🌱 Vaccine Mandates Paused + Food Banks In Need of Local Support

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here are the most important things happening today in Albuquerque.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 49 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories today in Albuquerque:

1. The city of Albuquerque is pausing the vaccine and testing mandate as a result of last week's Supreme Court ruling. The US Supreme Court blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing sweeping vaccine-or-test requirements for large private companies. Despite the pause, the city remains committed to citizens' safety and strongly encourages employees to get vaccinated and wear masks. (KOAT New Mexico)
2. Roadrunner Food Bank seeing increased need with rising food prices, as one in four kids in New Mexico is currently at risk of hunger. During the holidays, the food bank reported seeing an influx of donations but is currently working to reach tens of thousands of people each week as things slow down after the season of giving. (KOAT New Mexico)
3. The Albuquerque Police Department is having a busy start to 2022 investigating 115 homicides from last year, including a missing person case from Belen. In the last two weeks, the department made several arrests in connection to homicides, crediting a handful of things including the oversight of the day-to-day tasks for detectives, adding certain milestones to a case, and having more eyes looking over cases. (KOAT New Mexico)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• Cactus & Succulent Society At Albuquerque Garden Center (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Sea Turtle Awareness Day is almost here! Join the City of Albuquerque from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on January 22 at the Aquarium for a day of learning, storytime, discovery stations, & more. Get your tickets today! (Instagram)
• The Albuquerque Police Department arrested Gabriel Guevara, 40, for trafficking controlled substances out of his home and business. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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.