🌱 AREA Releases 2022 Report + Superintendent Scott Elder Resigning

Hey, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Comfortable with some sun. High: 84 Low: 58.
• Saturday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 85 Low: 61.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. Local pro-business organization the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) released a 40+ page report on Tuesday, Jun. 6, detailing the benefits of business investment and expansion in the Albuquerque metro. Danielle Casey, AREA president and CEO said, "This report, updated annually, has become one of our top economic development publications used to articulate our value proposition and market the region to decision-makers outside of the community." (Albuquerque Journal)
2. Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Superintendent Scott Elder gave notice Wednesday, Jun. 7. Elder's contract expires on Jun. 30, 2024, and he will be leaving the district when that time comes. Elder said, "I am proud of my service to APS and this community, and I am particularly proud of the progress APS has made, despite the challenges we faced and the unique issues created by the pandemic." The APS board has announced its intention to work with Elder through the following school year to make the transition period smooth, and the APS board will collaborate with Elder to choose his successor as superintendent. (Albuquerque Public Schools)
3. It may be a little-known fact that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) keeps rankings of local areas for dog attacks - and for 2022, Albuquerque comes in at #22. In 2022, there were 14 attacks by dogs on mail carriers in Albuquerque, down from 20 in 2021. The rate of dog attacks on mail carriers has decreased statewide in the past year, from 39 in 2021 to 24 in 2022. USPS is sponsoring "Dog Bite Awareness Week" through Jun. 10, and per USPS, more than 5,300 USPS employees were attacked by dogs while delivering the mail in 2022. The top three cities nationwide for dogs setting upon mail carriers were Houston, Los Angeles, and Dallas. (KRQE News 13)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Albuquerque:

Friday, June 9

• Car Show At Flea Market At Expo New Mexico (5:00 PM)

Saturday, June 10

• The Los Ranchos Art Market At 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque (8:00 AM)
• Play Day For A Cause At Kiddie Academy Of Paradise Hills (10:00 AM)
• Papa Bear Market At Boxing Bear Brewing Co. Corrales Taproom (11:00 AM)
• Prickly Foods New Design Release Party At Differential Brewing Co. (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Historic punk group Social Distortion have made the decision to postpone their planned summer tour, which had been set to include a stop in Albuquerque at Revel ABQ on Aug. 8. The postponement was announced on Wednesday, Jun. 7, due to a stage 1 tonsil cancer diagnosis given to singer Mike Ness. The timeline for the tour should become more clear once Ness begins undergoing radiation treatment in the next three weeks. (Albuquerque Journal)
• The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is set to give employees a 17 percent raise thanks to recent appropriations by the county commission, meanwhile the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is beginning to offer $10,000 or $15,000 sign-on bonuses to prospective officers, in addition to raising starting pay for cadets from $19 to $28 an hour. Quote APD Lieutenant Jacob Hoisington: "As we push out new incentives, you see other agencies follow suit pretty quickly, because they just have to." (KOB 4)
• New Mexico's Cannabis Control Division launched a new ad campaign Wednesday, Jun. 7, with the intent of raising awareness around rules and regulations pertaining to cannabis and cannabis byproducts. Quote Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Linda Trujillo: "The Cannabis Control Division is committed to being a helpful ally in the New Mexico cannabis market. We recognize the need for education in this new cannabis industry." (KOB 4)

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Featured events:

• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Paradise Hills (Jun. 10)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (Jun. 13)
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You're all caught up 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.