Thursday’s Five Facts
- ABQ claims bookstore’s homeless encampment led to recent fire and drug trafficking
- Nob Hill celebrates the new year with its 10th ‘Chile Drop’
- El Paso Zoo aids lethargic bald eagle
- Can you spot over 500 bird species in NM during Birding Big Year competition?
- Albuquerque mayor names interim police chief
- New Year’s: What’s open/closed in Albuquerque?
Thursday’s Top Stories
[1] BCSO Sheriff announces county firefighters are no longer flying with them in air support -Bernalillo County firefighters will no longer be flying on the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) helicopter, following a new rule implemented by Sheriff John Allen. The sheriff stated that this change is a consequence of the county’s decision to stop random marijuana testing for certain employees, including firefighters. However, the local firefighters’ union claims that testing procedures have not ceased and that their testing guidelines align with those of the BCSO.
[2] Clovis police investigating shooting death of 15-year-old – The Clovis teen accused of shooting and killing his friend is now in custody. Police say 15-year-old Anthony Gallegos was shot and killed after he and his friend were playing with guns in a bedroom Monday. On Tuesday, police say the 16-year-old suspect accused of being a part of the crime was taken into custody. He is facing a list of charges, including involuntary slaughter.
[3] Light rain, mountain snow in New Mexico to start 2026 – Rainfall will likely persist throughout the morning before another round of spotty to isolated showers move through New Mexico this afternoon and evening. These showers will likely bring rain chances in northern, western and central New Mexico, while mountain snow showers may linger through Friday morning. Mountain snow will be likely through parts of the northern mountains around 9,000 feet above where a few inches of snow could accumulate…