She Reported Sexual Assault at School in Hobbs. Officials Suspended Her Instead

An investigation by Searchlight New Mexico examines how a 13-year-old Hobbs student who reported rape at school was disbelieved by administrators and police, disciplined with on-campus suspension and ultimately homeschooled. Experts say officials failed to apply trauma-informed, legally required scrutiny amid broader allegations of sexual violence and weak state and federal oversight.

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Firefighters, some wearing full gear, and members of the public climbed the equivalent of 110 stories to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Artesia First Responders Honor 9/11 Victims With 110-Story Stair Climb

Firefighters, some wearing full gear, and members of the public climbed the equivalent of 110 stories to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Javier Sanchez: Forget Your Past to Move Forward with New Skills and Perspective

An opinion column argues that past successes and failures should not dictate future expectations. Rather than relying on “in my experience” to predict outcomes, readers should recognize how new skills, patience, and resilience have changed them. The most valuable lessons are the coping mechanisms gained through failure, which can fuel fresh attempts.

Scenes from the Artesia girls’ soccer team’s 1-0 win over Clovis

Artesia girls' soccer wins 1-0.
Artesia
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An opinion column argues that past successes and failures should not dictate future expectations. Rather than relying on “in my experience” to predict outcomes, readers should recognize how new skills, patience, and resilience have changed them. The most valuable lessons are the coping mechanisms gained through failure, which can fuel fresh attempts.

Steve McCutcheon II: New Mexico Republicans Must Turn From Excuses to Accountability

Using lessons from his sons’ rodeo careers, Steven V. McCutcheon argues that accountability—not excuses—is what the New Mexico Republican Party needs.

Cal Thomas: The Politics of Renaming America’s Places, People and Traditions

This opinion column examines politically motivated name changes, from Lake Ontario and the Gulf of Mexico to Virginia’s Lee Highway, military forts, sports teams and brands such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s. It argues that revising language and symbols to address historical or cultural concerns can become inconsistent, confusing and performative, raising questions about who decides what names mean.

Obituaries

Warren Louis (W.L.) Gray passed away quietly at his home in Kyle, TX on June 28, 2026 at the age of 91.

Dub married his high school sweetheart, Dewana Lou Berry, one week after her graduation in 1955.

Vega M. Nilsson

Vega M. Nilsson, a long-time resident of Artesia, New Mexico passed away at home on December 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Vega was born in Brooklyn, New York to Fredrik and Hilda Nilsson,...

Garrett Romine

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Garrett Walter Romine, who was taken from us far too soon.  Although his time with us was brief, his impact on everyone who...

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Artesia Bulldogs Football Shuts Out Deming

The Artesia Bulldogs secured their first win of the season with a dominant victory over Deming.

She Reported Sexual Assault at School in Hobbs. Officials Suspended Her Instead

An investigation by Searchlight New Mexico examines how a 13-year-old Hobbs student who reported rape at school was disbelieved by administrators and police, disciplined with on-campus suspension and ultimately homeschooled. Experts say officials failed to apply trauma-informed, legally required scrutiny amid broader allegations of sexual violence and weak state and federal oversight.

Artesia First Responders Honor 9/11 Victims With 110-Story Stair Climb

Firefighters, some wearing full gear, and members of the public climbed the equivalent of 110 stories to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Javier Sanchez: Forget Your Past to Move Forward with New Skills and Perspective

An opinion column argues that past successes and failures should not dictate future expectations. Rather than relying on “in my experience” to predict outcomes, readers should recognize how new skills, patience, and resilience have changed them. The most valuable lessons are the coping mechanisms gained through failure, which can fuel fresh attempts.

Scenes from the Artesia girls’ soccer team’s 1-0 win over Clovis

Artesia girls' soccer wins 1-0.

Graceland Portables Rebrands as The Extra Space Place in Carlsbad

Graceland Portables opened in Carlsbad 2.5 years ago, growing from portable storage buildings to also include metal structures, greenhouse affiliate and now Binzebos, with an even more recent arrangement for red steel buildings and quonsets. The business name in use to this point no longer fits the true scope of their offerings, said owner Raylene Wall.

Ruidoso Downs moving Triple Crown to Texas in 2027

According to a press release issued Thursday, Sept. 3, racetrack owners Johnny and Jana Trotter have “agreed on a framework” with Global Gaming Solutions to move the Quarter Horse Racing Triple Crown Series, the All-American Super Select Sale and the Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame to Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.

Buckin’ in the Basin Crowns Bull Riding and Ranch Bronc Champions

Check out this action-packed photo snapped by Schanen Yates Unser at the Sept. 6 Buckin' in the Basin event held in Tularosa.

David Grousnick:Forgiveness Frees Us From the Pain of the Past

Pastor David Grousnick reflects on how dwelling on past hurts can imprison relationships and prevent us from enjoying the present. Through Peter’s question about forgiveness and Jesus’ parable of the debtors in Matthew 18, he explores the call to forgive generously, the consequences of “measure for measure,” and how forgiveness ultimately saves us from our human failures.

Bulldogs football team falls to Centennial

Bulldogs lose to Centennial.

State Police Investigate Fatal Alamogordo Officer-Involved Shooting

New Mexico State Police are investigating the fatal officer-involved shooting of 50-year-old Keith Charles Cowgill in Alamogordo. Officers responded to a 911 call about a suicidal man armed with a rifle, attempted to deescalate the situation, and shot Cowgill after he exited his home. He died at a hospital; involved officers were placed on administrative leave.