Thursday's Top Stories ‘Lit up like huge jack-o’-lanterns,’ a look at Balloon Fiesta’s first glow in 1987 11-year-old places 2nd in the Tesuque Casino World Posole Cooking Championships Daughter’s dream takes flight in special shape balloon for Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque company creates bee-friendly solution to combat hive collapse Albuquerque police target fentanyl use on Central Ave. EPA to clean up 7 more abandoned uranium mines Hurricane Milton plows across Florida, at least 4 dead Thursday's Five Facts [1] APD beefs up patrols to stay ahead of thieves during Balloon Fiesta - To protect tourists in town for Balloon Fiesta, the Albuquerque Police Department has beefed up its patrols, especially around hotels and motels. APD also has undercover officers patrolling areas beyond Balloon Fiesta Park. APD is reminding visitors to make sure you lock your car doors and take all valuables out of the car and into your hotel room. APD is encouraging balloon owners to request GPS devices for their trailers saying it’s free through the department’s partnership with the superintendent of insurance. [2] APS looking into calendar year options including pushing start of school year back - Students typically start classes around August 7, but Albuquerque Public Schools is trying to push the start date to August 19. It comes after years of complaints from parents over hot classrooms at the beginning of the year. In proposals of the plan, students would still get fall break off and two weeks for winter break. APS launched a survey on Wednesday asking community members what they want to see moving forward. Community members have until October 29 to submit input. [3] Drier, warm, & slightly breezier weather around New Mexico - Winds should stay light, with another warm afternoon across New Mexico. Mostly clear skies with relatively chilly mornings and seasonably warm afternoons will continue for at least the next few days as despite a storm system approaching late this weekend into early next week. [4] State partners with nonprofit to distribute computers in Ruidoso - The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and Adelante Diverse IT came together to distribute free refurbished computers to Ruidoso residents impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Technicians with Adelante Diverse IT also provided hands-on training and assistance to those who needed it. [5] Airabelle: From a nursery rhyme to the big time - Since 1989, the Creamland cow balloon has delighted thousands of Fiesta guests every year. The cow balloon was officially named “Airabelle” in 1995. Since the inception, the pilot has remained the same. Dale Ritchie helped conceive the special shape when someone brought up 'the cow jumped over the moon' nursery rhyme. The original layout of the balloon featured an inflatable crescent moon, but Ritchie says it was discontinued after it became a liability when trying to smoothy land the balloon.