🌱 Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Activities + New Street Lights

Happy Thursday, people of Albuquerque! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 46 Low: 33.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Albuquerque today:

1. This year, there are several New Year's Eve activities for Albuquerque residents to choose from. The Albuquerque Museum and Balloon Museum will both be holding special activities during the day with free admission. Explora will host a New Year's Eve celebration at noon that is family-friendly. (KOB)
2. The city of Albuquerque recently added 500 street lights to historically dark communities. However, residents say it isn't enough and cite rising crime statistics in their neighborhoods. Certain neighborhoods received more lights than others in this $5 million initiative. (KOB)
3. A teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools went viral on TikTok after telling her class that she was quitting due to low pay. Mahalia Aponte began teaching 8th-grade social studies a couple of months into the school year and shared that her annual salary was prorated, paying her only $34.5K of the $51K salary. Many other teachers have responded, citing similar problems in other states. (KRQE News 13)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• 2021 River Of Lights At ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Albuquerque Police Department is actively looking for a former Metro 15 offender who cut off his ankle monitor. Drake is a known violent offender and if you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact 242-COPS or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers. (Facebook)
• The Albuquerque Animal Welfare reports that their longest-term pet in the shelter, Jody, was finally adopted. (Facebook)
• The City of Albuquerque is hiring. Join the Mayor's Office as the Assistant to the Mayor. Some of the duties include directing, planning, and organizing the activities of the daily schedule and events. (Instagram)

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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.