🌱 Respiratory Cases Overwhelm Hospitals + Win A Beer Scholarship

Hello, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Daily. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick guide to the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and cooler. High: 51 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. Presbyterian Hospital is struggling to handle the rising influx of respiratory cases in Albuquerque. The hospital has been running at or above capacity since the beginning of the pandemic. It is currently at about 105 percent capacity. Officials say the cases have not yet peaked in New Mexico, and are urging people to get vaccinated. (KRQE News 13)
2. A scholarship in honor of an Albuquerque icon with a penchant for beer has been opened for applications. The 'Hoppy Grandma' scholarship is open to master brewers throughout Colorado, Utah, southern Wyoming, and New Mexico. The scholarship was created in memory of 102-year-old Carmen Duran, who passed away back in 2021. Her family was able to immortalize her legacy and love of beer with the creation of the scholarship. The winner will receive $3,000 to put towards brewing courses. (KRQE News 13)
3. A popular and eclectic Albuquerque eatery has permanently closed its doors. Nick & Jimmy's, famous for its creative mix of American, Greek, and Mexican foods, shut down on Jan. 1. Nick Kapnison, the 90-year-old owner of Nick & Jimmy’s, retired in March of last year. Since then, his daughter has opted to close the location, which has served Albuquerque for over a decade. Other restaurants owned and operated by the family, including Albuquerque favorite El Patron, will remain open. (Albuquerque Journal)

Today in Albuquerque:

• California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen at Albuquerque Uptown (11:00 AM)
• Happy Hour at The Range Cafe (3:30 PM)
• Family Craft at Los Griegos Public Library (4:15 PM)
• Teen Game Night at Lomas Tramway Public Library (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Max is a five-year-old American Pitbull who loves kids, daily walks, and playing with other dogs! Stop by Albuquerque Animal Welfare to meet him in person and see if he’s a good fit for your family. (Albuquerque Animal Welfare via Facebook)
• The Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra has begun rehearsals! Be sure to catch their shows in March. (Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra via Facebook)
• The 2023 One ABQ Youth Job and Volunteer Fair is looking for organizations to participate! The fair will take place on Feb. 4 at 10:00 a.m. (City of Albuquerque via Instagram)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.