- MODERATE-LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CLASH
Moderate New Mexico Senate Dems slow liberal House freshmenSANTA 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.
- ALBUQUERQUE HIT-AND-RUN
Albuquerque police: Pedestrian critical after hit-and-runALBUQUERQUE, 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 girlANETH, 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 slowFLAGSTAFF, 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.
- LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: Governor wants to revive marijuana proposalsSANTA 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.
- TORNADO DAMAGE-NEW MEXICO
Survey: New Mexico tornado traveled path about 15 miles longDEXTER, 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.