Monday morning briefing: Catching a break and taking office

Good morning and welcome to the Monday briefing.

Catch a break

Students at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales are observing spring break this week, starting today.

Staff, unfortunately, must still report and the campus will be open for regular hours.

Taking the oath

Newly elected city officials are taking their oath of office today in Clovis and Portales.

The Clovis ceremony is 3 p.m. at city hall, 321 N. Connelly St.

Festivities in Portales take place at 5:20 p.m. in city hall, 100 W. First St.

Jail forum

The first of many public forums on a $9.3 million bond issue for expansion and renovation of the Curry County jail is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Clovis-Carver Public Library's north annex.

The jail administrator and county commissioner with be on hand to answer questions.

It's a fact

Between 25 to 33 percent of the population sneeze when they are exposed to light.

Kitchen tip

Bake cookies on shiny, heavy aluminum baking sheets. Dark sheets may absorb heat, causing cookies to brown too much on the bottom.

Today in history

On this day in 2003, 15-year-old Elizabeth Smart is finally found in Sandy, Utah, nine months after being abducted from her family's home.

Here's the rest of the story:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/police-recover-elizabeth-smart-and-arrest-her-abductors

Weather

Today — Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind between 15 and 20 mph.

Tonight — Mostly clear, with a low around 42. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.