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Suspect In UNM Jersey Robs Abq Bank, NM Lawmakers Unveil Bills For 2018

Stefan Schweihofer
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Creative Commons via Pixabay

Suspect Dressed In UNM Jersey Robs Albuquerque BankAssociated Press

The FBI is searching for a suspect who wore a University of New Mexico football jersey while robbing an Albuquerque bank.

Authorities say the robbery occurred Thursday afternoon at a BBVA Compass Bank.

Employees say he demanded money from a teller and then displayed a handgun.

The teller complied and handed over an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect left on foot.

He is described as white, in his 20s, 5-foot-11 and with a slender build.

Witnesses say he was wearing the red Lobos jersey which had the number 12 on both sides, a dark long-sleeve shirt underneath, a dark baseball cap and dark pants.

They believe his hair may have been a light-colored wig.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information.

New Mexico Lawmakers Unveil First Bills For 2018 Associated Press

New Mexico lawmakers are beginning to file legislative proposals for the upcoming legislative session that starts in January.

Friday marks the first day to introduce bills for a 30-day legislative session that begins on Jan. 15. Anti-crime proposals and budgetary changes expected to dominate the agenda.

Second-term Republican Gov. Susana Martinez is preparing for her final year in office and is expected to back public safety legislation and push other longstanding priorities such as tax reform.

The Democratic-led Legislature will be racing to extend an agreement that allows nurses licensed in New Mexico to work in participating states and vice versa.

New Mexico's abbreviated legislative sessions in even-numbered years are focused on taxation and spending decisions. The governor has the authority to add other policy priorities to the agenda.

Border Arrests Surge, Erasing Much Of Trump's Early Gains Associated Press

The U.S. government posted a seventh straight monthly increase in people being arrested or denied entry along the Mexican border, erasing much of the early gains of President Donald Trump's push to strengthen border security.

Customs and Border Protection said Friday that denials of entry at official crossings and border arrests reached more than 39,000 in November.

That's more than double the nearly 16,000 registered in April.

Trump had touted the dramatic drop in arrests in the early months of his presidency as evidence that his administration was making the border more secure.

Administration officials said last week that they were concerned about an increase in families and unaccompanied children showing up at the U.S. border with Mexico.

Colorado, New Mexico Lawmakers Alter Sex Misconduct Policies Associated Press

State lawmakers in Colorado and New Mexico have begun revisiting their sexual misconduct policies.

It's part of a wider effort by legislatures around the country to address questions about whether they are doing enough to deter predatory behavior and protect victims.

In Colorado, lawmakers voted Friday to hire a consultant to review the Legislature's sexual harassment policy. New Mexico lawmakers published a first draft of proposed revisions to sexual harassment rules and disciplinary procedures.

Similar moves are underway in California.

The efforts are aimed at adding accountability, increasing openness and protecting those who come forward with accusations at a time when lawmakers in many states have been forced to resign over sexual misconduct claims.

School Shooting Victim Remembered At Memorial

Dozens of mourners gathered to remember a 17-year-old boy who was killed during a shooting rampage at a New Mexico high school.

The memorial service Friday for Francisco "Paco" Fernandez at the Pinon Hills Community Church in Farmington lasted about two hours.

Some supporters then gathered on sidewalks to watch a procession of lowrider and custom cars escort family members to the cemetery.

Fernandez and Casey Jordan Marquez were killed Dec. 7 when a gunman opened fire inside Aztec High School shortly after first period began. Authorities say the gunman had planned to attack the school but that the two victims were not specifically targeted.

A memorial service for Marquez is scheduled for Sunday.

New Mexico Attorney General Joining Suit Over Net Neutrality Associated Press

New Mexico's attorney general is joining top prosecutors in other states suing the Federal Communications Commission for repealing "net neutrality" rules.

Democratic Attorney General Hector Balderas on Friday called the FCC decision an "un-American attack on a free and open internet" that will harm New Mexico consumers and families.

Foes worry companies like Comcast, AT&T and Verizon will either charge for fast service or cut speeds for content they don't earn money from. The companies say that won't happen.

The planned lawsuit will be led by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

The Republican-controlled FCC voted Thursday to scrap an Obama-era rule that guaranteed equal access to the internet. Chairman Ajit Pai says his plan eliminates unnecessary regulation.

Gallup Drops Panhandling Ordinance Over Free-Speech Concerns Associated Press

The city of Gallup is repealing a panhandling ordinance that a civil rights group says violates freedom of speech.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico said Friday that the city attorney sent a memo to the police chief instructing the department no longer arrest or cite panhandlers.

According to the memo, which the ACLU made available, City Attorney Curtis Hayes says a court would likely find the ordinance unconstitutional.

Hayes says the city still needs some kind of statute to prevent panhandling.

Gallup attorney Barry Klopfer first brought the measure to the group's attention, arguing panhandling qualifies as protected speech.

The City Attorney's office did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The ACLU is also questioning a similar ordinance that the Albuquerque City Council approved last month.

Legislature Outlines New Anti-Harassment Rules Associated Press

Sexual harassment complaints against New Mexico state lawmakers would be investigated by a panel of legislators under proposed revisions to the Legislature's anti-harassment policy.

The Legislature on Friday published its first draft of possible revisions to its rules and disciplinary procedures against sexual harassment at the Statehouse in response to concerns that widespread misconduct has gone unchecked.

The proposal provides procedures for filing complaints against lawmakers, legislative staff, and lobbyists or other people who visit the state Capitol.

Complaints against lawmakers would be reviewed by the speaker of the House or Senate president and possibly referred to an ethics subcommittee. Sanctions including reprimand, censure or expulsion are determined by entire House or Senate. Provisions for appeals have been left blank.

The draft provides new, detailed descriptions of what constitutes harassment or sexual harassment.