Regional

By KRWG News

New Mexico – An estimated 140,000 uninsured New Mexico adults will qualify for Medicaid under a new federal health care overhaul.

Human Services Department officials outlined the changes to lawmakers on Thursday.

The federal law requires an expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in 2014. The federal government initially will cover the cost of the Medicaid expansion, but states must start paying a share of the larger program in 2017.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – It's a vegetable that is usually in the shadow of the regions beloved green chile, but this weekend the onion will be celebrated with its own festival. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich has more

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is offering a rebate for individuals who buy Energy Star Approved Appliances. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – In 1979, New Mexico State University constructed a solar-powered furnace to research alternative means of energy. With alternative energy now an up-and-coming focus of study at the College of Engineering, the solar furnace, which had fallen into disuse and disrepair, was recently restored to its former glory.

Along with the Physical Science Laboratory, the college was able to enlist the help of students, faculty and staff for a successful restoration, which began two years ago and was completed in the fall of 2009.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Nearly 1500 residents of southern New Mexico and west Texas celebrated Earth Day by sending a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, calling for the permanent protection of Otero Mesa in southern New Mexico.

Saying that it is time for action, the signers wrote that they wanted to see Otero Mesa protected, now and for the future. They invited Salazar to visit Otero Mesa to "experience the wild beauty of this landscape" and work with them on a plan for its permanent protection.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico State University's Dona Ana County Extension office is taking cooking classes to kids in the classroom. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Two 18-year-old Las Cruces men are in jail after they broke into an apartment Wednesday evening and were confronted by a resident armed with a handgun.

Ryan D. Galaz, of the 1800 block of Seldon Avenue, and Shannon Robert Vasquez, of the 1500 block of west Parker Road, are charged with one count each of aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit a second-degree felony.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Provost Search Committee Chair Ramon Dominguez has announced the names of the five finalists for the position of provost at NMSU. The list includes interim NMSU Provost Dr. Jay Jordan.

The other candidates are: Dr. Kevin Bedell of Boston College, Dr. James Coleman of Rice University, Dr. Cameron Hackney of West Virginia University, and Dr. Wendy Wilkins of the University of North Texas.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Qwest statement on being acquired:

By KRWG News

Anthony, NM – A 31-year-old Las Cruces man who is a teacher at Chaparral High School was arrested Tuesday evening after he repeatedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend and her family.

Samuel Mario Lara, of the 2800 block of Erminda Street, is charged with one count of aggravated stalking and one count of criminal trespassing.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has thrown out a district judge's determination that the federal government has the authority to take irrigation water in the Rio Grande for the endangered silvery minnow.

New Mexico Attorney General Gary King calls Wednesday's decision "essentially a victory for state's rights" but says the ruling will preserve habitat for the silvery minnow.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – A first-grade boy underwent surgery for a skull fracture after an apparent fight with another boy on a school bus in Las Cruces.

Las Cruces Public Schools spokeswoman Jo Galvan says the first- and second-grade boys were riding home April 14 when there was an apparent shoving match and one boy hit his head.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – The Senate will soon begin debate on Wall Street reform and New Mexico U.S Senator Tom Udall says institutions that are deemed too big to fail are a major part of the problem. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico U.S Senator Tom Udall introduced legislation this week that aims to update compensation for people exposed to uranium and atomic weapons tests. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – Congressman Harry Teague is asking for funding to help curb the violence in Mexico from further spilling into the United States. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.