News Staff

October’s cooling temperatures are creating favorable trout-fishing conditions across northern New Mexico. Anglers found good success with PowerBait at Lake Maloya, Pat’s Rubber Legs on the Pecos River, and olive streamers near Questa on the Rio Grande. Rainbow trout fishing was exceptionally good in the San Juan River’s quality waters near Farmington using nightcrawlers.

Reflecting on Matthew 22:1-14, this message explores God’s open invitation to the banquet and the responsibility to live transformed lives. Through New Testament teachings on spiritual “clothing,” it connects holiness, humility, sincere prayer, and compassionate Christian action. Readers are invited to worship at First Christian Church, Sundays at 10:30 a.m., at 11th and West Bullock.

Opinion columnist Sherry Robinson examines what Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull reveal—and conceal—in New Mexico’s governor’s race. Haaland has avoided debates and proposes budget work, CYFD oversight changes, and a data-center moratorium. Hull emphasizes education and CYFD reform, local control, and economic-development deals, but remains unclear about his relationship with Donald Trump.

New Mexico’s State Land Office raised minimum bonding requirements for oil and gas companies operating on State Trust land, increasing financial assurances from $10,000–$25,000 to at least $150,000 per company. The change aims to cover rising costs of plugging abandoned wells, but industry groups say it duplicates state requirements and may face a legal challenge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Southeast New Mexico College will host its annual Taste of Culture from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at 1500 University Drive in Carlsbad. The free public event invites community members to sample foods from around the world, learn about cultural traditions, and celebrate Eddy County’s diversity. For information, call 575-234-9200.