Here’s a look at today’s news:
In the early hours of yesterday morning, another group of 330 illegal aliens were taken into custody by Border Patrol Agents working at Camp Bounds Forward Operating Base at the Antelope Wells Port of Entry. The Border Patrol reported that the group, like others before, is composed of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles. Border Patrol EMT’s provided initial medical screenings and determined that none of the subjects required immediate medical attention. This the 28th large group of over 100 people since the beginning of the fiscal year in this area alone located in the El Paso Sector. Border Patrol officials are reporting criminal organizations are continuing to exploit the migrants to enhance illicit activities without due regard to the risks of human life.
The Silver City Public Library is hosting a new business pre-accelerator program titled “Libraries as Launchpads.” Launchpads is a partnership of the New Mexico State Library and Creative Startups and will serve entrepreneurs in nine communities that include: Lovington, Hobbs, Anthony, Las Cruces, Hatch, Deming, Silver City, Los Lunas, and Socorro. The program aims to highlight public libraries as information hubs for startups and expand the depth of their entrepreneur services while serving over 50 entrepreneurs this year. Applications are open now through Sunday, February 17th. Visit creativestartups.org to learn more about this five-week business boot camp.
Yesterday, the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee passed a bill to enact a “Student Bill of Rights” created to protect student loan borrowers from possible exploitation. House Bill 172 requires student loan services to register and obtain a state license. According to a release, “The most recently student loan default rate data from the U.S. Department of Education, indicates that New Mexico has the second highest default rate in the country at 16.2%.” House Bill 172 would establish licensing requirements, fees and penalties, and create the office of Student Arbiter. The arbiter will be responsible for taking and investigating complaints from borrowers, providing information to the public about services, and tracking and disseminating statistics about student loans. House Bill 172 now heads to the House Judiciary Committee.
And in local news:
The New Mexico Department of Transportation along with TLC Company will be holding a public involvement meeting to discuss the improvement project of the NM 15 Pinos Altos Road Reconstruction Project. The meeting will provide residents an opportunity to ask questions regarding the construction, project specifications, and a timeline of completion. The meeting is being held from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Conference Center located at 3031 Us Hwy 180 East in Silver City.
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Bayard residents may pick up a copy of their Annual Drinking Water Quality Report that is available now at Bayard City Hall located at 800 Central Avenue.
