Increased minimum wage begins in ABQ

Thousands of people in Albuquerque started making more money Tuesday. 

The minimum wage increase went into effect in Albuquerque January 1, increasing the minimum wage from $7.50 to $8.50 an hour. Employees that get health care or child care will still make $7.50 an hour. 

City voters approved the increase during  November's General Election.

 Restauranteurs are concerned they will have to cut jobs or stop hiring. The city said it will hurt small businesses, even pulling an additional $500,000 over the final six months of the 2012-2013 fiscal year from the city.

Increased minimum wage begins in ABQ

Former congressional candidate goes on tire slashing spree

Gary Smith 

A former congressional candidate who police say has been on a tire-slashing binge may have paid another unwelcome visit to the home of his political rival New Year’s morning.  

Gary Smith was arrested on Friday, charged with slashing Janice Arnold-Jones tires. When he was released on bond, he was told not to go back to the house, but Arnold-Jones says that’s exactly what happened. 

Arnold-Jones says surveillance video shows Smith’s car slowly backing away from the house. 

Smith’s former campaign manager, Rhead Story, says Arnold-Jones’ home wasn’t Smith’s only stop New Year’s morning. Story says he woke up to more slashed tires. 

All told, he says he’s had to replace 54 tires because of Smith.

Former congressional candidate goes on tire slashing spree

Gov.Martinez's father passes away

Jake Martinez in a file photo from
the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The father of New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has died after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 80.  The governor's office says Jacobo "Jake" Martinez passed away just before 5 p.m. Monday. The elder Martinez was a three-time Golden Gloves winner in the 1950s as an amateur boxer. He also had served as a deputy sheriff in El Paso County, Texas, and was a Korean War veteran. Gov. Martinez's office says her father will be buried at Ft. Bliss in Texas. In lieu of flowers, Gov. Martinez suggests people make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association.

Gov.Martinez's father passes away