Regional

By KRWG News

Santa Teresa – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at El Paso area ports of entry made one cocaine and several marijuana seizures during the last week. CBP officers confiscated a total of 53 pounds of cocaine and 1,156 pounds of marijuana. CBP officers working at ports of entry in the El Paso area seized 677 pounds of cocaine in all of fiscal year 2009.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – The Las Cruces City Council has voted to impose an ordinance against cell phone use while driving. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Every Monday at 7:51am, Fred Martino speaks with Las Cruces Sun News Business Editor Brook Stockberger.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – The U-S Census Bureau is making special efforts this time around with several groups including the tribal nations of the U.S. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Sen. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall have asked Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to extend the deadline that New Mexico be in compliance with the REAL ID law.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

It prohibits federal agencies from accepting a driver's license issued by a state that is not in compliance with new regulations including documentation and verification of an applicant's identity.

By KRWG News

Juarez – More than 1,000 people marched through violence-plagued Ciudad Juarez in protest of the daily killings attributed to an ongoing drug cartel war.

Marchers moved toward City Hall beneath a massive Mexican flag Sunday just across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. They are protesting the lack of security in the sprawling border city besieged by cartel violence for nearly two years.

By KRWG News

Wharton, TX – Authorities say two suspects wanted for questioning in the death of a Houston teacher were arrested while entering the U.S. from Mexico.

Department of Public Safety spokesman Tom Vinger says 24-year-old Monica Perez and 23-year-old Michael Moreno, both of Wharton, were detained at an international bridge in Brownsville on Friday night.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has created a new committee whose members will be charged with finding ways for government to save money.

The new Committee on Government Efficiency is expected to look for ways of saving money by streamlining, consolidating or eliminating areas of government that aren't needed.

By KRWG News

Columbus, NM – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall applauded today's announcement that a planned biorefinery in Columbus, New Mexico, will receive a $50 million economic recovery grant and up to $54.5 million in guaranteed loans to build the facility and develop algae-based biofuels for use in jet fuel and diesel.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police are investigating an armed robbery that was reported Thursday evening at an area hotel.

Just before 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, police were called to the Teakwood Inn and Suites at 2600 south Valley Drive. Officer learned that a man entered the hotel lobby, threatened a clerk with a screwdriver and demanded cash from the register. The man then left the hotel on foot.

No injuries were reported.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – New Mexico's revenue outlook continues to weaken, aggravating the state's budget problems.

The Legislative Finance Committee received a new financial forecast Thursday that says revenues will be $53 million lower next year than previously expected.

There's a potential budget gap of $500 million to $600 million next year. That's what would be needed to maintain a flat budget with no growth next year.

By KRWG News

Truth or Consequences – A 45-year-old man is dead in a fire in a recreational vehicle in Truth or Consequences.

State police spokesman Lt. Eric Garcia identifies him as Jack Horner.

Investigators say a neighbor walking by Horner's RV just after 2 p.m. Thursday noticed smoke coming from the vehicle.

Authorities say the neighbor and the landlord tried unsuccessfully to rescue Horner.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The U.S. Energy Department says it will spend close to $600 million to help build renewable energy plants that will turn wood chips, cornstalks and algae into fuel...and plants are planned for New Mexico and Texas.

The government will team up with private companies to create 19 biorefinery projects in 15 states. Federal officials announced the undertaking at a news conference Friday in Toledo, Ohio, where a pilot plant will turn agriculture and forest waste into diesel fuel.

By KRWG News

Texas – Houston Mayor Bill White is shifting gears, abandoning his campaign for U.S. Senate in favor of a run for Texas governor.

White is considered the Democrats' strongest candidate with $4 million in a Senate campaign account that he can now switch to the governor's race.

He hinted at his plans two weeks ago when said he would consider a gubernatorial run after Tom Schieffer, the leading Democratic contender, pulled out.

By KRWG News

New Mexico – Some legislators are asking whether a Hispanic Education Act proposed by Gov. Bill Richardson this week is even necessary.

Public Education Secretary Veronica Garcia says the proposed act is needed to close an achievement gap for Hispanics. They make up 56 percent of New Mexican students.

Should the proposal become law, the Public Education Department says it would be the first of its kind in the nation.