U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Republican Greg Cunningham clashed in a televised debate over affordability, crime, immigration and health care. Vasquez criticized Trump administration policies, including Medicaid and SNAP changes, while Cunningham emphasized tax cuts, border enforcement and support for law enforcement. The candidates also offered differing views on gun safety and deportations.

State Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, resigned after a federal judge ruled her legislative seat and contractual work as a special prosecutor violated New Mexico’s constitutional separation of powers. Reeb defended her conduct, citing ethics and attorney general guidance. Democrats accused Republicans of hypocrisy, while county commissions will nominate candidates for the governor to appoint.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham condemned the EPA’s proposal to rescind federal methane regulations for oil and gas operations, warning it would increase pollution and threaten public health. The rollback would end or weaken rules on flaring, leak detection, super emitters and equipment emissions, while New Mexico officials and advocates pledged to maintain and strengthen state protections.

In a speech from Athens, Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked ancient Greece’s influence on American democracy, the Founders, and Western political thought. Cal Thomas praises Rubio’s eloquence and statesmanship while lamenting the decline of classical education and historical knowledge in today’s universities. He argues Rubio’s competence, character, and service make him presidential material.

Artesia girls' soccer player Abigail Jowers delivered a game for the ages Saturday at Robert Chase Field, scoring four goals in the Lady Bulldogs’...

Carlsbad’s annual Mayor’s Energy Summit will examine how Permian Basin oil and gas production affects the national energy industry and local economy. Scheduled for Oct. 22, the event features Bureau of Land Management, industry and business leaders, a workforce award, technology and economic-impact presentations, and former NFL player Mark Ingram II as keynote lunch speaker.

As autumn brings cooler temperatures to southeast New Mexico, outdoor enthusiasts can explore sinkhole lakes, wetlands, sand dunes, rugged OHV trails, and mountain landscapes. Highlights include camping, hiking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, off-roading, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing at Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Mescalero Sands, Haystack Mountain, and Lincoln National Forest.

Scenes from the Spirit Run.

Artesia boys soccer team loses to Organ Mountain.

El Rito Media’s five New Mexico newspapers won 43 awards at the New Mexico Press Association’s annual banquet in Albuquerque. The Ruidoso News led with 18 honors, followed by the Carlsbad Current-Argus with 10, Rio Grande Sun with seven and Alamogordo News with four. Artesia Daily Press also earned top honors, underscoring the company’s strength in local and digital journalism.

The Bureau of Land Management’s proposed Carlsbad resource management plan would open 97% of federal land in Eddy and Lea counties to oil and gas production, reducing restrictions on surface development. Supporters cite energy security and industry certainty, while environmental groups warn of increased drilling, water use, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution across the Permian Basin.

SIMCO is bringing a Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM lab to Hobbs Alternative Learning Center through a $40,000 grant. The lab will provide hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, helping students build skills and confidence for future education and careers while strengthening workforce development and economic opportunity in the Permian Basin.