Gathering Of Nations Powwow Canceled For 2nd Year In A Row –
Albuquerque Journal, Associated Press
The world s largest powwow has been canceled for a second consecutive year because of the pandemic.
The Albuquerque Journal reported Monday that the Gathering of Nations Powwow, typically held in Albuquerque, will be entirely online.
Gathering of Nations founder Derek Mathews says they can t hold the live event until the state opens up for large gatherings. He was told that the powwow won t likely be possible until April of 2022.
He also says it wouldn t be right to risk people s safety, especially considering how COVID-19 has devastated tribal communities.
By Morgan Lee, Associated Press
Legislators have advanced a proposal to legalize recreational cannabis across New Mexico and lift the state s tight restrictions on production for its medical cannabis program.
After more than six hours of testimony and deliberations, a legislative committee on health issues on Monday endorsed one bill backed by Democrats and sidelined a second, in efforts to set up a taxed and regulated marketplace for broad cannabis sales.
The two-day hearing pushed to the forefront an initiative that would subsidize medical marijuana for the poor and do away with current limits on the number of plants each licensed producer can grow.
By Susan Montoya Bryan Associated Press
Officials at some of New Mexico s largest hospitals said Monday they are holding out hope that vaccine supplies will catch up with demand as state health officials confirmed that some pharmacies would begin receiving shipments this week.
More than 590,000 residents have registered online to be vaccinated, but health care officials and the state Health Department acknowledge that demand is far outpacing current supplies. Some older New Mexicans and those with pre-existing health concerns that put them at greater risk have waiting for weeks.
State health officials have acknowledged that residents in search of vaccines have been going to Texas, where individual clinics have been vaccinating people on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Democrats Cap Damage Awards In Police Accountability Bill -
By Morgan Lee Associated Press
A bill that would strip police officers of immunity from civil rights lawsuits in state court is being rewritten to cap potential damage awards at $2 million, in a concession to critics who warned of dire financial consequences for local governments and taxpayers.
Bill sponsor and state Rep. Georgene Louis of Albuquerque announced the revisions Friday to the bill that would also waive personal liability in lawsuits against police and other government officials for violations of an array of civil rights under the state constitution.
The bill confronts a crucial hurdle at a hearing scheduled for Monday in the Democrat-led state House.