Good morning, Las Cruces.

Today, community events begin with the Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Festival at Mesilla Plaza from 5-10 p.m.—the busy week also includes a film screening at the Fountain Theatre, a reading at NMSU, pride events, sports contests and local markets running through Oct 9.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and La Casa has expanded shelter capacity—adding safe housing and pet co-sheltering—to help survivors amid increasing demand.

A community vigil will be held at the Mesilla Community Center on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. to honor those affected and raise awareness.

On Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the inaugural Southern New Mexico Book Festival will be held at the Doña Ana Student Resource Building on the East Mesa campus, featuring Southwest authors, children’s story sessions, workshops, book signings, and food trucks.

Organizers from the Las Cruces Writing Group—Charmayne Samuelson and Eva Nevarez St. John—expect to draw about 1,000 attendees and give away more than 200 children’s books.

The NMSU Foundation was honored with the Angeles Higher Education Impact Award — given by Angeles Investors for its support of Latino innovation — at a ceremony held on Aug.

22 in Chicago. This award recognized its role in fostering student success and boosting economic development.

County commissioners approved funding for Project Jupiter, an AI data center campus planned in Santa Teresa with a $165 billion investment that is expected to add 2,500 construction jobs and 750 permanent jobs and guarantee $360 million in tax revenue—though the project may require 10 million gallons of water in the first two years and a new gas-fired power plant that raises environmental concerns among local residents.

Doña Ana County emergency manager Amanda Bowen was named Emergency Manager of the Year by the New Mexico Association of Emergency Management Professionals for her leadership during a Vado flooding incident, and deputy Joy Chavez was honored as Emergency Management Support Staff Member of the Year for her planning and response work — county manager Scott Andrews praised their teamwork in enhancing regional safety. The awards highlight the county’s ongoing commitment to public safety and effective disaster response.

Housing New Mexico representatives attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Pedrena Apartments today in Las Cruces, celebrating a new affordable housing opportunity in the area.

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.

3rd Annual Las Cruces Pizza Fest

4-10 p.m. — Plaza De Las Cruces — Admission details not specified — Enjoy pizza sampling from local vendors along with music, games, and a beer garden.

Missouri State Bears vs. New Mexico State Aggies Football

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

Holiday Classic

October 24-25 — Las Cruces Convention Center — Check website for details — Celebrate the spirit of the season with the community at this classic event.

Day of the Dead Celebration - Day 2

7 a.m. — La Llorona Park — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Day of the Dead with activities and cultural festivities.

53rd Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire

All day — Young Park — Entry fee might apply — Experience a vibrant cultural celebration with interactive activities and entertainment for all ages.