## New Mexico’s promise of free child care comes with a fiscal escape hatch

Authored by apnews.com

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An ambitious universal child care program aimed at fully footing the bill for working families across New Mexico is being enshrined into law, with state legislators making good on promises by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to make the state the first in the nation to offer such a program to families of all income levels.

California has opted to eliminate copayments for some families, while Washington and Oregon cap what families pay.

In Vermont, a payroll tax on employers funds child care subsidies.

As much as $700 million more will be funneled over the next five years to New Mexico’s child care assistance program, state officials said.

New Mexico gradually raised income limits on assistance for child care — until stepping into universal care on Nov. 1, making 25,000 more children eligible.

It’s also a response to concerns that the rapid expansion of child care subsidies to all income brackets may squeeze out slots for low-income families.

Legislators have sent a separate bill to the governor to scale up more home-based daycare and child care centers in residential areas by overriding some local zoning and permitting requirements, including homeowner association restrictions on child care. »

### Buffalo Wild Wings unveils wing-flavored protein espresso martini

Authored by usatoday.com

Just in time for National Espresso Martini Day on March 15, Buffalo Wild Wings is releasing a wing-flavored Espresso Proteini.

The cocktail is infused with Buffalo Dry Rub and jampacked with 10 grams of protein, according to a Buffalo Wild Wings news release.

The Espresso Proteini is made with classic espresso martini ingredients, plus Muscle Milk Protein Powder, Buffalo Wild Wings President Tristan Meline told USA TODAY via email. »

### Air strikes alone will not defeat Iran - and Trump is now trapped

Authored by inews.co.uk

Iran is under one of the most intense air attacks in history, the US and Israel seeking to force its unconditional surrender or regime change, according to Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Neither outcome is likely, as air wars alone and unsupported by ground troops have never succeeded in achieving these goals in the past.

Iran said on Monday that 1,255 people had been killed in the bombing so far, including 200 children. »

### Iran begins laying mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources say

Authored by cnn.com

The mining is not extensive yet, with a few dozen having been laid in recent days, the sources said.

But Iran still retains upward of 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine layers, one of the sources said, so its forces could feasibly lay hundreds of mines in the waterway.

He added that if mines were placed and they are not removed, Iran will face consequences “at a level never before seen.” »

### James Talarico Beating Both Ken Paxton And John Cornyn In Texas Senate Election, Poll Shows

Authored by latintimes.com

Texas State Rep. James Talarico is currently beating both Attorney General Ken Paxton and Sen. John Cornyn in hypothetical matchups in the U.S. Senate race, according to a new poll.

Speaking to Politico after beating Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, Talarico voiced confidence about his chances of winning the general race.

A new survey conducted by Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR), shows Paxton gathering 49% of the support, compared to Cornyn's 41%. »

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