🌱 Body Found In Home That Was On Fire + Franklin Plaza Redevelopment

Good morning, friends. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter — here to impart everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Windy; cloudy, a few showers. High: 62 Low: 37.
• Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers. High: 51 Low: 32.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. Albuquerque police are investigating a homicide case after a body was found inside a home that caught fire, which was quickly put out by city fire crews. The identity of the victim is yet to be revealed, and the cause of death will be determined through an autopsy while the fire's cause remains under investigation. (Fox News)
2. The Albuquerque City Council has approved a list of transportation projects to be completed in the coming years, which includes widening Unser Boulevard, improving bus services and bus stations, and installing smart traffic signals along Montano Road. The projects aim to use federal funding and also include trail upgrades along the North Diversion Channel. The council has also urged the state Department of Transportation to seek federal funding for projects such as an interchange at I-40 and Rio Grande Boulevard and sound walls along I-25. (KRQE)
3. The City of Albuquerque is negotiating to purchase the Franklin Plaza, an abandoned shopping center that has been a source of trouble for nearly two decades. The city intends to redevelop the property and incorporate an urgent care facility, restaurants, stores, affordable housing, and a new fire station. Albuquerque City Councilor Diane Gibson Grout has asked for suggestions from the public regarding the site's redevelopment, which is still being negotiated with the current owner. (KRQE)

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Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Wednesday, March 22

• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Ponderosa Brewing Company (7:00 PM)
• Zach Williams At Kiva Auditorium (7:00 PM)

Thursday, March 23

• Karaoke With Allison Saint At Sidewinders Bar And Grill (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• New homes have been listed for sale in the Albuquerque area! Get all the property details at the link. (Albuquerque Patch)
• The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is hiring animal lovers for their team of conservation officers, and one of the job's highlights is to cuddle bear cubs. Candidates will have to crawl into bear dens and give bear babies hugs, as part of their job responsibilities. Learn more about the opportunity here! (TAG 24)
• A warning to Albuquerque residents: A front yard display that lit up a local neighborhood has been targeted by a thief who was caught on camera. The collection, which included a playground for fairies and motion sensor lights, was admired by many, but one person helped themselves to the lights. (KOB 4)
• A group of artists in Albuquerque is painting murals to raise awareness about the danger of pedestrian accidents at the San Mateo and Central and Louisiana and Central intersections in the International District. The mural features a zigzag pattern and a curving pattern to reflect the struggle of being a pedestrian or driver in the area and was designed with input from residents in the area. (KOB 4)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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.