Regional

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – A number of local and state officials gathered in Las Cruces this morning to reassure the public that should the H1N1 virus come to New Mexico, the state is ready to handle the problem. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the New Mexico Department of Health has announced that the state currently has 4 probable cases of swine flu, and all of those people are currently recovering.

By Monica Ortiz Uribe

El Paso, Texas – Superhero characters like Batman, Superman and Spiderman have fans all over the world. Although their popularity is amplified with the help of blockbuster movies, superhero stories originate in comic books. For Spanish speakers, reading American comics often means having to settle for a poor translation. A couple of El Paso authors are trying to change that by publishing their own comic book series in both English and Spanish. Monica Ortiz Uribe reports.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – A Colorado woman staying at a Las Cruces domestic violence shelter was arrested Thursday for allegedly having sex with a minor. KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The New Mexico Department of Health announced Wednesday that they are investigating two probable cases of swine flu in the state an 18 year old from Valencia County and a one year old from Santa Fe County. The department is currently waiting to get test results back from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, there are still no confirmed cases of swine flu in the state and no instances of swine flu related deaths in New Mexico.

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – The Dona Ana County Sheriff's Department has received confirmation from the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator that swine flu did not cause the death of a 6-year-old Las Cruces boy Tuesday.

Despite some initial media reports, investigators say the boy never exhibited flu-like symptoms.

Due to federal privacy laws regarding patient medical information, and out of respect for the grieving family, no further information will be released.

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.