MODERATE-LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CLASH
Moderate New Mexico Senate Dems slow liberal House freshmen
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Liberal New Mexico House freshmen lawmakers saw some bills blocked by moderate Democrats in the state Senate this session.
The Democratic first-term House lawmakers say overall they were satisfied with the results from the Democratic-controlled Legislative session that ended Friday. But many say they were frustrated by conservative Democrats in the Senate who stalled and tabled more liberal proposals on marijuana, early childhood education and immigration.
First-term Rep. Andrea Romero, a Santa Fe Democrat, says fellow freshmen were disappointed that Senate Democrats hindered some of their initiatives. She says her class members were elected with U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and have the same energy.
But Sen. John Sapien, a Bernalillo Democrat, says the Senate has a responsibility to be deliberate and examine the financial implications of all proposals.

​LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Governor wants to revive marijuana proposals
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wants marijuana legalization back on agenda for the next legislative session.
Lujan Grisham said Saturday that next year's limited 30-day legislative session will include marijuana reform proposals. This year's session ended Saturday at noon.
The first-term Democrat complimented sponsors of a failed bipartisan bill this year that would have legalized marijuana sales at state-operated stores and subsidized medical cannabis for poor patients. The House-approved bill stalled without a Senate vote.
Lujan Grisham says legalization is possible with sufficient precautions to prevent child use and impaired driving.
In New Mexico, the governor decides what major policy issues are heard during abbreviated legislative sessions in even-numbered years.

ALBUQUERQUE HIT-AND-RUN
Albuquerque police: Pedestrian critical after hit-and-run
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police in Albuquerque say they're investigating a hit-and-run that has critically injured a pedestrian.
They say a woman was struck in the city's southeast area about 2 a.m. Sunday.
Police say the victim was taken to the hospital where she's listed in critical condition.
The intersection where the hit-and-run occurred is expected to remain closed until the investigation is complete.
Police didn't say if there are any witnesses to the incident.

NAVAJO NATION-MISSING GIRL
Police temporarily suspend search for 4-year-old Utah girl
ANETH, Utah (AP) — Authorities say they have temporarily suspended a search for a 4-year-old girl missing since last week in the Utah portion of Navajo Nation.
The Navajo Police Department said Sunday that after three unsuccessful days of ground and water searches for Anndine Jones, they are taking a break to organize and secure additional resources. Authorities initially said the girl was 3.
Police say community volunteers will continue organizing search teams, and officers will remain in the area to investigate leads in the case.
Jones reportedly wandered away Thursday from her home.
Police say initial search efforts were focused along McElmo Creek, which feeds into the San Juan River.

NATIVE AMERICANS-REDFACE
Native Americans say movement to end 'redface' is slow
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Native Americans say convincing the masses that portraying them as savages, illiterate and humorless is insulting has been a slow movement.
The country has spent most of the year coming to grips with blackface and racist imagery. Most recently, a TV host painted her face brown in a parody of Oscar-nominated Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio.
Yet, Native Americans say they don't see significant pressure applied to those who perpetuate Native American stereotypes.
Throughout America's history, people have donned redface, worn fringe and feathers, and spoken in broken English as they "played" or portrayed Native Americans.
Scholars say redface may get less attention because of ingrained misconceptions and feelings of entitlement to Native American culture and land. Native Americans are also a relatively small group.

TORNADO DAMAGE-NEW MEXICO
Survey: New Mexico tornado traveled path about 15 miles long
DEXTER, N.M. (AP) — The National Weather Service says a tornado that destroyed or damaged numerous homes and other structures in the southern New Mexico community of Dexter traveled a path about 15 miles (24 kilometers) long and 150-350 yards (137-319 meters) wide.
The weather service's damage survey said the twister Tuesday night had estimated peak winds of 111-135 mph (179-217 kph), rating it in one of two "strong" categories in the middle of a six-point scale.
The survey said six people suffered minor injuries as the twister destroyed or substantially damaged six homes and caused lesser damage to an additional dozen structures.
The survey said the twister dissipated about a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) from Dexter after touching down 15 minutes earlier about 15 miles (24 kilometers) away from the Chaves County community.

LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
Unchained Democrats tackle climate change, shun marijuana
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Legislators are hammering out agreements to increase annual spending on public school education by a half-billion dollars after consummating New Mexico's version of a "Green New Deal" that aims for carbon-free electricity production within a generation.
The consequences of sweeping Democratic midterm election victories in New Mexico were coming into focus in the final full day of the state's annual legislative session on Friday.
Two successive annual budget surpluses in excess of $1 billion are allowing the Legislature to plot a major economic stimulus package and respond to a judge's order to boost resources to public education.
As Democrats push through the state's first minimum wage increase in a decade, their own ideological divides have sidelined efforts to legalize recreational marijuana and remove a dormant criminal ban on abortion.

VOTER REGISTRATION-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Legislature backs same-day voter registration
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill that would allow same-day voter registration in New Mexico has been passed by the Legislature and is on its way to the governor.
The House and Senate on Thursday endorsed a final version of the bill that also expands automated registration services to new state agencies.
Democratic New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver advocated for the changes as a way to increase voter participation and clean up voter registration rolls.
Under current state law, voter registration closes 28 days before Election Day. Seventeen other states and the District of Columbia offer same-day registration.
Critics of the same-day registration fear it will eliminate safeguards against mistakes and fraud. Proponents say it works in other states and allows registration when public interest in elections is strongest.

GUN CONTROL-NEW MEXICO
New gun control bill advances to governor in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Legislature has passed a gun control bill aimed at ensuring that people under protective orders for domestic violence relinquish their firearms.
A 38-31 vote of the House on Thursday sent the measure to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for likely approval.
Federal law already prohibits gun possession and purchases for people subject to a protective order in some instances and bans ownership for convicted abusers.
The bill passed by legislators was designed to create clear procedures for people to give up their weapons or have them taken away.
Repeated revisions to the bill by lawmakers added a required "credible threat" finding by a court before a gun must be surrendered.
A similar initiative was vetoed in 2017 by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

MINIMUM WAGE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Compromise reached on minimum wage increase
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — House and Senate lawmakers have reached a compromise that would raise New Mexico's minimum hourly wage gradually from $7.50 to $12 at the start of 2023.
A conference committee of three lawmakers from each chamber brokered the agreement Thursday to break a legislative stalemate.
The compromise proposal moves to the House and Senate for votes. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham campaigned on efforts to reach a $12 minimum wage, and House Democrats led by Rep. Miguel Garcia of Albuquerque also sought additional automatic future increases to offset inflation.
The compromise agreement would not tie future increases to an inflation index. The minimum hourly wage would rise to $9 in 2020, $10.50 in 2021, and $11.50 in 2022 before settling at $12 in 2023. Tipped worker minimum salaries would gradually rise to $3 an hour, and a student minimum wage of $8.50 would take effect in 2020 without adjustments.

ABORTION-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico state Senate upholds dormant ban on abortion
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico state Senate has voted to uphold the state's dormant criminal ban on abortion.
The Democrat-led Senate voted 24-18 Thursday in opposition to eliminating the state prohibition on abortion. Advocates for abortion rights sought to remove the ban in case the U.S. Supreme Court overturns a 1973 decision that made the procedure legal nationwide.
New Mexico is one of nine states that retain abortion bans that are not enforced because of the Supreme Court decision.
Abortion-rights advocates seized on Democratic gains in midterm elections to push to overturn the ban in a heavily Hispanic state with strong currents of Roman Catholicism. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham supported the failed bill.

NEW MEXICO COMPOUND-THE LATEST
The Latest: Attorney: Compound suspects to plead not guilty
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Attorneys say five former residents of a New Mexico compound will plead not guilty to charges that include conspiring to support planned attacks on federal law enforcement and government employees that never occurred.
In an email Thursday, Amy Sirignano also restated she and other defense attorneys were awaiting more information on charges in a superseding indictment before providing further comment.
The suspects were arrested in August amid the discovery of 11 hungry children found living in filth at the compound near Amalia, and the remains of one of the suspect's sons who suffered from seizures and whose mother reported him missing in Georgia.
All of the suspects, except the boy's father, have been charged with kidnapping.
An arraignment is scheduled for next Thursday.

PUBLIC EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico creates early childhood education agency
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will create a new state agency to oversee early childhood education programs under a bill signed by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The first-term Democratic governor signed the bill Thursday as she attempts to make good on campaign pledges to pursue universal access to preschool and respond to evidence that early schooling has a lifelong impact.
The legislation from Democratic Sen. Michael Padilla of Albuquerque and Rep. Linda Trujillo of Santa Fe would put a new Cabinet secretary in charge of everything from home-visit care for infants to early preschool.
Padilla says the Early Childhood Education and Care Department in the long run should reduce poverty and crime as better-educated children mature.
The Legislature has balked at dedicating more money to early education from a multibillion-dollar state trust.
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MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico bill to create state-run pot shops appears dead
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal that would make New Mexico the first U.S. state to set up government-operated marijuana stores appears dead in the current legislative session.
Sen. John Sapien, a Bernalillo Democrat, said Thursday lawmakers still have questions about the measure with only hours left before the session ends.
The bill passed by the state House would legalize recreational marijuana in New Mexico.
However, it has stalled in the Senate Finance Committee and it doesn't appear that Sen. John Arthur Smith, chair of the panel, planned to give it a hearing.
Sapien says some private companies and medical marijuana providers have concerns over how the bill is written.
The idea for state-run pot shops came from a trio of GOP state senators who broke with party orthodoxy to embrace legal marijuana.

MINIMUM WAGE-NEW MEXICO
House passes $12 counteroffer on minimum wage increase
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State House lawmakers are insisting on an eventual $12-an-hour statewide minimum wage and further increases tied to inflation.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved amendments to a Senate-approved bill that would raise the state's $7.50-an-hour minimum wage for the first time in a decade.
The two chambers of the Legislature are haggling over an appropriate increase and have until noon Saturday to reach a compromise.
The Senate sidelined the original House-sponsored proposal and approved an $11 minimum wage.
Under the latest House offer, the minimum wage would rise to $10 an hour next year and hit $12 on Jan. 1, 2022. Tipped-wage workers would earn a third of the minimum. The bill includes an $8.50-an-hour student wage.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham campaigned for a $12 minimum wage.

OILFIELD ENFORCEMENT-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico oilfield regulators regain authority under bill
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico oilfield regulators would recover authority to directly levy civil fines against well operators who fail to properly maintain equipment or spill waste under a bill endorsed by the Senate.
The 32-6 Senate vote Friday sends the bill to the House for approval of amendments before it can reach the governor. The bill contains oversight provisions for the handling of water in drilling and fracking.
Collection of fines against oilfield operators has ground to a near halt in the aftermath of a 2009 state Supreme Court decision that required the involvement of state prosecutors to assess penalties.
Under the bill, possible fines would increase from $1,000 a day to $2,500 — and possibly $10,000 for major threats to health, safety or the environment. Fines are capped at $200,000.

IMMIGRATION-SANCTUARY CITIES
US immigration agents find ways around 'sanctuary' policies
PHOENIX (AP) — Despite scores of sanctuary laws around the country to shield immigrants from deportation, federal authorities are still getting under-the-table cooperation from some local law enforcement agencies.
Activists say Immigration and Customs Enforcement has informal information-sharing relationships with police and jail officials. In New Mexico, for example, the staff at the county jail in Albuquerque was giving ICE access to its computers and tipping off the agency about inmates being released.
Immigration activists say they have seen it places like Philadelphia, Chicago and several communities in California, which has a statewide sanctuary law. The American Civil Liberties Union reported this week that emails show that a detective in Orange County, California, regularly looked up license plate information for an immigration officer.

ATOMIC BOMB TEST-HISPANIC VILLAGE
New Mexico group to keep pressing Congress on Trinity test
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Residents of a New Mexico Hispanic village near the site of the world's first atomic bomb test plan to return to Washington, D.C., to press Congress about compensation.
The Tularosa Basin Downwinders are holding a second annual benefit on Sunday in Albuquerque to raise money so members can speak before a Congressional committee about the effects of the Trinity Test on generations of Tularosa residents.
Members of the consortium say many who lived in the area weren't told about the dangers and were diagnosed with rare forms of cancer. They say they want acknowledgment and compensation from the U.S. government.
Scientists working in the then-secret city of Los Alamos developed the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project.
Tina Cordova says members hope to speak before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee later this year.

CLERGY ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
Santa Fe archbishop: Accused priests don't represent church
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester says people shouldn't write off the Roman Catholic Church because of former priests facing child rape charges.
Wester told The Associated Press on Wednesday he understands the hurt and anger surrounding news of former Catholic priests being accused of sexual misconduct. But Wester says the church shouldn't be judged by the actions of a few and those actions don't represent the more than a billion Catholics around the world.
This week, the New Mexico Attorney General's office announced it had filed charges against a former priest who prosecutors say brutally raped a young girl at an Albuquerque Catholic school 30 years ago.
It was the third former priest to be arrested in recent month in connection with pass allegations of sexual abuse.

TRUMP-BORDER SECURITY
Senate heads toward rejection of Trump border emergency
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-led Senate is set to deal President Donald Trump a rebuke on his declaration of a national emergency at the Mexican border. The only remaining question is how many GOP senators will join Democrats in defying him.
Republicans say Thursday's showdown vote will result in Congress sending Trump a resolution blocking the border emergency he proclaimed last month to steer an extra $3.6 billion to building barriers. The Democratic-controlled House approved the measure last month.
Senate approval would force Trump to use a veto to protect his "Build the Wall" mantra over objections from his own party.
The vote also forces many GOP senators into a difficult box: defy Trump or assent to an emergency declaration that many lawmakers think goes too far.

WINTER WEATHER
Colorado's 'bomb cyclone' storm barrels toward Midwest
LONGMONT, Colo. (AP) — National Guard troops were using specialized vehicles with tank-like treads to rescue stranded drivers in Colorado in the wake of a massive late-winter storm that's expected to unleash heavy rain and snow on the Midwest plains Thursday.
Wednesday's blizzard cut power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses, caused hundreds of flights to be canceled and wreaked havoc on roadways. A wind gust clocked in at 97 mph (156 kph) in Colorado Springs.
The storm also contributed to the death of Corporal Daniel Groves, a Colorado State Patrol officer who was hit and killed by a car as he was helping another driver who slid off Interstate 76 near Denver.
Blizzards, floods and a tornado were reported across more than 25 states, stretching from the northern Rockies to Texas and beyond.
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PUBLIC EDUCATION-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico education reforms now in governor's hands
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Sweeping public education reforms have been approved by the New Mexico Legislature that would increase minimum teacher pay and boost spending on low-income students.
The state House and Senate gave final approval Wednesday to mirror bills that would channel more than $100 million toward low-income students and provide incentives for school districts to lengthen the school year.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham supports major provisions of the bills that would raise minimum teach salaries by as much as 12 percent and increase resources for at-risk students through adjustments to a complex school funding formula.
The judiciary is threatening to take over budgeting decisions for public education after parents and school districts successfully sued the state for failing to provide an adequate education to students from minority and low-income households.

LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
Bill to ban coyote killing contests heads to governor
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Legislature is sending a bill to the governor that would ban contests to see who can shoot and kill the most coyotes.
The House voted 37-30 on Tuesday to endorse the bill from Democratic Sen. Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces and Republican Sen. Mark Moores of Albuquerque.
Ranchers and outfitters from across the state have argued over the years that the contests are a tool for managing packs of coyotes that threaten livestock. Opponents say the practice is barbaric and ineffective. This year's bill would make it a misdemeanor crime to organize a contest. Participation would be a petty misdemeanor.
Coyote killing contests were banned on state trust land earlier this year by State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.

POPULAR VOTE-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico may join popular vote compact
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Senate has voted for New Mexico to join a growing list of states pushing to elect the president of the United States according to the national popular vote.
The Senate voted 25-16 Tuesday to approve the bill from Democratic Sen. Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque that would enroll New Mexico in an interstate compact that requires it cast electoral votes for the national popular vote winner, and not necessarily the winner in New Mexico. The compact would only go into effect when its membership represents at least 270 electoral votes.
Eleven Democratic-leaning states and the District of Columbia already have entered the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Democrat-controlled Colorado will soon join the list, giving the compact 181 of the 270 electoral college votes needed to elect the president.

FILM INCENTIVES-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Senate endorses more subsidies to film industry
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Senate has endorsed a bill that would more than double New Mexico's annual payout to the film industry through tax rebates and address a backlog in payments.
By a 32-8 vote on Tuesday, the Senate endorsed a bill that would increase the annual rebate cap from $50 million to $110 million. Other major provisions include authorized rebate payments of between $195 million and $225 million by July 2020 to address an accumulation of unpaid incentives.
The tax incentives aim to attract filmmakers to New Mexico and provide a 25 percent rebate to film productions for most direct expenditures in the state, with provisions for larger rebates with long-term filming commitments.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham campaigned on promises to lift the $50 million annual cap on the film incentives.

HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Obamacare-protections bill revived in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Senate committee has revived a bill designed to ensure access to medical insurance for people with pre-existing conditions after voting the proposal down.
In a rare maneuver, Democratic Sen. Clemente Sanchez of Grants on Tuesday reversed his early vote on the measure that now moves to the Senate floor. Other Democrats had expressed dismay when the bill was voted down in committee.
The bill from House Democrats including Rep. Liz Thomson of Albuquerque would enshrine into state law provisions of former President Barack Obama's health care law that protect medical patients with pre-existing conditions.
Advocates for the legislation says provisions of the Affordable Care Act are at risk from a lawsuit by Republican state attorneys general and the Trump administration's push for cheaper, skimpier health plans.

GUN CONTROL-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico bill to keep guns from domestic abusers advances
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico measure to keep people from possessing a firearm if they are under permanent protective orders for domestic violence is headed to the House floor.
The Judiciary Committee approved the measure Tuesday evening. It's part of a slate of gun-control bills backed by Democrats.
The first of the measures was signed by the governor Friday. It will expand mandatory background checks to include firearms sales between private individuals.
A vast majority of sheriffs have expressed opposition to the bills. But on Tuesday they said they would support the domestic violence-related measure with amendments, including allowances for a weapon to be placed with a relative or other acquaintance rather than law enforcement.
Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, a Democrat and bill sponsor, said she was not comfortable with the proposal.

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT
Appeals court hears case of on adoptions of Native Americans
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court in New Orleans is set to hear arguments on a 1978 law giving preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings involving Native American children.
A federal district judge in Texas last year struck down the Indian Child Welfare Act. That was a victory for opponents who say it is racially motivated and unconstitutionally discriminatory. Backers of the law, including numerous tribes and the federal government, say that if the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholds that decision, many Native American children will be lost to their families and tribes.
Backers of the law say its definition of "Indian child" is based on tribal affiliations that are political, not racial.
A three judge 5th Circuit panel was to hear arguments Wednesday morning.

ALBUQUERQUE-TRIBES
Albuquerque measure aims for more consultation with tribes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque officials say a new ordinance will require a city board to consult with tribes on any matters that might affect them.
Mayor Tim Keller signed the measure on Tuesday following its approval by the City Council. He says the city's relationships with tribes can impact public safety, jobs and homelessness.
Under the measure, the city will be required to expand its Commission on American Indian and Alaska Native Affairs from five members to nine.
Tribal governments from communities that surround or are near the Albuquerque metropolitan area will choose their representatives, rather than the City Council or mayor.
Officials say the measure recognizes tribal sovereignty, especially among tribes and pueblos near the city. Those tribal governments include the pueblos of Sandia, Isleta, Santa Ana and Laguna, and the Navajo Nation's To'hajiilee Chapter.

BABY SHOT IN FACE
New Mexico man linked to baby shooting arrested again
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A man facing child abuse charges after a 3-year-old boy allegedly shot his 8-month-old sister in a New Mexico motel has been arrested again.
The Gallup Independent reports authorities say Tyrell Bitsilly recently tested positive for methamphetamine and was ordered to be held until his case is resolved.
State District Court Judge Robert Aragon ordered Bitsilly detained for violating his release conditions.
The 21-year-old Bitsilly was arrested in December after police found his girlfriend's infant daughter with a gunshot wound to the face. Bitsilly and 18-year-old Shayanne Nelson told police they were showering at a Gallup motel when the boy found the gun and accidentally shot his sister.
Bitsilly was released last month after Aragon reduced his bond to $10,000 cash.
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MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico mulls state-run pot shops, subsidized medical use
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico would become the first U.S. state to set up its own government-operated marijuana stores and subsidize medical cannabis for the poor under a bill brokered between Republicans and Democrats, as new wave of states weighs legislation that would legalize recreational sales and consumption.
The idea for state-run pot shops comes from a trio of GOP state senators who broke with local Republican Party orthodoxy to embrace legal marijuana. It is a decidedly big-government approach that also would require that marijuana consumers carry receipts of purchase or confront penalties.
Those provisions were sown into Democrat-sponsored legislation that contains currents of social justice including medical cannabis subsidies for poor people with debilitating medical conditions.
Several powerful conservative Democrats still stands in the way of a Senate floor vote on legalization.

COLORADO RIVER DROUGHT PLAN
California water agencies fight over multistate drought plan
PHOENIX (AP) — A major Southern California water agency is positioning itself to shoulder the state's entire water contribution under a plan to preserve a key river in the U.S. West that serves 40 million people.
The Metropolitan Water District board is voting Tuesday on a proposal to essentially write out of a multistate drought plan another agency that gets more Colorado River water than anyone else.
The Imperial Irrigation District says it'll only provide water to keep a key reservoir from dropping to drastically low levels if U.S. officials commit $200 million to address a massive, briny lake southeast of Los Angeles.
Metropolitan says that effort shouldn't stall the drought plan and it can cover Imperial's contribution.
The U.S. government could impose its own rules for water going to California, Arizona and Nevada if seven states can't reach an agreement.

LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Ban-the-box bill sent to New Mexico governor
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill that would remove criminal history questions from initial job applications in the private sector is headed to the governor's desk.
The bill from Democratic Sen. Bill O'Neill of Albuquerque cleared the Legislature on a 45-15 vote of the House with all Republicans who were present in opposition.
A similar bill was vetoed in 2017 by former GOP Gov. Susana Martinez.
Under the new bill, private employers may take prior convictions into consideration after an initial review of the job application and a discussion of employment.
Similar "ban-the-box" regulations that eliminate prior convictions from check lists on job applications have been adopted in at least 11 states that include California, Illinois and Washington.

BUDGET SURPLUS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico plan to boost spending heads to Senate floor
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Adjustments to a $7 billion annual general fund spending plan for the state of New Mexico would devote greater resources to economic development subsidies and drop a requirement that the University of New Mexico revive recently disbanded sports teams.
The lead Senate budget committee on Monday endorsed a $703 million increase in general fund spending for the fiscal year starting July 1. That represents an additional $19 million beyond the House-approved bill.
The amended bill now moves to the full Senate for a vote.
Senate amendments could boost current year spending by $60 million on a closing fund to encourage business expansions.
Minor adjustments were made to a plan for public education spending of $3.25 billion that represents a 16 percent increase over current-year spending.

BOARD OF REGENTS-PRESIDENT
UNM Board of Regents selects officers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has elected a former state treasurer and management school dean as its president.
The university said in a statement posted to its website that Doug Brown was chosen for the position at a meeting Monday.
Brown previously served on the board following an appointment in 2003, and then was appointed state treasurer in 2005.
He led UNM's Anderson School of Management for five years until his retirement in 2014.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Brown and four others to the Board of Regents after taking office this year. Their appointments were confirmed by the state Senate last month.
Other officers selected Monday include Kim Sanchez Rael, who was chosen as vice president, and Sandra Begay, who serve as board secretary and treasurer.

BARRICADE SITUATION-ARREST
More details released on last month's standoff in New Mexico
HATCH, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say an officer ended an Interstate 25 standoff last month by shooting an armed suspect in the foot.
An Arizona man reportedly abducted his wife in Louisiana and threatened to kill his 7-year-old son in the Feb. 27 standoff.
The wife of 39-year-old James Kirkland of Kingman bolted from the vehicle when it stopped on I-25 near the southern New Mexico village of Hatch.
State Police said Monday that an officer saw feet on the ground outside the vehicle and determined they were Kirkland's.
The officer shot Kirkland in the right foot to end the standoff. Authorities took him into custody and rescued the boy.
Authorities say Kirkland has been booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center on multiple charges including kidnapping and child abuse.

MILITARY BASE-JET FUEL SPILL
New Mexico: More work needed to clean up jet fuel spill
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — After excavating thousands of tons of soil and treating millions of gallons of water, New Mexico regulators say the U.S. Air Force still has work to do to clean up contamination at a military base bordering the state's largest city.
The state environment department has released a draft of this year's strategic plan for addressing the jet fuel contamination at Kirtland Air Force Base.
The fuel leak — believed to have been seeping into the ground for decades — was first detected in 1999. The greatest concern was potential contamination of drinking water wells in Albuquerque neighborhoods that border the base.
Environment Secretary James Kenney says 2018 data indicates groundwater extraction and treatment is having an effect on the plume.
Under the proposed plan, that work would continue along with more modeling and monitoring.
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CLERGY ABUSE-NEW MEXICO
Deadline set for abuse claims against New Mexico archdiocese
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A deadline has been set for victims of clergy sexual abuse to submit a proof of claim in the ongoing bankruptcy case filed by New Mexico's largest Catholic diocese.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Thuma approved the June 17 deadline in an order announced late Friday. He also spelled out a comprehensive claims process, which includes the Archdiocese of Santa Fe publishing notices in dozens of newspapers and other publications.
The claims will be sealed and remain confidential unless the claimant indicates otherwise.
The archdiocese dropped a bombshell in November, announcing it would seek bankruptcy protection after spending more than $50 million over the years to settle hundreds of lawsuits alleging child sex abuse by clergy members.
Archbishop John Wester said he's hopeful mediation can begin following the claim deadline.

MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO
Recreational marijuana bill advances in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal to legalize the sale and consumption of recreational marijuana through state-run stores in New Mexico is advancing in the state Legislature.
A Senate panel on Saturday endorsed the House-approved bill that would allow possession of up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana for recreational use by people 21 and over, while applying taxes of up to 17 percent on sales.
Bill supporters include advocacy groups for criminal justice reform including defense attorneys and the ACLU. Businesses associations and medical marijuana businesses are worried about state involvement in sales and a potential plunge in marijuana prices.
Bipartisan sponsors say their bill establishes a tightly regulated marijuana market that guards against childhood use, helps identify impaired drivers and allows employers to maintain zero-tolerance policies and drug testing of employees.

ROUTE 66-LED STREETLIGHTS
New Mexico city changing its Route 66 streetlights to LED
(Information from: Gallup Independent, http://www.gallupindependent.com)
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A western New Mexico city is upgrading its streetlights to LED lights, including those on the historic Route 66 highway.
The Gallup Independent reports the city of Gallup, New Mexico is planning on changing all of the streetlights owned by the city from the high-pressure sodium bulbs to LED lights.
City officials say the new lights will save Gallup around $10 million over 20 years and reduce energy use by 65 percent.
Currently, portions of Route 66 in the city are lit with a mixture of old streetlights and LED lights.
The move follows similar changes along Route 66 to make this historic road more energy efficient. In recent years, the Mother Road has seen a growing number of electric car charging stations along the 2,500-mile path.
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LEGISLATURE-NEW MEXICO
Legislature seeks more state financing for local businesses
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Legislature has passed a bill that would provide $50 million to the state's Small Business Investment Corporation to provide loans to small enterprises not served by traditional banks.
The 39-19 House vote on Friday sends the bill to the governor for consideration. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed support concerning new state financing and investment in local businesses.
The initiative would double capitalization of the Small Business Investment Corporation using money from a multibillion-dollar state trust known as the Severance Tax Permanent fund.
Profits from the lender's small loans would returned to the roughly $5 billion Severance Tax Permanent Fund. That fund originates from taxes on oil and mineral extraction and provides about $200 million a year to the state general fund.

NEW MEXICO-DISCLOSURES
Court rejects challenge to rule on contribution disclosures
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has turned away Republican legislators' lawsuit challenging Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver's move to require more disclosure of contributors to so-called dark money organizations that spend on political campaigns.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that all five justices concurred Friday in denial of the petition by state Sens. Mark Moores of Albuquerque and Bill Sharer of Farmington, and state Reps. Jim Strickler of Farmington and David Gallegos of Eunice.
The lawmakers contended that Toulouse Oliver's implementation of a disclosure rule was an attempted "end-run around New Mexico's Constitution."
The new rule requires such groups to report the names and addresses of those contributing above certain thresholds.
Legislation to require disclosures was vetoed by former Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican.

FORMER LAWMAKERS-LOBBYISTS
Ex-New Mexico lawmakers now lobbyists raising eyebrows
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Some former New Mexico lawmakers and public officials are lobbying the Legislature even though they've been out of office less than a few months.
And there is no state law to prevent it.
The Albuquerque Journal reports former Rep. Debbie Rodella, a Democrat who represented Española until she lost her seat last year, is among a few people who were public servants last session and lobbyists this year. She's a lobbyist for an association of community bankers.
Keith Gardner, chief of staff under then-Gov. Susana Martinez, is also registered as a lobbyist. He's lobbying for the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Select Energy Services, a Texas-based company.
Some legislators have tried repeatedly to pass lobby reform bills — with proposals to impose a one- or two-year "cooling off" period.

MINIMUM WAGE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico Senate endorses $11 minimum wage
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico state Senate has endorsed an increase in the statewide minimum wage from $7.50 an hour to $11 over the course of three years.
The 27-15 vote of the Senate on Friday sends the bill to the Democrat-led House for consideration. The House has approved a larger gradual increase to $12 with automated future increases tied to inflation.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham campaigned successfully last year on pledges to seek a $12 minimum wage. She is seeking a $12 minimum for state workers starting in July.
The Senate-approved bill from Democratic Sen. Clemente Sanchez provides for a separate $8.50 minimum wage for high school students and a slight increase in base pay to $.250 for workers who receive tips, such as restaurant wait staff.
Republican senators called the proposed increases too much for locally owned businesses in rural New Mexico to withstand. Democrats voted in unison with one Republican to pass the bill, though some of those lawmakers favored more generous terms for workers.

GUN CONTROL-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Gov. signs bill to expand gun background checks
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a bill that will expand mandatory background checks on firearms sales to include transactions between private individuals.
The bill was signed into law Friday after weeks of divisive debate over the constitutional rights of gun owners, school safety and gun violence.
The governor, a Democrat who took office in January, commended the bill's Democratic sponsors, students and other gun-reform advocates who pushed for the bill's passage.
The Brady Center, a Washington-based nonprofit that advocates for expanding gun control, says more than 20 states have similar laws calling for at least some restrictions on private firearms sales.
Sheriffs across the state had been among the legislation's most vocal opponents as they declared they would not enforce the measure or other bills still being debated by lawmakers.

ALBUQUERQUE-AUSTIN FLIGHTS
Southwest Airlines expands Albuquerque-Austin service
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Southwest Airlines is expanding service between New Mexico's largest city and Austin, Texas.
The airline has announced that flights between Albuquerque and Austin will be offered daily starting Aug. 6. Currently, only weekend options are available.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said daily, non-stop service between the two cities will open new doors for economic development and tourism with what he called the live music capital of the world.
City officials also pointed to consistent growth at the Albuquerque International Sunport. In 2018, the airport had an increase in passenger traffic of nearly 8 percent.
Last month, the airport announced service to Chihuahua, Mexico.

MINIMUM WAGE-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico Senate endorses $11 minimum wage
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico state Senate has endorsed an increase in the statewide minimum wage from $7.50 an hour to $11 over the course of three years.
The 27-15 vote of the Senate on Friday sends the bill to the Democrat-led House for consideration. The House has approved a larger gradual increase to $12 with automated future increases tied to inflation.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham campaigned successfully last year on pledges to seek a $12 minimum wage. She is seeking a $12 minimum for state workers starting in July.
The Senate-approved bill from Democratic Sen. Clemente Sanchez provides for a separate $8.50 minimum wage for high school students and a slight increase in base pay to $.250 for workers who receive tips, such as restaurant wait staff.
Republican senators called the proposed increases too much for locally owned businesses in rural New Mexico to withstand. Democrats voted in unison with one Republican to pass the bill, though some of those lawmakers favored more generous terms for workers.

GUN CONTROL-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Gov. signs bill to expand gun background checks
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a bill that will expand mandatory background checks on firearms sales to include transactions between private individuals.
The bill was signed into law Friday after weeks of divisive debate over the constitutional rights of gun owners, school safety and gun violence.
The governor, a Democrat who took office in January, commended the bill's Democratic sponsors, students and other gun-reform advocates who pushed for the bill's passage.
The Brady Center, a Washington-based nonprofit that advocates for expanding gun control, says more than 20 states have similar laws calling for at least some restrictions on private firearms sales.
Sheriffs across the state had been among the legislation's most vocal opponents as they declared they would not enforce the measure or other bills still being debated by lawmakers.

NEW MEXICO-DISCLOSURES
Court rejects challenge to rule on contribution disclosures
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has turned away Republican legislators' lawsuit challenging Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver's move to require more disclosure of contributors to so-called dark money organizations that spend on political campaigns.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that all five justices concurred Friday in denial of the petition by state Sens. Mark Moores of Albuquerque and Bill Sharer of Farmington, and state Reps. Jim Strickler of Farmington and David Gallegos of Eunice.
The lawmakers contended that Toulouse Oliver's implementation of a disclosure rule was an attempted "end-run around New Mexico's Constitution."
The new rule requires such groups to report the names and addresses of those contributing above certain thresholds.
Legislation to require disclosures was vetoed by former Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican.

FORMER LAWMAKERS-LOBBYISTS
Ex-New Mexico lawmakers now lobbyists raising eyebrows
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Some former New Mexico lawmakers and public officials are lobbying the Legislature even though they've been out of office less than a few months.
And there is no state law to prevent it.
The Albuquerque Journal reports former Rep. Debbie Rodella, a Democrat who represented Española until she lost her seat last year, is among a few people who were public servants last session and lobbyists this year. She's a lobbyist for an association of community bankers.
Keith Gardner, chief of staff under then-Gov. Susana Martinez, is also registered as a lobbyist. He's lobbying for the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Select Energy Services, a Texas-based company.
Some legislators have tried repeatedly to pass lobby reform bills — with proposals to impose a one- or two-year "cooling off" period.

ALBUQUERQUE-AUSTIN FLIGHTS
Southwest Airlines expands Albuquerque-Austin service
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Southwest Airlines is expanding service between New Mexico's largest city and Austin, Texas.
The airline has announced that flights between Albuquerque and Austin will be offered daily starting Aug. 6. Currently, only weekend options are available.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said daily, non-stop service between the two cities will open new doors for economic development and tourism with what he called the live music capital of the world.
City officials also pointed to consistent growth at the Albuquerque International Sunport. In 2018, the airport had an increase in passenger traffic of nearly 8 percent.
Last month, the airport announced service to Chihuahua, Mexico.

QUE CHOLA EXHIBIT
Exhibit on US Latina 'cholas' set to open in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A national Hispanic center in New Mexico is hosting a unique art exhibit on the chola — the working class, Mexican-American urban female often associated with gangs.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque is opening the "Que Chola Exhibition" on Friday with pieces by artists from New Mexico, Arizona, California, Texas, and Colorado.
The displays feature the evolution of the chola from her early days as a "pachuca" from the World War II-era zoot suit period to the contemporary figure trying to survive in poor neighborhoods.
Cholas, or homegirls, often refers to a particular Latina subculture in the U.S. characterized by a tough demeanor and distinctive style.
Curator Jadira Gurule says the chola for represents strength and perseverance for many Latinas.
The exhibit runs until Aug. 4.

MARIJUANA-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico House endorses recreational marijuana
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal to authorize recreational marijuana sales and consumption for people 21 and over in New Mexico has been endorsed by the New Mexico House of Representatives.
By a 36-34 vote Thursday, the Democrat-led House passed a bill that would regulate and tax marijuana sales largely through state-operated stores. Marijuana products would be sold on a consignment basis. The system would be unique in the United States but mimics established state-run stores for liquor.
Some private stores would be allowed in areas far from government-run stores.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Democratic Rep. Javier Martinez called the bill a "grand bargain" between Senate Republican and House Democrats who merged competing proposals.
Ten states and the district of Columbia allow recreational marijuana. New Mexico would become the second state after Vermont to approve it by legislation rather than a ballot initiative.
The bill does not allow for home-grown recreational marijuana. State-approved medical marijuana patients would still be able grown their own.

HEATHER WILSON-UTEP
Ex-US Rep. Heather Wilson named president of UTEP
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — U.S. Air Force Secretary and former Congresswoman Heather Wilson has been named the next president of the University of Texas at El Paso.
The University of Texas System Board of Regents voted Friday to select Wilson as the only finalist for the job.
The 58-year-old Wilson served as a U.S. Congresswoman from 1998 to 2009 and represented a central New Mexico district that included Albuquerque. The Republican was appointed Air Force Secretary in 2017.
Her Air Force biography says she served as president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota, from 2013 to 2017.
Wilson will replace 79-year-old Diana Natalicio who served at UTEP president for three decades.
UTEP has an enrollment of around 25,000 students and about 80 percent are Latino.