Saturday, February 14th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 14th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 70 hot-air balloons will rise this Valentine’s weekend as part of the annual Friends + Lovers Balloon Rally, a free family event hosted by the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association. Launches start around 7 a.m. today at parks including Loma Colorado and Cabezon. Sandoval Signpost
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ West End Productions launched its 2026 season with the historical drama Red Velvet, which explores the story of Ira Aldridge, a groundbreaking actor set to perform at North Fourth Theatre from Feb. 13 through March 1 (performances are held Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.). The Paper.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Faculty and student teachers from UNM can register for the Spring Teaching Conference on April 8-9. On April 8, the in-person session at the Student Union Building level 3 runs from 8:40 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while April 9 is virtual (registration is open until March 24). University of New Mexico
- ➤ Maria Lane, dean of Graduate Studies and professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, was named a fellow by the American Association of Geographers (AAG), recognizing her long career in geographic scholarship and public engagement. Her honor highlights significant contributions in research and education. University of New Mexico
- ➤ UNM has been redesignated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research through 2030, affirmed by faculty from the Anderson School of Management + Engineering. The designation ensures students gain access to exclusive federal opportunities and bolsters the university’s cybersecurity programs. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Lawmakers modified House Bill 253 to close a $35 million gap in education funding by removing enrollment caps and residency rules on online programs. Districts in Gallup-McKinley, Santa Rosa and Chama gave up extra funds so new reporting requirements can study virtual enrollment. Albuquerque Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico environment officials imposed nearly $16 million in fines on Los Alamos National Laboratory for failing to clean up legacy nuclear waste. LANL must expedite its cleanup efforts and submit remediation plans within 60 days to protect local water sources. Source NM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Navajo Nation has received $111 million from the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to boost broadband for 11,000 households and install 5G towers in chapter houses later this year; the funding is part of a broader $900 million investment. KUNM
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Jesús Muñoz Flamenco Performance
1-2 a.m. — 1010 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM — $10 off for friends and family — Experience a captivating evening of love and passion through a unique blend of flamenco and modern dance.
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Jesús Muñoz Flamenco Performance
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Flamenco Works, Inc. — $10 off with a friend — Experience a captivating fusion of flamenco with American and Latin influences in a celebration of love and passion.
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Take it to the Limit - A Tribute to the Eagles
7:30-10 p.m. — Kimo Theatre — Cost info not specified — Experience a spectacular tribute to Eagles' classics from talented musicians in a lively atmosphere.
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Local Love Art Show
7 AM – 3 PM — Los Ranchos Bakery — Free entry — Discover art from over 15 local creators in a delightful community showcase.
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Local Love Art Show
7 AM – 3 PM — Los Ranchos Bakery — Free entry — Explore creations from over 15 local artists at this all-ages community art showcase.
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Led Zepagain Tribute Concert
6:30-11:30 p.m. — Historic Lobo Theater & Event Center — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the sounds of Led Zeppelin brought to life by the ultimate tribute band.
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Opera Southwest: Aida
2-6 p.m. — Albuquerque Journal Theater — Check local listings — Experience the grandeur of Verdi's masterpiece with stunning performances and unforgettable moments.
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Local Love Art Show
7 AM – 3 PM — Los Ranchos Bakery — Free entry — Explore artworks from over 15 local artists of all ages at this community-driven art show.
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Hayden Coffman Concert
7-9 p.m. — The Dirty Bourbon — Ticket information not provided — Experience the soulful voice of rising country star Hayden Coffman in an intimate setting.
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Networking Visitors Day: Rio Rancho Pearl Chapter
4-5:30 p.m. — M'tucci's Moderno — Free entry — Experience face-to-face business networking with a purpose and support the community.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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