Monday, May 26th, 2025

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Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 26th of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ An airman from the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base went missing after an incident at Elephant Butte Lake on May 24th—local emergency teams including park rangers, the fire department, and state police have launched a search—and the investigation remains active. KOAT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On May 23, an Otero County jury convicted Shaun Castain LeFleur, 57, of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence for killing his wife and burying her in a shallow desert grave near Oliver Lee State Park—he had been on the run with his wife—and he will serve a mandatory life sentence with parole eligibility only when he is nearly 90. KOAT
- ➤ Juan Escobar has been searching for his missing son—who vanished two years ago during an overnight visit with his ex-wife and was later renamed Oliver Shelton—after his private investigator learned that she changed her name and moved to northern Colorado. He vows to never stop looking until his son is found. KOAT
- ➤ Steven Granados was arrested Sunday after he allegedly exposed himself by urinating on an Albuquerque police vehicle – he resisted arrest when officers tried to handcuff him. KOAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ UNM music student Christopher Dollesin delivered an immersive recital titled Celestial Bodies in Motion that combined live music, video and narration to explore outer space themes at Keller Hall. He organized 60 musicians and worked with faculty—like composer Doug Falk—to overcome last-minute challenges and make classical music accessible to all. University of New Mexico
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is imposing fire restrictions today on public lands in Albuquerque and Las Cruces due to severe drought and low snowpack, affecting Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Grant, Luna, McKinley, Otero, Sandoval, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance and Valencia counties. The bans restrict campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves outside of developed sites — violations can incur fines up to $100,000 and potential jail time — to prevent new fires. Sandoval Signpost
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A search around Elephant Butte Lake for a missing airman from Kirtland Air Force Base has lasted over 24 hours—authorities continue efforts to locate him. Albuquerque Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The New Mexico Department of Health reported four new measles cases in Sandoval County, raising the county total to six and the statewide count to 78 in what officials call the largest outbreak in years. The cases include one baby too young for a vaccine and three adults with at least one MMR shot, and NMDOH advises anyone who visited local sites in early May to check their vaccination records and watch for symptoms + seek care if needed. Sandoval Signpost
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Drew Harrell, a physician by day, finds relief by tending dahlia crops at Burque Bee Farms+ he uses word of mouth and Instagram to let fans know when a variety is ready for sale. Albuquerque Journal
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
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Morning Albuquerque.
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Beekeeping at Los Poblanos Lecture
5:30 p.m. — Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm — $20 per person — Discover the synergy between beekeeping, pollination, and sustainable agriculture in New Mexico.
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Candle Making Class at Thrive Craft NM
6-9 p.m. — Thrive Craft Cannabis — Materials provided — Learn the art of candle making in a fun and relaxing atmosphere with friends.
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The High Desert Playboys - Musical Evening
7 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Voodoo Girl Pies & Pints — Tickets available — Experience a night of original Americana and high-energy bluegrass tunes.
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Public Winery Tour & Tasting
4-5 p.m. — Casa Rondeña Winery — Includes tour and 4-6 wine tastings — Discover the artistry and rich flavors behind New Mexico wines in a picturesque setting.
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Tomorrows Bad Seeds Concert
7-11 p.m. — Insideout — Ticket prices not listed — Experience a high-energy reggae-rock performance by Tomorrows Bad Seeds in Albuquerque.
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June Wednesday Evening Hand Building
6-8 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Check local listings for pricing — Create unique clay art pieces in a supportive co-ed environment.
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Tyler Childers Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Isleta Amphitheater — Tickets from $43 — Enjoy an evening of soulful country music under the stars with Tyler Childers.
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Johnny Mullenax Live Performance
6 PM - 12 AM — ABQ BioPark Zoo — Entry fee applicable — Enjoy an evening of live music, wildlife, and family fun at Zoo Music.
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Los Ranchos Art Market Opening Day
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Los Ranchos Art Market — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of the 2025 market season with local artisans and unique products.
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Hella Fresh 5k
9-11 a.m. — Canteen Brewhouse — Registration includes a hat, burrito, and beverage — Kick off your summer with a fun 5k run.
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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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Morning Albuquerque.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
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Reveal the authorAbout Morning Albuquerque
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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