Regional

Las Cruces, NM – Bell choirs, trolley rides, Christmas shopping and other events will be part of the 24th annual "Noche de Luminarias" this weekend.

The Las Cruces event takes place this Sunday from six to eight thirty in the evening at New Mexico State University's Corbett Center Student Union.

A number of groups including the NMSU Aggie Dance-Sport Group, the Vista Middle School Hand Bell Choir and a number of carolers will entertain audience members throughout the day.

The "Noche de Luminarias" this Sunday is free and open to the public.

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico State University's Advisory Council on Administrative Policy, or ACAP, will be voting to fill six open committee positions later this month.

ACAP is composed of active and retired NMSU Employees.The role of the advisory council includes investigating matters that involve policies and procedures of the university administration and offer recommendations to the president.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – On Wednesday, a number of southern New Mexico organizations held a one day conference aimed at reducing the incidence of sexual violence in the region. KRWG's Marco Grajeda has more.

By Jim Williams

Santa Fe, NM – A smooth transition that's what New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson says will take place when he leaves office for Washington early next year. The governor, who's been tapped as President-Elect Barack Obama's Commerce Secretary, also said he believes his new job could lead to financial help for New Mexico. From the capitol, KUNM's Jim Williams reports.

By Marco Grajeda

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico showed the most improvement on a state-by-state health rankings report, advancing nine positions from 38th in the nation to 29th. However, as KRWG's Marco Grajeda reports the state Health Department isn't celebrating quite yet.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Senator Jeff Bingaman along with Senator-elect Tom Udall, and Representative-elect Harry Teague sent a letter to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao yesterday-encouraging the Department of Labor to promptly assess if the 600 copper mine workers who are set to be laid-off in Grant County can receive federal assistance. KRWG's Evan Woodward reports.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – This morning President-Elect Barack Obama appointed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to his cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, Richardson's departure from Santa Fe means Diane Denish will become the first female governor in the history of New Mexico.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – Grant County's biggest employer, Freeport McMoRan announced today that approximately 600 employees will be laid off in February at the Chino Mine near Silver City. KRWG's Evan Woodward, has the details.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – This morning President-Elect Barack Obama appointed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to his cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, Richardson's departure from Santa Fe means Diane Denish will become the first female governor in the history of New Mexico.

By Sarina Turnbull

Las Cruces, NM – Beginning next week, the city of Las Cruces will make improvements to a high traffic roadway leading to the university.

The northbound outside lane of El Paseo between University Avenue and Farney Lane will be closed to make a number of roadway modifications.

The scheduled improvements include updating curbs and sidewalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The roadwork is expected to last four weeks beginning next Monday at seven in the morning.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – New Mexico Department of Health officials confirmed Monday that a 22 year old Otero County woman recently died from Hantavirus syndrome. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, this is the second case of the virus reported in the state this year, and both have resulted in death.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – This morning New Mexico State University Athletic Director McKinley Boston announced that Head Football Coach Hal Mumme's career at NMSU is over. As KRWG's Evan Woodward reports, the remainder of Mumme's contract will be bought out, effective immediately.

By Kent Patterson

Las Cruces, NM – Opponents of the Department of Homeland Security's controversial border wall project have scheduled a Tuesday meeting in El Paso. As changes loom in Washington, environmental and human rights activists plan to renew their efforts at stopping the fencing. Meantime, doubts are growing that Homeland Security will be able complete the fencing in time for a December 31 Congressional deadline. KUNM'S Kent Paterson has more.

By Evan Woodward

Las Cruces, NM – The Las Cruces Police Department announced today that Saturday morning's officer-involved shooting is still under investigation by a multi-agency task force, including the State Police and the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Department. KRWG's Evan Woodward has the details.