News Staff

Celebrate fall with light, fluffy pumpkin pancakes flavored with pumpkin purée and warm pumpkin pie spice. Folded with finely chopped walnuts and topped with crushed walnuts, warm maple syrup, and whipped cream, this indulgent breakfast or brunch favorite serves four to six and brings Bruce Lesman’s signature nostalgic, restaurant-style comfort food to the table.

New Mexico anglers can target trout, bass, catfish and more this week as conditions vary statewide. Trout fishing is very good on the San Juan River, Rio Cebolla and Fenton Lake, while Eagle Nest and Lake Maloya also produce. Bass are biting at Alto and Greene Acres lakes, with catfish active at Escondida and Oasis Park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wade Dean Taylor’s family has renewed the search for the missing Alamogordo Marine Corps veteran with two billboards and a $5,000 reward. Taylor, 38, disappeared May 6, 2017, after leaving the Otero County Detention Center and walking into the Chihuahuan Desert. Police and family continue seeking information about his whereabouts and possible foul play.

Artesia police are seeking Jamie Taylor, 23, on a nationwide warrant stemming from an Oct. 7 shooting outside an apartment complex. Taylor allegedly shot Jason Phillips after Phillips punched a woman during a domestic dispute. Phillips was treated and listed in stable condition. Taylor faces aggravated battery with a firearm and felon-in-possession charges.

Republican nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting how long New Mexico governors can keep emergency orders in effect, while preserving rapid response powers for disasters. He supports legislative oversight and cites earlier proposals requiring lawmakers’ approval or special sessions for extensions. Democrat Deb Haaland’s campaign declined to comment.