Morning
Albuquerque
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Albuquerque. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ ABQ BioPark opened its Running Wild: Cheetahs & More habitat Thursday morning, expanding the cheetahs’ space from 4,000 sqft to 14,000 sqft with a $2.4 million tax-funded project; the exhibit now houses cheetahs, a blind snow leopard, an Andean bear, bobcats and other new residents. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ Albuquerque’s Department of Arts and Culture hosted the annual Creative Bravos Awards on March 19, recognizing local artists and organizations for decades of cultural contributions & community engagement. Honored groups include Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company and FUSION Theatre. The Paper.
- ➤ Documentary 'A Beautiful Place' honors TWA Flight 260 crash victims and local rescue crews with a screening set for Saturday at Albuquerque International Sunport — additional showings on June 5-6 at the TWA Museum will benefit the Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ The NM MLK Jr. State Commission launched a weekly women’s history newsletter (Corretta’s Corner, named after Corretta Scott King) for Women’s History Month; its first issue featured Clovis native Helen Hamilton and will highlight local civil rights milestones while continuing beyond March. KUNM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The APS board voted Wednesday night to renew Superintendent Gabriella Blakey’s contract through June 2030 while keeping her salary at $295,000 (no raise). Blakey, who has led APS since 2024, improved reading and math scores and raised graduation rates. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ New legislation aims to boost math skills for students in kindergarten through third grade (K-3) by requiring early screening and parent-notified support plans, while also increasing math coursework requirements for teacher licensure; lawmakers plan to support at-risk students amid modest post-pandemic improvements. KUNM
- ➤ Anderson School at UNM assembled New Mexico’s first team for the Community Bank Case Study Competition with Main Bank to analyze banking practices + four undergrads led by Taya Perales will present their case study on May 13 at the CSBS State-Federal Supervisory Forum to showcase finance insights. University of New Mexico
- ➤ The New Mexico Tech Board of Regents approved five finalists in its presidential search — including two incumbents — who will visit campus from March 23-27 for public sessions with students, faculty and community members. Albuquerque Journal
- ➤ Supporters of early childhood education praised a $60 million allocation in last week’s state budget for a new professional wage scale, which will increase base pay + add raises based on experience as lawmakers and education officials prepare for the upcoming rulemaking process. Source NM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Massachusetts Institute of Technology study presented Wednesday recommended that Housing New Mexico create a state-run land bank to purchase abandoned homes and convert empty land—vacancy rates are estimated at 12,000 homes. Housing NM staff will bring the proposal to their board, then to legislators next year. Source NM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New Mexico health officials warned of a dangerous early heat wave, with 90-degree (90s) temperatures forecast for much of the state through the weekend. They urge residents, especially outdoor workers and the elderly, to drink more water, take breaks and get shade while community outreach teams prepare cooling relief. Source NM
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OhGeesy Live in Concert
7-10 p.m. — Sunshine Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience high-energy hip hop with OhGeesy's signature hits and new tracks in an intimate setting.
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Snow Tha Product Live
8-9:30 p.m. — Perico's Taco's & Burritos at Revel Entertainment Center — Cost info unavailable — Experience Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Snow Tha Product bring her dynamic performance to Albuquerque.
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The Slackers Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — Sunshine Theater — 21+ only — An evening of live ska music with The Slackers and local favorites.
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Ply-Split Braiding for Basketry
Class duration — Fiber Arts on 4th — Includes materials — Master the art of ply-split braiding for unique basketry creations.
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Jesús Muñoz Flamenco Performance
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Flamenco Works, Inc. — $10 off with a friend — Experience apasionate flamenco fused with American roots in a celebration of love and community.
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Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Wheels Museum — Free entry — Discover captivating stories from the history of Route 66 during this informative monthly speaker series.
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Jaime French Live Comedy Show
7-11 p.m. — Hyena's Comedy Nightclub — Tickets available — Experience the comedic brilliance of Jaime French, a dynamic performer reshaping the comedy scene.
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AMP Concerts: Cassie and Maggie
12-1 p.m. — Erna Fergusson Public Library — Free entry — Experience the enchanting folk harmonies of JUNO-nominated sisters Cassie and Maggie as they blend tradition with innovation.
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Ashes To Amber Live
7:30-11 p.m. — Backstage at Revel — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience the unforgettable performance of Ashes To Amber in Albuquerque.
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Rabbit Run
9-11 a.m. — Los Poblanos Fields Open Space — Cost info not available — Participate in the lively 5th annual Rabbit Run this Easter weekend.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
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