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Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

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Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • On Sunday, Jan. 18, hundreds gathered at Civic Plaza for a community rally where local leaders urged voter participation in the midterms. The event featured remarks from Deb Haaland + Rep Melanie Stansbury amid discussions on federal policies impacting local residents.  New Mexico Daily Lobo

CULTURE NEWS

  • The University of New Mexico’s Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections received Hollywood filmmaker Brian Levant’s donation of 44 boxes of screenplays, storyboards and production materials — a collection that offers researchers a behind-the-scenes look at his work on TV shows and movies at UNM’s Zimmerman Library.  University of New Mexico

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • A new report warns that groundwater levels are dangerously low because of drought + climate change, data center water use and toxic chemicals. It recommends a $22 million budget request for improved aquifer mapping and monitoring as part of a long-term water action plan to secure our water supply.  KOAT

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Graduate workers at UNM and their union have submitted a House Memorial asking the Legislature’s Finance Committee to study expanding health insurance to all higher ed workers; the report is due Oct. 1 and the session runs (today until Feb. 19).  New Mexico Daily Lobo
  • Beginning Jan. 27, Albuquerque drivers will face Montgomery Boulevard and I-25 ramp closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Jan. 27-28 with traffic diverted to the I-25 Frontage Road, while the Blake Road and Belmont Drive intersection will remain closed for nearly 10 months to improve roadway safety.  Albuquerque Journal
  • A survey of state physicians found 65% are considering leaving due to high malpractice damage fears, burnout and quality-of-life concerns. Lawmakers discussed proposals on Monday to cap future punitive awards and will debate ideas today during the session — hoping to ease the state's doctor shortage.  Albuquerque Journal

HEALTH NEWS

  • The Department of Health urges residents to get a seasonal flu shot amid a surge in cases as emergency room visits linked to the flu climb from 7% last year to over 10% now. The vaccine is covered by Medicare part B, Medicaid, and private insurers and is free for kids 18 and under under the Vaccines for Children program.  KUNM

SPORTS NEWS

  • UNM Lobos Men’s Ice Hockey Team completed a Los Alamos tournament from Jan. 16 through 18 with wins over UCLA, Cal State Northridge and SMU. They will aim to extend the streak in Flagstaff against Northern Arizona University before final home games on Jan. 30 and 31.  New Mexico Daily Lobo
  • Officials determined that Ruidoso Downs Racetrack cannot continue operations after two years of flooding risks per an engineering report — races will be relocated to The Downs at Albuquerque while Billy the Kid Casino remains open.  KOAT

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Giant Kaleidoscope Experience

    10 AM – 5 PM — Color Wheel Toys LLC — Free entry — Explore an 8-foot kaleidoscope and create stunning visual patterns with various items.

    Sat, 1/24/26

    View event
  • Visit the Giant Kaleidoscope

    11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Color Wheel Toys LLC — Free entry — Explore an 8-foot kaleidoscope and create stunning patterns with your chosen items.

    Sun, 1/25/26

    View event
  • Functional Programming Through Construction

    6-8 p.m. — CG Infinity, Inc. — Free entry — Explore functional programming concepts like pure functions and immutability while enjoying dinner and insights from Cameron Presley.

    Wed, 1/28/26

    View event
  • The Children's Hour

    7:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Little Theatre — Cost varies — Experience a powerful live performance exploring themes of trust and friendship.

    Fri, 1/30/26

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  • Stop.Drop.Rewind Concert

    7-10 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets starting at $51 — Experience a live performance by Stop.Drop.Rewind in an energetic atmosphere.

    Sat, 1/31/26

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  • Southwest Indoor Sectionals 2026

    8 a.m. — Hit or Miss Archery Center — Early registration fee required — Compete in the NFAA 300 rounds and aim for high scores to improve your national ranking.

    Sun, 2/1/26

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  • WesGhost Concert

    8-10 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets from $66 — WesGhost brings an electrifying performance to Albuquerque's nightlife.

    Fri, 2/6/26

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  • Magic of Healing Gala

    6:45 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Electric Playhouse — Tickets available — Experience an evening of laughter and enchanting magic for a great cause with performances from renowned artists.

    Sat, 2/7/26

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  • Jesús Muñoz Flamenco Performance

    7:30-8:30 p.m. — Flamenco Works, Inc. — $10 off for friends and family — Experience a vibrant blend of traditional flamenco and modern styles in a celebration of love and community.

    Thu, 2/12/26

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  • DGM Winter Market

    10 AM – 1 PM — Fusion — EBT/SNAP accepted — Experience an array of local foods and handmade goods in a cozy community atmosphere.

    Sat, 2/14/26

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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About Morning Albuquerque

Welcome to the Morning Albuquerque, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Albuquerque, New Mexico community. If you like the Morning Albuquerque, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Albuquerque.

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