Opinion | Las Cruces Bulletin

Small molecules, big differences

Recently there has been talk about establishing an AI data center just outside of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The proposal for powering this data center purports to involve not one but two microgrids, each of which would be considered "minor... more

Keenan Flynn, NMSU chemistry professor | 4/13/26

Bombing power plants would make us the bad guys

Teddy Roosevelt once advised that we should “speak softly and carry a big stick.” Donald Trump, like all modern presidents, carries the biggest stick in the world. And it has performed marvelously, including the daring rescue of a downed airman... more

Walt Rubel
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 4/13/26

Linda Nuñez, assistant vice president of GECU Community Development.

Strengthening community development through VITA

It’s tax season once again, and GECU is proud to continue its work with the Coalition for Family Economic Progress through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA is an impactful, free service that supports qualifying households across... more

Linda Nuñez
GECU | 4/13/26

A hand up, not a handout

Amador Crossing construction continues on Amador Avenue, on the back doorstep of our business. The streets, sidewalks, ditches and empty parking lots in the area are inundated with tents of people, presumably waiting for their spot in the... more

Shawna Pfeiffer
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 4/13/26

Why aren't we asking for a share?

I live in Las Cruces. I run an AI consulting practice here. And I have been watching the Project Jupiter debate with growing frustration, not because people are wrong to raise concerns, but because the conversation is stuck on the wrong... more

Jerry Prochazka | 4/9/26

Semi-open primaries allow broader NM voter participation

If you are a registered voter, regardless of your party affiliation, you can vote in the upcoming June 2 Semi-Open Primary Election. If you are not yet registered, you still have time. Online and mail-in registration is available until May 5;... more

Lynda St. Clair
League of Women Voters, Southern New Mexico | 4/9/26

With golf, questions and controversies abound

Sometimes difficult and puzzling questions arise in the world of golf. The answers to some are possible, and to others they are not. I’ll do my best to sort them out. My first one is, why don’t obviously inept and beginner golfers take... more

Charlie Blanchard
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 4/4/26

Shine a light on the shadows of Project Jupiter

From the beginning, Project Jupiter has been shrouded in secrecy. As out-of-town consultants were paid to sell the project to our county in September 2025, they denied us many crucial answers: How much pollution would the project cause? How much... more

Katalina Hadfield
local lawyer, performer, director, and activist | 4/4/26

Spring is in the air

I am an obsessive YouTube DIYer. I agonize over every detail of every project I undertake as far as home improvement goes. I spend more time researching a project than actually executing it, when I finally build the confidence to break ground. As... more

Shawna Pfeiffer
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 4/4/26

NM jury tries to hold social media accountable

Congratulations to New Mexico attorney general Raul Torrez, who was able to win a small slice of justice for children in our state who have been victimized by social media. Last week, a jury in Santa Fe found that Meta Platforms (Facebook,... more

Walt Rubel
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 4/4/26

Growing impact through Southern New Mexico Giving Day

Southern New Mexico has always been defined not just by its beautiful deserts, mountains, and skies, but by its people, neighbors who show up, lend a hand, and care for one another. That spirit is at the heart of Southern New Mexico Giving Day,... more

Dr. Terra V. Winter | 4/4/26

Ethical rules apply to judges and judicial candidates in New Mexico

The founders of our nation viewed a fair, impartial, and independent judiciary as a cornerstone for the government they envisioned 250 years ago when breaking free from the British monarchy. The founders wanted judges who followed the rule of law... more

Karl Reifsteck
Administrative Office of the Courts Director | 4/4/26

Softball is among the sports bringing visitors to Las Cruces this summer.

Sports set to descend upon Las Cruces

As temperatures begin to rise in Las Cruces, so too does the excitement surround a packed calendar of spring and summer sporting events. From youth tournaments to senior competitions, the city is set to welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, and... more

Ed Carnathan
Sports Sales Manager, Visit Las Cruces | 4/2/26

When is our American flag “Just a piece of cloth?”

I rarely attend city council meetings anymore. The timing of them is so utterly inconvenient and it is pretty clear that what most people say during public comment isn’t being heeded anyhow. I would rather engage with elected officials one-on-one,... more

Shawna Pfeiffer
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/26/26

In sport, work, and life, it’s about competition and mastery

As many of you know I have played golf for most of my life. I started out playing with a few old golf clubs on Mondays at the local country club where I caddied at age 10 and 11. Sometimes I went out with my father and grandfather or some... more

Charlie Blanchard
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/26/26

Shutdown won’t change ICE, but elections will

It’s my hope that by the time this column is printed, Democrats in Congress will have ended the government shutdown and federal workers will be getting paid again. Democrats aren’t wrong about the need to dramatically reform ICE, just like they... more

Walt Rubel
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/26/26

Tell me about your Las Cruces

I think I’ve said this before on this opinion page: I have a strong interest in history. For me, it’s not so much about digging through archives, old documents or family records. It’s about people. I love learning about events — both from world... more

Kurt Johnson
Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/26/26

When ‘because I said so’ isn’t enough

I think most of us have been there at some point in our youth. A parent, teacher, or other authority figure asks us to do something. We push back, wanting to understand why, and the answer comes, straight and to the point: “Because I said so.” My... more

Kurt Johnson
Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/21/26

If you liked Trinity Site fallout, you’ll love Project Jupiter

On July 16, 1945, the United States government detonated the world’s first atomic bomb at a ranch in the Tularosa Basin without warning or informing nearby residents. While it is recorded by history as a success, things didn’t go flawlessly. Of... more

Walt Rubel
For the Las Cruces Bulletin | 3/21/26

MountainView Regional Medical Center: Caring for you and the place we all call home

More than 610,000 times last year, we were privileged to provide quality healthcare for our Doña Ana County neighbors. As we care for you and the place we all call home, our impact is deep, contributing nearly $239 million to the region through... more

Patrick Shannon
CEO for MountainView Regional Medical Center | 3/21/26