Regional

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico's recently approved rules for curbing greenhouse gas emissions statewide are at the heart of a new legal battle brewing in Santa Fe.

Four major utilities operating around the state, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico and the city of Farmington all filed notices of appeal Tuesday with the state Court of Appeals.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The State Investment Council is sticking with New Mexico's film loan program while it waits to see if the Legislature overhauls the financial incentives offered to the film industry.

The council on Tuesday shelved a proposal that would have capped the total loans to film projects at $100 million. Currently, interest-free loans can be made up to 6 percent of the market value of the Severance Tax Permanent Fund. That allows loans totaling more than $200 million, although only about $75 million in loans are outstanding.

By KRWG News

Texas – Legislation requiring Texans to show a photo ID before voting cleared a major hurdle Tuesday night and appears headed for Senate passage this week.

The bill passed along partisan lines in a committee made up of all the senators and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

The full Senate could take up the measure beginning Wednesday night, with a floor vote likely to come by Thursday. Republicans say the measure is needed to prevent fraud. Democrats say it's more about keeping voters their voters away from the polls.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – On Monday the City Council discussed the display of U.S flags outside of various city buildings. How and when the flag is displayed has become an issue after residents and local veterans made complaints.

The inconsistency is in regard to when the flag should be flown at full staff or half staff and the protocol for holidays.

City officials are also concerned that some city departments and agencies aren't aware of when flags should be flown.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Due to a recent series of thefts, Dona Ana County Sheriff's Deputies have been heavily patrolling local cemeteries looking for the individuals responsible.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The New Mexico Supreme Court has rejected the exchange of state trust land for private land around White Peak in northeastern New Mexico, ruling the State Land Office did not follow a requirement for public auction of trust lands.

Former state Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons negotiated the land exchanges in 2009, but Attorney General Gary King challenged them since the land swaps had not been done by auction.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Supporters of early childhood programs want to tap into one of New Mexico s endowment funds to finance services for children under the age of five.

A coalition of religious groups, labor unions, child care providers and social advocacy organizations rallied at the Capitol on Monday in support of a proposed constitutional amendment to increase the yearly payout from the $10 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund from 5.8 percent to 7 percent.

By KRWG News

Texas – Texas is offering an amnesty program for traffic violators who owe fines and want a discount for paying.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says if payment is not received by April 17, the amnesty reduction is voided, all surcharge balances revert to the original owed amounts and suspensions are put back on a driver's record.

About 650,000 Texans who owe traffic fines could be eligible for the 90 percent break on payment, as part of the DPS Driver Responsibility Program, which began Jan. 17.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – In early January Governor Martinez appointed Harrison Schmitt to the post. After announcing the nomination, Martinez stated Schmitt's diverse background gives him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be helpful in guiding the responsible development and protection of New Mexico's diverse natural resources.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – The production of the Vagina Monologues is one of the features of V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against woman and girls by raising awareness of domestic assault and sexual abuse through performances, education, networking and fundraising.

This year the program will feature resource books to be handed out to those in attendance. The material includes information on local domestic violence preventions, sexual assault response and counseling agencies.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Every Monday, Fred Martino speaks with Las Cruces Sun News Business Editor Brook Stockberger.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrests of the two suspects who committed an armed robbery Saturday at a popular fast food restaurant.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, Las Cruces Police were called to the Blake's Lotaburger at 1300 S. Valley Dr. where two men, both armed with handguns, took an undisclosed amount of cash from the restaurant.

By KRWG News

Juarez, Mexico – Authorities say gunmen have killed seven people at a park in the besieged border city of Ciudad Juarez.

Chihuahua state prosecutors' spokesman Carlos Gonzalez says the gunmen arrived at the park in the Francisco I. Madero neighborhood and opened fire Sunday afternoon. He says four people were wounded and hospitalized in critical condition, including a 12-year-old girl. One of the four later died.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The New Mexico State Senate confirmed the appointment of former State Senator and Las Cruces businessman Leonard Lee Rawson as a member of the New Mexico State Investment Council.

Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle sponsored Rawson's confirmation on the Senate Floor for the two-year term and spoke highly of his former colleague today.

By KRWG News

El Paso – Statement from Senator Jos Rodr guez Regarding Senate Bill 14 (Voter ID):

"With an estimated 100,000 teachers expected to lose their jobs, a proposed $17 billion to be cut from vital health and human services programs and community colleges across our state likely having to shutter their doors due to the $27 billion budget shortfall, now is not the time to focus on a non-existent problem. It is time that we roll up our sleeves to work to address the real issues that face the future of our state.