Meow Wolf announced that its giant Skyworm hot air balloon will return for its fourth consecutive appearance at Balloon Fiesta, participating in both morning Mass Ascensions and evening Balloon Glow events throughout the festival.

The colorful balloon has become a fan favorite at Fiesta, combining the Santa Fe-based arts organization’s signature surreal style with one of New Mexico’s most iconic annual traditions.

To celebrate Skyworm’s return, Meow Wolf has also released a new 15-minute video featuring DJ Snaggy performing a live DJ set from inside the balloon basket while in flight. The performance is available through Meow Wolf’s online platforms and showcases the balloon from a unique perspective high above New Mexico.

Skyworm’s return to Balloon Fiesta also kicks off a packed October schedule at Meow Wolf Santa Fe.

The venue’s concert lineup includes performances from electronic artists The Sponges, Justin Martin, Opiuo, and Nikita, the Wicked, along with indie and Americana acts including Bella White and Ax and the Hatchetmen.

Meow Wolf will also host several seasonal events during October, including a Halloween-themed Adulti-Verse night for guests 21 and older and the annual Cosmic Howl Ultimate House Party on Halloween night.

The return of Skyworm comes as Albuquerque prepares for another Balloon Fiesta season, with thousands of visitors expected to attend events throughout the week.

Festivalgoers can look for the specialty balloon during morning launches and evening glow events at Balloon Fiesta Park beginning on opening day.

According to the department, all institutions reviewed through the state’s Private Postsecondary Schools Division met New Mexico’s requirements for continued authorization, including standards related to educational quality, accountability, transparency, and student protections.

The institutions approved for renewal include:

• 42 distance education institutions
• 35 licensed institutions
• Five out-of-state proprietary institutions

An additional 11 registered institutions were reported to be in good standing and were not due for renewal this year.

State officials say the authorization process serves as a safeguard for students by ensuring private postsecondary institutions comply with state laws and regulations before continuing operations.

The department noted that the strong showing among distance education providers reflects ongoing demand for flexible learning opportunities, particularly for working adults and students in rural communities.

Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said the review process helps protect students’ educational investments by requiring schools to meet established standards before receiving authorization to operate.

Officials with the department’s Private Postsecondary Schools Division say every institution undergoing renewal this year was reviewed and found to be in compliance with New Mexico regulations.

State authorization is required for private postsecondary schools operating in New Mexico and is intended to ensure institutions maintain minimum standards established by state law and administrative rules.

She had left Wyoming after the baby’s father was awarded custody following their divorce, and was in Grand County in SW New Mexico, when sheriff’s deputies tried to arrest her in December of last year. She was hiding inside an RV when officers were waiting for a search warrant and heard a gunshot they found the baby had been shot in the face and killed with a 9mm handgun. Daly confessed to shooting him and allegedly remarked to a deputy that she intended to take her own life but was not “fast enough.”

In August she pleaded guilty to the murder charge and will serve at least 30 years of the life sentence before qualifying for parole. She could also face potential federal charges and the possibility of spending the rest of her life in prison.

Residents are asked to leave their carts at the curb. Once weather conditions improve and the landfills can reopen, WM will resume curbside pickup.

The NMDOJ charged Chacon along with her co-defendant Patricia Hurtado for Melero’s death back in April 2023.  Hurtado agreed to testify against Chacon and pay her share of the $3.3 million in restitution, as well as serving five years in prison.

Melero was enrolled in the Developmental Disabilities WaiverProgram, previously administered by the New Mexico Department of Health and Chacon was contracted to provide care for her. She was receiving approximately $5,000 a month under the DD Waiver Program for services that were insufficiently rendered.

The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum will host the U.S. premiere of The Balloonists on October 3, coinciding with opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The documentary tells the story of Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and British pilot Brian Jones, who captured worldwide attention in 1999 when they became the first people to complete a nonstop balloon flight around the world.

Much of the footage featured in the film was recorded by Piccard and Jones during the historic journey, giving viewers a firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of the record-setting mission.

The Albuquerque premiere is particularly fitting because the Balloon Museum is already home to a replica of the Breitling Orbiter capsule used during the successful flight. The capsule is displayed in the museum’s Grand Hall and remains one of the museum’s signature exhibits.

Following the October 3 premiere, The Balloonists will be shown daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the museum’s theater throughout Balloon Fiesta and for roughly a month afterward. The only exception will be October 5, when no screenings are scheduled.

The film arrives as Albuquerque prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the 54th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an event that celebrates both the history and future of ballooning.

Museum officials say admission to the film screenings is included with regular museum admission.