🌱 Police Investigate Pena's Campaign Funds + New Sobering Center

Hello, everybody! I'm back with your new copy of the Albuquerque Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A little afternoon snow. High: 40 Low: 23.
• Saturday: Decreasing clouds and chilly. High: 40 Low: 20.

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Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. The Albuquerque Police Department is investigating the funding behind Solomon Pena's failed campaign to become the state representative for District 14. Officials said they suspect some of the funding raised during the campaign included drug money. Pena is currently charged with multiple drive-by shooting events at the homes of Democratic elected officials. (Subscription: Albuquerque Journal)
2. Lawmakers toured a new sobering center in Albuquerque that is set to open sometime in the summer. The center will be the first of its kind in the city and will offer a place for city residents to go to get sober under the care of medical professionals. The center's services aim to relieve the pressure off of emergency rooms and jails. (Subscription: Albuquerque Journal)
3. The Albuquerque City Council combined three bills into one that will keep the city's zero-fare bus program active throughout the rest of its trial period, as well as set it up for future improvements. The bill, which the council will vote on during its Feb. 6 meeting, would keep the program in place through June. This would give time to the transit department to analyze using a pass-based system and provide funding for transit security. (KRQE News 13)

Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Friday, January 20

• Family Art Workshops At Albuquerque Museum (1:00 PM)
• Chris Cagle With Sarah Rowe At The Historic Lobo Theater (6:30 PM)

Saturday, January 21

• Health Sciences Center Orchestra Of UNM At Keller Hall At The UNM Center For The Arts & Art Museum (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This weekend kicks off the start of the Lunar New Year! To welcome in the Year of the Rabbit, check out this list of seven events this weekend in and around the Albuquerque area, including a celebration at the Chinese Culture Center in Albuquerque. (Subscription: Albuquerque Journal)
• Bring home a new furry family member and give a homeless pet a new forever home. Check out this week's roundup of adoptable pets in the Albuquerque area and meet pets like Roxy, Angelica, Whiskey, and more! (Albuquerque Patch)
• Three South Valley schools are getting grants to launch agriculture STEM magnet programs! U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján visited Rio Grande High on Tuesday to announce a $275,000 grant to help prepare students to learn coding and various tech-based skills in the agricultural industry. (Albuquerque Public Schools via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Michelle Paul