Morning
Albuquerque
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Placitas Community Library launches spring events—a free seed program, art exhibition starting March 7, musical story time at 2 p.m. on March 1, and bird migration talk at 10 a.m. on March 21—all at its Placitas location. Sandoval Signpost
- ➤ The Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails board chose to sell Camp Rancho del Chaparral, a historic camp open since 1969 between Jemez Springs and Cuba, due to rising operating and maintenance costs. No sale date has been set, and community supporters have started a petition to reconsider the move. Albuquerque Journal
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Meat department workers at Albertsons Market Street in Rio Rancho unionized last month, joining UFCW Local 1564 as the third store in the city to do so. Twenty employees voted unanimously, adding to roughly 1,200 union-represented workers across New Mexico. Albuquerque Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ UNM Bookstores introduced the 2026 Art Calendar featuring 13 works by UNM students, faculty, staff, and alumni that capture New Mexico’s heritage and creativity. The collection is now online and was distributed in-store during Hanging of the Greens (a seasonal event). University of New Mexico
- ➤ Podcast host Jim Hinckley, owner of the official Route 66 Centennial Program, has dedicated his life to sharing the historic highway’s stories since 1959 when his family’s road trip led them from Norfolk to Kingman, inspiring local adventure & inviting New Mexico listeners to explore a legacy of travel. KOAT
- ➤ New Mexico Pueblo tribal leaders are moving to secure Chaco Canyon from further oil and gas development as part of wider LandBack efforts returning ancestral lands across the West (including huge returns in California and Alaska). Their plans align with state conservation goals for protecting cultural heritage and the environment. Source NM
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Electricity demand is rising in the Permian Basin as oil and gas sites increasingly rely on the grid, prompting state leaders to develop a comprehensive energy transition strategy while new transmission and generation projects take up to five years. A public forum is scheduled in Española on Feb. 25. KOAT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNM Department of Physics & Astronomy will host the Thorlabs Mobile Photonics Laboratory Experience from Feb. 24 to Feb. 26 at a mobile lab parked west of the PAIS building. The event will offer UNM students and community members hands-on photonics experiments and industry partner engagement. University of New Mexico
- ➤ The state Senate passed SB 23 (a proposal to ban cellphones during school hours) with a 32-6 vote, which would prohibit phone use from first bell to last bell including lunch and passing periods. The bill now moves to the House and, if enacted, would apply to all grades at once. Albuquerque Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Interagency Fire Center warns that eastern areas face higher wildfire risk this week as strong winds, a warm winter, and reduced snowpack make grassy regions more vulnerable—officials noted an uptick in fires and advise residents who burn to clear a 10-foot space and have water nearby. KOAT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Colorado River representatives, including New Mexico officials, failed to reach a plan for mandatory water cuts before the federal Valentine’s Day deadline. Negotiators remain divided on conservation measures, and without consensus, a federal plan may be imposed before the water year begins in October (drought conditions continue to strain supply). Source NM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A study in the Journal of American Medical Association found that health care providers who drink 1 to 5 cups of coffee or 1 to 1.5 cups of tea saw a 15–20 percent drop in Alzheimer’s risk. KOAT’s health expert Dr. Ramo says caffeinated drinks may help protect brain health. KOAT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Redevelopment at the former Santa Fe Downs site in La Cienaga is underway as crews clear the 320 acre property & road work may begin this summer. The Pueblo of Pojoaque also plans a project in Espanola on Feb. 25 that could include housing, retail space & an amphitheater. KOAT
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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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Veteran & Friend Evening at Animante de Rondeña
6-8 p.m. — Casa Rondeña Winery — No cost information — A relaxed evening of connection and camaraderie for veterans and their guests.
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Bring-Your-Own-Game Social
4-5:30 p.m. — Juan Tabo Public Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow game lovers to play and teach a variety of board and card games.
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Dan Kelly Live Performance
5-11 p.m. — Launchpad — Tickets required — Experience the Anthem Tour featuring Dan Kelly in an intimate acoustic setting filled with personal stories and songs.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
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Reveal the authorAbout 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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