News

By Whitney Jones

Las Cruces, NM – A report by the Environment New Mexico Research and Policy Center and the Natural Resources Defense Council says New Mexico is the fifth most vulnerable state in the nation to rising gas prices. As KRWG's Whitney Jones reports, when oil prices go up, families in vulnerable states like New Mexico, are hit the hardest.

By Whitney Jones

Las Cruces, NM – A Buddha statue was stolen from the rock garden outside of the Las Cruces Zen Center, a modest adobe house on south Mesquite. As KRWG's Whitney Jones reports, the image if the meditating Buddha, is used as a model for Buddhists to model their own lives and bodies after.

By Whitney Jones

Las Cruces, NM – Time is almost up for the Mesilla Valley Film Society to make an offer to purchase the Fountain Theatre. As KRWG's Whitney Jones reports, the organization has had a little over a month to come up with the funds to put a down payment on the over half a million dollar asking price.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Las Cruces and three of its surrounding communities were awarded the title of Safest mid-size Metropolitan Area in the nation by the home and automobile insurer Farmers Insurance. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, the insurance company presented the distinction to the city representatives at a ceremony in Las Cruces this morning.

By Jessica Borchert

Las Cruces, NM – The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, or PRC approved an increase in electric rates in Dona Ana County which will generate an additional 5.8 million dollars in revenue for The El Paso Electric Company. The company already has one of the highest electric rates in New Mexico and as KRWG's Jessica Borchert reports, the increase is to make up for rising operational costs.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Since 1993, over four hundred women have been killed in an eerily similar manner in the Mexican State of Chihuahua. Despite local and international pressure most of the murder cases remain unsolved, and activists say the interest from Mexican Authorities is dissipating. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, relatives and supporters of the slain women rallied in Juarez, Mexico recently attempting to renew the interest of local authorities.

By Jessica Borchert

Las Cruces, NM – Last month, the Las Cruces Public School Board voted to remove the word interim from the title of Stan Rounds who was hired as the interim superintendent in February. As KRWG's Jessica Borchert reports, some board members feel the decision went against the original plan of the board.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently updated its flood hazard maps for Dona Ana County, significantly increasing the number of county residents who will be required to pay for flood insurance. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, some local leaders are up in arms and are asking the federal agency for more time.

By Whitney Jones

Las Cruces, NM – One of the only places to see independent, foreign and alternative movies in Las Cruces is now up for grabs. The one hundred and two year old Fountain Theatre in Mesilla is for sale and now the Mesilla Valley Film Society, who currently operates the movie house, has less than two weeks to purchase the building. As KRWG's Whitney Jones reports, several members of the community fear for the theater's future.

By Whitney Jones

Las Cruces, NM – Children who live near the United States and Mexico border face higher poverty rates than children in the rest of the state. That's according to a recent study by New Mexico Voices for Children, a non-partisan, advocacy organization. As KRWG's Whitney Jones reports, the Border Kids Count report says the poverty rates are due to higher unemployment and lower wages along the border.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Today, Dona Ana County Commissioners approved a resolution detailing the spending of a portion of the Spaceport Tax, reserved for education. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, a quarter of the estimated six million dollars collected from the tax will be divided among the Hatch, Gadsden and Las Cruces School Districts.

By Whitney Jones

Las Cruces, NM – Suspicions arose that a herd of cattle in eastern New Mexico had developed Bovine Tuberculosis earlier this year. In response, United States Senator Pete Domenici and the U.S. Department of Agriculture prompted animal testing in the region. As KRWG's Whitney Jones reports, the secretary of the state's department of agriculture says consumers have nothing to worry about.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The Federal Civil Discrimination Lawsuit Filed by the ACLU of New Mexico against New Mexico State University Head Football Coach Hal Mumme was settled yesterday. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of four former Muslim players, claims they were subjected to a hostile environment towards Islam. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, both sides are content with the outcome.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – A settlement has been reached in the federal discrimination lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against New Mexico State University head football coach Hal Mumme.

A Stipulation of Dismissal was filed in court this morning. The amount of money paid out in the settlement will not be disclosed for six months.

Tune in to All Things Considered this afternoon for a full report.

By Jessica Borchert

Las Cruces, NM – The Summer Migrant Academy is geared towards children of Migrant workers but most of the students are from the Las Cruces Area. As KRWG's Jessica Borchert reports, the dual language program prepares bi-lingual students for the regular school year.