🌱 Plane Diverted To Sunport + Increase In Traffic Tickets

Hello again, Albuquerque! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Albuquerque Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Albuquerque Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Albuquerque long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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First, today's weather:

Winds becoming strong. High: 58 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. A passenger's "lewd acts" forced a plane to divert to the Sunport Albuquerque Airport on Friday. Officials say Samson Hardridge allegedly had his hands down his pants, made lewd comments to a flight attendant, urinated in a corner of the plane, and was generally belligerent during the flight. Hardridge is being charged with interfering with a flight crew during a flight. (KRQE News 13)
2. Researchers at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque have received $4 million from the Department of Defense to continue their study of veterans' brains. According to researchers, veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries are being treated with two non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in a clinical study. Approximately 400,000 traumatic brain injuries have been reported among service members since 2000. (KOB)
3. In response to a recent death of a 7-year-old pedestrian, the Albuquerque Police Department has begun to crack down on traffic violations. According to the department, they are focusing on problem areas around the city such as Central Avenue between 8th and Coors. These efforts have reportedly led to a decrease in calls related to traffic violations, says a spokesperson with the department. (KRQE News 13)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• Rummage Sale SETUP At The Albuquerque Garden Center (All Day)

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From my notebook:

• The Albuquerque Police Department remembers the contributions and dedications of Officer Carillo, who was killed in the line of duty while investigating a domestic dispute. (Facebook)
• The Albuquerque Fire Rescue 98th Cadet Class has begun training. Good luck to the cadets! (Facebook)
• Albuquerque Public Schools highlighted its Student of the Week, Elijah Oetzel. "Elijah is such a kind kid who is willing to do anything with a positive attitude," his parents told APS. (Press Release Desk)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— 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.