Thursday, May 8th, 2025

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Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Los Altos Park reopened Wednesday after a big renovation that updated its watering system, lights, softball fields, parking, and bathrooms. The upgrade expanded the park with a new dog park + BMX track and sidewalks around the area, and a grand opening celebration was held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. KOAT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Albuquerque police arrested Bobby Chavez on May 5 after he threw a small dog at an officer outside a gas station on Candelaria Road and took a woman hostage in an apartment (he had felony warrants and was detained for trespassing). KOAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Niko DeRoin-Silva hosts free weekly powwow classes at the Resilience Hub where urban Native families learn traditional dance, regalia making and powwow etiquette — these sessions help reconnect participants with their cultural heritage. Dozens of families have attended to build community and strengthen ties to their history. New Mexico In Depth
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Erin Shortlidge, an educator and interim vice provost at Portland State, has been named the new executive director of UNM’s Center for Teaching and Learning. She will begin her transition on August 11 and take on full-time duties on September 1—her appointment followed a national search. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Stacie Hernandez, a Ph.D. candidate at UNM, was named the recipient of IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society’s Robert J Barker Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Pulsed Power Applications — she will accept the award in June at the IEEE Pulsed Power and Plasma Science Conference in Berlin, which includes a $3,000 prize and $500 travel allowance. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new poll by the National Wildlife Federation showed that 79% of New Mexicans support keeping fees for oil+gas drilling on public lands while 89% back a cleanup+restoration mandate after drilling. The survey conducted by New Bridge Strategy from March 27 to April 10 indicates strong local opposition to policy changes that would reduce public oversight. KUNM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico's top adult mental health official Nick Boukas outlined a timeline in Albuquerque for rebuilding the behavioral health system under Senate Bill 3—local health councils, advocates, and collaboratives will help set five priorities per region. His department will deliver service guidelines by June 1 and recently hired Kristie Brooks to advance the changes, while public meetings and Medicaid improvements are planned to boost access. Source NM
- ➤ 71 National Guardsmen, 53 from Albuquerque and aged 18 to 43, will assist local law enforcement with scene security, drone operations, and booking criminals starting as soon as this weekend—expanding to full deployment by Memorial Day weekend—to ease officer workloads. The unarmed guardsmen will wear polo shirts and use police vehicles, officials said, as part of efforts to support public safety in Albuquerque. KOAT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed a measles case in Curry County when a vulnerable infant was infected amid an outbreak that now affects five counties—Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy and Lea—and brings the total number of confirmed cases in New Mexico to 71. KOAT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Albuquerque Academy senior Emanee Cerda received a scholarship offer to play flag football at Mars Hill University and will join the team this fall—she attended a Houston showcase as the only girl from New Mexico and impressed college coaches with her skills. KOAT
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Suncatcher Charm Crafting Party
6-8 PM — Quarter Celtic Taproom — Supplies included — Get creative and design stunning suncatcher charms using resin and dried flowers.
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Churro Wool Spinning Workshop
4-8 p.m. — Agri-Nature Center — Bring your own materials — Learn to transform raw Churro wool into usable yarn with expert guidance.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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