A guest column reflecting on the history and personal meaning behind holiday ornaments and the memories they carry across generation. Gabriella Brillante Organ Mountain News publishes guest columns from community members as a way to highlight personal stories and perspectives that help shape life in southern New Mexico. This essay
This republished Searchlight New Mexico investigation looks at the challenges of locating, identifying and recovering the remains of migrants who die in New Mexico’s borderlands.
The Mesilla Valley MPO is seeking a Bicycle Community Representative for its Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee. Applications are open through Feb. 2.
Only one 2026-gubernatorial candidate — Ken Miyagishima — showed up in person at a climate-focused town hall Thursday, while other Democrats sent surrogates and no Republicans appeared. The absence comes despite an online flyer listing 10 candidates.
Project Jupiter donated $50,000 to Casa de Peregrinos, supporting a Dec. 5 pop-up pantry in Sunland Park as food insecurity increases across Doña Ana County
Leah Romero reflects on the El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s A Christmas Fantasia, a festive concert featuring holiday favorites, guest soprano Erica Spyres and spirited audience participation
Registration is now open for the City of Las Cruces Winter Break Camp, a $20 program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade running Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.
A $2.3 million roadway rehabilitation project on US 70 near Organ will begin Dec. 8, bringing lane closures and reduced speed limits through Dec. 23, weather permitting.
A coyote that bit a hiker in the Gila National Forest has tested positive for rabies, marking the region’s fourth case this year. A low-cost vaccination clinic is set for Saturday in Silver City.
The Bureau of Land Management has reduced personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits to $1 through Jan. 31 and expanded household limits, aiming to save families money and support wildfire prevention efforts.
Las Cruces police issued 27 citations in a one-hour traffic enforcement operation on Red Hawk Golf Road, including speeding, registration and insurance violations.
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Melanie Kenderdine resigned abruptly Dec. 5 for personal reasons, citing her husband’s poor health. Deputy Secretary Erin Taylor will serve as acting secretary while the governor’s office searches for a replacement.
New Mexico State University’s 40th-annual Noche de Luminarias returns Dec. 7 with campuswide luminaria displays, festive music, hot cocoa and community activities — a free holiday event for families across Las Cruces.
The Las Cruces Police Department is reminding shoppers to stay alert and take simple precautions to protect themselves and their property during the holiday season.
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department will hold a delinquent property tax auction in Doña Ana County on Dec. 15 in Las Cruces for properties with unpaid taxes dating back at least four years.
New Mexico State University professor Jagdish Khubchandani was elected secretary of the World Association of Medical Editors. The nonprofit advances standards in medical publishing across more than 50 countries; his new term runs through 2027.
The Public Education Department has launched a free website where New Mexico teachers can download, adapt and share lessons and classroom materials created by fellow educators, including Indigenous, Black and New Mexico history content.
Sierra County, the most SNAP-dependent county in New Mexico, faces rising food insecurity and growing concerns as the holidays start.
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