Good morning, Las Cruces.

Stephanie Schilling was named the new director of philanthropy at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and will lead fundraising efforts to expand scholarships and improve healthcare in underserved communities.

New Mexico State University will host several events to celebrate first-generation students, faculty & staff as part of its seventh annual celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the Higher Education Act.

A tabling event with celebrity speakers will be held on the Las Cruces campus on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. & Doña Ana Community College will hold a celebration today in Anthony from 5 to 8 p.m.

In August, New Mexico State University launched a new virtual reality program to help food, nutrition and dietetics students practice clinical skills through interactive patient scenarios.

The app is available on Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 and was developed with USDA support to improve training for future dietitians.

On Sept. 19, the Doña Ana County Commission approved $165 billion in bonds for Project Jupiter’s data center (including $15 billion for a natural gas plant that could emit more greenhouse gases than El Paso Electric's plants).

The decision raised concerns over New Mexico’s clean energy goals (as the gas plant may worsen local air quality and public health).

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state legislature approved an emergency relief package with over $25 million for SNAP benefits, food banks, and school food programs to help families facing high food prices and hunger in Doña Ana County.

The move aims to provide better nutrition for children so they can learn and grow.

The New Mexico Department of Health launched a new dashboard that offers updated substance use and mental health data on alcohol- and drug-related deaths and indicators for both adults and youths; the dashboard breaks down numbers by sex + age and shows county + statewide trends while quarterly reports will give prevention planners further insights.

Dangerbird 2.0, 3.0 and Safetybird Rides

November 6-13 — Las Cruces, New Mexico — Registration info available — Explore scenic desert routes with various biking challenges and support options.

Renaissance Arts Faire

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Young Park — Free entry — Experience an enchanting celebration of arts and culture surrounded by nature's beauty.

Haunted Lockdown Sleepover at the Old County Jail

6 PM – 8 AM — Old Dona Ana County Courthouse — Ticket required — Engage in thrilling haunted activities and ghost tales during an overnight adventure at a historic jail.

NM State Silver Gloves Tournament

Friday 5 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. — Mayfield High School — No entry fee required — Watch young boxers compete in this exciting tournament for ages 8-17.

Official Las Cruces Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

8:30-11 a.m. — Field Of Dreams — Registration fee applies — Gobble up the fun and run off calories before the Thanksgiving feast.

White Christmas The Musical

Various times — Las Cruces Community Theatre — Ticket Prices Vary — Experience the heartwarming musical adaptation of the classic film with iconic Irving Berlin songs.