Call Center Company in Las Cruces, NM

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State defeated a short-handed Sam Houston women's tennis team 4-0 in a Conference USA match Friday afternoon at the NM State Tennis Center.

The match marked the Aggies' second CUSA league victory in four contests and upped the squad's season mark to 12-8. Sam Houston stands 5-8 this season and 0-4 in CUSA play.

"It's tough with only five healthy players but the ladies on the court fought hard," head coach Rob Hubbard said. "When New Mexico State clinched after the doubles point and three singles we still were competing well in the remaining three matches."

Because of the five-player line-up the Kats had to default the No. 3 doubles match and the No. 6 singles contest. NM State earned the doubles point by winning at the number three position. Up 2-0 with the addition of the default at the six singles line, the Aggies posted victories at number three and five singles lines to earn the dual-match victory.

Next up for the Sam Houston women this weekend is another Conference USA matchup with UTEP in El Paso. The Bearkats play host to Middle Tennessee on April 11 and Liberty April 13 to close out the regular season schedule. The Kats travel to Lynchburg, Va. for the Conference USA Tournament beginning April 17.

NM State 4, Sam Houston 0 DOUBLES 1. Nadia Nemeth / Anna Pinaieva (NMSU) vs. Aaliyah Hohmann / Nayuma Subba (SHSU) 5-4 unfinished 2. Mo Parkinson-Lubold / Lisa Zhu (NMSU) def. Christine Jevicky / Adi Venkatakrishnan (SHSU) 6-0 3. Dora Kurdi / Whitney Moon (NMSU) def.TEAM and TEAM (SHSU) by default

SINGLES 1. Anna Pinaieva (NMSU) vs. Nayuma Subba (SHSU) unfinished with SHSU leading 6-4 3-3 2. 2. Lisa Zhu (NMSU) vs. Christine Jevicky (SHSU) unfinished with NMSU leading 6-2 4-1 3. Whitney Moon (NMSU) def. Adi Venkatakrishnan (SHSU) 7-5 6-1 4. Mo Parkinson-Lubold (NMSU) vs. Aaliyah Hohmann (SHSU) unfinished match 6-4 2-6 5. Dora Kurdi (NMSU) def. Ella Fitcher (SHSU) 6-3 6-1 6. Nadia Nemeth (NMSU) def. TEAM (SHSU) by default

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Former Las Cruces judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy, are free tonight. On Tuesday, a federal judge released the couple on bond.

They had been in the Doña Ana County Detention Center since Friday.

“We were following the leads from what we’ve learned over the last couple of weeks. And so we came back here today with an additional search warrant to be able to recover additional evidence. And as a result of that, we’ve made two arrests today,” said Jason T. Stevens, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso.

Stevens said that after last Friday’s raid at the home of Joel and Nancy.

The raid comes after the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement raided that same home and arrested alleged Venezuelan gang member, Christhian Ortega-Lopez, on charges of illegally possessing guns and ammo. Two other men allegedly associated with Ortega-Lopez were also arrested.

According to a federal complaint, someone called Homeland Security and reported Ortega-Lopez was living in New Mexico illegally, and he was in possession of guns.

It also mentioned social media posts allegedly showing him and other Venezuelans migrants with guns at a Las Cruces shooting range.

The Canos are accused of aiding Ortega-Lopez by destroying evidence in his federal investigation.

Days after Ortega-Lopez’s arrest, the judge resigned from the bench. He didn’t mention why he was resigning, but he did say he was grateful for the experience.

Then, on April 22, the New Mexico Supreme Court decided Cano will never be able to serve on the bench again.

Former judge Cano isn’t the only judge who’s been arrested recently. Last week, federal agents arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hanna Dugan. She’s accused of helping a migrant leave out another door of the courthouse to avoid FBI agents who were there to arrest him.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi compared that case with the case here in New Mexico.

“Some of these judges think they are beyond and above the law, and they are not. And we’re sending a very strong message today,” said Bondi on Fox News.

As far as Joel and Nancy Cano, they were released from jail on bond with some conditions. They can not leave Doña Ana County. They also can’t have guns or ammo in their house, but they are both allowed to have jobs.

Maridav // Shutterstock

How gas prices have changed in Las Cruces in the last week

Gas prices have gone up by about 4 cents per gallon since this time last month but are still down by nearly 50 cents compared to this time last year. The national average fuel price is about $3.17, with Tyler, Texas, seeing the cheapest metro-area prices at $2.60 and Salinas, California, with the most expensive at $5.11.

After issuing multiple pauses on tariffs against Canadian and Mexican imports since taking office, President Trump in early April announced a sweeping 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S., with many countries facing even steeper duties, though oil and gas imports are exempted from new tariffs. On April 9, the White House announced a three-month pause on all "reciprocal" tariffs (except against China), but the baseline 10% tariffs will remain in place.

Jolted by the impact of the tariff announcement, the stock market plummeted on April 3, with U.S. oil prices dropping 7%. The double-whammy of lower prices and higher costs for crucial materials like steel pipes may have a major impact on domestic oil and gas production. Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries announced this month that it would increase production to help stabilize the market.

Expecting market volatility, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan thinks it is possible that gas prices have already reached their peak in 2025, which typically happens around mid-April each year.

"After oil's sharp drop over the last couple of weeks—driven by concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs and OPEC+ restoring production faster than expected—gasoline prices have posted a notable weekly decline, with nearly every state seeing prices fall," De Haan said in a recent statement. "While I do expect gas prices to continue trending lower, any abrupt change in the current tariff situation could eventually bring the decline to a halt."

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Las Cruces, NM metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of April 24.

Las Cruces by the numbers- Gas current price: $2.82--- New Mexico average: $2.85- Week change: +$0.07 (+2.6%)- Year change: -$0.47 (-14.4%)- Historical expensive gas price: $4.88 (6/21/22)

- Diesel current price: $3.29- Week change: -$0.11 (-3.2%)- Year change: -$0.29 (-8.0%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.52 (6/24/22)

Metros with the most expensive gas#1. Salinas, CA: $5.11#2. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.10#3. Napa, CA: $5.08

Metros with the least expensive gas#1. Tyler, TX: $2.60#2. Lawton, OK: $2.61#3. Lubbock, TX: $2.61

This story features writing by Tim Bruns and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.

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Close up of elementary student typing text message on smart phone while sitting at the desk in the classroom.

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Las Cruces Public Schools said the district already has a no-phone policy that's been in place since 2009.

Most recently in 2023, a regulation was updated to outline when cell phones can specifically be used at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

This follows as Governor Michelle Lujan signed Senate Bill 11 into law April 2025, which states classrooms public and charter school in New Mexico will become phone-free zones.

Under LCPS' current cell phone policy students may face different consequences depending on what number of offense it is.

Kelly Jameson, a spokesperson for the district, said, "For example, if a student is caught with a cell phone on the first offense, they're told to put it away, the phone is confiscated. It escalates based on the second and third offense up to and including notifying a student's parents."

According to SB11, "portable electronic device capable of transmitting voice, text, or data," includes phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices. There are exceptions to the no phone policy. Students can access their phones for educational purposes, medical needs, emergencies, accessibility, and accommodations. During non-instructional hours, students can have access to their devices.

Jameson said cell phone distractions are nothing new for the district, but LCPS is hopeful the new law will improve student engagement in the classroom.

"We're hopeful that it will just continue to strengthen students', participation in class throughout the day. It's proven that electronic devices such as cell phones can be very distracting to students," Jameson said. "Our society has become so dependent on these that we've forgotten that in case of an emergency, every school is equipped with a landline and students have the ability to communicate outside of class."

SB11 will financially support districts who want to invest in pouches, programs, or other materials to support the no-phone policy. Jameson said LCPS is interested in the financial impact.

These things again, have been in place since before this was signed into law. However, the district is interested to learn how it's going to impact funding for storage devices, that was included in this bill," Jameson added.

SB11 was co-authored by Senator Crystal Brantley and Senator Antonio Maestas. Brantley emphasized the importance of improving New Mexico's education and proficiency scores, and also improve mental health.

"Not only is mandating that these kids get off their phones during classroom hours aimed to improve academic success, but it's also aimed to address the mental health crisis that's impacting our teen communities," said Brantley.

Maestas, who co-wrote the bill, acknowledged potential concerns from parents about phone-free classrooms. He assured that schools would incorporate necessary exceptions for accommodations, emergencies, and health reasons.

"The policies that we believe will exist will have rules relating to emergency situations," said Maestas. "It must be gut-wrenching to hear of a horrible incident and not be with your student. Every school in the vote does, sadly, do shooting drills, so they will adopt their policy during that drill."

The wireless communication device policy should be implemented no later than August 1, 2025.

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State Softball is set to host Conference USA's lone nationally-ranked team this weekend in the Land of Enchantment. Liberty (31-8, 13-1) rolls in as the league's top seed and looks for its sixth consecutive series win to open league play. The Aggies have their eyes on returning to the win column and cementing their place among CUSA's upper tier with a statement against the No. 25 team in all of Division I.

HOW TO FOLLOW Who: Liberty (34-8, 13-1 CUSA) at NM State (21-17, 8-7 CUSA) Where: NM State Softball Complex – Las Cruces, N.M. When: April 11-13 | Friday (6:00 PM MT) / Saturday (4:00 PM MT) / Sunday (11:00 AM MT) Live Stream: ESPN+ Live Statistics: nmstatestats.com (StatBroadcast) All-Time Record vs. Liberty: 3-5 Under Kathy Rodolph: 3-5 All-Time Record in Las Cruces: 1-1 Last Meeting: Liberty 5 @ NM State 3 – May 10, 2024 (Las Cruces, N.M.) Current Streak: Liberty, 1 win (since May 10, 2024)

COACH'S THOUGHTS Head Coach Kathy Rodolph, on the series against Liberty: "They're a top-tier group. They're very talented and well-coached, so we know they're going to capitalize on others' mistakes. In order for us to have the outcome that we want, we've got to play hard and clean without rushing. We've got to embrace the moment without it getting too big so we can focus on what's in front of us and not what's behind us."

LAST TIME OUT NM State visited UTEP for a three-game set in El Paso over the weekend. The Miners took all three contests due in large part to multiple runs in all three opening innings. The sweep was the first the Aggies have suffered since joining Conference USA, dropping them into a tie with Jax State for fourth place in the league standings at 8-7.

THERE'S ALWAYS TAMARA Tamara Carranza has recently established herself as one of the hottest freshmen in CUSA Softball. In addition to solid performance on defense this season, the first-year Aggie is coming off her best three weekends at the plate. The true freshman hit the first two home runs of her career at FIU as part of a six-hit weekend in which she batted .667. Against Sam Houston, Carranza extended her hitting streak to six games, including a game-tying three-run home run in the opener. Last weekend at UTEP, she recorded another three hits and picked up her fourth-multi hit game in the past 11 outings.

In CUSA play, the California native is batting .381 and has the third-highest OPS on the team (1.062). For the season, her batting average has vaulted to .294, up from its non-conference mark of .167.

SHE DOES IT ALL… Last Monday, Desirae Spearman was named as the third-best two-way player in the country by Softball America. The true sophomore was not only last year's CUSA Freshman of the Year, but her remarkable campaign as a pitcher and outfielder won her Player of the Year honors in the league as well.

This season, Spearman has delivered just as well in the circle. She is two innings pitched (85.0) behind Faith Aragon (87.0) for the team lead, while pacing the Aggies in strikeouts thrown (80) and ERA (3.21). In 16 starts, the two-way star has amassed nine victories, making her one of just five pitchers CUSA to do so in 2025.

At the plate, the second-year Aggie has staked a clear claim as the best hitter in CUSA, ranking among the nation's top 10 in eight different offensive categories. She paces the conference in home runs (17), walks drawn (38), slugging percentage (1.140), on-base percentage (.649), OPS (1.789) and runs scored (43).

SUPER SLUGGERS Just three players in all of Division I have more home runs than Spearman (17). The sophomore's prowess as a long ball threat has granted her 38 walks drawn this season; a mark that places her well atop the conference and tied for sixth in the nation. The second-year Aggie is on pace (54.17) to shatter her own mark of 43 RBIs that led last year's squad. However, Spearman is far from alone in an Aggie lineup that has been daunting for opposing pitchers in 2025.

The team ranks 32^nd in the nation with a slugging percentage of .527, while ranking second in CUSA with a .318 batting average. The unit is slotted within the top 50 nationally in hits (330), doubles (64) and home runs (50), with just under half of its base knocks (152) courtesy of seven incoming transfers.

Six Aggies rank among the conference's top 50 in hits, due in large part to two newcomers; Kristiana Watson (47) and Faith Aragon (33). The former is two shy of the CUSA lead with 13 doubles, while sitting at second in the conference with 41 RBIs, only behind Rachel Roupe of Liberty in both metrics. Watson, having appeared in all 38 games thus far, is on track to tally 56.11 RBIs during the regular season.

AGGIES OF THE WEEK NM State added some hardware last week, courtesy of Faith Aragon. The sophomore standout was named CUSA Pitcher of the Week after tossing two complete games against Sam Houston as the Crimson & White swept Sam Houston. Across 13 scoreless innings, first-year Aggie allowed just six hits and one walk while striking out 15 batters, including a career-high nine on Saturday. Aragon picked up her second career honor after earning the same distinction once with UTEP a season ago.

Last month, Devin Elam returned from an eight-game injury absence and made an immediate impact that earned her CUSA Co-Hitter of the Week honors. The 2024 All-CUSA First Team selection posted a .600 batting average as she racked up six hits in three outings against Jax State, leading the offense to another series win. With a walk, two doubles and a home run, Elam notched 11 total bases and a 1.736 OPS. For the week, the California native tallied seven RBIs to pace an NM State offense that scored 26 runs in a 3-1 week that began with a rivalry win over New Mexico.

After the opening week of the season, Lauren Garcia earned similar recognition. The UNM transfer posted a team-high .600 batting average, boosted by three walks for an on-base percentage of .667. Her squad-best eight extra-base hits resulted in a then-nation's best 1.667 slugging percentage and an otherworldly 2.333 OPS. Conference USA recognized the remarkable weekend by tabbing Garcia as the first CUSA Player of the Week for 2025.

SCOUTING THE LADY FLAMES Liberty is under the direction of Dot Richardson, who holds a 416-265 record in her 12 seasons with the program. The Lady Flames are out to a 34-8 start in 2025, holding a 13-1 record in CUSA play. Last weekend, they dropped their first game of league action in the opener at MTSU before eventually taking the series.

On the field, the Lady Flames are led by Rachel Roupe, who paces the team with 15 home runs while leading CUSA 47 RBIs and 109 total bases. The pitching staff has posted a collective ERA of 2.44 this season, pacing CUSA and ranking 22^nd in the nation.

SERIES HISTORY The Aggies and Lady Flames have met eight times in history, with Liberty holding a 5-3 advantage. In Las Cruces, the two sides are split at one game apiece, with the first such contest coming last year. The first three bouts in the series were out of conference play before both squads joined CUSA in July 2023.

LAST SEASON'S MATCHUPS In 2024, NM State took the 1,595-mile trip east to Liberty last year for a weekend series in Virginia. The hosts took the bookends of the series by one run apiece, but the Aggies came through with a 6-2 win on Saturday. The series opener was an instant classic, as the 10-inning affair went deep into the night, seeing four home runs and nine extra-base hits.

The two sides met twice more in the CUSA Championship in May. On the second day of action, NM State dominated Liberty to the tune of an 11-3 run-rule victory that placed the hosting Aggies one win away from the Championship Game. However, after falling to WKU the next morning, the Crimson & White comeback came up short against the Lady Flames by a score of 5-3.

While Liberty took three of five battles, NM State outscored the top seed 30-22 over the course of the season and suffered the trio of defeats by a combined four runs.

For complete coverage of NM State Softball during the 2025 season, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of the Aggies – and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Softball), Twitter (@NMStateSoftball) and Instagram (@NMStateSoftball).

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