Monday’s Top Stories
- VIDEO: Wrong way high-speed chase on I-25 in Albuquerque ends in arrest
- AFR rescues injured hiker in the Foothills
- Durango reaches agreement to house inmates in Archuleta County
- Spaceport America Cup moving to Midland, Texas from Las Cruces
- Celebrating ‘The Year of Coop’ with Lakers legend Michael Cooper
- City celebrates new bike lanes along Central Ave. in downtown Albuquerque
- North Korea fires several ballistic missiles after the US and South Korea began military drills
Monday’s Five Facts
[1] Beef prices expected to stay high in NM as cattle growers deal with inflation – New Mexico cattle growers say the price of beef will still be high for some time as it has become more costly to raise cattle. The New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says the price of raising cattle has grown over the years, with the biggest hit against cattle growers being the rising price of feed and water for grass. Replacing members of the herd can also be pricey as the price of yearling steers has gone up.
[2] Lawmakers push for massage parlors to have more accountability and greater oversight – After seeing several cases of some New Mexico massage parlors promoting prostitution and human trafficking, some lawmakers believe a bill would address the issue. The massage therapy licensure bill would put massage therapy establishments under the state’s regulation and licensing department. The bill is headed to the Senate judiciary committee.
[3] Warmer & windier before next New Mexico storm – Spring-like conditions with snowmelt and mostly calm winds are in store today before the next storm system. Cloud-free skies will continue for almost all areas for most of today as above-normal temperatures will be present for all. The next stronger storm system late this week will provide a drop in temperatures with even stronger winds
[4] Carlsbad Caverns National Park adjusting operating hours – Carlsbad Caverns National Park will be adjusting their hours later this month, and keeping ranger-led tours closed for the time being. The park says they are adjusting their visitor center hours to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cave entry for self-guided tours will run from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day. Changes o into effect on March 23.
[5] Conservationists worry Mexican gray wolves could be threatened program cuts – Conservationists are saying recent illegal killings and concerns over budget cuts could hinder their efforts to boost the wild population of Mexican gray wolves. Re-introduction of the species to the wild began in 1998 in New Mexico and Arizona. The latest numbers show that there are at least 286 wolves in the wild between both states. But, with threats such as conflict with livestock due to a reduction in prey, illegal killings, and potential budget cuts to recovery programs, the population is still at risk.