Regional

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The Omnibus Public Lands Package, a bill which would have designated about 2 million acres of land throughout the country as protected wilderness fell just two votes shy of passing in the House of Representatives Wednesday night. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the bill would have protected several areas in New Mexico, including the Sabinoso Wilderness in San Miguel County, and a unique Paleozoic Trackways sight in Southern New Mexico.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – President Barack Obama signed the $410 billion dollar omnibus spending bill into law yesterday; the measure will provide funding to all federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year which ends in September. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the package contains more funding to improve dilapidated levee systems in Dona Ana County.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico was given a "C" grade for its public mental health system in a recent report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has the details.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – On April 3, employers will begin using a new I-9 form.

That's the document required by the federal government to verify the identity of employees ..and whether they're authorized to work in the United States.

A Friday workshop in Las Cruces is designed to get companies ready for the change.

The New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership is holding the workshop at the Dona Ana County Community College Workforce Center. Pre-registration was required.

By Eduardo Rodriguez

Las Cruces, NM – Southern New Mexicans who felt sleep deprived this week, thanks to daylight savings time have a new friend in Santa Fe. As KRWG's Eduardo Rodriguez reports, Senator Mary Jane Garcia of Dona Ana County introduced a proposal to do away with the yearly time change.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Southern New Mexicans with questions regarding the stimulus package may be able to speak with Congressman Harry Teague on the issue thanks to a new helpline. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has the details.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The Las Cruces Police Department is looking for help with their investigation involving shots fired Monday night near Conlee Elementary School. KRWG's Evan Woodward has the details.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico's Congressional Delegation released a resource guide yesterday intended to help community leader's access information related to funds contained in the economic recovery package. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the delegation claims the guide will help New Mexico make the most of the funds available.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Legislation which would overturn the death penalty in New Mexico is expected to be voted on by the full Senate in the coming days. House Bill 285 has already passed through the House and squeaked out of the Senate's Judiciary Committee by a 6 to 5 vote Monday. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the Senate vote is expected to be very close.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Late last year New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson appointed three new members to the New Mexico State University Board of Regents. Former Santa Fe County Commissioner Javier Gonzales, pecan farmer Thomas Salopek, and NMSU Student Chris Anaya were forced to sit out of yesterday's meeting because the State Senate has yet to confirm their appointments. KRWG's Evan Woodward reports.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Yesterday, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents met in Las Cruces for the first time this year; despite the fact that three newly appointed members have yet to be confirmed. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the current three member board voted unanimously to name Blake Curtis as Chairman.

By Jim Williams

Santa Fe, NM – A California-based developer with a major pending state tax incentive request has given over 52-thousand dollars to New Mexico legislators over the past two years. Sun Cal is seeking to develop 4-thousand acres of Albuquerque's West Mesa with a 408-million-dollar boost from the state. And as KUNM's Jim Williams reports, this year, some are saying, the wheels appear to be greased.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces, NM – The railroad crossing at Salopek Road and South Main Street in Las Cruces will close through Thursday for improvements.

According to a press release, Burlington Northern, Santa Fe Rail crews will be working in the crossing area, located south of the interstate-ten overpass.

The scheduled closure begins tomorrow morning at eight-thirty and will be in effect through Thursday at five in the afternoon.

Dona Ana County Officials encourage motorists to use alternate routes. Detours will be posted.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – A proposal calling for tougher penalties for auto theft in New Mexico has one more hurdle to go before reaching the House floor for a full vote. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has this report.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Legislation calling for an end to capital punishment in New Mexico is one step away from reaching the governor's desk after clearing the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, the proposal now heads to floor for a full vote.