🌱 Renamed Bennie J. Hargrove Park + TEAM Program Tackling Crime

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this spring morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A shower and t-storm; cooler. High: 71 Low: 54.
• Saturday: A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 76 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. Earlier this week, the city of Albuquerque honored Washington Middle School student Bennie Hargrove, who was shot and killed in August 2022. Hargrove was attempting to confront Juan Saucedo Jr. who was said to be a bully when he tragically lost his life. A ceremony was held Thursday at 12:30 p.m. for the renaming of Washington Middle School Park to Bennie J. Hargrove Park to honor the memory he left behind. (KRQE News 13)
2. Earlier this week, Albuquerque Academy hosted a signing day at the school for 16 of its student-athletes who will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at the next level. Eight different sports were represented by these student-athletes including football, baseball, volleyball, softball, soccer, golf, tennis, and track and field/cross country. None of these student-athletes are continuing their careers in the state of New Mexico unfortunately, but they are taking their talents throughout the country from California all the way to Connecticut. (KRQE News 13)
3. The city of Albuquerque is seeing a decrease in several crime-related categories this year, and they are crediting the TEAM program for much of this change. The Targeted Enforcement and Active Monitoring program works by having downtown business owners pitch in money to pay TEAM police officers for working overtime. During this time, the city has seen a six percent decrease in overall crime, with larger decreases in shootings, auto burglary, and auto theft. However, there have been more reported robberies and shootings without injury. So far, 11 downtown businesses have pitched in $150,000 toward the TEAM program. (KOB 4)

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Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Friday, May 19

• Building Club At San Pedro Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• Gin & Jazz: Funk Edition At Tractor Brewing (5:00 PM)
• Rewind Video Dance Party 80s Vs 90s Vs 2000s At Effex NightClub (9:00 PM)

Saturday, May 20

• The Los Ranchos Art Market At 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW (8:00 AM)
• Neighborhood Nature Fest & Block Party At Wilson Park (10:00 AM)
• Free Live Music Series In The Park At Pacific Rim Food Park (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Night Walks at the Botanic Garden are officially making their way back later this month with the return of warm weather. The park's volunteers will be your happy guides as you take a night stroll. Learn more or purchase tickets here. (ABQ BioPark via Instagram)
• Come out with your family and join the Isotopes at the ballpark for Faith & Family Day next Sunday, May 28. You can get more information about discounted tickets for the game by calling the ticket sales office at (505) 924-2255. (Albuquerque Isotopes via Instagram)
• The Santa Fe Fire Department wants to announce the wonderful promotion of Chris Michel to the position of Battalion Chief. Chief Michel has already done so much for the community, and the department is excited to see what he will do next in his new role. Congratulations Chief Michel! (Santa Fe Fire Department via Instagram)

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Featured events:

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with another update.

— 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.