🌱 Media Academy Location Announced + Smokey Bear Nonprofits In Need

Good morning, everybody! It's Friday in Albuquerque and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny; breezy, cooler. High: 56 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced that the new headquarters for the New Mexico Media Academy in Albuquerque will be at the Rail Yards. Together with a companion campus in Las Cruces, the media academy aims to expand efforts in training the next generation of filmmakers to contribute to the state's digital media economy. (KSFR)
2. The Friends of Smokey Bear is seeking to raise $60,000 to continue funding its educational programs, and Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon is seeking to raise around $135,000 to fund a replacement for the iconic Smokey Bear balloon. The nonprofit believes that the current 20-year-old balloon has approximately two years of life left. Both nonprofits are low on funds due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. (KRQE News 13)
3. Albuquerque city departments worked together to clear out more than 160 people from the encampment on 1st Street and Indian School on Wednesday. The encampment has been the subject of attention over the last month or so due to a recent homicide investigation and violent incidences, and local business owners in the area have complained about its presence to the city. The people were given advance notice to move to nearby motels or shelters, and the city has placed temporary fencing around the area with plans to install permanent fencing in a few weeks. (KOB 4)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• Esperanza Pop-Up Bike Shop At Los Griegos Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Fool's Fest At Red Horse BnB And Event Center (3:00 PM)
• LEGO Club At South Valley Branch Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking to add a new furry member to your family? To make the search easier, here's a list of pets waiting for adoption at Albuquerque animal shelters. (Albuquerque Patch)
• Central New Mexico Community College has finished its brand-new brewing, distilling, and wine-making facility! The college held an open house to celebrate the new facility on Wednesday, Mar. 29. (KRQE News 13)
• Don't miss the Touch the Sky 2023 Balloon Museum Gala coming up on Friday, Jun. 2! The event will raise money for the museum's upcoming educational programming for the year, including viewing and learning opportunities for the annular eclipse in October. You can buy tickets to the event by clicking here. (Balloon Museum Foundation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Albuquerque (April 1)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.