Stories | Desert Exposure

A weathered sign and bathroom at La Lorona Park on March 28, 2024.

City sells affordable housing bond a year after vote

One year and four months after Las Cruces voters overwhelmingly approved a $6 million cash infusion to the city’s affordable housing efforts, the city announced on March 25 that it had begun … more

By Justin Garcia | 4/9/24

NMSU to host NM State Esports Invitational tournament April 6 & 7

The largest esports tournament in New Mexico will kick off this weekend at New Mexico State University. Now in its third year, the NM State Esports Invitational is open to the community … more

Tatiana Favela, New Mexico State University | 4/5/24

Joshua Williams and his family pose with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2023, as the fulfillment of a wish via the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Bringing some light to darkness

Christine Woods, Make-A-Wish Southern Ambassadors chair, works every day to bring a moment of joy into the lives of children in the area who have a critical diagnosis. The small group of … more

By Elva K. Österreich | 4/5/24

A digital mock up of the new OEM building.

County approves $10 million for new emergency management center

The Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved funding for a new emergency management center during a meeting on March 26. The Office of Emergency Management … more

Bulletin report | 4/2/24

A structure on S. Espina Street that suffered a fire in 2023 sits empty on March 28, 2024.

Las Cruces touts blight abatement efforts

Future generations will never know the sights of the Kilby Motel or the infamous “eyesore” on Main Street – not if the city of Las Cruces has its way. Both buildings were … more

By Justin Garcia | 4/2/24

The ‘clock is ticking’ on RECA; downwinders call on public to pressure House speaker

An effort to extend and expand compensation to people exposed to radiation from federal nuclear testing and uranium mining was not included in the $1.2 trillion funding package signed by President … more

By Danielle Prokop, Source NM | 4/1/24

Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez unveils the new county seal during a news conference on March 25, 2024.

County unveils new logo and seal

It’s a new year and a new look for Doña Ana County. On March 25, Doña Ana County unveiled a new logo and seal after the Board of County Commissioners approved the designs on … more

Bulletin report | 3/29/24

Upcoming Area Art Happenings: April 2024

OPPORTUNITY Call for Veterans & Military Connected Artists: In Alamogordo, Otero Arts will hold its “Second Annual Otero Veteran Arts Showcase” (OVAS) in June at the Otero … more

By Elva K. Österreich | 3/29/24

What's Going on in April?

Desert Exposure would like to include your special events, from any southern New Mexico community. Please submit your event title, time, location and contact information to editor@desertexposure.com; Desert Exposure, 1740-A Calle de Mercado, Las Cruces, NM 88005; or call Elva at 575-443-4408. more

By Elva K. Österreich | 3/29/24

French Brothers built the four-bedroom Bedford Avenue home, pictured last September, whose sale yielded $145,000 in donations to community nonprofits for this year’s ‘Casa for a Cause’ event.

‘Casa for a Cause’ distributes $145K to nonprofits

The Las Cruces Home Builders Association’s annual Casa for a Cause event distributed $145,000 to 26 local nonprofit organizations this year. The project, formerly known as the Anniversary House … more

By Algernon D'Ammassa | 3/28/24

High school students celebrate graduation in a large ceremony at New Mexico State University’s Pan-Am Center in 2016.

Sen. Bill Soules talks about New Mexico's updated graduation requirements

Last month, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 171, updating graduation requirements for secondary school students across New Mexico. It was the first update since 2007. more

By Algernon D'Ammassa | 3/21/24

Adrian Campos celebrates with his son, Abram Campos, during Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Match Day event on March 15, 2024.

Burrell medical students matched with residencies

Each year, on the third Friday in March, medical students preparing to graduate join tens of thousands of others across the country in finding out where they will be placed for their residency … more

Leah Romero Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/21/24

A diagram presented to the Las Cruces City Council on March 18 shows the location of land purchased by the city.

City Council buys land for new park facilities for $1.8 million

On a unanimous vote, the Las Cruces City Council approved the purchase of land near the Field of Dreams sports complex during a meeting on March 18. According to the agreement, the city will … more

Bulletin report | 3/20/24

Bowman named “Hometown Hero” by film fest

A well-known business owner and philanthropist in Las Cruces with many awards to her credit soon will receive another prestigious award from the Las Cruces International Film Festival. Wanda … more

Chloe Dunlap New Mexico State University | 3/19/24

The Santa Teresa Port of Entry in southern Doña Ana County.

Study outlines major expansion of Santa Teresa Port of Entry

The Santa Teresa Port of Entry could see a major expansion if findings of a federal feasibility study, released last week, are realized. The General Services Administration and the Customs and … more

By Algernon D'Ammassa | 3/18/24

A communications tower – one way that residents of southern New Mexico connect to the internet – stands tall in the distance on Dec. 11, 2022, as a cotton field is ready for harvesting just west of the southern Doña Ana County community of San Miguel. Accessing the internet using wireless hot spots or cell phones can be problematic for students in rural communities because the internet signal weakens the farther a user’s device is from the emitting tower.

Internet subsidy for southern NM winding down

A federal initiative helping more than 68,000 low-income homes in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District pay for the internet has begun winding down. That’s because Congress has not … more

Diana Alba Soular Southern New Mexico Journalism Collaborative | 3/18/24

Cinthia Mullen of Las Cruces is a 2024 recipient of a Live Your Dream Education and Training award from Soroptimist International of Las Cruces.

Las Cruces woman honored with Live Your Dream award

Soroptimist International’s Las Cruces chapter announced more than $10,000 in Live Your Dream Education and Training awards to 10 women from New Mexico and west Texas. Cinthia Mullen of … more

Bulletin report | 3/18/24

Members of the NMSU ROTC cadet teams participate in the 2023 Bataan Death March Memorial event at White Sands Missile Range.

Bataan memorial event this weekend

White Sands Missile Range is revving up for the 35th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on Saturday, March 16. More than 5,000 people are signed up to participate in the memorial march conducted … more

Bulletin report | 3/15/24

Mission Academy seen from Calle de Mercado on March 12.

ACE scholarships flow to Mission Academy

Private education recently became a bit more accessible at one Las Cruces school through a partnership with a national organization’s partial tuition scholarship program. Early this year, … more

Leah Romero For the Bulletin | 3/15/24

Carolyn O’Bagy Davis speaks at archeology event

On Wednesday, March 20, the Grant County Archaeological Society transforms its regular monthly meeting into a special … more

3/15/24