News | Las Cruces Bulletin

Las Cruces police chief Jeremy Story stands next to Mayor Eric Enriquez during a news conference on Feb. 13

Competency reform efforts stall amid century-old question

Amid concerns about public safety in Las Cruces, the Bulletin is planning an occasional series of in-depth reporting about criminal justice and behavioral health in New Mexico. This article about … more

By Justin Garcia | 4/5/24

Las Cruces City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau is seen at city hall on April 1, 2024.

Las Cruces' new city manager settles in

An interview with Las Cruces' new city manager, Ikani Taumoepeau, and a guide to pronouncing the executive's name. more

Justin Garcia | 4/5/24

A police unit is seen near the scene of a crime investigation near Lynn Middle School on Wednesday, April 3.

Details emerge in Lester Avenue shooting that left 24-year-old dead

A Las Cruces man faces murder charges after police said he shot and killed a man on April 3. Bernardo Hernandez Jr., 22, was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Police … more

By Justin Garcia | 4/4/24

One arrested as shooting shuts down Lynn Middle School

Lynn Middle School near Young Park went on lockdown Wednesday as police investigated a shooting in the area that injured a man. According to a news release, the incident occurred about 6 a.m. on … more

Bulletin report | 4/3/24

Daniel Vega-Albela, a professor in the music department, leads a speech on March 29.

NMSU faculty rally for union as deadline draws near

On the same day New Mexico State University announced a new interim president, following a failed search for a permanent appointment, professors pushing for a union expressed optimism about their … more

By Justin Garcia | 4/2/24

Mesilla Marshal Sgt. Tress Diaz holds up a photo of Oscar Renee Sandoval, the person of interest named in the April 1 homicide.

Armed man at large after homicide near Mesilla

A barefoot woman was seen leaving a grey SUV, a voice called out “No!” and was immediately drowned out by multiple gunshots before the car drove off in the direction of Mesilla. That … more

By Algernon D'Ammassa | 4/2/24

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

Las Cruces councilors approve contract for new city manager

One city council member voted no on the contract citing concerns about communications. more

Justin Garcia | 4/1/24

DAR recognizes Las Cruces ‘trailblazers’

Four Las Cruces women were hailed as ‘trailblazers’ as they were named 2024 Women in American History by the Doña Ana County chapter of the New Mexico Society of the Daughters of … more

Bulletin report | 4/1/24

Hatch embraces new police chief

The Hatch Police Department recently welcomed a newly appointed chief, Aurora Hernandez, who is officially the first Hispanic female chief to lead law enforcement in the Doña Ana County … more

Leah Romero Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/29/24

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

Doña Ana Magistrate Court in Las Cruces, Jan. 30, 2024.

Mondragón appointed Doña Ana magistrate judge

Attorney Jannette Mondragón was appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to fill a vacant seat on the Doña Ana County Magistrate bench, the governor’s office announced Friday. … more

Bulletin report | 3/29/24

City denies violating open meetings law

The city of Las Cruces maintains it did not violate the Open Meetings Act in deciding, outside of an official meeting, how to proceed with a city manager search. more

Algernon D'Ammassa | 3/28/24

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

Monica Torres named interim president of NMSU

New Mexico State University regents tapped Monica Torres, chancellor of the university’s community colleges, as its second consecutive interim president Thursday, with the prospect of leading … more

By Algernon D'Ammassa | 3/28/24

A Las Cruces police officer talks with spectators at a public meeting of Alma d’Arte Charter High School’s governing board on March 18.

Principal’s spouse called police to charter school meeting

A 17-year-old high school student who spoke harshly in public comments at a meeting of Alma d’Arte Charter High School’s governing board found himself in an encounter with Las Cruces … more

By Algernon D'Ammassa | 3/26/24

NMSU Provost Alan Shoho. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)

Shoho retires as NMSU provost

The interim president of New Mexico State University appointed a new provost last week following the resignation of Provost Alan Shoho. Shoho, who had been provost and chief academic officer … more

Bulletin report | 3/25/24

Ikani Taumoepeau chosen as Las Cruces city manager

Las Cruces announced it had made a tentative offer to the assistant city manager to succeed Ifo Pili. more

Bulletin report | 3/21/24

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