Regional

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – A new report from Environment New Mexico sets a goal for solar energy use in the country and several advocates say we have the tools locally to meet the challenge. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Gov. Bill Richardson has vetoed a proposed tax on food, but signed other tax increases that will raise about $170 million to help balance the state budget next year.

The governor used his line-item veto powers Wednesday to reject a proposal that would have reinstated the gross receipts tax on food at the rate imposed by local governments, which averages about 2 percent statewide.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – Congressman Harry Teague is requesting a border summit to discuss the on-going drug war in Mexico. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The historic health reform bill has not come easily. Thirty-four Democrats voted against the bill, including Second District New Mexico Congressman Harry Teague.
KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By KRWG News

Santa Teresa, NM – A creative attempt to smuggle narcotics into the U.S. in southern New Mexico was foiled this morning by vigilant CBP Border Patrol Agents, highlighting a busy 24 hours in Santa Teresa and Las Cruces.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police have contacted a relative of a man who was seriously injured in a crash last week.

Anthony Santiago, 46, is being cared for at University Medical Center of El Paso where his health continues to improve. He now is listed in stable condition.

With the help from several leads that came to police, officers were able to contact a relative of Santiago who lives in New York.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police have charged an 18-year-old for his involvement in the February 2008 armed robbery at a Wienerschnitzel restaurant.

Jimmy Alejandro Sauceda, of the 2200 block of Entrada Del Sol, was charged Tuesday, March 23, with one count of armed robbery. Because Sauceda was 16 at the time the crime was committed, a Juvenile Class III citation detailing the charges will be forwarded to the juvenile probation office.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The advisory board for New Mexico's medical marijuana law will consider adding two more health conditions to the list that qualify patients to use medical marijuana.

The state Department of Health's Medical Advisory Board plans a public hearing March 30 in Santa Fe to review petitions to add auto immune diseases and severe behavioral disturbances related to autism, traumatic brain injury mental retardation or dementia.

Sixteen conditions currently qualify for medical marijuana.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The state of New Mexico has launched a new toll-free number and a 24-hour line to help unemployed people claim jobless benefits.

The new number, 1-877-664-6984, has service available in English and Spanish.

People seeking unemployment insurance can do their weekly certification and reset their personal identification number using the toll-free telephone number without having to call a state Department of Workforce Solutions customer service representative.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – A top staffer for Gov. Bill Richardson says the Democratic governor is leaning toward vetoing a proposed tax on food. The provision is part of a bill with about $200 million in tax increases to help balance the budget. The Legislature approved a proposal to reinstate the gross receipts tax on food at the rate imposed by local governments, which averages about 2 percent statewide.

By KRWG News

Juarez, Mexico – Jet planes loaded with 450 federal police officers have arrived in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to bolster a federal force struggling to control violent drug traffickers.

Juarez has become known as Mexico's murder capital.

The law-enforcement surge Tuesday boosts the number of federal agents in the border city across from El Paso, Texas, to 3,500. It comes on the same day U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and top-level security officials met with Mexico's leaders and pledged to help tackle the problem.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Current and former members of the State Investment Council want the attorney general to bring a lawsuit to recover damages or losses from investments made because of potential play-to-pay influences.

A council subcommittee made the recommendation on Tuesday in a report about improving the council's oversight of New Mexico's permanent funds.

A pension scandal in New York has raised questions about some investments made by the council. Federal investigators also are looking into New Mexico investments.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces police have arrested the mother of a 4-year-old girl who was shot multiple times by an older brother with a BB gun.

Police say 31-year-old Amanda Tarin is charged with one third-degree felony count of negligent child abuse. She has been booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond.

Police were called Sunday after the girl returned to her father's home after visiting with her mother and had several BB-size bruises on both legs. The girl's injuries were not life-threatening.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has outlined a campaign plan to save the state $450 million over five years, including by cutting political appointees in the government work force.

Denish is running for the Democratic nomination for governor. She outlined measures on Tuesday that she said should make state government operate more efficiently.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – A joint law enforcement task force released the results of an investigation in the January shooting death of a young man by Las Cruces Police. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.