Morning
Albuquerque
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Placitas is building a new website and community calendar with free help from the New Mexico Economic Development Department—using the MainStreet Project-Based Initiatives to connect residents with design experts. The project will start soon and let locals join in shaping the community’s digital hub. Sandoval Signpost
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Season 4 of 'Dark Winds' airs at 7 p.m. Sundays on AMC and streams on AMC+ as Navajo officers search for a missing girl from the reservation to Los Angeles. AMC renewed the series with Season 5 filming in Santa Fe in March for a 2027 debut. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ The Ten Tenors will perform at Popejoy Hall on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. as part of their 30th-anniversary tour (tickets start at $29.50) and feature an interactive mix of opera, pop and Motown music with dance and a dynamic light show. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ UNM art lecturer Jessamyn Lovell’s photography project How to Become Invisible was recently featured in LENSCRATCH for its creative disguises. Lovell, who is a licensed private investigator, is expanding the project by integrating investigative skills into an ongoing conceptual art piece (D.I.Y. P.I.) in Albuquerque. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Albuquerque offers a host of events this week: celebrate the Fire Horse at the Chinese Culture Center Saturday, Feb. 21 with lion dances and kung fu; enjoy blues at KiMo on Feb. 23 and hip-hop at Revel Saturday; attend a Star Party (free) at Bachechi Open Space. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ Opera Southwest will present a more intimate rendition of Aida starting Sunday, Feb. 22 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, focusing on close-up emotional performances rather than live elephants & offering additional shows on Feb. 25, Feb. 27 and March 1. Albuquerque Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The state Legislature stalled a proposed cellphone ban for schools while passing bills to boost literacy instruction and lower teacher health insurance premiums, which head to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk for signature by March 11 (lawmakers plan to revisit the ban next year). Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ The House passed SB 73 on Wednesday night with a 45-2 vote, requiring new drivers to complete three hours of training on vulnerable road users including bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. The bill now heads to the governor for approval. Albuquerque Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Water Authority is investigating a spill of 15,000 gallons raw sewage into a stormwater catchment pond near Western Trail on the West Side around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday (alerting Isleta Pueblo) as the Environment Department, EPA, and AMAFCA have been notified and residents are advised to follow barrier tape instructions. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ A January poll by Colorado College finds that voters in New Mexico and other Western states oppose rollbacks of public lands protections amid growing climate concerns; 84% say policy changes could harm land, water & wildlife and urge federal agencies to prioritize environmental safeguards. Source NM
- ➤ ABQ faces windy conditions today with impact winds and possible late rain or snow showers in northern and western areas; a Red Flag Warning remains for northeastern NM (no burning allowed). Forecast calls for a quiet weekend and a gradual warm up that may hit 70° next week. KOAT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ County officials and Rep. Melanie Stansbury broke ground on an $8.7M Animal Resource Center in Bernalillo on Feb. 19 to replace a shelter with 21 kennels. The new facility, set to serve up to 60 dogs and 20 cats, will open in early 2027 — a boost for animal care. Sandoval Signpost
- ➤ Residents in Lincoln and Chaves counties can now apply for the $100 million New Mexico Home Recovery Program to repair or rebuild homes damaged by 2024 fires, flooding & storms. Applications are available online & in person at designated locations with support from Disaster Case Managers. KOAT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team will play in a Las Vegas conference tournament. Fans can reserve a bus trip from March 11 to March 14 that includes a three-night stay at the Excalibur and roundtrip transportation, with prices starting at $495 per person (tickets not included). KOAT
- ➤ The New Mexico Goatheads will reveal their NHL affiliation and debut their mascot tomorrow at THE BLOCK in Rio Rancho. Doors open at 11 a.m. MT for a free event that will air the Men’s Hockey Bronze Medal Game from the Winter Olympics. Sandoval Signpost
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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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Connecting Mosaic Artists: Building Community Conference
12 PM - 4 PM — Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town — $425-$475 — Engage with fellow mosaic artists through workshops, social events, and a juried exhibition in beautiful Albuquerque.
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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 blend of traditional flamenco and modern influences in a celebration of love and passion.
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