Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
According to a new report given during Youth and Children Day in the New Mexico Legislature, New Mexico’s teen suicide rate is nearly twice the national average. According to the report, 40 teen girls out of 1,000 gave birth in the state, about 11 percent of New Mexico teens are neither working nor going to school, and just 1 out of 5 fourth-graders score proficient in reading at grade level. The state also ranks 48th in the nation in child poverty, and 49th in the well-being of children.
Two state lawmakers introduced a bill that would make smoking in the car with anyone younger than 18 years of age punishable by a $300 fine for the first offense and $500 for the second. According to Senator Peter Smith of Santa Fe and Representative Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces, the issue of secondhand smoke is the focus of the bill. The law has been received with mixed reactions, with fellow lawmakers stating support but claiming enforcement would be difficult while still others think the bill is micromanaging.
Today, New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) Secretary Jon Barela joined Tim Nisly, Chief Executive Officer of the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation to announce that the Taos County Economic Development Center, Community Pantry in Gallup, Volunteer Center of Grant County and Northern New Mexico Food Hub in Espanola will each receive $10,500 to support their community commercial kitchens. These kitchens were chosen for grants because they are currently operational or will be in the next 60 days. the commercial kitchen initiative helps local farmers, artisan bakers, and the like create jobs and bring about a sense of community and pride while growing the tax base.
Girl Scout Cookie sales have started up again in Grant County. Cookies this year include Thanks-A-Lot, Cranberry Citrus Crisp, Lemonades, Shortbread, Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Caramel Delites, and Peanut Butter Sandwich. The Girl Scouts program is designed to help girls grow into leaders of courage, confidence, and character who will make the world a better place. Buying cookies from the program helps girls learn goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow is in effect from midnight tonight through midnight Saturday night. Snow accumulation is expected to be 4 to 8 inches above 7,000 feet and 3 to 6 inches at lower elevations. Heavy wet snow will make travel difficult over mountain passes, could compromise the structural integrity of some rooftops, and dangerously reduce visibility. Roads at high elevations will become icy and snow packed. Strong winds are also possible.
