"Albuquerque Local Pulse: Arrests, Air Show, and Community Efforts"

Good morning, this is Albuquerque Local Pulse for Saturday, May 31, 2025.

We wake up this morning to cooler air and clear skies. Our weather today looks pleasant, with sunshine expected into the afternoon. Some light breezes out by the Sandias, but all in all, it’s a perfect day to enjoy being outside. This comes as a relief after a week of on-and-off showers earlier in the week, and it means ideal conditions for events across the city.

Let’s start with breaking news from the city. Police have arrested Mohtasem Thabata, owner of a smoke shop on Central Avenue, after a fatal shooting during an alleged theft at his business earlier this week. APD reports that Thabata confronted a man who stole from his store and fatally shot him as he fled. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is watching closely for further updates on the case. In other public safety news, officers responded to a near-fatal hit-and-run last night involving a motorcycle and a pedestrian near Coors and Central. The pedestrian remains in critical condition. Police are asking anyone with information to contact APD immediately.

Turning to City Hall, the council has approved new objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, including a focus on public safety and community development. Notably, a pilot program will provide gas cards to police operating on Albuquerque’s West Side, aiming to cut response times and boost efficiency. Also, additional funds have been approved for a new senior stability cottage development in District Six, helping older residents find safe and affordable housing. And looking ahead, there’s growing momentum for a modest gross receipts tax proposal that would fund a long-overdue downtown performing arts center, a move expected to revitalize the heart of our city and support cultural life.

If you’re looking for things to do, the big event this weekend is the Kirtland Air Fiesta. The skies above our city will roar to life today and tomorrow with the U.S. Army Golden Knights and F-16 Viper Demonstration Team leading a lineup of thrilling aerial acts. Gates open at 8 a.m., with flying starting at 10. Remember, parking is off-site with shuttles provided, so plan ahead and carpool if you can for a smoother experience. This family-friendly air show is always a highlight, drawing crowds from all over the metro.

On the jobs front, the local market remains steady, with unemployment holding just below five percent. Several new retail and service businesses have opened their doors along Eubank and Montgomery, and real estate agents report a slight uptick in new home listings, particularly in the North Valley and West Mesa, where prices are holding steady after last year’s jump.

In local schools, congratulations go out to the La Cueva High baseball team for clinching the state championship earlier this week. Albuquerque students are officially on summer break, with several community centers launching free summer meal programs for youth starting Monday.

And a heartwarming note to close on: neighbors in the South Broadway area came together yesterday, planting dozens of shade trees along Broadway Boulevard—an effort led by local volunteers and the city’s parks department. It’s a welcome boost of green for our urban core.

That wraps up our news and updates for today. This has been Albuquerque Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.