Good morning, Albuquerque.

The U.S. government announced on Tuesday that 17 people, including six in Albuquerque, face charges of conspiracy, illicit fentanyl distribution, firearms violations and immigration related to what officials call the largest fentanyl bust in U.S. history—police seized 2.7 million fentanyl pills, 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, cash and luxury vehicles in Albuquerque— as part of a crackdown on a suspected Sinaloa Cartel-linked operation.

SOMOS Albuquerque returns on May 10 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center with national headliners Chromeo and Shannon and the Clams—featuring local bands, art installations, DJs and family activities—to celebrate Albuquerque’s creative culture after the festival’s recent pause.

The 38th annual Festival Flamenco will take place in June despite a $70,000 cut when the National Endowment for the Arts withdrew funding — organizers plan to rely on local support.

The festival is set for 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24 at the Rodey Theatre at UNM — officials say community efforts will ensure the event continues as planned.

Hallmark Channel’s new film Love in the Clouds — produced locally — will air Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. A private red-carpet screening for cast and crew will be held on May 8 at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque InternationalBalloon Museum.

New Mexico’s preschool rankings improved as pre-K enrollment reached record highs and state spending per child jumped to nearly $13,200—lifting the state from 14th to 5th in spending and moving accessibility for 3-year-olds from 13th to 6th, with similar gains noted for 4-year-olds. The National Institute for Early Education Research report confirmed that nearly $212.9 million was spent statewide and almost $100 million was appropriated from the Land Grant Permanent Fund to boost early education programs.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill that will give qualified New Mexico residents up to eight free semesters of graduate school if they maintain a 3.0 GPA – the program prioritizes applicants from underrepresented backgrounds or with financial need and requires applications by June 21.

UNM planetary scientist Chip Shearer will give a public lecture tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Old Town Albuquerque.

He will explain how Apollo 17 sample findings guide NASA's Artemis missions and note that tickets are $7 for the general public and $6 for museum members.

In April, UNM hosted the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference where 151 students submitted 187 abstracts for presentations across a wide range of research fields.

The event featured a UROC 180 Competition—won by Gabriella Gonzales, Eliana Merhege, and Adela Sena—and included oral, poster, and special group sessions to showcase diverse projects.

The Albuquerque City Council voted Monday night to use part of the city's $80 million opioid settlement to build a new Sobering Center as part of the Gateway Center system.

The center will offer medical services and housing for recovering addicts and is expected to handle 26,000 patient encounters a year — filling an important gap in local care.

Floral Decoupage Birdhouse Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Rio Bravo Brewing Company — Cold drinks and food available separately — Explore your creativity crafting vibrant birdhouses adorned with floral designs.

NMAA 3A State Track and Field Championships

All day — University of New Mexico — Check event page for cost — Experience top-notch high school track and field competition in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Cards & More Expo 2025

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque — Free admission — Discover a treasure trove of cards, collectibles, and memorabilia while enjoying exciting vendor interactions and giveaways.

Verdi's Requiem by New Mexico Symphonic Chorus

2 p.m. — Albuquerque Journal Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful emotions of Verdi’s majestic Requiem with the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus.

Rilo Kiley Live

7-9:30 p.m. — Revel — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting sounds of indie pop legends Rilo Kiley in an intimate setting.

Adobe Horno Building Workshop

3-7 p.m. — Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center — Participation fee may apply — Learn traditional Pueblo-style adobe construction techniques in a hands-on workshop led by Dr. Joshuaa Allison-Burbank.

Free Anime & Pop Culture Expo in Albuquerque

Fri-Sun, 6-6 p.m. — Marriott Albuquerque — Free entry — Dive into a vibrant celebration of anime with guest voice actors, cosplay contests, and unique art.

Boots In The Park

12-6 p.m. — Balloon Fiesta Park — Country music festival — Experience two full days of the best in country music featuring top artists in Albuquerque.

Princess Tea Party and Breakfast

9-11:30 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Albuquerque — $10 Power Card included — Delight in a magical tea party breakfast with Ariel and enjoy professional photos and fun activities.

Suncatcher Charm Crafting Party

6-8 PM — Quarter Celtic Taproom — Supplies included — Get creative and design stunning suncatcher charms using resin and dried flowers.