Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of May.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mutazz Jaber will become the ninth family member to graduate from the University of New Mexico (this spring) with a double major in political science and psychology; he earned a congressional internship with Senator Heinrich and will attend George Washington University to study governmental relations, driven by his family legacy. University of New Mexico
- ➤ A new UNM study led by research professor Mark Boslough shows that misinformation on space threats can weaken public trust in planetary defense. Boslough will address these findings at this week's Geological Society of America meeting in Albuquerque. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews work on the Seven Cabins Fire caused by a plane crash in the Capitan Mountains as evacuations continue near Highway 246. Water restrictions may start Monday along the Middle Rio Grande and a Montgomery Boulevard on‐ramp to I-25 will close for seven weeks. KOAT
- ➤ On Monday, New Mexico water and environment officials awarded contracts totaling $13 million to companies including Albuquerque’s WSP + Indewater to map, test and treat brackish water in a bid to secure new sources for drinking, agriculture and industry amid growing scarcity concerns. KUNM
- ➤ The New Mexico Environment Department awarded $13 million in contracts for projects that will test for brackish water deep underground amid a long term water shortage. WSP received $9.1 million for work in the Middle Rio Grande Basin while Indewater of Albuquerque got $3.7 million to build a mobile desalination pilot plant for rural and tribal communities. Albuquerque Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Housing New Mexico officials briefed lawmakers Monday at their Albuquerque office, stating nearly half of renters are cost burdened and urging an extra $30M to double affordable housing units in coming years—rising costs and low rental vacancies add to the challenge as state programs have helped over 1,000 households. Source NM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The New Mexico Health Care Authority is using AI to process pay stubs and volunteer records for Medicaid recipients required to work 80 hours a month. Caseworkers will review the AI-collected documents - ensuring that human decisions protect benefits as new federal rules take effect. Source NM
- ➤ Mark Fratrick, a Taos man, nearly died from hantavirus in August (2020) while treated at UNM and now supports local research on virus treatment as global attention focuses on Andes virus outbreak aboard a cruise ship. Health officials note that New Mexico’s Sin Nombre cases have not spread person-to-person. Albuquerque Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The UNM Lobos baseball team won its season finale against the Aggies at Santa Ana Star Field on May 12, 12-6. Graduating seniors had their final home game as the team now prepares for the Mountain West Tournament starting May 21 in Mesa, Arizona. New Mexico Daily Lobo
- ➤ The Lobos added two 2027 recruits in the spring; signal caller Bradley Cassier (ranked 101st nationally) and cornerback Bryson Fleming, who turned down 21 offers, committed to join the team at the University of New Mexico. New Mexico Daily Lobo
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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