Regional

Texas Legislature Increases Penalties For Reporting False School Data

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:43:58 +0000

AUSTIN, May 20- Today, the Legislature passed SB 124, which increase penalties for reporting false school data.

The Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) is used by TEA to collect student and teacher data from school districts and open-enrollment charters. Collecting accurate and complete data through PEIMS is vital to ensure accountability in the Texas school system.

Gila Cliff Dwellings To Close Week Of June 3

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:39:19 +0000

NM Partners With Feds On Health Exchange

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:36:10 +0000

New Mexico is switching gears on its plan for a health insurance exchange and initially will partner with the federal government for computer services needed for an online marketplace for uninsured individuals.

Group Says "No Spanish" Policies Are A "Pattern"

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:39:58 +0000

The League of United Latin American Citizens says two recent cases of Spanish being banned at New Mexico high school games are examples of a "disturbing" pattern.

Report: TEA Party Stops Texas Lesson Plans

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:38:29 +0000

A classroom curriculum system used by hundreds of Texas school districts will stop offering lesson plans after some tea party groups claimed it was promoting anti-American values.

State Sen. Dan Patrick said Monday that officials who created the system known as CSOPE will vote to scrap thousands of lesson plans this week, effectively killing the entire system.

Heated Battle Between Legislators Kills Texas Bills

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:36:14 +0000

A member of the Texas House is killing bills authored by a Houston senator in retaliation for her opposition to an exoneration bill.

San Antonio Democrat Ruth McClendon filibustered two bills on Friday authored by Houston Republican Sen. Joan Huffman. She killed another bill last week.

Southern New Mexico-El Paso Joint Land Use Planning

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:15:17 +0000

Doña Ana County and the City of Las Cruces will host a public meeting on Thursday, June 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Butterfield Community Center, 9350 Berry Patch Ln.

Las Cruces Announces Memorial Day Closures

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:33:34 +0000

City Hall and most other City of Las Cruces offices will be closed Monday, May 27 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Police and fire services will not be affected.

The following is a list of closures:

Third Fort Bliss Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Identified

KRWG News And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:15:12 +0000

Private First Class Cody James Towse was the third Fort Bliss Soldier killed in the IED attack in Zharay, Afghanistan on May 14.

Thousands Seek Work Even As NM Jobless Rate Drops

News Editor And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:11:42 +0000

Thousands of people in New Mexico are still looking for work or at least better jobs even as the state's unemployment rate is down.

The Department of Workforce Solutions reports that New Mexico's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in April, down from 6.9 percent in March and 7 percent in April 2012.

The department says New Mexico gained about 7,900 jobs during the past 12 months, for a 1 percent growth rate.

Governor's Arts Awards Recipients To Be Honored

News Editor And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:09:49 +0000

The New Mexico Arts Commission says seven artists and supporters of the arts are recipients of this year's Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

An awards ceremony is scheduled Sept. 27 in Santa Fe at the New Mexico Museum of Arts and there will be a reception in the state Capitol.

Dona Ana Officials To Vote On Tax Proposals

News Editor And Partners — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:07:52 +0000

The Dona Ana County Commission is expected to vote Tuesday on whether voters will ultimately decide a sales tax proposal and bond renewal on July 30.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that the sales tax would generate $7.6 million annually and be used to expand staffing at the county's 911 center and pay for county ambulance service.

Uranium Developer To Close NM Offices

KRWG News And Partners — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:39:06 +0000

Uranium Resources, Inc. has announced that it will be closing its offices in Albuquerque, Crownpoint and Grants.

The move announced Friday is aimed at reducing corporate overhead, but URI President and CEO Christopher Jones says the company is still committed to the projects is has pending in New Mexico.

Another Portion Of Gila Catwalk To Reopen

KRWG News And Partners — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:37:57 +0000

Gila National Forest officials say another portion of the popular Catwalk National Recreation Trail is expected to open soon.

Forest employees are replacing an additional quarter mile of the trail and hope to have the work done by Memorial Day.

Glenwood District Ranger Pat Morrison says the U.S. Forest Service recognizes the importance of the trail to local residents and tourists.

Big Question In Texas: How Will Perry Use His Veto Power?

KRWG News And Partners — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:36:50 +0000

As the Legislature barrels toward its Memorial Day finish, Gov. Rick Perry is getting more powerful by the hour.

That power is tied to Perry's veto pen and his demonstrated willingness to wield it like a sledge hammer over his 12 years as governor. He has vetoed more than 260 bills and used his line-item veto power over the state budget to slash billions in spending.