Good morning, Albuquerque.

A fire was spotted in the North Valley bosque near the Rio Grande on June 12 — smoke cleared by 3:10 p.m., and officials continue to monitor the incident.

Rosa Vallejos-Yopán, a professor at UNM, has received the Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award to study Amazonian languages in remote parts of Peru and Brazil and will teach mini-courses to share her research.

She will begin her four-month fieldwork in October and return for two more months in early spring to gather data and support local language practices.

Recent research by a UNM PhD shows that frequent fires lower tree water stress by reducing forest density and competition for water—trees in fire maintained forests in the Gila Wilderness, burned regularly since 1975, show better drought tolerance.

The study suggests that reintroducing regular fires can help trees resist the effects of drought as climate change intensifies.

Yesterday, Gov Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a $1B deal in which XGS Energy will use advanced geothermal technology to produce 150 megawatts of green energy for Meta’s data centers without using taxpayer money.

The project will create 3,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs—though work will only start after a three-year permitting process.

At its meeting Thursday, the Law Enforcement Certification Board asked the state DOJ for a legal opinion on accepting police misconduct complaints from citizens — a move backed by lawmakers and the ACLU through a petition for new rules.

Board members said they will move forward with rulemaking soon.

The Albuquerque inspector general lost his job after months of conflict with an oversight committee that has not made public six completed investigations—city officials said a new watchdog will soon be appointed.

New research showed that homeless people visited emergency rooms for heat illness 27 times more often than others in 2021–22.

Local health officials and nonprofits are ramping up outreach as forecasts predict triple-digit heat this weekend, urging stronger affordable housing measures (the study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association).

Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study showed that 1 in 4 children in New Mexico are at risk of hunger as the state ranked fourth in childhood hunger.

Roadrunner Food Bank said federal funding cuts to SNAP and local food programs have left a $220 billion shortfall in food budgets — local donations will be crucial to help ease the pressure.

ABQ Junk Journal Club

12-2 p.m. — Found on 4th — Limited spaces available — Create a unique junk journal and unleash your creativity in a collaborative space.

DAD GAMES 2025 Competition

1 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Albuquerque — Ticket includes game play and banquet — Bring your family for an epic arcade showdown and a chance to win great prizes!

Book Club: Hip to the Trip

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Cherry Hills Public Library — Free entry — Discuss the cultural history of Route 66 in a friendly and casual atmosphere.

The Blue Stones Live Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Backstage at Revel — 21+ event — Enjoy an electrifying performance by The Blue Stones with special guests MELTT.

Afternoon Clay Session: Masks and Wall Art

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Creativity Warehouse — Cost varies — Create unique clay masks and wall art in this engaging afternoon workshop.

Iceland: The Complete Tour Presentation

10:00-11:00 a.m. — SUN TOURS — Free admission — Discover Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled nature in this comprehensive tour presentation.

38th Festival Flamenco Alburquerque

8:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. — National Institute of Flamenco & Conservatory of Flamenco Arts — Various pricing options — Experience the vibrant culture and artistry of Flamenco at one of the largest festivals in the world.

Albuquerque Poké Fest

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque — Free admission — Dive into a Pokémon-themed extravaganza with battles, collectibles, and cosplay fun.

Level 1: Beginning Hip-Hop Class

6-7 p.m. — New Mexico Ballet Company — $30 — Learn foundational Hip-Hop moves and musicality in a welcoming environment for all skill levels.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

June 24-26 — McDermott Athletic Center — $97 — Boost your basketball skills with focused training on scoring and ball handling.