XTERRA World Championships features the world’s best

Ruidoso hosts the XTERRA World Championships this weekend, bringing in more than 700 athletes from around the world.

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The Bureau of Land Management proposed leasing 4,053 acres across 15 parcels in New Mexico and Oklahoma for oil and gas development, with an auction planned for February 2027. Most acreage is in Eddy and Lea counties. The public can submit comments online through Oct. 30, while federal analysis projects limited impacts from future drilling.

Three things the Bulldogs did well against Chaparral

3 Things the Bulldogs did well.

BLM Proposes February Lease Sale for 4,053 Acres in New Mexico, Oklahoma

The Bureau of Land Management proposed leasing 4,053 acres across 15 parcels in New Mexico and Oklahoma for oil and gas development, with an auction planned for February 2027. Most acreage is in Eddy and Lea counties. The public can submit comments online through Oct. 30, while federal analysis projects limited impacts from future drilling.

Trump Renews Call to Rename New Mexico in Cunningham Endorsement Video

President Donald Trump renewed his call to rename New Mexico “New America” while endorsing Republican Greg Cunningham in the competitive 2nd Congressional District race. The proposal drew criticism from state Democrats, while Cunningham dismissed it as a distraction. Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez accused his opponent of prioritizing Trump, as polling showed Vasquez holding a narrow lead.
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New Mexico’s record-low 19% trust in state government underscores the need for legislative ethics reform, argues Think New Mexico. Its proposed reforms would require conflict disclosures and recusals, strengthen financial and lobbying disclosures, impose a two-year cooling-off period, and expose dark-money funding. The recommendations gain urgency as voters consider paying legislators salaries.

Sherry Robinson: Pay New Mexico Legislators and Demand Stronger Ethics Rules

New Mexico’s unpaid Legislature may benefit those with flexible careers, professional connections, or institutional backing while limiting who can afford to serve. As voters consider Constitutional Amendment 4, the debate also highlights lawmakers’ conflicts of interest, weak recusal rules, and the need for broader reforms, including stronger ethics standards and longer legislative sessions.

Paul Gessing: New Mexico Amendment 4: Legislative Pay Raise Is No Reform

New Mexico’s Amendment 4 would give legislators nearly $68,000 in annual pay, alongside existing per diem and generous pension benefits. The Rio Grande Foundation argues the proposal would reward career politicians without improving governance, calling instead for pension elimination, term limits, and restrictions on public employees serving in the Legislature.

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 City Council Names Pete Quinones Police Chief

Artesia City Council selected Pete Quinones as the city’s permanent police chief during a special meeting Sept. 29. Quinones had served as interim chief after Kirk Roberts announced his retirement in July. An Artesia native, Quinones joined the department in 2005 and has led patrol, criminal investigations and administrative divisions during his career.

XTERRA World Championships features the world’s best

Ruidoso hosts the XTERRA World Championships this weekend, bringing in more than 700 athletes from around the world.

Three things the Bulldogs did well against Chaparral

3 Things the Bulldogs did well.

BLM Proposes February Lease Sale for 4,053 Acres in New Mexico, Oklahoma

The Bureau of Land Management proposed leasing 4,053 acres across 15 parcels in New Mexico and Oklahoma for oil and gas development, with an auction planned for February 2027. Most acreage is in Eddy and Lea counties. The public can submit comments online through Oct. 30, while federal analysis projects limited impacts from future drilling.

Trump Renews Call to Rename New Mexico in Cunningham Endorsement Video

President Donald Trump renewed his call to rename New Mexico “New America” while endorsing Republican Greg Cunningham in the competitive 2nd Congressional District race. The proposal drew criticism from state Democrats, while Cunningham dismissed it as a distraction. Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez accused his opponent of prioritizing Trump, as polling showed Vasquez holding a narrow lead.

Roswell Man Sentenced to 10 Years After Police Shootout

Daniel Garcia, 39, of Roswell, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison for a charge of illegally possessing a firearm during the shootout with police, which led to the chase near downtown Roswell, according to a Sept. 30 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico.

Fred Nathan: New Mexico Needs Legislative Ethics Reform to Restore Public Trust

New Mexico’s record-low 19% trust in state government underscores the need for legislative ethics reform, argues Think New Mexico. Its proposed reforms would require conflict disclosures and recusals, strengthen financial and lobbying disclosures, impose a two-year cooling-off period, and expose dark-money funding. The recommendations gain urgency as voters consider paying legislators salaries.

Culinary Confidential: Southwestern Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake with Cayenne and Whipped Cream

Bruce Lesman’s Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake combines silky pumpkin filling with a Mexican hot chocolate crust, a subtle touch of cayenne, caramel ribbons, and billowy caramel whipped cream. Baked low and slow for a creamy texture, this indulgent Southwestern-inspired dessert is finished with warm caramel, cinnamon, and grated Mexican chocolate for an elegant presentation.

Nano Nuclear Revives Lea County Plans for Uranium Tails Facility

Nano Nuclear is reviving plans for a commercial nuclear tailings deconversion facility near Hobbs, taking over a project first proposed by International Isotopes more than a decade ago. Lea County commissioners approved a letter of intent extending negotiations for a 640-acre site. The company also plans future fuel conversion, potentially creating up to 400 jobs.

Artesia Council Delays Golf Cart and OHV Street Regulation Vote

Artesia City Council delayed voting on proposed golf cart and recreational OHV street regulations after residents questioned safety equipment requirements and age limits, including an 18-year-old minimum for drivers and 12 for passengers. Council will seek further input before a potential November vote. Members also approved rezoning three lots near 13th Street and Hermosa Drive for apartments.

Sherry Robinson: Pay New Mexico Legislators and Demand Stronger Ethics Rules

New Mexico’s unpaid Legislature may benefit those with flexible careers, professional connections, or institutional backing while limiting who can afford to serve. As voters consider Constitutional Amendment 4, the debate also highlights lawmakers’ conflicts of interest, weak recusal rules, and the need for broader reforms, including stronger ethics standards and longer legislative sessions.

From Cameroon to Roswell, Debrice Ashung Becomes Four-Sport Star

After moving 6,830 miles from Cameroon to Roswell, sophomore Debrice Ashung has become a standout four-sport varsity athlete. The soccer forward leads New Mexico with 29 goals during Roswell’s 11-1 season while also competing in basketball, track and football. His journey reflects resilience, gratitude and a commitment to encouraging teammates on and off the field.