Snow storm impacts New Mexico, Gun crimes, Tijeras bridge, Toxic algae blooms, Early voting turnout

Thursday’s Top Stories

Thursday’s Five Facts

[1] Snow moves in with colder & breezier day around New Mexico – A winter storm continues moving through New Mexico. Snow will cause travel impacts in parts of the state Thursday morning before drier and colder weather moves in. Snow will wrap up by mid Wednesday morning, allowing for the snowy and icy roads to clear up by the late morning. While it will be drier Thursday, the storm will leave behind much cooler temperatures Thursday afternoon. Friday morning will feature some of the coldest temperatures we’ve felt so far this season. 

[2] Lawmakers suggest new rules after new data released by ATF on gun crime in NM – A new report reveals that 78% of all gun crimes in the state are committed with firearms that were legally purchased from licensed dealers. From there, most of these guns are sold to individuals who are prohibited from buying firearms legally. Two Democratic lawmakers have announced their plans to introduce a bill that would create stricter rules for gun sellers, including training on what to watch for when selling to repeat buyers. Another proposed bill for the upcoming session would limit the sale of military-grade weapons in the state.

[3] Emergency funds will rebuild washed-out Tijeras bridge – Bernalillo County officials approved roughly $3 million for the Tijeras Watershed Restoration Project. The project was almost done, but in July, a storm swept through the watershed and heavily damaged a pedestrian bridge and the arroyo around it. They hope restoring the watershed to a wider and flatter area will force stormwater to slow down, creating a floodplain that can support habitat and absorb water. The new pedestrian bridge could take longer because construction materials are in high demand.

[4] Toxic algae bloom advisories lifted for five New Mexico lakes –  The New Mexico Environment Department has lifted advisories for harmful algae blooms at five New Mexico lakes. Those advisories were issued earlier this fall for Eagle Nest, Maloya, Lower Charette, Snow, and Hopewell lakes. Toxic algae can cause health problems for both people and animals. 

[5] Strong turnout reported for runoff early voting in Albuquerque – The Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office said it is seeing a strong turnout for the Albuquerque mayoral runoff. Since early voting began on Monday, the clerk said nearly 45,000 people have cast their ballots. That includes nearly 30,000 in person. Early voting runs through Saturday. Election day is Tuesday.