Good morning, Albuquerque.

Police are searching for Jose Ivan Rios Sanchez after a bicyclist died in a hit-and-run on Kathryn Avenue and Carlisle Boulevard on January 19 — witnesses reported the driver left the scene.

Former Albuquerque police officer Nelson Ortiz pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit interference with commerce on March 24—he referred intoxicated driving arrests to an attorney and a law firm investigator and was released from federal custody after his plea.

A man was arrested after allegedly fatally shooting his friend and assaulting his friend's daughter—an incident that occurred during a party at a home near downtown on Sunday morning—prompting police to detain him.

On Monday, a jury found a man guilty in a fatal shooting at Elk's Lodge where a dispute on the dance floor led to the 2024 shooting death.

Tomorrow, UNM will host a Farmworker Awareness Week event at La Casita CCS from 1 to 4 p.m. to honor farmworkers with an art display + community activities including trivia, a DIY bandana project, and student testimonials.

Undergraduate students at UNM can vote in the annual ASUNM election from 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 26 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 27—voters may cast ballots in person at the Student Union Building by the Lobo Day wall photograph or online.

A list of candidates is available for review.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the Legislature ended its 60-day session on March 22 without passing key bills on juvenile crime and public safety—warning a special session is likely if lawmakers do not act.

She also criticized legislators for avoiding meaningful debate and urged voters to hold officials accountable—steps meant to protect community safety.

A bill passed in the legislature to create a five-year pilot program for Native immersion schools to help the 11% of public school students who are Native American — it will teach languages like Tiwa, Tewa, Towa, Keres, Apache, Zuni and Diné — as lawmakers work to fill long-standing resource gaps. Senate Bill 13 will provide funds for school operations and capital costs — a move that does not include a special appropriation — and aims to boost student achievement.

Twelfth Judicial District Court Judge Ellen Jessen will retire from the bench on March 31—she handled more than 6,500 cases since July 2020—after serving as a domestic relations hearing officer and attorney before her appointment by Governor Lujan Grisham.

The Women of SCAS Lecture and Panel Discussion

5:30-6:30 p.m. | Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm | Free entry | Celebrate Women's History Month with a panel exploring the contributions of extraordinary women to the Spanish Colonial Arts Society.

Venardos Circus 10th Anniversary

5-8:30 p.m. | Cottonwood Mall | Tickets from $16.95 | Experience a Broadway-style, animal-free circus that celebrates a decade of dreams under a dazzling big top.

Fiber Fun Fridays

11 AM – 3 PM | Fiber Arts on 4th | Free entry | Bring your projects and connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts in a creative atmosphere.

Run with Joy 5k and Half Marathon

8 AM – 12 PM — Canteen Brewhouse — Registration fees apply — Celebrate the memory of friends with a unicorn-themed marathon and 5k run.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

2-3:30 p.m. | Rio Rancho Events Center | Cost not specified | Experience the joy of music with Blippi and friends in a lively family-friendly performance.

Simulation 101 Workshop

8:45-11:00 a.m. | GoEngineer - Albuquerque | Free entry | Explore design performance and efficiency in product development through innovative simulations.

FREE Admission at the Balloon Museum First Fridays

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum — Free entry — Experience wonder and flight at the Balloon Museum with free admission for all on the first Friday of every month.

Southwest Comic Book & Creator Showcase

10 AM – 4 PM — Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Albuquerque Midtown — Free entry — Explore the world of comics with creators, cosplay, food trucks, and more all weekend long.

Heirloom Grains and Sourdough Workshop

11:30 p.m. — 4920 Rio Grande Blvd NW — Cost not specified — Learn about heritage grains and create your own rye sourdough starter.

Healers Garden Hops Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Old Town Herbal — Refunds available up to 7 days before — Explore the medicinal benefits of hops and leave with your own jar of vinegar based hops bitters.