Regional

By KRWG News

New Mexico – University of New Mexico students will see a 7.9 percent increase in tuition and fees beginning next school year.

The UNM Board of Regents approved the hikes at the school's annual budget summit Friday.

Undergraduate students will see a $64 increase in fees and $404 hike in tuition, bringing the total tuition level to $5,505. Graduate students will see an increase of $444 in tuition and fees for a yearly cost of $6,040.

The changes go in effect for the 2010-2011 academic year.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – New Mexico State Engineer John D'Antonio says the first full year of collecting groundwater pumping data in the lower Rio Grande valley has been successful.

He says most well owners have been conscientious about reporting their meter readings and water masters have been in the field checking meters as necessary.

D'Antonio says the information provides a better picture of water supply and groundwater pumping in the lower Rio Grande.

By KRWG News

Deming – Ranchers suggested that improved cell phone service would boost safety for people living in remote regions of southern New Mexico's border with Mexico.

Luna County Sheriff Raymond Cobos called the meeting Thursday after the shooting death last weekend of Arizona rancher Robert Krentz. About 75 people attended, including representatives of New Mexico's congressional delegation.

By KRWG News

El Paso – A 52-year-old woman missing from her northern New Mexico home was located by CBP/Border Patrol Agents in Fabens, Texas.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico's unemployment rate was 8.7 percent in February, up from January's 8.5 percent rate and up from 6.1 percent a year ago.

The state Department of Workforce Solutions says New Mexico has lost 22,800 jobs since February 2009. Despite an over-the-year job growth rate of negative 2.8 percent in February, the department says New Mexico's job growth outranks Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.

Four of the state's industries posted job growth since last year, and nine others reported declines.

By KRWG News

Mexico City – Mexican officials are responding to the decision of New Mexico's governor to send more National Guard troops to the border by calling for more cooperation with the U.S. on border violence.

The Foreign Relations Department says Mexico respects the right of U.S. authorities to determine how to provide security along their side of the border, but adds that increased cooperation is the answer.

The department's Thursday statement says U.S. officials should step up efforts to curb smuggling of weapons and cash into Mexico.

By KRWG News

El Paso – Authorities are investigating after an off-duty El Paso police officer shot another motorist.

Two off-duty officers in one vehicle were struck from behind on Thursday, according to release. When the officers got out of their vehicle and approached, the driver tried to flee and struck one of the officers, a woman who became pinned underneath the vehicle.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – White Sands National Monument is offering summer workshops on everything from photography to the unique animals and plants that live in the glistening gypsum sand dunes.

It will be the second year that the southern New Mexico national monument has offered the field seminars under its White Sands Institute.

They are taught by experts in the field and focus on the unique ecology, history, and wonders of the national monument and surrounding Chihuahuan desert.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Eight public housing authorities in New Mexico will share more than $554,000 from the federal government to provide job training for low-income families.

The funds from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department will allow the housing authorities to work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other partners to help participants develop the skills and experience needed to obtain a job with a living wage.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Most state offices are closed Friday because it's an unpaid furlough day for workers.

This is the fourth of five furlough days ordered by Gov. Bill Richardson to save about $8 million to deal with state budget problems.

The furloughs apply to about 17,000 employees in agencies under the control of the governor. They do not affect schools, colleges or other branches of government such as the courts. However, some schools and local governments are closed because it's Good Friday.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whomever is responsible for the murder of southeastern Arizona rancher Robert Krentz last weekend.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is offering the reward.

A Homeland Security spokesman says the department continues to work with state and local law enforcement officials to solve the crime.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – The New Mexico State University board of regents has voted to increase tuition, housing, meal plan and parking rates for next year. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – The board of regents of New Mexico State University voted to increase tuition for the upcoming fiscal year. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – Local and State law enforcement agencies have strict codes to follow when it comes to handling any combative person. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The New Mexico State University Board of Regents approved an 8-percent increase in tuition and fees for resident undergraduate students at the main campus in Las Cruces for 2010-2011.

The Regents indicated that decisions on such increases are made only after discussions and input from the student government.