News Staff

A 16-year-old Artesia boy, Jedidziah Juarez, was charged with multiple firearms and drug offenses after a Sept. 4 traffic stop. Police seized three guns, ammunition, narcotics and paraphernalia from his vehicle. Ballistic testing linked one firearm to two Roswell shootings, while investigators also examined a previous Artesia shooting. Charges included unlawful handgun possession, deadly weapon possession, drug possession and trafficking.

In “The Church and the State,” Pastor David Grousnick considers Jesus’ command to render to Caesar while keeping God’s Kingdom as Christians’ highest priority. He argues that faith does not justify withdrawing from public life: Christians should vote, obey civic laws, and serve their communities, remembering that a single vote can change history.

First-time competitors and veteran anglers shared the spotlight during the 2026 New Mexico Bass Nation Kayak season. Noah Hoffmann won the Club Classic and Angler of the Year, while Matt Ramey, Chance Hubbard and Sean Vannoy claimed event victories. Across New Mexico, anglers faced difficult conditions, close finishes and several personal-best catches.

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.