🌱 APD Investigates 3 Fatal Shootings + Balloon Fiesta Brings $203M

Hi all. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, but chilly. High: 43 Low: 24.

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Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is investigating three separate homicides that took place across the city on Wednesday. The first took place Wednesday morning at the Cinnamon Tree Apartments; a second fatal shooting took place that afternoon near 2nd and Menaul; and a third occurred at the Love's gas station at 6th and Cutler. The APD is investigating whether these incidents are drug-related and whether they are connected; however, no arrests have been made as of Thursday. (KRQE News 13)
2. The 2022 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brought a significant economic boost to the city's economy, with a total impact of $203 million, according to a study by Forward Analytics. Direct spending by visitors at local businesses amounted to $119 million, an increase from the $186 million generated in the last study conducted in 2019. The nine-day event attracted nearly 828,800 visitors, with 76 percent coming from outside of New Mexico. (Subscription: Albuquerque Journal)
3. The Walmart on San Mateo Boulevard in southeast Albuquerque will be closing on Mar. 10, confirmed by the company on Wednesday. According to Walmart, the San Mateo store has been underperforming financially; it is currently the only store in New Mexico expected to close at this time. Employees at the store are eligible for transfer to work at another location. (KRQE News)

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Today in and around Albuquerque:

• New Mexico Shrine Circus At Tingley Coliseum (4:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
• Soulmates Or Sangria Photoshoot At Perfect Pixels Studios, Corrales (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Albuquerque Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding Aubrey Prince-Koch, 35, for multiple burglaries into apartments. If you have any information about the suspect's whereabouts, please call 242-COPS or Metro Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP. (Albuquerque Police Department via Facebook)
• Severe weather can cause widespread devastation, and some states are more prone to disaster-related property damage than others. Due mainly to wildfires, New Mexico ranks No. 25 in the U.S. for total property damage, with an average of $1,295.48 per capita. See how our state stacks up against the rest of the country in this new interactive study. (NeighborWho)
• Looking for a four-legged Valentine? Animal Humane New Mexico will be hosting a "Find Your Soul-Mutt" adoption special from Feb. 11-14, during which all adult dogs will have adoption fees of only $14. (KRQE News 13)

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

— 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.