🌱Biopark Elephant Diagnosed With Virus + Omicron Hurts Hospitals

Good morning, Albuquerque! Like many of you, the Patch team is taking some time off to celebrate the New Year, so there will not be a newsletter in your inbox tomorrow. We appreciate your understanding of this slight pause in our schedule, and I will be back on Monday with the next edition of the Albuquerque Daily! Now, here's everything happening around town today.

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First, today's weather:

Afternoon showers. High: 47 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Albuquerque:

1. State health officials have expressed concern for hospital capacity in the greater Albuquerque area following the recent Omicron spike. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 77 percent of all inpatient hospital beds were occupied as of Dec. 30, and about 12 percent of all beds were occupied by patients with COVID-19. (Albuquerque Patch)
2. The sister of the BioPark elephant that died less than a week ago has tested positives for the same virus. On Christmas day, 3-year-old Biopark resident, Thor, died from elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). Jasmine, who is older and has a more developed immune system than her younger brother, is being treated with antiviral medication and plasma transfusions. (KOAT New Mexico)
3. The Albuquerque Police Department has arrested a woman and charged her with arson in a fire that took place on November 29. It was reported by local media that a woman was captured on security footage setting fire to trash can's contents, then pouring the burning garbage on the ground and spreading the burning material. The suspect had a warrant issued for her arrest on Monday and was arrested and jailed on Wednesday. (KSFR)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• Winter Wonderland 2021 At EXPO New Mexico: Home of the State Fair (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Santa Fe Fire Department salutes Captain Julius Aragon for 35 years of service! Today he had his traditional "final ride" home, a ceremony common in fire service upon retirement. Santa Fe sends a big thank you and congratulations to Captain Julius Aragon. (Instagram)
• Join the Albuquerque Parks and Recreation team and take the plunge for a good cause at The Al'burrr'querque Polar Bear Plunge. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. on January 9 at the West Mesa Aquatic Center. Proceeds benefit the Swim Lesson Scholarship Fund and the Biopark polar bears. (Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you Monday morning for 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.