💔🌵 Migrant Deaths Surge Tenfold in New Mexico Amid Increased Smuggling and Harsh Conditions
🌎📚 Debate Intensifies Over Immigrant Children's Right to Education. * 💼📊 Poll: Majority of AAPI Adults View Legal Immigration as Economic Asset Despite Concerns on Illegal Immigration
Entry from Mexico into Columbus, New Mexico. Migrants face a difficult desert crossing in New Mexico. Photo: Google Maps.
💔🌵 Migrant Deaths Surge Tenfold in New Mexico Amid Increased Smuggling and Harsh Conditions
Anita Snow, Christopher L. Keller, and Morgan Lee, AP. - Migrant deaths in New Mexico near the U.S.-Mexico border have increased tenfold over the past two years, reflecting a troubling trend as smuggling gangs lead vulnerable individuals through treacherous terrain. In the first eight months of 2024, 108 presumed migrants were found dead in the region, compared to just nine in 2020. Experts attribute the rising fatalities to harsh treatment from smugglers and extreme summer temperatures, which exacerbate dehydration and exhaustion. The University of New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator is overwhelmed, adding deputies to handle the case surge. Advocates are raising alarms about the humanitarian crisis, urging improved rescue efforts and water stations along migration routes. Despite these measures, the increased risks associated with smuggling and changing immigration policies continue to put lives in jeopardy, with nearly half of this year's victims being women.
🌎📚 Debate Intensifies Over Immigrant Children's Right to Education Amid Policy Changes Across U.S.
Michael Casey and Jocelyn Gecker, AP. - A recent policy change by the Saugus Public School Committee in Massachusetts has sparked controversy regarding immigrant children's access to public education. Critics argue that the new admissions policy, which mandates proof of legal residency and imposes penalties for violations, aims to exclude immigrant families from the school district. This debate reflects a growing national trend among conservative politicians, particularly in states like Texas and Oklahoma, questioning the implications of the 1982 Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees educational access to all children regardless of immigration status. Advocates warn that any attempt to undermine this ruling could lead to significant legal challenges as the political climate shifts towards exclusionary policies. Local legal advocates assert that such requirements disproportionately harm immigrant families and hinder their right to education.
💼📊 Poll: Majority of AAPI Adults View Legal Immigration as Economic Asset Despite Concerns on Illegal Immigration
Terry Tang and Linley Sanders, AP. - A recent AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll reveals that most Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults see legal immigration as a significant contributor to the U.S. economy, with about 80% supporting its benefits. This contrasts sharply with the overall U.S. population, where only 40% share this view. However, AAPI adults' perceptions of illegal immigration align more closely with national sentiment, with only 40% believing that undocumented immigrants contribute economically. The poll comes amid heightened political rhetoric on immigration, particularly from former President Donald Trump. AAPI adults emphasize the need for balanced solutions addressing border security and legal immigration pathways. Despite differing opinions within the community, there is a strong consensus that legal immigrants enhance the American workforce and economy, highlighting the complex views among AAPI voters ahead of the upcoming election.
🚀🌍 South Texans Rally Against SpaceX Over Environmental Concerns Following Successful Starship Launch
Andrea Guzmán, Texas Brands Reporter, Houston Chronicle. - Following SpaceX's successful fifth Starship test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, residents are voicing their environmental concerns and frustration. The South Texas Environmental Justice Network criticized the launch's negative impacts on public safety and health, especially after SpaceX obtained a last-minute launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Community members plan to protest outside a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) meeting on October 17, where SpaceX's permit for discharging potentially polluted deluge water will be reviewed. Critics argue that SpaceX's operations have repeatedly violated environmental regulations, endangering local ecosystems and communities. The TCEQ faces scrutiny for allowing SpaceX to operate without proper permits and for not ensuring adequate public participation in the permit review process. Activists emphasize the need for transparency and accountability, raising concerns about potential violations of environmental laws and residents' rights.
💧🚨 Laredo Faces Sixth Day of Boil-Water Notice as E. Coli Discovered in Aging Water Infrastructure
Berenice Garcia, Texas Tribune. - Laredo, Texas, is enduring its sixth day under a citywide boil-water notice after E. coli was detected in the public water system. Officials suspect that outdated water infrastructure may have contributed to the contamination, with Mayor Victor Treviño noting that the investigation focuses on a central area of the city. The notice, issued after positive E. coli results from water tests, has prompted city leaders to prioritize repairs and seek emergency actions from the City Council. Treviño plans to divert funds from non-essential projects to replace aging pipes, with approximately 40% of the city's infrastructure over its lifespan. While no residents have tested positive for E. coli from tap water, the city continues to distribute safe water and investigate any reports of illness. The mayor's administration is working to find long-term solutions amid ongoing public health and safety concerns.
🌟🤼♂️ Cruz and Allred Clash in Heated Senate Debate Ahead of November Election in Texas
Benjamin Wermund and James Osborne, Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. - In a contentious debate on October 15, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred confronted each other's vulnerabilities as they vie for Texas voters before the November election. Allred criticized Cruz for his handling of the abortion issue, highlighting his role in Texas's strict abortion laws. At the same time, Cruz accused Allred of being complicit in a range of liberal policies, linking him to Vice President Kamala Harris. The debate covered key topics such as border security, abortion, inflation, and the treatment of transgender athletes. With early voting approaching, Cruz is pressured to maintain his Senate seat, while Allred, a newcomer to many voters, seeks to define his position as a moderate alternative. Both candidates emphasized bipartisan efforts but remained sharply divided on fundamental issues impacting Texas residents.
📉🚔 Pima County Sheriff Election Heats Up Amid Investigative Reporting and Internal Disputes
Yana Kunichoff, Arizona Luminaria. - Arizona Luminaria reporter John Washington’s investigation into conditions at Pima County jail has become a focal point in the contentious sheriff election. Incumbent Sheriff Chris Nanos placed his opponent, Republican candidate Heather Lappin, and Sgt. Aaron Cross is on administrative leave, alleging conspiracy to facilitate inmate payments for news stories. Washington, who has spent years investigating deaths and excessive force in the jail, emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication between incarcerated individuals and journalists. Arizona Luminaria firmly denies wrongdoing, stating it does not pay for interviews or information. The ongoing investigation highlights tensions within the sheriff’s department, where a vote of no confidence in Nanos was passed earlier this year. As early voting commences, the implications of these allegations could significantly impact the upcoming election. Nanos asserts that the actions taken were not retaliatory but necessary for accountability.
🔪📰 Ex-Politician Robert Telles Faces 20 Years for Murdering Journalist Jeff German in Las Vegas
Ken Ritter, AP. - Robert Telles, a former Las Vegas-area politician, is set to learn his prison sentence on Wednesday after being convicted of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German. Telles ambushed German outside his home during Labor Day weekend in 2022, motivated by German’s critical reporting that exposed Telles’s misconduct and a romantic affair with a coworker. The jury has recommended a sentence of 20 years to life, with potential enhancements increasing the minimum to 28 years before parole eligibility. Evidence against Telles included DNA found under German's fingernails, contradicting his claims of being framed by a conspiracy. Telles, who lost his primary bid for re-election following German’s reports, faces intense public scrutiny as advocates emphasize the significance of accountability in the killing of journalists. Telles plans to appeal his conviction, according to his attorney.