Regional

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Tuesday, the state of New Mexico announced that it will start providing retirement health care benefits to the domestic partners of state employees regardless of their sexual preference. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the change comes as a result of a lawsuit filed against the state by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – A six year old Las Cruces boy died Tuesday afternoon after leaving school sick earlier that day. Officials say the boy could have died from a number of complications and stress that there is NO evidence to suggest his death is linked to swine influenza. KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The United States Court of Appeals reversed a decision Tuesday pertaining to the issuance of oil and gas leases on Otero Mesa. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the decision means that the Bureau of Land Management or BLM, will likely have to complete an environmental impact statement on the entire Mesa and consider fully closing it to development.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Las Cruces police have arrested 21 year old Christopher Michael Mata and charged him with an open count of murder after the shooting death of a 19 year old woman on the city's East Mesa. KRWG's Evan Woodward has the details.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – An anonymous tip led to the discovery of $200,000 dollars worth of stolen farming equipment in Santa Teresa. KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – The Tour of the Gila kicks off Wednesday/ today in Grant County attracting hundreds of cyclists, including, after some debate, one of the world's best cyclists. KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – New Mexico State University experts say .Chinese medicinal herbs are emerging as an agricultural crop in the U.S.

To help farmers decide if adding the herbs is a viable option .New Mexico State University's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science has developed an online tutorial.

Funded by a USDA grant .the tutorial allows viewers to attend a training program on Asian medicinal herb production and marketing.

The program was taped in Albuquerque in December.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Officials in El Paso, Texas and New Mexico say they're monitoring the outbreak of swine influenza closely, and are taking steps to ensure the safety of their residents. KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, filed a motion today for a voluntary remand of the air permit issued to the proposed Desert Rock Energy Facility in Northwestern New Mexico. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, this will allow for the agency to reconsider several parts of the permit.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Health officials in New Mexico, swamped with calls about the swine flu have set up a swine flu hotline. KRWG's Evan Woodward has the details.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Every Monday on Morning Edition at 7:50am, Fred Martino speaks with Las Cruces Sun News Business Editor Brook Stockberger.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Fred Martino speaks with Elisa Cundiff, Outreach Coordinator for the free financial planning website www.justthrive.com Cundiff, who lives in Las Cruces, also discusses common money challenges for people in their 20's and 30's.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Last week, New Mexico's Senior Senator, Democrat Jeff Bingaman sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, requesting that some of the drug money seized by federal agents be used to improve ports of entry. KRWG's Evan Woodward has the details.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – Governor Bill Richardson announced Sunday that state health and emergency officials have emergency plans in place, in case New Mexico develops any cases of swine influenza. As KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports, the announcement comes after federal officials declared a national public health emergency because of an outbreak of the virus.

By Eduardo Rodriguez

Las Cruces, NM – This year the focus of the nation is fixed on promoting sustainability, which many argue will help breathe life to the struggling economy while revitalizing the environment. New Mexico State University joined the national movement declaring 2009 the year of sustainability.