News

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – A new poll released earlier this week by Public Policy Polling shows Barack Obama with a double digit lead in New Mexico over John McCain. Data from the survey also suggests that Democrat Tom Udall is pulling away from Republican Steve Pearce in the U.S. Senate race. KRWG's Evan Woodward has this report.

By Fernando Zamarr?n

Las Cruces, NM – The Village of Ruidoso has awarded sixteen new construction contracts in an effort to recover quickly from July's devastating floods. The village's Mayor says Ruidoso's downtown district is in good condition but the upper canyon is among the areas still in desperate need of repair. KRWG's Fernando Zamarr n has this report.

By Sarina Turnbull

Las Cruces, NM – In the upcoming November General Election, New Mexicans will not only vote for their preferred political candidate, they will also consider a General Obligation Bond to fund higher education in the state.KRWG's Sarina Turnbull has this report.

By Fernando Zamarron

Las Cruces, NM – This week, United States Senators approved their version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. As KRWG's Fernando Zamarron reports, New Mexico is set to receive billions of dollars from the senate proposal.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – A day after Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama appeared in Northern New Mexico-- Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish visited the campus of New Mexico State University to headline a Women for Barack Obama rally. KRWG's Evan Woodward has this report.

By Sarina Turnbull

Las Cruces, NM – Three state agencies including the New Mexico Livestock Board will hold informational meetings in Southern New Mexico to educate ranchers and farmers about the state's new tuberculosis status. Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture downgraded New Mexico's T-B status after cows from two herds in the TB-free zone tested positive for the disease within a 48-month period. KRWG's Sarina Turnbull has this report.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – A federal civil rights lawsuit was filed today against New Mexico State University and four individuals, including: former NMSU President Michael Martin, Chair of the Board of Regents Bob Gallgher and former Associate Dean Larry Olsen. The case was brought by five plaintiffs including two minority junior professors whose contracts were terminated earlier this year. KRWG's Evan Woodward has this report.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – International Boundary and Water Commission officials confirmed today that all four men aboard a small plane which crashed in the Sierra Madre Mountains near the United States/Mexico border are dead. KRWG's Evan Woodward reports.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico's United States Representatives split along party lines, on Tuesday, during a vote on a proposed energy bill. The U-S House of Representatives approved the Democratic proposal as a compromise measure which includes off-shore drilling and an investment in alternative energy. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has this report.

By Sarina Turnbull

Las Cruces, NM – On Monday New Mexico State University officials announced plans to award a contract to Barnes and Noble College Booksellers to manage and operate the university's bookstore. KRWG's Sarina Turnbull has the details.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Truth or Consequences residents held a political discussion with people from around the world yesterday. The British Broadcasting Corporation's program World Have Your Say aired live from the southern New Mexico community in Sierra County. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has this report.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The Las Cruces City Council voted unanimously Monday to initiate a red light photo and speed enforcement program; which means video cameras will soon be installed at four Las Cruces intersections. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the city will now enter into a five year contract with RedFlex Traffic Systems of Phoenix, Arizona who will install and maintain the camera system.

By Sarina Turnbull

Las Cruces, NM – The League of American Bicyclists recently ranked New Mexico near the bottom in the nation for bicycle friendliness. The group ranked every state in the country in six categories, including its efforts to promote cycling through legislation and the construction of bike lanes. This year New Mexico was ranked forty-fifth in the nation. KRWG's Sarina Turnbull has this report.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Earlier this year the New Mexico Environment Department, or NMED cited the Helena Chemical Company in Mesquite with 11 violations of their air quality permit and fined them almost $280,000. Late last month the company denied all of the allegations and requested a public hearing on the matter. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the debate between NMED and Helena centers mostly around the language of their air quality permit--and if the company can operate with their doors open.

By Sarah Gustavus

Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico lawmakers approved the use of medical marijuana last year, but questions remain about who will produce and distribute it. Sarah Gustavus from KUNM has more on the state Department of Health proposal.