Good morning, Albuquerque.

UNM School of Architecture and Planning and the Thornburg Foundation hosted the annual Jeff Harnar Awards at George Pearl Hall, recognizing local and national architects and students for designs that reflect the southwest landscape.

Winners included CSR Architects earning $10,000 for the Singing Arrow Community Center design and DUST Architects receiving $3,000 for their Taos Rancho project—applications for next year’s awards will open next spring.

Ramon Baca will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNM College of Nursing and join the trauma ICU team at UNM Hospital.

He grew up in Rio Rancho and overcame challenges like a childhood accident, a car crash, and personal loss while working as a nurse intern (experiences that taught him to care for every patient as if they were family).

The Albuquerque Public Schools board approved its largest budget to date despite a loss of over 20,000 student enrollments in the past decade — the district plans to use the increased funds to support upcoming initiatives.

Officials say the new budget aims to address the challenges of a smaller student body while investing in the future.

Albuquerque Public Schools is hosting SPREE (a substance prevention, resources and empowerment expo) today from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center on Louisiana Boulevard NE at Comanche Road, where over 30 resource tables, live lessons in English and Spanish, and family-friendly activities such as a DJ, therapy animals and face painting are planned while free food truck vouchers will be offered.

The University of New Mexico is celebrating the Class of 2025 by honoring graduates from many programs who have shown strong leadership and perseverance—among them Ramon Baca in nursing, Maya Shamsid-Deen in biology, Brandon Salazar in psychology, Edain Larios in construction management, Sofia Olay in public health, and Amy Goodman who will soon make history with the U.S. Space Force. This tradition underlines the diverse spirit and hard work of local Lobos as they finish their studies.

NM utilities spoke at a day-long hearing in Santa Fe about using planned power shutoffs during high winds and dry conditions to reduce wildfire risk and avoid costly lawsuits.

PNM cut power on April 17 in Las Vegas, affecting about 2,300 customers, and regulators may set new standards to improve public safety during future events.

Three incarcerated New Mexicans filed a class-action complaint on Thursday at First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe challenging the prison system's use of prolonged solitary confinement — they claim the practice isolates hundreds for 23 or more hours daily and denies proper mental health care.

Sen. Martin Heinrich asked USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins how the Silver City Dispatch Center in the Gila National Forest will be kept open—especially after assurances that it would be kept mission critical—as federal lease reviews threaten its future.

Heinrich's questioning came as the Iron Fire burned 822 acres and more than 180 personnel coordinated a response while officials review federal lease and cost-cutting measures.

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.

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.

Brindemos Video Premiere & Concert

6-9 p.m. — Casa Rondeña Winery — Ticket required — Experience the music video premiere of 'Brindemos' followed by a lively concert with Mariachis.