Regional

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Recently announced cohort graduation rates for New Mexico offered a grim picture of the state's education system. Statewide just over fifty percent of students successfully cleared high school, and in southern New Mexico the Las Cruces Public School District's completion rate was among the lowest. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has this report.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – A number of national figures will be at New Mexico State University for a September conference.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Gen. James Cartwright and former Sen. Pete Domenici himself are just a few of the speakers lined up for the 2009 Domenici Public Policy Conference.

The conference takes place Sept. 16 and 17 at New Mexico State University's Corbett Center.

This is the second year of the conference, hosted by NMSU's Domenici Institute.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – This week an avionics company out of Florida successfully launched a low-altitude rocket at New Mexico's Spaceport. As KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports, spaceport officials say the launch will serve as the gateway for additional projects and investments.

By Copyright KUNM

Albuquerque, NM –
New Mexico U.S. Senator Tom Udall says the so-called "Cash for Clunkers" federal vehicle-trade-in-rebate has "turned out a lot better on the fuel-efficiency front than anybody thought".

The Democrat says the program has provided a 61 percent increase in fuel economy, as car buyers dump their old inefficient vehicles. Udall says that's saving consumers money and creating jobs for U-S car manufacturers.

By Copyright KUNM

Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico U.S. Senator Tom Udall says his meeting with President Obama Tuesday left him feeling optimistic about the future of healthcare overhaul legislation in Congress.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – A Carlsbad man with a long criminal record died early Tuesday morning after a high speed police pursuit around in and around the city. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has this report.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces, NM – It won't be the funnest activity for your kids but health officials says it's well worth it.

The Department of Health announced a number of back to school immunization clinics taking place in Las Cruces beginning Monday.

Public information officer for the department of health, Chris Minnick, says many of the free immunizations are required to enter school. He adds that they're the best way to protect children from serious, preventable diseases.

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – This week the Las Cruces City Council approved a contract awarding funds for the design of a new swimming pool at the regional aquatics center. KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich has the details

By KRWG News

Las Cruces, NM – A missing Las Cruces woman returned home Tuesday after disappearing for over a week.

Las Cruces Police Sergeant Kiri Daines says Judith Elizabeth Flores returned on her own and was unharmed. She is currently being interviewed by police investigators.

The twenty-year old woman had been missing since July 25, when she told acquaintances she was on her way to El Paso, Texas to make extra money dancing.

Police officials are not releasing additional information on her disappearance at this time.

By Melissa Aguilera

Las Cruces, NM – Over the weekend, Customs and Border Protection officers in New Mexico seized close to a ton of marijuana in just one day. KRWG's Melissa Aguilera reports

By KRWG News

Las Cruces, NM – Las Cruces Police officials are asking motorists to avoid Lohman Avenue near Telshor Boulevard in Las Cruces during high traffic hours.

A road construction project caused long delays Monday morning particularly affecting travelers headed east on Lohman.

People heading toward Mesilla Valley Mall or other area businesses are urged to seek alternate routes.

Anyone who must travel near Lohman Avenue and Telshor Boulevard is asked to drive with caution and courtesy.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces, NM – The Las Cruces Police Department is asking for help finding a twenty-year old woman missing for over a week.

Judith Elizabeth Flores was last seen on July 25, when she told acquaintances she was on her way to El Paso, Texas to make extra money dancing.

The twenty-year old wasn't reported missing until several days later, According to Las Cruces police.

Flores is five feet, four inches in height, weighs approximately 160-pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – The federal government is stepping in to assist the nation's dairy industry, struggling to make a profit because of plummeting milk prices and high cost of feed. The move was celebrated by U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Congressman Harry Teague, but as KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, not everyone in New Mexico is convinced the plan is a good long-term solution.

By KRWG News

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

By Vanessa Dabovich

Las Cruces, NM – This week, the U.S senate will discuss a second infusion of funds to the almost depleted Cash for Clunkers Program. On Friday the US House passed a bill adding two billion dollars to the program. As KRWG's Vanessa Dabovich reports, New Mexico U.S Senator Jeff Bingaman supports extending the program, but wants lawmakers to reconsider the source of funding.