Good morning, Albuquerque.

An Albuquerque man was convicted in federal court as a regional manager in a multi-state fentanyl trafficking operation after a historic DEA seizure in November 2024 that took about 150,000 fentanyl pills, $72,000 and several firearms from a northeast stash house—Alex Martinez, 38, now faces up to life in prison.

Albuquerque police investigated a deadly shooting on the 400 block of Merlinda Street SW after a ShotSpotter alert—officers found one person dead and have not released any suspect information.

More than 65 New Mexico teachers joined the UNM ROSE Program — a summer initiative that placed educators in UNM laboratories to learn hands-on research and bring real science experiences to middle and high school classrooms.

They received a $1,200 weekly stipend during the program, which ran from June to mid-July — helping boost science teaching methods statewide.

On August 1, Shelly Lowe, a Navajo from Ganado, Arizona, became president of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.

She said she will work to grow donor support + strengthen partnerships with alumni and boost recognition for indigenous artists + using her experience from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Harvard Native American Program.

At its inaugural meeting Tuesday, the selection committee for the Office of the Child Advocate voted unanimously to opt out of the Open Meetings Act to protect candidate privacy — a choice that defied advice from the Department of Justice.

The decision drew sharp criticism from open government advocates — and the committee will meet on Aug. 22 to discuss further hiring details and aim to send a candidate list to the governor by year’s end.

The City Council approved $7.5 million to fund affordable housing projects that will add 175 new apartment units downtown and in Barelas—an effort aimed at easing Albuquerque’s housing shortage.

Developers plan to renovate historic buildings into mixed-use spaces while some community members urge more support for low-income renters.

The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed the first human West Nile virus infection this year when a Valencia County resident was hospitalized on August 7.

The virus was also found in three horses — two in Lea County and one in Eddy County — and officials advise residents to use approved insect repellent and wear long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.

Joe Bonamassa Concert

2-9:30 p.m. — Sandia Resort & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the blues with the master guitarist Joe Bonamassa in an unforgettable live performance.

Mystery Skulls Ultra Rare Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Launchpad — All ages welcome — Experience the electrifying beats and fascinating visuals from Mystery Skulls live in concert.

Okra Pickling Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Learn the art of pickling with fresh okra and take home your own jar of tangy goodness.

Vibestrong Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Marble Brewery — Entry fee not specified — Experience the dynamic rhythms of a vibrant reggae/rock band from Albuquerque.

Walking Through History Tour: National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — National Museum of Nuclear Science & History — Entry fee required — Explore the significance of the Atomic Age during this commemorative tour.

Children's Entrepreneur Market at Sunday is Funday

12-4 p.m. — Haynes Community Center and Park — $1 entry — A vibrant market showcasing kid-run businesses with fun activities and entertainment for all ages.

LIVE and Collective Soul Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Isleta Amphitheater — Check for pricing — Enjoy a night of classic rock hits with LIVE and Collective Soul.

Lock Smith Concert

6:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Sister — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Bury The Hatchet tour with Locksmith and support acts for an unforgettable night of music.

Las Vegas Aviators vs Albuquerque Isotopes

6:35-8:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — Cost info not specified — Catch a thrilling baseball game as the Aviators face off against the Isotopes.

Earthen Yoga

1-2 a.m. — 4920 Rio Grande Blvd NW — No cost mentioned — Experience a unique blend of yoga and herbal exploration amidst the Healers Garden.