Morning
Albuquerque
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The New Mexico Black Leadership Council will host its third annual Bloom Fiesta in the International District this Wednesday. Families will enjoy food, music, dance, raffles, and certificates for youth achievements in a former parking lot that is being cleaned up for the event (once an overflow lot for Lovelace Hospital). KOAT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire near Ruidoso—started by a fatal medical plane crash—tripled from 2,645 to nearly 9,000 acres by Sunday night with 276 responders on scene and evacuations ordered north of the blaze. Albuquerque Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Route 66 Diner is a local spot rich in history where visitors enjoy hand-spun milkshakes, retro decor, and vintage memorabilia. Co-owner Summer Willis said the family-run diner, which opened in '87, remains a treasured reminder of Albuquerque's bond with the Mother Road. KOAT
- ➤ ABQ BioPark Zoo welcomed Tesoro (treasure) on May 4 after his transfer from the El Paso Zoo to boost their giraffe herd following recent losses. Zoo staff said he is exploring his new enclosure with females separated by a rock and metal mesh wall and will likely join them fully next week. Albuquerque Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNM celebrated over 3,600 graduates during weekend spring ceremonies at The Pit, where degrees were conferred across all campuses. President Garnett S. Stokes delivered her final farewell before retiring, with faculty and attendees recognizing her leadership. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Third-grade students from Lavaland Elementary recorded a new audio tour for the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History to help kids understand nuclear history. The tour is available free with admission during daily hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 601 Eubank SE. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ The UNM Army ROTC commissioned nine new second lieutenants at its spring ceremony held at the UNM Continuing Education Auditorium. Cadets took the Oath of Office and Silver Dollar Salute under the leadership of officials, marking their entry into service in the Army and Army National Guard. University of New Mexico
- ➤ New Mexico State University’s animation program is nationally recognized as one of the best in the U.S. Its hands-on coursework (avoiding long lectures) and strong student-to-faculty ratio are drawing top talent and boosting opportunities for festival and TV work. KOAT
- ➤ During finals week this spring, UNM students reported that the food vendors at the Student Union offer many quick options but few fresh or healthy choices like fresh fruit and balanced drink selections. They hope the university will add more healthful alternatives to the on-campus menu soon. New Mexico Daily Lobo
- ➤ This fall, UNM's AI Steering Committee will launch campus-wide guidelines for ethical AI use, addressing urgent issues like academic integrity and planning a town hall over the summer; the committee, charged by Interim Provost Rodriguez, includes faculty, staff, and students. New Mexico Daily Lobo
- ➤ UNM announced on Friday, May 15 that Steve Goldstein, former Vice Chancellor at UC Irvine, will be its new president, replacing Garnett S. Stokes who retires in July. He spoke at a May 12 forum and plans to bolster healthcare education and Lobo athletics to benefit local students. New Mexico Daily Lobo
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District said critically low river inflows force irrigation deliveries upstream of Isleta Pueblo to be suspended today in areas including Peña Blanca, Sile, Algodones, Bernalillo and Greater Albuquerque; the suspension is temporary and may be lifted if rains improve river flow. KOAT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico Cancer Center in Albuquerque may close its urology department if it cannot hire new doctors soon. One doctor left in April and another is set to leave in July (the center will continue operating until November while referring patients elsewhere). Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ Team Route 66, a group of 12 cyclists with Parkinson’s, is riding through New Mexico on Route 66 on their way to the 7th World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix next weekend. They are riding to boost awareness & funds for research, and a recovering leader will join them in Phoenix. KOAT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gabriela Souza won double gold and her daughter Sarah earned silver and bronze at the Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Brazil on Friday; both celebrated their success at the Coyote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and will prepare for the International Championship in Long Beach from May 28 – 31. 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.
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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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