Rain canceled Saturday morning’s hot air balloon launch at Artesia’s Eagle Draw Park during Balloons and Tunes, but the event continued later with live music, food trucks, the Oil Patch Market and tethered balloon rides. The evening concluded with a balloon glow and fire concert featuring balloon burners, the Artesia High School band and cheerleaders.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez appeared to win reelection to New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Greg Cunningham 59% to 41% in unofficial results. The Democrat will begin his third term in January 2027, pledging to focus on immigration reform, lowering fuel prices, protecting public lands and ending the war in Iran.

Five people have been federally charged in an alleged Hobbs-based drug trafficking operation involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, mailed shipments, interstate travel and electronic payments. Prosecutors say the group moved narcotics from Arizona and California to New Mexico and transferred about $186,851 in drug proceeds. Charges include conspiracy, money laundering and, for one defendant, firearm possession.

Outdoor recreation has been a stellar success that added $3.6 billion to the state’s economy and supported 31,454 jobs in 2024. That year, according to federal data, the industry added 2,272 new jobs.