Regional

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Fred Martino speaks with Kat Taylor. The Las Cruces-area woman was diagnosed with HIV about 12 years ago. She speaks to area students about HIV and AIDS and helps the non-profit organization, the Southern New Mexico Aid and Comfort Partnership. The organization holds its 12th annual Red Ribbon Bash on Friday, August 20th at the Farm and Ranch Museum in Las Cruces. Tickets for the fundraiser and dinner are available by calling 575-993-2121.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Governor Bill Richardson today announced a $200,000 Recovery Act award to New Mexico State University's International Relations Institute.

The discretionary award from the Government Services Fund will go to support the development of innovative energy sources for New Mexico farmers and ranchers and to further establish New Mexico State University as a leader in immigration studies.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Transportation Secretary Gary L.J. Gir n announced today that the Department will halt further cottonwood tree removals along Interstate 10.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – A new fine art exhibition at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum features the beautiful work of some of southwestern New Mexico's top artists.

"Skylines and Byways: Art from The City of Artists Promotional Association" opens in the museum's Arts Corridor on Aug. 13. An opening reception is planned for 7 p.m. on Aug. 19. The reception will include refreshments and is free to the public.

By KRWG News

Silver City – Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Superintendent Steve Riley announced today that no entrance fee will be charged for visiting Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument the weekend of August 14 -15, 2010.

The multi-agency Gila Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Gila Cliff Dwellings are open daily from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and while the gate to the Cliff Dwellings closes at 5:00 p.m., visitors have another hour in which to complete their hike.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Crime Stoppers is offering $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of a man who has used obsolete purchase orders from the City of Las Cruces to buy tools and other equipment from a home improvement store.

By KRWG News

Mexico City – President Felipe Calderon says Mexico's cartels in many cases have moved beyond drugs as their main money-earner.

Speaking Wednesday at an anti-crime conference, Calderon says the gangs are even trying to supplant the government in parts of the country. He says gangs are imposing fees like taxes in towns they dominate, extorting money from both legitimate and unauthorized businesses.

He says they may even be taking money from churches.

By KRWG News

Otero County – A southern New Mexico communication cooperative has been awarded more than $435,000 in federal funds to expand access to broadband services.

The grant will allow Dell Telephone Cooperative to provide broadband Internet and improved phone service to residents in a rural area between Cloudcroft and Timberon. The grant is one of dozens that were announced Wednesday around the country.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a New Mexico Democrat, says expanding broadband technology is good for New Mexico's long-term economic security.

By KRWG News

Texas – The Texas sales tax holiday is Aug. 20-22 as shoppers prepare to head for stores the weekend before most public schools resume classes.

The Texas comptroller's office says the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

The agency says backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt.

By KRWG News

Deming – The New Mexico Supreme Court has ordered a Deming judge to respond to a citizens' petition for a grand jury.

Gordon Mast, who petitioned for the grand jury, asked the Supreme Court to intervene after he waited more than a year for a response to his petition seeking an investigation into local government.

Mast wants a grand jury convened immediately.

Last week, three Supreme Court justices ordered state District Judge Daniel Viramontes to respond by Aug. 13.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – An alert victim of a Saturday home burglary called police on Tuesday after he spotted his stolen watch on the arm of one of the men who took it.

The call led Las Cruces Police to the arrest of four men responsible for Saturday's burglary and the recovery of some of the property that was stolen.

Martin Ramirez Tovar Jr., 24, Agustin Rey Garcia, 23, Damacio Bernal, 20, and Richard Nieto Jr., 18, were arrested Tuesday evening and are each charged with one count of residential burglary and tampering with evidence.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – "Jam Session in Las Cruces," a two-month long series of events that focus on the art and culture of jazz, will take place at various city locations between December 10, 2010 and February 3, 2011. The project will feature multi-media exhibits,concerts, films, public gallery talks, and educational outreach to students of all ages.

By KRWG News

Texas – Two white students who were denied admission to the University of Texas at Austin are asking a federal appeals court to rule that the school impermissibly uses race in its undergraduate admissions decisions.

A three-judge panel from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals didn't immediately rule Tuesday after hearing arguments.

A federal judge in Austin last year dismissed the suit filed by Abigail Fisher and Rachel Michalewicz, who were denied admission to UT's 2008 freshman class.

By KRWG News

Juarez, Mexico – Mexico says more than 28,000 people have been killed in drug violence since President Felipe Calderon launched a crackdown against cartels in 2006.

Intelligence agency director Guillermo Valdes says authorities have confiscated about 84,000 weapons and made total cash seizures of $411 million in U.S. currency and $26 million worth in pesos (330 million pesos).

Valdes says drug violence in Mexico "is still growing."

By KRWG News

Santa Fe – A teenager who pleaded guilty to several charges in a hazing case involving the 2008 sexual assault of fellow members of the Robertson High School football squad has been sentenced to two years in state custody.

Judge Mark Macaron during a hearing in Santa Fe on Tuesday ordered 18-year-old Michael Gallegos to spend two years in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department.