Donations rise at three state universities
ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Private donations to New Mexico's three research universities have climbed despite tough times for charities nationwide.
The University of New Mexico raised $35.4 million in 2002, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, which publishes the annual "Philanthropy 400" national ranking of charitable groups. It ranked UNM 350th for last year, up from 379th at $33.8 million in 2001.
Other New Mexico schools aren't included in the rankings.
The Chronicle reported that contributions to the nation's largest charities dipped in 2002 for the first time in more than a decade.
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Beetle shouldn't hurt Christmas tree season
MORA, N.M. (AP) - The bark beetle, which has been feasting on the state's drought-stricken pinon trees, shouldn't be the humbug of Christmas in New Mexico, a tree researcher says.
John Harrington, superintendent of New Mexico State University's Mora Research Center, said the scrub evergreen that has been the beetle's chief target represents only a small percentage of the trees harvested for Christmas in the state.
Harrington, whose agency also tracks the Christmas tree trade, said 20 percent of the 800 consumers surveyed statewide in 2001 named pinon as a preferred type of Christmas tree, though he said only 4 percent of those surveyed said they were going to buy a pinon.
Bush tours base which had 31 die in Iraq
FORT CARSON, Colo. (AP) - President Bush, at an Army base that has seen 31 soldiers die in Iraq, sought Monday to reassure their families and an anxious nation that America is safer because of the mission there. "All our military families that mourn can know this: Our nation will never forget the sacrifice that their loved one made to protect us all," Bush said. "By the unselfish dedication of Americans in uniform, children in our own country and in lands far away will be able to live in freedom and know the peace that freedom brings."
Medicare drug bill heads toward becoming law
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate cleared the way Monday for final congressional passage of landmark legislation to add a prescription drug benefit and a free-enterprise flavor to the government-run Medicare program, repelling twin attacks by die-hard Democratic opponents. "Today is a historic day and a momentous day," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., anticipating a late-night final vote on a measure to make the most sweeping changes in Medicare since the program was created in 1965.
Some Iraqis troubled by U.S. troop deaths
MOSUL, Iraq (AP) - The killings of two U.S. soldiers, who witnesses said were dragged from their car and pummeled with rocks, offended some in this neighborhood of dilapidated houses and potholed streets where the deaths occurred. But few Iraqis were shocked by the brutality, and some even gloated. "They are occupiers, and this is their punishment," truck driver Hisham Abed said Monday of the soldiers. "The Americans make nothing but empty promises. There's no electricity, no gasoline and no work."
U.S., Europeans reach deal on Iran nukes
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - U.S. and European negotiators agreed Monday on how to condemn Iran for hiding its nuclear programs while still encouraging it to cooperate with the U.N. atomic agency. The proposed resolution was weaker than the United States had wanted. U.S. officials had hoped that Iran's past nuclear cover-ups would be enough for the U.N. Security Council to get involved. The council has the power to impose international sanctions.
