Morning
Albuquerque
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 75 years after he was declared missing, U.S. Army Sgt. Celestino Chavez Jr. of Gallup was officially identified in 2025 using DNA testing (after remains were turned over by North Korea in 2018), giving his family long-awaited closure on his heroic sacrifice during the Korean War. KOAT
- ➤ Albuquerque Restaurant Week is underway through April 26, offering special prix-fixe menus at over 30 local restaurants to boost business during a slow season + encouraging residents to explore new dining options. The Paper.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Craig Reeves, an alumnus of UNM's Anderson School, built a 36-year banking career that started on a ranch in Clayton and saw him lead First National Bank of New Mexico before he and his wife founded FNBCash. University of New Mexico
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The UNM Board of Regents announced five finalists for president today to replace President Stokes retiring in July; campus forums are scheduled starting Monday, Apr. 20 at SUB Ballroom C (community members can submit feedback online after each session). University of New Mexico
- ➤ New Mexico Voices for Children released the KIDS COUNT Data Book on Friday, showing increased child care assistance and higher graduation rates; the report also reveals rising chronic absenteeism and high housing costs, prompting calls to expand universal childcare capacity and improve health coverage for families. KUNM
- ➤ Fifth graders (42 classes, 22 districts) presented their Mars habitat designs to scientists and engineers at Expo New Mexico on Friday during the 32nd Mission to Mars Link-Up Day. The program, running since 1994, connected underrepresented students with hands-on STEM learning. KOAT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State environment officials adopted new rules Monday that allow the department to treat PFAS-laden AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) as hazardous waste, making New Mexico the first state to do so. The rules require facilities to report the storage of foam at military bases, oil fields, and similar sites. Source NM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting May 1, New Mexico SNAP recipients must verify expenses (rent, utilities, child care) when applying for or renewing benefits. Officials said the process will help ensure households receive the correct benefit amount with no disruption for current recipients. KOAT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico public health officials reported a significant drop in STIs during STI Awareness Week, with syphilis, congenital syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea rates falling (18.6%, down 32.4%, 5.1% and 6.1% respectively) from 2024 to 2025. They credit expanded community outreach and better access to testing and treatment for the improvements. KOAT
-
Adult Afternoon Book Club
4-5 p.m. — Westgate Heights Public Library — Free entry — Share your passion for reading with the community in a friendly discussion setting.
-
2026 Gathering of Nations Powwow
April 24-25 — Tingley Coliseum — Entry fee varies — Experience the vibrant cultural celebration with traditional dancers, singers, and artisans representing over 750 tribes.
-
The Crane Wives Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — Tickets from $70 — Enjoy a night of enchanting music with The Crane Wives in Albuquerque.
-
Freddie Dredd Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — Starting at $174 — Experience the unique sound of Freddie Dredd live in Albuquerque.
-
Bad Suns Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — $28+ — Bad Suns and Breakup Shoes perform live in a vibrant setting.
-
Sarah De Warren Live Performance
9 PM - 12 AM — Effex NightClub — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic voice of Sarah De Warren and get lost in the rhythms of techno and trance.
-
Sevendust Concert
6-9 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — Tickets start at $114 — Experience the electrifying performance of Sevendust in Albuquerque.
-
SpiritWorld Concert
7:00 – 9:30 PM — Launchpad — Tickets available — Experience a unique blend of country music infused with metal from Folsom and his band.
-
Emo Orchestra with The Spill Canvas
7-9:30 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — All Ages — Experience a unique blend of orchestral music with an emo twist featuring The Spill Canvas.
-
Beach Vacation Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Launchpad — Check the vibes of indie surf rock and dream pop with Beach Vacation and Train Conductor.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Albuquerque and across New Mexico. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Morning Albuquerque
A free Albuquerque community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://morningalbuquerque.com/sitemap