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Headlines: Senate Sides With Coyotes, APD Training Boss Resigns...

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New Mexico Senate OKs Bill To Ban Coyote-Killing Contests – The Associated Press

The New Mexico Senate has approved a measure that would ban coyote-killing contests.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mark Moores of Albuquerque and Democrat Rep. Jeff Steinborn was approved on a 27-13 vote Friday. It now heads to the House for consideration.

Moores says the bill would end coyote-killing contests without restricting the ability of farmers and ranchers to protect their livestock.

Animal rights advocates applaud the legislation. Critics say it encroaches on property rights.

In October, a southeastern New Mexico gun shop drew criticism for hosting a coyote-hunting competition. It was one of many gun shops that have hosted similar events in which winners receive prizes such as firearms.

New Mexico Committee Approves Revamped Right-To-Work Bill The Associated Press

A New Mexico House committee has voted to approve a revamped right-to-work bill that tacks on an increase in the minimum wage from $7.50 to $8 an hour.

More than two dozen people spoke against the bill. One spoke in favor calling the increase "reasonable."

A woman told the committee that combining the two items in one bill adds "insult to injury" and another speaker labeled it "despicable." Yet another called the proposal an "insult to all New Mexico workers."

After some heated exchanges, the House Judiciary Committee voted 7-6 to approve the Republican-sponsored revised bill that prohibits requiring workers to join a union or to pay dues as a condition of employment.

The bill now moves to a vote of the full House of Representatives.

Albuquerque Police's Training Director Submits Resignation The Associated Press

The training director at the Albuquerque Police Department Academy is stepping down.

Police officials announced Friday that Joe Wolf has submitted his notice of resignation to pursue other opportunities.

Wolf was appointed to the training director position in July 2012.

He previously held the job as chief at the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Training Academy in Georgia.

Albuquerque police say Wolf's resignation won't affect their timeline for all of the training requirements put forth in the Department of Justice's settlement agreement.

The city and the Justice Department recently signed an agreement to overhaul Albuquerque's troubled police department.

The deal calls for new training and protocols for investigating officer-involved shootings.

Ex-New Mexico Nuke Dump Workers To Be Offered Free Screening The Associated Press

A project out of a New York college is set to offer free medical screening programs for former workers at the federal government's nuclear waste repository.

The Worker Health Protection Program is operated by Queens College of the City University of New York will announce later this month details of the screenings for former Waste Isolation Pilot Plant workers.

The repository has been closed since February 2014, when the container of waste from Los Alamos National Laboratory ruptured and contaminated 22 workers along with parts of the underground facility.

Officials suspect the breach stemmed from a chemical reaction in highly acidic waste containing a lead-based glove that was packed with organic cat litter to absorb moisture.

Police: Suspect Arrested In 2011 Killings Of 3 In El Rancho The Associated Press

New Mexico State Police say a suspect has been arrested in connection with a 2011 triple homicide case in El Rancho.

They say 20-year-old Nicholas Ortiz, of Pojoaque, was taken into custody Friday.

Police say 53-year-old Dixie Ortiz, 55-year-old Lloyd Ortiz and their special-needs son, 21-year-old Steven Ortiz, were all found dead from head trauma in their home on June 29, 2011.

Police found a bloody pick axe three days later in an adjacent field and linked the weapon to the murder.

Authorities say there's no indication at this time that Nicholas Ortiz is related to the victims.

They say Nicholas Ortiz is being held on suspicion of three counts of murder, tampering with evidence and bribery or intimidation of a witness.

It's unclear if he has an attorney yet.