Listen "Albuquerque Local Pulse: Shootings, Housing Crisis, and Community Engagement"
Episode Synopsis
Good morning, this is Albuquerque Local Pulse for Saturday, August 9, 2025.We start with breaking news. Last night, just before eleven, emergency crews responded to a major incident on Interstate 25 southbound at Paseo del Norte. Witnesses called 911 after seeing someone jump from the bridge. Albuquerque Police closed lanes for several hours, and they continue their investigation. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.In other urgent news, yesterday afternoon there was a shooting near Gene Avenue and 4th Street Northwest by the Smith’s Fuel Station. Officers found one person wounded at the scene and have not yet released further details. This comes as police continue crackdowns in other parts of the city. At the University of New Mexico campus, a man was arrested and is accused of setting two fires earlier this week, but thankfully, no one was hurt, and damage was limited according to Albuquerque police.On the public safety beat, police remind us that they’ve stepped up enforcement in school zones now that students are back. Already, drivers have received almost a hundred citations in the first two days alone. Patrols are out around schools across our city, like Bel-Air Elementary on Candelaria near San Mateo, where parents and crossing guards say speeding cars remain a danger. Officers and community leaders urge everyone to slow down and keep their eyes on the road, especially during pickup and drop-off.Let’s turn now to city hall, where some big proposals aim to help local families. Mayor Tim Keller and city councilors have introduced the PATCH program, which would provide loan forgiveness for low-income homeowners to make critical repairs, from bad plumbing to failing roofs. This new initiative is designed to keep families in their homes and avoid displacement, especially in historic neighborhoods where one serious repair bill could mean losing a home. The PATCH program still needs council approval to move forward, but similar existing programs have already helped dozens of Albuquerque households this year, with nearly thirty major repairs completed or in progress according to city officials.On the job front, city council discussions this week focused on mentoring and apprenticeship programs for young people. Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn says many youths here struggle to find good career pathways, and stronger mentoring could help more students transition out of poverty. Albuquerque’s Department of Family and Community Services funds these opportunities so if you or someone you know could benefit, reach out to learn more.Turning to real estate, city leaders also say they’re working on zoning changes and new affordable housing development, aiming to add around twenty five hundred homes over the coming months as Albuquerque faces what the mayor calls a housing crisis.Looking at the weather, we’re starting out with clear skies this morning but expect some building clouds and a high near ninety four degrees. A stray afternoon thunderstorm might pop up on the Westside and the foothills, so keep an eye on the sky if you’re heading outdoors or to Balloon Fiesta Park. Tonight, we’ll see cooler temps in the upper sixties. This pattern holds through the weekend, so plan accordingly if you have Saturday evening plans or want to check out the Downtown Growers’ Market on Central.In business news, a new locally owned coffee shop, The Roasted Bean, opens its doors today near Lomas and Eubank, offering live music this weekend and a focus on New Mexico-grown beans. No major closings announced, but several retail spaces are preparing for fall pop-up shops around Uptown.Sportswise, congratulations to the Albuquerque High girls soccer team for winning their eighth straight opener last night, beating Valley High two to nothing on their home field. Meanwhile, Isotopes Park hosts the Salt Lake Bees for a weekend baseball series.For community events, besides farmers markets, don’t forget Civic Plaza hosts a free salsa music festival tonight starting at six. Sunday morning, the BioPark Zoo welcomes families with discounted admission and early animal feedings.And for a feel-good moment, keep an eye out for volunteers from the Rio Grande Community Farm who spent yesterday afternoon delivering fresh produce to the Albuquerque Rescue Mission from their latest harvest. Just another example of neighbors helping neighbors in our city.Thank you for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been Albuquerque Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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