- LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO TRAPPING
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico measure that would prohibit traps, snares and wildlife poisons from being used on public land has passed the Senate. The legislation cleared the chamber late Tuesday despite four Democrats from rural areas breaking with their party and voting against it. It must still get through the House before lawmakers adjourn in less than two weeks. Environmentalists and animal advocacy groups say New Mexico needs to join neighboring states to ban what they described as cruel and outdated practices. Rural residents and wildlife conservation officers say trapping is still an important tool for managing wildlife and protecting livestock.
- AIRPORT BODIES-MANHUNT
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man sought in the killings of four people in New Mexico and one in New Jersey has been arrested. The U.S. Marshals Service says Sean Lannon was apprehended Wednesday morning in St. Louis. Investigators were seeking the 47-year-old in connection with a slaying Monday in East Greenwich, New Jersey. Lannon also is a person of interest in the deaths of his ex-wife and three men whose bodies were found last week in a vehicle at the Albuquerque International Sunport airport garage. Three of the people were reported missing since January. It was not clear on Wednesday if Lannon had an attorney.
- AP-US-BORDER-MIGRANT-SURGE
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of migrant children and families seeking to cross the southwest border of the U.S. has surged to levels not seen since before the pandemic. That's presenting a challenge for President Joe Biden as he works to undo the restrictive immigration policies of his predecessor. Statistics released Wednesday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection show the number of children and families increasing by more than 100% between January and February. The number of kids crossing by themselves has risen 60% to more than 9,400, forcing the government to look for new places to hold them temporarily amid the pandemic.
- NEW MEXICO-RETURNING TO CLASS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Educators across New Mexico are celebrating this week's announcement that teachers will be prioritized for vaccines and that full in-person learning will resume in the coming weeks. There are logistics to sort out, from rehiring bus drivers to enforcing mask mandates. But it's nothing compared to the nightmare of hybrid learning schedules, which required teachers to manage an in-person and online class at the same time. School districts with less than 100 pupils have already held classes in person, five days a week. One school with 63 students in Lincoln County says students have respected social distancing and mask guidelines.
- AP-US-COLORADO-RIVER-NEGOTIATIONS
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Legislation in Utah is raising concerns as seven Western states prepare to negotiate how to sustain a river that supplies 40 million people and a massive agricultural industry. The states share in the realization that they likely won't get what they were promised from the Colorado River a century ago. But legislation awaiting approval from Utah's governor creates an entity that could push for more of the state's share. Critics say it could strengthen the effort to complete an expensive pipeline from a dwindling reservoir that's a key indicator of the river's health. Meanwhile, states have conservation in mind as they pass laws focused on safeguarding other water supplies.
- ALCOHOL REFORM-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Legislature is sending a bill to the governor that would overhaul state liquor regulations in an effort to invigorate the hospitality industry. The Senate voted 29-11 Tuesday to approve the bill, and the House quickly agreed to recent amendments. The measure would legalize liquor deliveries when accompanied by food and expand restaurant alcohol licenses that meet local ordinances to include not only beer and wine but also spirits with a 10 p.m. cutoff. Tastings would be allowed at craft distilleries. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham set the legislation as a priority at the start of the legislative session.
- LEGISLATURE BILLS ROUNDUP
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico state Senate is voting on a half-dozen bill each day as the Legislature's annual session comes to a close this month. On Tuesday, the body voted unanimously for a redistricting plan that will draw the map for voters in future elections. Senators were also united in passing a bill to require studies of industry tax breaks meant to generate jobs. The largest break goes to the film industry, averaging $70 million per year. Along party lines, Democratic senators passed a bill allowing more judges to qualify for publically funded election campaigns. The bills now go to the House.
- LAS CRUCES-SUPERINTENDENT-FUNERAL
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Funeral services for late Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Karen Trujillo will remain private because of capacity restrictions intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. Trujillo was hit and killed by a minivan last month while walking her dogs. The Las Cruces Sun-News reported Tuesday that community members will be able to attend the Saturday funeral procession from Baca's Funeral Chapel to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary before the private rosary and funeral Mass. Mourners are expected to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines such as social distancing and wearing masks. The rosary and funeral Mass will be livestreamed by Las Cruces Public Schools.