🌱 Local Nonprofits Help Assault Victims + Safe Outdoor Spaces Open

Good morning, Albuquerque! I'm Sean Peek, and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 45 Low: 25.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. Local Albuquerque nonprofits have been working together to provide assistance for patients at the University of New Mexico Hospital, including victims of sexual assault. The Assistance League of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Collaborative (SANE) serve around 360 victims of sexual assault every year. SANE is always accepting donations and looking for volunteers; call 505-883-8720 to learn how you can help. (KRQE News 13)
2. Albuquerque's safe outdoor spaces initiative is moving forward with one space completing its first month of operation and a second space set to open soon. Both city-sanctioned homeless camps are open to people who are currently living in their cars. The safe outdoor spaces offer secure outdoor parking. (KRQE News 13)
3. An external audit of the Albuquerque Police Department reported that one officer was paid $137,396 in overtime between February 2020 and May 2021. Litigation is currently ongoing regarding the audit's findings, and the city has yet to initiate a claim for reimbursement. (Albuquerque Journal)

Today in Albuquerque:

• 1 Million Cups ABQ - Crest Leaders At FatPipe ABQ Coworking Space (9:00 AM)
• Homemade Butter At Tony Hillerman Public Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new home for the new year? Check out this roundup of new real estate properties to hit the market in the Albuquerque area, including a nine-bedroom, five-bathroom house and a five-bedroom, three-bathroom house. (Albuquerque Patch)
• Have you ever dreamed of becoming a firefighter? Now's your chance! Albuquerque Fire Rescue is now hiring, and its open enrollment for the next cadet class is scheduled to begin in August. (Albuquerque Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Do you know a kid who loves to create? Del Norte Credit Union and Santa Fe Home Builders Association are once again hosting a LEGO Creations Contest! Kids 12 and under in the local community can create sets out of LEGOs, creative building sets, or other materials to submit online from Sunday, Jan 29, to Sunday, Feb. 26. The event will also include live competitions on the weekend of Mar. 11-12. (Santa Fe Public Schools via Facebook)

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• Sunday Rally (January 8)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.