Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Emergency crews are responding to a vehicle fire that closed Interstate 40 westbound near Carlisle Boulevard — drivers are urged to find alternate routes to avoid delays. KOAT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Albuquerque police are investigating a fatal shooting near Owl Cafe — one person died after a shot at 10330 Hotel Avenue and details on who fired the shot have not been released. KOAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Santa Ana Pueblo’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office is investigating a series of burglaries from August 1984 to May 1985—when 150 cultural items were stolen from homes—to recover sacred artifacts. One bowl has already been returned to its family, and officials are searching auction sites and archives for the remaining items. KUNM
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Expo New Mexico manager Dan Mourning said the final Gathering of Nations Powwow will be held next April and will cut off $24 million in local spending—he added that the fairgrounds, which lease the event for $150,000 to $200,000 each year, will seek new events to fill the gap. KOAT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of New Mexico will hold a grand opening for its restored Duck Pond — a campus treasure improved with sustainable and accessible upgrades — on Sept. 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Community members are invited to hear speakers, enjoy light refreshments, and receive commemorative button pins while learning about its new features. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Holly Surbaugh—a UNM librarian—designed escape room puzzles for a project called 'Escape the Hilltop Conspiracy' to help first-year students learn library basics and information literacy, and the study showed that even when puzzles did not work perfectly, students gained a better understanding by solving clues like a typewriter lockbox. University of New Mexico
- ➤ Local tutors and educators stress that students must begin the school year with strong study habits by setting a routine after activities and using a quiet space for homework—parents checking in regularly can spot when extra help is needed. They point out that longer homework times, a sudden dislike for school, or falling grades signal that a counselor or tutor should be contacted sooner rather than later. KOAT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Exus Renewables North America completed a $312 million solar and battery storage facility in Rio Rancho that now supplies energy for PNM’s grid and Meta’s data center in Los Lunas — the project covers 1,000 acres in Sandoval County, created over 250 temporary jobs during construction, and is expected to add more than $17 million in tax revenue for local schools and the county over 30 years. Sandoval Signpost
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City Councilor Joaquín Baca threatened to block millions in new funding for the Gateway Center if Mayor Tim Keller’s administration does not provide clear plans and detailed cost information by the Sept. 3 meeting. He said he will not support more money for the $70 million project that has mostly been unused since 2019 as homelessness grows downtown. The Paper.
- ➤ State officials say federal food program cuts may worsen hunger for children and seniors as lawmakers plan a special session and schools transition to new funding formats, while the Albuquerque Teachers Federation contract awaits board approval today. Meanwhile, the Attorney General filed a petition to remove a district attorney over alleged mismanagement and state courts announced funding for regional behavioral health planning—efforts to support community needs. KUNM
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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.
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2025 DVRC Golf Tournament
7 a.m. — Paradise Hills Golf Course — All proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence — A day of golfing fun with contests to support a vital cause.
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Los Ranchos Art Market
8 AM – 12 PM — Los Ranchos Art Market — Free entry — Celebrate local craftsmanship and discover unique, handmade art and gifts in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Albuquerque Isotopes vs Las Vegas Aviators
1:35-3:35 p.m. — RGCU Field at Isotopes Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting minor league baseball showdown in Albuquerque.
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Save Ferris & Friends Live
6:30-11 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — $22-72 — Enjoy an all-ages night of rocksteady with Save Ferris, Rocksteady Pickups, and No Manners.
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Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Kimo Theatre — $52—$99, VIP Package: $174 — Experience a vibrant mix of classic genres performed live by exceptional musicians, blending modern hits with vintage styles.
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Bop To The Top Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Backstage at Revel — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience an unforgettable performance with Bop To The Top in Albuquerque.
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The High Desert Playboys at the Harvest and Wine Festival
3-7 p.m. — Balloon Fiesta Park — Cost TBA — Experience original Americana and high-energy bluegrass in a festive atmosphere.
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Bellamy Brothers Benefit Concert
6-9 p.m. — Tingley Coliseum — $33.17–$130.75 — Enjoy a special concert supporting Ruidoso flood relief with the Bellamy Brothers and Hooks & the Huckleberries.
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All American Futurity Finals G1
12-5 p.m. — The Downs Racetrack & Casino — Admission info not specified — Witness the excitement of the prestigious All American Futurity Finals relocated to Albuquerque this Labor Day.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you resist, persists.
~ Carl Jung
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