🌱 Proposed Minimum Wage Increases + Superintendent Honored By UNM

Good morning, everybody! It's Friday in Albuquerque and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, but chilly. High: 42 Low: 22.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Albuquerque? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. The proposed minimum wage increase has prompted mixed reactions among Albuquerque restaurant owners, residents, and economic experts. While some restaurant owners worry about its impact on their industry, some locals are optimistic about its positive effects on low-income families. The two proposed bill revisions, House Bill 25 and House Bill 28 pose two options for increasing the minimum wage. The first recommends moving to $13.50 by 2024 and $15.50 by 2025, and the second bill aims to raise wages to $15.55 by 2034. (KOAT New Mexico)
2. The Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) superintendent was honored with the University of New Mexico Alumni Association's Rodey Award. The award, which recognizes an individual's significant contribution to the field of education, will be presented at a dinner in February. Scott Elder has worked with APS for over 30 years as an ESL teacher, the principal, and the chief of operations, and he was named superintendent in 2020. (Press Release Desk)
3. Albuquerque police are investigating a homicide that occurred on the afternoon of Jan. 25. Around 2:00 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting at Mesilla Street NE and Central Ave SE, and one person was found on the scene had died. The investigation is ongoing. (KOAT New Mexico)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Albuquerque Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Albuquerque Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Albuquerque:

• Pecos And The Rooftops With Dylan Wheeler At The Historic Lobo Theater (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society has plenty of puppies ready for adoption. You can check out the website or visit to see which one might come home with you! (Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society via Facebook)
• Open enrollment for Albuquerque Fire Rescue is ongoing through Mar. 20. For information about joining IAFF Local 244's 101st Cadet Class, visit the link. (Albuquerque Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for Saturday at 12:00 p.m. and head down the road to Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet to see the Faux Fighters' tribute to the Foo Fighters. The band will play three sets, and tickets are only two dollars! (Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Shop Small Sunday Vendor Fair (January 29)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (January 31)
• Magic the Gathering Magic Mixer (January 31)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you around!

— Michelle Paul