Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The Governing Council of Aldo Leopold Charter School met on Thursday, March 9th.  The Council heard from the student council and heard staff reports.  The council also heard of three applications for Governing Council openings from Martin Maxwell, Christa Osborne, and A.J. Sandoval.  The three nominees were publicly nominated and voted in, and the activity policy for 2017 was approved in closed session.

The 17th annual Cabalgata Brigade rode into Columbus on Saturday.  Riders from several states in Mexico joined Americans at the Columbus Port of Entry, where they are allowed access to the US for the ongoing celebration of unity between the two border cultures.  For many, Columbus is the final stop in a 15-day-long horse ride from the interior of Mexico.  The Cabalgata festival celebrates the history of the raid on the border town in 1916.

In sports action, Western New Mexico University softball lost 8-0 in six innings and 15-0 in five innings against #11 West Texas A&M on Friday.  The first game was non-conference, and the second game was in Lone Star Conference action.

In legislative action, the House of Representatives passed HB 175, the Isolated Confinement Act.  HB 175 restricts the use of isolated confinement for pregnant women, minors, and those suffering from severe mental illness in New Mexico prisons and jails.

The House also passed HB 347, a bill to rein in predatory loan practices.  The bill limits the fees and charges financial institutions add to installment loads, also known as payday loans, and implements financial literacy programs in the state.

HB 356, which uses Local Economic Development Act funds to increase local economic growth and create jobs, passed the House of Representatives in a 43-22 vote.  The bill will be heard next in the Senate.

The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free customer service workshop by Promote New Mexico. The workshop will define customer service, teach businesses more about the customers they serve, discover the key to each business’ motivation, and practice the 3 P’s of great customer service.  Seating is limited for this free training, so reserve your spot by emailing sterry@silvercity.org.