Jason Groves
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Articles by Jason Groves
Nearly 400,000 New Mexicans cast ballot as Election Day nears Original
Early voting turnout in Doña Ana County is comparable to previous midterm elections. Officials advise voters to plan for extra time on Election Day due to a lengthy ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. As the early voting period in New Mexico closes on Oct. 31, turnout has been similar to previous Midterm Elections in Doña Ana County.
Project Jupiter Community committee to hold first meeting
The newly formed Community Monitoring Committee related to Project Jupiter will hold its first meeting on Oct. 31. The 11-member committee will meet at 2 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at the Doña Ana County Government Center in Las Cruces. During the meeting, the committee will seek input from the public regarding which topics related to Project Jupiter’s operations and plans the Committee will study in future information meetings.
Amador Live in downtown Las Cruces vacant since January 2025
Jason Groves Oct. 30, 2026, 3:00 a.m. MT The Amador Live building in downtown Las Cruces has been vacant since January 2025. The City hopes to begin renting the facility for private events while identifying potential permanent tenants. Jason Groves/Las Cruces Sun-News The Amador Live building in downtown Las Cruces has been vacant since January 2025. The City hopes to begin renting the facility for private events while identifying potential permanent tenants.
Former Anthony Police Chief Vanessa Ordoñez seeks Sheriff post Original
Oct. 29, 2026, 10:52 p.m. MT Former Anthony Police Department Chief Vanessa Ordoñez emerged from a crowded field in the Primary Election to win the Democrat nomination for Doña Ana County Sheriff. Ordoñez faces Republican Todd Garrison to replace current Sheriff Kim Stewart, who has served two terms. Ordoñez is a U.S. Navy combat veteran, who went on to become the police chief in Anthony, New Mexico for seven years before stepping down in January 2026.
Todd Garrison leans on experience in bid for Sheriff Original
Oct. 29, 2026, 10:50 p.m. MT Todd Garrison is looking for a second stint as Doña Ana County Sheriff. Garrison emerged from a crowded Republican Primary Election field to win the nomination to replace current Sheriff Kim Stewart, who has served two terms. Garrison faces Democrat Vanessa Ordoñez in the Nov. 3 General Election. Garrison was appointed Sheriff in 2005 and then elected to two terms.
Chancellor is forced into U-turn just hours after promising to cut welfare bill before next election
John Healey was forced into a humiliating climbdown over welfare on Thursday. The Chancellor triggered chaos in Whitehall after suggesting the runaway benefits bill would be cut before the next election in 'a Labour way'. Within hours, the Treasury was trying to row back on his words and Downing Street distanced itself, saying Andy Burnham would not commit to an 'arbitrary timetable' for curbing spending on benefits.
City continues to struggle to utilize vacant Amador Live
Las Cruces City Council held an Oct. 26 work session to again address the City owned and currently vacant Amador Live facility in downtown Las Cruces.
The middle-earners and families facing fall in living standards under Labour's 'is that it?' budget
Scroll down to meet the families grappling with Burnham's 'is that it?' Budget John Healey faced a backlash last night after an underwhelming Budget that left families facing a fall in living standards. The Chancellor pushed up taxes to a record high and poured billions of pounds more into benefits. But he ducked tough decisions on increasing defence spending and curbing the runaway welfare budget.
Civil Rights leader, New Mexico native Dolores Huerta passes away at 96 Original
Oct. 28, 2026, 1:03 p.m. MT This article will be updated as new information becomes available. Civil rights activist and New Mexico native Dolores Huerta passed away at the age of 96. Huerta's family announced her passing in a Facebook post on Oct. 28. "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved mother, Dolores Huerta, has passed away today at the age of 96," the statement read.
Project Jupiter in potential breach of bond agreement with Doña Ana County
The Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners emerged from closed session Oct. 27 intent on notifying Project Jupiter developers of a potential breach of agreement tied to the Industrial Revenue Bonds that that set the controversial project in motion in 2025.
Labour's £1bn back-to-work scheme fails to hit even half its target as jobless refuse to sign up
Labour's flagship back-to-work scheme has failed to hit even half its target as the long-term jobless refuse to sign up. Official figures show the £1.2billion Connect to Work scheme recruited just 13,900 people in its first year - far below the goal of 33,623. The initiative is designed to persuade thousands with long-term health conditions to sign up for help in getting back to work. Despite being launched in a blaze of publicity, initial take up for the scheme was sluggish.
Two cases of New World screwworm confirmed in Doña Ana County Original
Oct. 26, 2026, 10:55 a.m. MT This story will be updated when new information becomes available. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first two new cases of New World screwworm in Doña Ana County on Oct. 26. According to the USDA, the New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that attaches itself to livestock, pets, wildlife and, less commonly, people and birds. The fly's larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals.
Andy Burnham to give homeless policy £432million - despite warnings previous attempts have failed
Andy Burnham will today double the funding for tackling homelessness , despite warnings his previous attempts to end the problem have failed. The Prime Minister will confirm a further £432million in cash as he hosts a 'rough sleeping summit' in Downing Street aimed at delivering on his pledge to offer a 'safe route off the streets' by Christmas Ending homelessness was the new PM's first pledge in office. But critics have pointed to his mixed record on the issue as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Chancellor's tax raid on banks will raise the cost of mortgages, warn Tories ahead of budget
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Chancellor's tax raid on banks will raise the cost of mortgages, warn Tories ahead of budget
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PM 'betrays British workers and jobless youngsters' by raising spectre of free movement with the EU
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PM 'betrays British workers and jobless youngsters' by raising spectre of free movement with the EU
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PM 'betrays British workers and jobless youngsters' by raising spectre of free movement with the EU
Andy Burnham was accused of betraying British workers and jobless youngsters as he opened the door to reviving free movement with the EU. In a major intervention, the Prime Minister signalled he is ready to suspend Labour 's Brexit 'red lines' to secure a closer deal with Brussels. Angela Rayner suggested that Labour could even take Britain back into the EU's single market without holding a referendum.
Crackdown on rogue firms robbing pensioners in benefits scam following surge in claims
Ministers are set to ban 'rogue' firms from charging pensioners to help them receive disability benefits following a surge in claims. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has drawn up plans for a crackdown on firms billing pensioners up to £1,300 a year to help them claim Attendance Allowance. The move follows a fivefold increase in the number of applications for the benefit made via claims management firms.
John Healey's tax raid on banks will raise the cost of mortgages
Labour 's plans to hike taxes on banks will push up mortgage rates, the Conservatives warned on Sunday. They urged Chancellor John Healey to drop plans to push Britain's record tax burden even higher. He is set to levy billions of pounds in extra taxes on the big banks as he scrambles around for cash in Wednesday's Budget. He will argue the raid on the heavily-taxed sector is justified by bumper profits.
Project Jupiter permit application public hearing scheduled for December
The public hearing regarding Project Jupiter's air quality permit application has been re-scheduled for December. According to an Oct. 16 amended scheduling order, newly appointed hearing officer James O. Browning scheduled the hearing at the Sunland Park Multi-Generational Center, 4700 McNutt Road, to begin at 9 a.m., on Dec. 7 and continue as necessary.
New Mexico AG flags unverified comments in data center probe
The New Mexico Attorney General's investigation released detailed findings that concluded a "substantial share" of about 17,400 public comments submitted on Project Jupiter's air permit did not come from residents who acted on their own. In an Oct. 14 letter, Attorney General Raúl Torrez recommended the New Mexico Environment Department set aside those flagged comments as unverified and possibly reopen public comments.
October full moon is almost here. Best views near Las Cruces Original
The October full moon will just miss Halloween in 2026. The Hunter Moon will peak on Oct. 26, and the Las Cruces area and parts of southern New Mexico have prime viewing spots under dark skies. Those wanting to see a full moon on Halloween night will have to wait until 2039, according to NASA. Here's what to know about October's full moon, including when it peaks and the best time to see it. When will the Hunter Moon peak? October's full Hunter Moon will peak on Monday, Oct.
Nearly 100,000 New Mexicans cast ballot as expanded early voting begins Original
Nearly 100,000 New Mexicans have cast a ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election since the early voting period began on Oct. 6. According to the Secretary of State's Office, 97,494 ballots have been cast as of Oct. 19 with Democrats leading the way with 56,922 ballots cast. There have been 25,797 Republicans who have voted and 14,128 voters who declined to state a political party.
Congressional candidates face off in debate ahead of midterm election
Candidates for the 2nd Congressional District faced each other for the only time ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election in a televised debate. Democrat incumbent Gabe Vasquez and Republican challenger Greg Cunningham appeared together in Albuquerque for a debate hosted in the KRQE studio.
Healey is urged by Labour's favourite think-tank to hit motorists at the pumps
Labour's favourite think-tank has sparked outrage by calling on the Chancellor to make it even more expensive for motorists to fill up their cars. Despite widespread pleas for John Healey to help families struggling with sky-high pump prices in next week's Budget, the Left-wing Resolution Foundation says Fuel Duty should be increased instead.
Healey is urged by Labour's favourite think tank to hit motorists at the pumps
Labour's favourite think-tank has sparked outrage by calling on the Chancellor to make it even more expensive for motorists to fill up their cars. Despite widespread pleas for John Healey to help families struggling with sky-high pump prices in next week's Budget, the Left-wing Resolution Foundation says Fuel Duty should be increased instead.
Amid new data, group moves to dismiss Project Jupiter permit
A new hearing officer presiding over Project Jupiter's air quality permit application process with the New Mexico Environment Department will schedule a hearing to consider New Energy Economy's motion to dismiss the application.
What Haaland, Hull in New Mexico governor's race have raised Original
Oct. 16, 2026, 3:09 a.m. MT Democrat Deb Haaland continued to hold a substantial fundraising lead over Republican candidate Gregg Hull heading into the Nov. 3 general election. The second financial filing deadline for the 2026 midterm lection was Oct. 13, reflecting campaign activity between Sept. 8, 2026, through Oct. 5, 2026. According to records released on the Secretary of State's website, Haaland reported $1.9 million in contributions during that period and $2.5 million in expenditures.
Kemi's ratings rise with Reform voters after she attacks party in 'only whites can be English' row
Kemi Badenoch 's attacks on Reform MPs saying only white people can be English have been supported by an unexpected group – Reform voters. The Tory leader 's approval leapt from 40 per cent to 57 per cent among Reform UK voters when they were shown video clips of her saying she didn't want to live in a country run by people who 'debate whether my mixed-race children are English'.
Amid regulatory challenges, Project Jupiter site opens for a tour
Executives from Project Jupiter developers Oracle and STACK Infrastructure hosted area media for a tour of the construction site in Santa Teresa on Oct. 13. The 1,400-acre campus will consist of four data center buildings powered by its own microgrid. The campus located in the Santa Teresa Industrial Park is over 30% complete, according to developers, but still faces regulatory challenges such as how to fuel the Bloom Energy fuel cells, as well as a pending air quality permit application.
Amid regulatory challenges, Project Jupiter site opens for a tour
Executives from Project Jupiter developers Oracle and STACK Infrastructure hosted area media for a tour of the construction site in Santa Teresa on Oct. 13.
League of Women Voters distribute voting guide in Doña Ana County
The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico Voter's Guide is now available ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. The League has distributed 14,000 copies of the 24-page guide featuring all races in Doña Ana County.
Oracle executive walks back surprise El Paso Electric agreement
A scheduled Project Jupiter update took a surprise turn during the Oct. 13 Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Brits may have to work into their 70s unless pension triple lock is reformed
People may have to 'work into their seventies' unless the pension triple lock is reformed, the work and pensions secretary has suggested. Pat McFadden defended Labour's controversial plan to scrap the existing triple lock and replace it with a cheaper arrangement. He said the changes would save £50billion a year by the middle of the century, putting the state pension on a 'more sustainable footing' and freeing up cash to pay for Andy Burnham 's new National Care Service.
Brits may have to work into their 70s unless pension triple lock is reformed
People may have to 'work into their seventies' unless the pension triple lock is reformed, the work and pensions secretary has suggested. Pat McFadden defended Labour's controversial plan to scrap the existing triple lock and replace it with a cheaper arrangement. He said the changes would save £50billion a year by the middle of the century, putting the state pension on a 'more sustainable footing' and freeing up cash to pay for Andy Burnham 's new National Care Service.
Over 21,000 ballots cast in first week of New Mexico early voting
Over 21,000 New Mexicans cast a ballot in the midterm election in the first week of early voting. According to the Secretary of State's Office, 21,022 ballots were cast through Oct. 8. Early voting in New Mexico began on Oct. 6 with expanded early voting scheduled to take place Oct. 17 through Oct. 31.
Heat pump subsidies are to be slashed to help fill a black hole in the defence budget
Heat pump subsidies are to be slashed to help fill a black hole in the defence budget Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has been told to find £2billion in savings ahead of this month's Budget to help fund the Defence Investment Plan. Heat pump grants worth up to £9,000 each are in the firing line amid Treasury concerns they act as a middle class subsidy. Sir Keir Starmer signed off the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan as one of his final acts in office.
Heat pump subsidies are to be slashed to help fill a black hole in the defence budget
Heat pump subsidies are to be slashed to help fill a black hole in the defence budget Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has been told to find £2billion in savings ahead of this month's Budget to help fund the Defence Investment Plan. Heat pump grants worth up to £9,000 each are in the firing line amid Treasury concerns they act as a middle class subsidy. Sir Keir Starmer signed off the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan as one of his final acts in office.
How a penny on over-40s' tax could pay for new social care service
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Judge sentences Young Park shooter Nathan Rivas to three life sentences
All four convicted shooters from the fatal Young Park shooting in 2025 have been sentenced to three consecutive life sentences. Third Judicial District Court Judge Douglas Driggers sentenced Nathan Rivas to three life terms during a sentencing hearing on Oct. 9. Rivas was 17 at the time of the shooting that caused the death of 16-year-old Andrew Madrid , Dominick Estrada, 18, and Jason Gomez, 17 during a car show at Young Park on March 21, 2025 where 14 others also suffered gunshot wounds.
Sky Fiesta returns for second year at Las Cruces International Airport Original
The SkyFiesta Air Race & Airshow is returning to the Las Cruces International Airport for a second year. The event is scheduled for Oct. 17 and will again feature Sport Class Air Racing. SkyFiesta is in its second year following a 2024 crash that killed pilot Chuck Coleman while performing a stunt during the 2024 Las Cruces Air and Space Expo at the Las Cruces International Airport.
Kemi's family home pledge: Tories promise no stamp duty, no mansion tax and no inheritance tax
Kemi Badenoch vowed to protect the family home from Labour as she electrified the Conservative Party on Wednesday. Signalling a return to the Tories' traditional focus on lower taxes and home ownership, the party leader pledged to scrap inheritance tax on main residences passed down the generations.
General Election early voting begins in New Mexico Original
The 2026 General Election will be consequential for New Mexicans. There is a Gubernatorial election, Congressional races and competitive races for the New Mexico Legislature. Locally, Doña Ana County voters will select two County Commissioners and a Sheriff among other races. Early voting in New Mexico began on Oct. 6 with expanded early voting scheduled to take place Oct. 17 through Oct. 31. More: Navigating New Mexico's 2026 midterm election? Here's what to know. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Maldonado promises new rules for data center growth
Oct. 6, 2026, 11:46 a.m. MT Two Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners positions will be determined in the November 2026 General Election. Current District 1 Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez was elected in 2022, but is not seeking re-election. District 1 includes Berino, Vado, Mesquite, La Mesa, San Miguel, Mesilla, Downtown Las Cruces, Picacho Hills and Fairacres. Democrat candidate Daisy Maldonado will face Republican candidate Samantha Barncastle.
Barncastle weighs in on Project Jupiter impact Original
Two Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners positions will be determined in the November 2026 General Election. Current District 1 Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez was elected in 2022, but is not seeking re-election. District 1 includes Berino, Vado, Mesquite, La Mesa, San Miguel, Mesilla, Downtown Las Cruces, Picacho Hills and Fairacres. Democrat candidate Daisy Maldonado will face Republican candidate Samantha Barncastle.
Susie Kimble reflects on Project Jupiter, developing trust with residents
Two Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners positions will be determined in the November 2026 General Election. Current District 3 Commissioner Susie Kimble was appointed to fill the vacant District 3 seat on the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners following an appointment by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in February 2026 after the resignation of Shannon Reynolds in December 2025.
Julia Tondaleah Brown on Project Jupiter transparency Original
Two Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners positions will be determined in the November 2026 General Election. Current District 3 Commissioner Susie Kimble was appointed to fill the vacant District 3 seat on the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners following an appointment by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in February 2026 after the resignation of Shannon Reynolds in December 2025.
Las Cruces eateries cited for unpaid permit fees Original
The New Mexico Environment Department's Environmental Health Bureau is in charge of issuing permits to food establishments. The Department administers the Food Safety Program. The following locations were sent a letter with the notice of violation for operating without a valid permit due to non-payment of the permit fee by the Environmental Health Bureau. The violation letters are from August 2026 (date of issuance in parenthesis).
Retired judge to lead Project Jupiter permit review
The New Mexico Environment Department appointed an independent hearing officer to replace Max Shepherd for the Project Jupiter air quality permit application proceedings.
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