🌱 Gov. Grisham Signs Housing Order + Man Arrested For Hitting Biker

Hello, Albuquerque! It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Come along for everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Increasingly windy. High: 82 Low: 56.
• Thursday: Beautiful with plenty of sun. High: 79 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order on Tuesday, May 30, to create a Housing Investment Council with the intention of addressing issues related to affordable housing in New Mexico. The most recent figures indicate that the average rent in New Mexico has increased by 70 percent since 2017, with wages only crawling up by 15 percent. Quote Grisham: "It is time to go big on affordable housing...We secured more than $82 million in the last legislative session to address housing, and an investment plan is the next step in ensuring we make the most of every housing dollar in our state." (Albuquerque Journal)
2. Christopher Martinez, 39, of Albuquerque, has been arrested for allegedly hitting another man with his vehicle and fleeing the scene of the collision. Albuquerque police were called on May 18 by a woman who said that her boyfriend had been hit while riding a bicycle. The caller explained to police that Martinez was her ex-boyfriend, and after an argument about the caller's new relationship, Martinez got into his vehicle and struck the new boyfriend with it. Martinez was arrested on the 25 and charged with aggravated battery, fleeing the scene, and tampering with evidence. (KOAT New Mexico)
3. Albuquerque Atomic Sisters women's rugby club is on its way to the USA Club Rugby Nationals for the first time in 11 years. The Atomic Sisters are hoping to expand local, state, and national participation in rugby and secure funding for future competitions. (KOB 4)

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Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Wednesday, May 31

• Student Photography Exhibit At Albuquerque Museum (All day)
• Summer Park Hops At Mariposa Basin Park (10:00 AM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Ponderosa Brewing Company (7:00 PM)

Thursday, June 1

• Spanish Broom At Plaza Don Luis (4:00 PM)
• Ice Nine Kills: FEAR THE PREMIERE TOUR At Revel (5:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society bids a fond farewell to Harley and Freckles, longtime shelter residents who have been adopted! (Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society via Facebook)
• Santa Fe Fiesta Council member Mike Leonard Romero celebrated his birthday yesterday, with thoughts and congratulations from the organization! (Santa Fe Fiesta via Facebook)
• The City of Albuquerque invites you to join an interactive day for senior health and wellness! More info at the link. (City of Albuquerque via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 1)
• Add your event

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

— 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.