New Mexico counties has experienced devastating fire and flood damage, highlighting the growing threat of climate change.

New Mexico has long been committed to protecting our natural resources. We’ve led the nation with aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets through executive orders, and the 2019 Energy Transition Act set ambitious clean electricity goals. However, we’re falling short, and without a comprehensive, long-term plan, we risk losing the New Mexican way of life we cherish. Our progress has slowed at a time when urgency is critical. To protect communities like Ruidoso, Mora, and Roswell from climate impacts, we must act now. We need a comprehensive framework to guide us toward a resilient, clean future.

That’s why, in the next legislative session, I’m sponsoring three key bills: the Clear Horizons Act, the Community Benefit Fund, and the New Mexico Innovation in Government Act. These bills will help create a New Mexico where families don’t have to flee from wildfires, where livelihoods are not lost to drought, and where we develop the workforce and infrastructure needed to address these challenges.

The Clear Horizons Act will establish a clear roadmap for the future, providing the regulatory certainty that businesses, communities, and families need to invest in a sustainable, clean future. Many New Mexico companies have already voluntarily pledged to meet emissions reduction targets similar to those outlined in the bill. By setting achievable greenhouse gas reduction targets and regularly evaluating progress, we can stay on track while adapting to emerging challenges.

The Community Benefit Fund, with immediate funding from state budget surpluses, will invest in local, community-driven projects that reduce emissions, create jobs, and build resilience. Priority will be given to overburdened communities most affected by climate change, like Ruidoso and Mora. This fund will support efforts such as rebuilding after fires, safeguarding water supplies, and transitioning to renewable energy, ensuring that local solutions drive New Mexico’s sustainable future.

The New Mexico Innovation in Government Act will build the state’s capacity to lead the clean energy transition. By investing in the resources, talent, and expertise within state agencies, we can ensure efficient implementation of clean energy projects. This will empower public servants to lead New Mexico toward a cleaner, more resilient future.

The time to act is now. If we fail to act, more communities will face devastation. But if we rise to the occasion, New Mexico can lead the way to a brighter, more resilient future for all. Let’s pass the Clear Horizons Act and ensure a sustainable future for New Mexico.

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