EL PASO, Texas (AP) — About 50 asylum seekers stood this week in a circle near a bridge between the U.S. and Mexico to hear an American attorney explain what would happen to them when they entered U.S. custody. The attorney, Jodi Goodwin, told them they would probably end up at one of the Border Patrol’s smaller stations, which migrants …

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A pair of self-described patriot groups have initiated efforts to challenging new state laws from a Democratic governor and allied Legislature by statewide referendum. The state’s arduous process for allowing veto referendums would require more than 70,000 petition signatures, if allowed at all by election regulators. The Secretary of State’s Office says it will respond …

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A historic push in Texas to reduce penalties for small amounts of marijuana was declared dead Tuesday by the state’s Republican lieutenant governor, who called it a “step toward legalization” that he would not allow. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s opposition underscored the resistance by state GOP leaders to relaxing virtually any marijuana laws, even as the …

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s top election official has again rejected an attempt to challenge a new gun control law by getting it on the ballot for voters to decide. Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said the law to expand background checks to nearly all private gun sales was designed to improve public safety and therefore …

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday called for Texas’ first sales tax increase in nearly 30 years as Republican leaders who promised to boost money for classrooms and cut property taxes struggle to achieve both with just weeks left to deliver. The plan would push the sales tax rate to 7.25%, tying Texas with California for highest …

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — University of New Mexico officials say they might need to increase tuition to fund a 4% pay raise for all employees. The Albuquerque Journal reports state Higher Education Secretary Kate O’Neill sent a letter to universities and colleges across the state, instructing them to give employees a 4% raise. The board of the University of New …

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill that reduces penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia has been signed by the governor of New Mexico. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation Wednesday that makes the possession of up to a half-ounce (12 grams) of marijuana a petty misdemeanor. That would translate into a $50 fine on …

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — The man accused of shooting a West Texas sheriff’s deputy faces an upgraded charge after the lawman died over the weekend. El Paso Magistrate Judge Penny Hamilton said Monday that 27-year-old Facundo Chavez was rebooked on a capital murder charge. Chavez was initially booked on a count of attempted murder. The El Paso County Sheriff’s …

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Senator Tom Udall announced Monday he will not seek re-election in 2020 in a move that opens up a secure Democratic seat to competition. The second-term senator and former congressman said in a statement he is confident he could run a strong campaign but preferred to look for new ways to serve the …

Two Lea inmates accused of attacking guard in escape attempt FOR THE NEWS-SUN Two Lea County jail inmates have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy against a correctional officer. On March 6, Lovington police allege two inmates attack a 40-year-old correction officer in an attempt to escape the Lea County Detention Facility in Lovington. The two briefly overpowered the guard, …