Southeast New Mexico College student Savanah Nava received the $1,000 Kevin and Rosa Byrne Family Scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. A nursing student and Alpha Rho Xi member, Nava is recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance. The scholarship supports high-achieving community college students, with preference for those who have experienced foster care.

Despite abundant oil revenue, New Mexico’s economy remains stagnant, with slow job and wage growth. The state’s $75 billion sovereign wealth fund and projected surplus create an opportunity for bold change. This opinion piece endorses Gregg Hull’s proposal to eliminate the personal income tax, arguing it could improve affordability, attract residents, encourage entrepreneurship, and diversify jobs.

Artesia’s 43rd annual Balloons & Tunes Festival returns Nov. 6-8 at Eagle Draw Park, featuring colorful balloon launches, tethered rides, food trucks, live music, markets, a beer garden and fire performances. Highlights include a Saturday morning race, petting zoo, Day Late Dollar Short concert and a fire concert with the Artesia Bulldog Band and cheerleaders.

Scenes from Artesia boys soccer match.

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.