Good morning, Las Cruces.

Casa for a Cause celebrated 10 years at the Las Cruces Convention Center when the New Mexico Construction Alliance gave $235,000 in donation checks to 32 local nonprofits—another $37,000 is expected to be donated later.

Local builder Luis Molina of Monarch Homes was named lead builder for the 2025 Casa for a Cause project, continuing the tradition of community support.

Las Cruces businesswoman Angela Garcia, 37, who grew up in Albuquerque amid poverty, expanded her family’s childcare business—started by her parents in 2001—to serve over 300 clients with 80 employees.

She also leads a nonprofit that advocates for early childhood education and community support.

Mira! Las Cruces, now in its third year, shines a light on local art, culture and cuisine with a free, family-friendly festival held Saturday, April 26 from 2 to 9:30 p.m. at the Plaza de Las Cruces (the event features live music, dance, a car show and a drone show) (Main Street and nearby roads will close on April 25 for event preparations).

On April 21, the state auditor’s office met with officials from the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office and the county after both sent letters alleging officials had not followed laws and rules, and they set a special audit scope amid mutual distrust and concerns over wasted funds — more details will come after further meetings.

New Mexico State University has started a drone program at the Las Cruces Airport UAS Test Site to teach first responders how to fly drones and check data — funded by FEMA and AssuredSafe — so they can help in emergencies.

More than 50 responders from local and nearby agencies have already taken part in the two-day training.

MountainView Regional Medical Center started a 12-month nurse residency program in March with 13 new nurses to help fill local vacancies—future sessions start in February and July with applications due by January and June.

Power of the Purse Fundraiser

4-8 p.m. — New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum — Support local initiatives — Enjoy a fun-filled evening at the annual Power of the Purse fundraiser benefiting Turning Point of Las Cruces.

Alma d' Arte Spanish Market

May 2-4 — Alma d' Arte Charter High School — Free entry — Discover the vibrant cultural art from Spanish New Mexico at this world-class Spanish Colonial Art Market.

El Camino Market Show

6:30-10 p.m. — El Camino — Tickets nonrefundable — Enjoy a night of live performances featuring Ask the Past, Honey & Virosa, and St. Anthony's Fire.

2025 Las Cruces UkeFest

All day — Corbett Center Student Union — Pre-registration required — Celebrate the annual ukulele festival with music and good vibes in Las Cruces.

Icebox Brewing Art Class

6-8:30 p.m. — Icebox Brewing Company — $40/person — Enjoy a step-by-step painting class while sipping on your favorite beverage.