Morning
Albuquerque
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Novelist Carl Hiaasen will speak at the Santa Fe International Literary Festival today at 9 a.m. He is celebrated for his satirical novels inspired by quirky Florida news and will share insights on his creative process. KUNM
- ➤ Plein Air Painters of New Mexico launched a statewide project to celebrate Route 66’s 100th anniversary through outdoor painting events. The artists will paint vintage architecture, cars and neon signs across Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe and Taos from May through August. KOAT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Steve Goldstein has been named the 24th president of UNM following an extensive search, and his appointment is pending final contract negotiations. He will succeed President Garnett Stokes, who retires in July, and brings years of leadership from UCI to build on UNM's research and healthcare progress. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Red Flag Warnings for parts of eastern New Mexico and fire weather watches including Albuquerque have been issued for this Saturday afternoon due to a dry lightning threat - a storm system will boost wind gusts to 30-45 mph by Sunday as temperatures remain high. KOAT
- ➤ Two lightning-caused fires burned 22,000 acres in Quay County on Thursday — the larger Line Fire crossed into Texas near Highway 54 south of Nara Visa and prompted an evacuation that has been lifted, while the Mimms Fire burned 2,100 acres and remains active as officials order additional resources. Albuquerque Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials in New Mexico are urging extra caution after 17 motorcycle deaths were reported this year following 68 fatalities in 2025; the NMDOT campaign, part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, advises drivers to check blind spots plus leave extra distance between vehicles. KOAT
- ➤ Albuquerque officials extended the deadline for Lindy's Diners owners by two weeks after a wall collapse raised safety concerns (the owners had requested extra time) and Mayor Tim Keller said a decision on whether to repair or demolish the building is expected by the end of May. KOAT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Nearly two decades after a $1.8 million tax incentive launched Unser Crossing, the site at Unser and Central remains largely vacant with only a few businesses in place. A new rendering proposes converting the area into an industrial park to boost future development. KOAT
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Martin Amini Standup Comedy Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Tickets required — Experience a night of laughter with Martin Amini's unique blend of comedy inspired by his multicultural heritage.
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Route 66 Connected: A Photo-Ethnographic Exploration
11 a.m. — Wheels Museum — Free entry — Explore the heritage and narratives of Route 66 in New Mexico through visual storytelling.
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Gardening U Class
1-2 p.m. — Albuquerque Garden Center — Free entry — Enhance your green thumb with insights from Master Gardener Barb Shapiro.
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Albuquerque Isotopes vs. El Paso Chihuahuas
6:35-7:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — $7 parking — Cheer on the Albuquerque Isotopes as they face off against the El Paso Chihuahuas.
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Windwaker Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Launchpad — All ages — Experience live music from Windwaker, If Not For Me, and Colorblind at the Hounds of the Underground Tour.
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El Paso Chihuahuas at Albuquerque Isotopes
12:05 – 1:05 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — $7 parking — Cheer on the Albuquerque Isotopes as they take on the El Paso Chihuahuas.
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Albuquerque Isotopes vs. El Paso Chihuahuas - Dinosaur Night
6:35-7:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — $7 parking — Celebrate Dinosaur Night with the Albuquerque Isotopes as they face off against the El Paso Chihuahuas with special promotions for young fans.
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Travis Tritt Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Isleta Resort & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Southern rock vibes of Travis Tritt, a timeless icon in country music.
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NM Chupacabras vs. San Diego Strike Force
6:30 p.m. — Tingley Coliseum — Tickets required — Experience fast-paced indoor football with the NM Chupacabras as they battle the San Diego Strike Force.
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The Kid LAROI - A Perfect World Tour
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Revel — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy performance of The Kid LAROI with special guests Tommy Richman and WizTheMC.
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.
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