Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could Albuquerque and Bernalillo County really merge this time?

Spotted on the Albuquerque calendar: Blackman's Back-to-School Party!

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Friday September 4th Patch AM
Friday September 4th Patch AM (Robert L.)

What's up Albuquerque! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Albuquerque and Bernalillo County really merge this time?
  • What's changing for Albuquerque teachers under APS's new 2028 contract?
  • Which Albuquerque sites are getting new city-backed solar panels first?

Also on today's calendar: Blackman's Back-to-School Party! and 5 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Robert L.!

Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 89 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, temps: high: 91, low: 68.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and warm, with a high of 90 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. An old idea is back: Keller quietly floats a city-county merger (nm.news) — Mayor Tim Keller is quietly reviving the long-debated idea of merging Albuquerque's city government with Bernalillo County, arguing it could streamline services and save money. City councilors and county commissioners are split, and any consolidation would require years of study plus voter approval from both city and county residents before moving forward.
   

2. APS approves Albuquerque teachers union contract through 2028 (abqjournal.com subscription) — Albuquerque Public Schools has approved a new teachers union contract running through 2028, covering more than 6,000 union and nonunion employees. The deal adds caseload caps, protected planning time, expanded paid leave after on-the-job assaults, and includes state-funded raises and higher district contributions to health insurance, potentially affecting classroom stability and staff retention across Albuquerque schools.
   

3. Albuquerque officials break ground of 1st of 8 solar projects in the city (krqe.com) — Albuquerque is kicking off the first of eight new solar projects, starting at the Eastside Animal Shelter and eventually including the Sunport, Highland High, the 911 center, and more. City officials say the public‑private partnership will generate about six megawatts of power and move municipal operations closer to a 100% renewable energy goal without upfront city costs.
   

4. Albuquerque police investigate vehicle and pedestrian crash near I-40 (kob.com) — Albuquerque police are investigating a serious crash near Lomas and Louisiana NE where a pedestrian was reportedly hit and possibly dragged by a vehicle, leaving one person in critical condition. Officers detained several people and tied the incident to a reported dispute near I-40 and Louisiana, while APD's Impact Unit continues gathering details.
   

5. Albuquerque teacher accused of grooming students, district now faces lawsuit (koat.com) — A former Cibola High School teacher in Albuquerque is accused of grooming students online and starting sexual relationships with them soon after they turned 18, prompting a lawsuit against Albuquerque Public Schools. The family alleges school leaders ignored earlier complaints and are pushing for stronger oversight and a change in New Mexico law to better protect high school students.
   

📸 Around Albuquerque

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📸 Balloon Fiesta 2025 —Robert L. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Albuquerque

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday September 4
  • Brantley Gilbert →
    Rio Rancho Events Center Dock, 3001 Civic Center Cir NE, Rio Rancho
    7:00 pm
    • Saturday September 5
  • Saturday Shake and Shimmy at the South Valley Library →
    South Valley Public Library, 3904 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque
    11:00 am
  • Music Under the Stars
    Philharmonic ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87144, United States
    6:15 pm
  • Derrick Stroup →
    Hyena's Comedy Nightclub, 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE #434, Albuquerque
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am very sad with my camera so apologies there.
    But, if you can see either one of these, please identify for me. I went out to water and fill fountains. I saw this at the Salvia, after dark and… (Nextdoor Comanche Foothills)
  • Would anyone be kind enough to let me and my grandpa come by to look at your horses?
    He loves horses he's 88 years old. Can't ride em of course but I think it would be great for him to come by feed your horse possibly, pet them, just… (Nextdoor Paradise Vista)
  • Genesis Healthcare posted a job opening for Recreation Assistant in Albuquerque. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Cart Attendant in Albuquerque. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Albuquerque here.

Ok Albuquerque! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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