LAS CRUCES – Estimates show that New Mexico’s utilized pecan production in 2019 reached a record high 96.6 million pounds, up 6% from the utilized production of 91.1 million pounds in 2018. The preliminary data was included in the Jan. 23 Pecan Production report released by the United States Department of Agriculture – National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Here is a statement from NMDA:

The pecan harvest will not be complete until late February, at which time USDA-NASS will collect final crop data. The final crop production figures are scheduled to be released May 5.

Las Cruces Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information that helps police identify the man suspected in the 2019 burglary of a sushi restaurant.

During the early-morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 30, a man broke into the Sushi Freak restaurant at 2808 N. Telshor Blvd. After gaining entry, the suspect stole a laptop computer and several tablet computers.

Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspect as he walked through the restaurant. He was wearing a black hoodie, black pants and black shoes.

Families facing Alzheimer’s disease will have access to a free class in Las Cruces, NM offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter.

“Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” is a FREE presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter and will be held Tuesday, February 25 from 2:00-3:00pm.  The event will be hosted at Crossroads Home Care, 189 Howard Pl., Las Cruces, NM 88011.  The class is free and open to all citizens of Las Cruces and surrounding communities.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)-New Mexico legislators are considering a full ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine vaping products along with more robust oversight of retail sales to discourage use by young people. 

Backed by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, one initiative would expand enforcement of the age limit on tobacco sales by requiring licenses for retailers.

The New Mexico State University STEM Outreach Center will continue to partner with Las Cruces Public Schools to provide extended learning time after-school programs.

House Bill 160, the Cannabis Regulation Act, sponsored by Representative Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) and Representative Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque) to legalize and regulate the sale of cannabis products in New Mexico was introduced on the House floor Thursday.  Here is a statement from the New Mexico House Democrats:

House Bill 160 creates a responsible and tightly regulated system of approved licensees as developed by the state Regulation and Licensing Department and, if passed, would grant the commercial sale of cannabis beginning in 2022.

“At the core of this legislation are the principles of social equity and local entrepreneurship,” said Representative Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). “The governor is absolutely correct when she says this will be a new frontier of our economy. As we look to diversify revenue and economic activity in the state, this industry is going to open enormous opportunities, creating jobs and generating revenue for critical services and economic development.” 

  SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney released the following statements on Thursday decrying President Trump’s decision to roll back Clean Water Act protections nationwide, including over a majority of New Mexico’s waterways. Earlier today, the federal administration finalized the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, redefining the “Waters of the U.S.”​:

“Trump’s new rule is an absolute disaster for the state’s water resources,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “No other natural resource in New Mexico has greater significance to our people than our water: environmentally, culturally, economically, recreationally. Stripping federal protections from our rivers and streams is an affront to all who call New Mexico home. My administration is committed to protecting New Mexico’s precious waters and will consider all legal options to prevent this rule from going into effect. This is far from over.”