🌱 $80 Million Defense Contract + Neighborhood Nature Festival

Hello and happy Wednesday. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through all the most important things happening in Albuquerque.Keep scrolling for the scoop.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 94 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. Albuquerque-based Blue Halo has won an $80 million contract to build a virtual simulation for the Air Force Research Laboratory. The simulation will be used to create a wargame for the United States Department of Defense. The simulated F-15s will be using directed energy weapons, such as high-energy lasers and high-powered electromagnetic devices. The contract is for ten years. (KRQE News 13)
2. Is the current housing market making you feel a little overwhelmed? Patch and Redfin.com have teamed up to create a helpful list of the latest Albuquerque properties that have hit the market. Click to view the full list that includes prices, photos, and property dimensions. (Albuquerque Patch)
3. Southeast Albuquerque's Neighborhood Nature Festival will be at Phil Chacon Park and the Cesar Chavez Community Center this Saturday. The event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants will celebrate nature while participating in nature storytelling, carnival performances, and hands-on activities. (KOB 4)

Today in Albuquerque:

• Cactus & Succulent Society At The Albuquerque Garden Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• ABQ BioPark is providing an update on Matilda, the baby hippo. She is now 11-months-old and is weighing in at a light 555 pounds. (ABQ BioPark via Instagram)
• The Albuquerque Isotopes are providing a Father's Day Deal! Each Flex or Combo plan comes with a free iced coffee, 4 free tacos, and a 6-pack of assorted cookies. Click to get tickets today! (Albuquerque Isotopes via Instagram)
• Albuquerque's 2022 Juneteenth Celebration will be at Civic Plaza on Saturday and Sunday. The event will explore Black history while educating the community on Black culture. (Visit Albuquerque)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.