Good morning, Las Cruces.

Doña Ana Community College and FirstLight Federal Credit Union have partnered to fund the college food pantry with $200,000 over six years and rename it the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Comfort Casita—FirstLight will also hold money classes for students, teachers and staff.

The pantry provides free food for those in need.

This week, Las Cruces hosts many events—today the Mary Beagle art reception at Tombaugh Gallery kicks off a busy schedule that includes live concerts, film screenings, sports games like the NMSU vs Tulsa football match, markets and workshops running through Sept 11.

Residents have many options to enjoy local art, cultural shows and community gatherings with details provided for each event.

Las Cruces Police responded to a shooting near Salopek Park on Sept.

4 that injured two people—one was taken to a local hospital while the other was airlifted to El Paso.

Preservation supporters and state senators Jeff Steinborn and Carrie Hamblen met last week at the 145-year-old Amador Hotel at 180 W.

Amador Ave. to show the work on the building, which is planned to be finished in 2028—once done, it will serve as an event center linking two historic districts.

US set a record for electricity generation in 2024 with over 90 percent of new power coming from renewable sources - a shift that lowered costs and spurred clean energy technology advances.

Las Cruces builders are using electric appliances in new homes, and experts say residents can upgrade outdated systems when they wear out - a change that will help meet the State mandate for carbon free power by 2045.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Visit Las Cruces Executive Director Rochelle Miller-Hernandez to the New Mexico Tourism Commission—she will advise on state tourism programs and represent the region.

Miller-Hernandez brings 18 years of industry experience and will serve in a volunteer role to support local tourism efforts.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Sept.

4 a special legislative session beginning Oct. 1 to address federal budget cuts that will reduce state revenues by about $206 million as lawmakers consider measures for health care, food assistance, and public broadcasting. Lawmakers will also discuss public safety reforms to address juvenile crime challenges and hold repeat offenders accountable—reflecting their plan to protect essential services.

The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area for New Mexico said it had no new details on whether carfentanil was behind 21 overdoses—including 5 fatal—in Las Cruces last month, and experts are still testing samples to decide if the potent opioid marks a new trend.

Scott Bourne lost 90 pounds by e-biking every morning on Las Cruces bike paths — his rides helped ease severe osteoarthritis pain and build his confidence.

He turned his journey into a small business — launching a newsletter, podcast and book to share his experience with other seniors.

NMSU Aggies vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Aggie Memorial Stadium — $12 – $30 — Watch the Aggies take on the Golden Hurricane in an exciting college football matchup.

Doom Gong Live with Special Guests

7-10:30 p.m. — El Camino — Tickets available — Experience an eclectic mix of Denim Psych with Doom Gong and their captivating live performance.

NMSU Aggies Football vs. Sam Houston State

7-8:30 p.m. — Aggie Memorial Stadium — $12 – $30 — Catch the thrilling showdown between the NMSU Aggies and Sam Houston State in Las Cruces.

V-FAST 4th Annual Golf Tournament

11:30 a.m. — Red Hawk Golf Club — Charity event — Swing your clubs for a good cause supporting Las Cruces Helping Hands Stand Down.