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Albuquerque has investigated 59 homicides this year through Nov. 11 — a 32% plunge from the same period last year and the city’s third straight year of declining homicides.

These locations will open from October 18 to November 1.

Buccaneer, a 22-year-old reticulated giraffe who charmed millions of visitors at the ABQ BioPark over nearly two decades, was euthanized Thursday due to declining mobility from arthritis, zoo officials announced.

Kagi AI Summary: As Albuquerque students return to school on August 7, 72% of classrooms will lack modern air conditioning, relying on outdated evaporative coolers that struggle in extreme heat. Only 28% of classrooms have refrigerated air conditioning. The district faces a $165-$175 million challenge to upgrade all facilities, with a $40.2 million bond proposal for 20 schools pending voter approval in November. Rising temperatures, from 7 days above 97°F in 1990 to projected 45 days by 2050, exacerbate the issue. Evaporative coolers, which can only reduce temperatures by 20 degrees, leave classrooms uncomfortably hot. Educators and parents express concerns about learning conditions, with some teachers purchasing personal air conditioners. Despite recent improvements, cooling unit failures persist, and the district is working to address them. The bond, if approved, would fund conversions at schools like New Futures High and Mary Ann Binford Elementary. The district acknowledges the necessity of refrigerated air conditioning to provide comfortable learning environments amid rising temperatures.

City Councilor Louie Sanchez says he will require Albuquerque police to cooperate with federal immigration officers if he is elected mayor, despite casting the deciding vote last year on legislation prohibiting police from doing just that.

Kagi AI Summary: Mayor Tim Keller is proposing changes to Albuquerque’s regulations for Safe Outdoor Spaces to make them more accessible for churches and nonprofits, aiming to address the city’s record homelessness crisis. Current rules, including mandatory 24/7 security, permanent showers, and dedicated service provider spaces, create significant financial barriers, with annual costs exceeding $100,000. Keller’s plan includes flexible security arrangements, mobile shower solutions, and eliminating the need for dedicated service provider spaces, reducing costs and red tape. The changes would also introduce $100 application fees and $50 renewal fees, with permits lasting 12 months and participation in a Good Neighbor Program. With over 2,700 people experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque, Keller emphasizes the need to scale up Safe Outdoor Spaces, potentially creating up to 100 sites to accommodate those who may not be ready for traditional shelters.

Kagi AI Summary: A Comcast outage in southeast Albuquerque affected nearly 15,000 people, starting Monday night and continuing into Tuesday afternoon. The outage was caused by damage to a fiber line by a third-party utility, according to Comcast spokesperson Kyle Biederwolf. The damaged site was deemed safe for repair at 12:45 a.m., with initial expectations of service restoration by overnight, then by 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, but the restore time was pushed to early evening. The specific utility responsible for the damage is unclear, though Albuquerque has faced issues with companies installing fiber internet infrastructure, including Vexus Fiber and Ezee Fiber, which recently had stop-work orders lifted. Xfinity customers can check outage status via the Xfinity App or website and sign up for text notifications.

Kagi AI Summary: Albuquerque is investing nearly $167 million in capital projects across the city, with District 1 receiving over $12 million for upgrades like BioPark enhancements, park improvements, and transit hubs. Funding comes primarily from General Obligation (G.O.) bonds, backed by property taxes, with voter approval required every two years. The Capital Implementation Program manages these projects, prioritizing infrastructure, public safety, parks, and libraries. In District 1, notable projects include BioPark upgrades, new playgrounds, and renovations at Gateway Center West. The 2025 G.O. Bond proposal, totaling $200 million in requests, will be voted on in November, with funds allocated to streets, public safety, and recreational facilities.

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