Regional

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The New Mexico Environment Department and El Paso Electric Company settled on a consent agreement last week; calling for a monetary penalty and several improvements to the company's generation station in southern New Mexico. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera has this report.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces, NM – The City of Las Cruces is getting close to two million federal dollars to upgrade its transit system.

Federal officials announced today that the city will receive 1.7 million dollars to pay for three 30-foot busses, equipment and maintenance facility upgrades.

Roadrunner Transit of Las Cruces currently has nine buses traveling throughout the city.

The money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also includes 1.4-million dollars for the city of Santa Fe.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces, NM – The body of a woman was discovered this morning near Santa Teresa Elementary School in Dona Ana County.

According to Sheriff's Officials, a person out for a morning walk found the body of the unidentified woman in a desert area off Commerciantes Boulevard in Santa Teresa.

Sheriff's officials are not disclosing any further information at this time, because they say the investigation is in its preliminary stage.

By KRWG News

Silver City – Good news for area nurses looking to continue their education.

The Department of Nursing at Western New Mexico University has been awarded a national three-year grant to help fund its RN-to-BSN program.

The program allows current registered nurses with an associate's degree the flexibility to earn a bachelor's degree.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – A lawsuit was filed this week against Las Cruces Developer Phillip Phillipou, alleging fraud and loss of economic opportunities. KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – San Miguel is in the process of creating a new community center in the heart of the Dona Ana County community. As KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports, State Representative Joni Gutierrez spearheaded efforts to purchase an abandoned elementary school to serve as the new center.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The ongoing billboard controversy in El Paso seems to have no end in sight. Yesterday, the City Council failed to override Mayor John Cook's veto of a billboard ban after just four representatives voted in favor of its implementation. The Council needed six votes to overrule Cook's rejection.

District One Representative, Ann Morgan Lily, who proposed the ordinance calling it a quality of life issue expressed her disappointment in the Mayor.

By Gary Worth

Las Cruces, NM – It's a disease that affects one out of every 11 adults in New Mexico and which can profoundly change lives. The number of cases of diabetes is rising so quickly that NMSU's cooperative extension office has produced a series of easy to read and understand publications about the disease. As KRWG's Gary Worth reports, it's an effort to get vital and life-changing information to people across the state as quickly as possible.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico minorities make up more than three quarters of the state's organ donor waiting list. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, an expert says the disparity is due to diseases primarily affecting these ethnic groups and insufficient health care.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – Several schools, colleges, and universities throughout New Mexico are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide financial aid for veterans. As KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports the program, a provision of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, has garnered support from New Mexico U.S. Senator Tom Udall.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – 3736 7/29 atc 7/30 me

Federal stimulus money will benefit police departments across the state .including Las Cruces.

Congressman Harry Teague announced federal grants of more than five million dollars ..enough to hire 28 officers statewide.

Las Cruces received the largest grant .more than 1.5 million .to hire eight officers

Santa Fe will also hire eight .receiving just under 1.5 million.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – A billboard ban is back on the agenda in El Paso. During today's City Council Meeting, representatives will consider overriding Mayor John Cook's veto of the controversial ordinance. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera has the details

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – This week the Dona Ana County Commission approved funding for diabetes prevention and teen pregnancy intervention as part of the County Health Care Initiative. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Less than a week after an elderly Las Cruces resident was found dead in a desolate area Dona Ana County Sheriff's officials announced a new effort to improve their search and rescue plan. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has the details.

By Copyright KUNM

Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman is defending his vote against allowing states to use Medicaid money to fund universal healthcare. He also says he now supports a federal tax on health insurance companies to help fund coverage for those who can't afford it. KUNM's Jim Williams spoke with Bingaman on Monday.