News Staff

New Mexico’s rising spending has not improved poor outcomes in child well-being or education, argues Rep. Mark Duncan. He says the state’s welfare “snare net” penalizes families for earning more through benefit cliffs, while administrative waste and weak accountability persist. Duncan calls for work-focused reforms, expanded career programs, and electing Gregg Hull governor.

This Caramel Apple Torte layers tender cinnamon-sautéed apples over a buttery, sour-cream cake, then finishes with a rich brown sugar caramel glaze. Perfect for fall entertaining or cozy desserts, it’s delicious warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Add a pinch of New Mexico red chile powder for subtle Southwestern warmth.

A flea-market tintype purchased for $10 may show Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, and other figures together in 1880.

The Artesia Downtown Lions Club’s Students of the Month include Paisley Phillips, Lucas Atkins, Karli Horner and George Blackburn. Their accomplishments span 4-H, FFA, sports, student leadership and National Honor Society.

An investigation by Searchlight New Mexico examines how a 13-year-old Hobbs student who reported rape at school was disbelieved by administrators and police, disciplined with on-campus suspension and ultimately homeschooled. Experts say officials failed to apply trauma-informed, legally required scrutiny amid broader allegations of sexual violence and weak state and federal oversight.

An opinion column argues that past successes and failures should not dictate future expectations. Rather than relying on “in my experience” to predict outcomes, readers should recognize how new skills, patience, and resilience have changed them. The most valuable lessons are the coping mechanisms gained through failure, which can fuel fresh attempts.

Graceland Portables opened in Carlsbad 2.5 years ago, growing from portable storage buildings to also include metal structures, greenhouse affiliate and now Binzebos, with an even more recent arrangement for red steel buildings and quonsets. The business name in use to this point no longer fits the true scope of their offerings, said owner Raylene Wall.

Check out this action-packed photo snapped by Schanen Yates Unser at the Sept. 6 Buckin' in the Basin event held in Tularosa.

According to a press release issued Thursday, Sept. 3, racetrack owners Johnny and Jana Trotter have “agreed on a framework” with Global Gaming Solutions to move the Quarter Horse Racing Triple Crown Series, the All-American Super Select Sale and the Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame to Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.

Pastor David Grousnick reflects on how dwelling on past hurts can imprison relationships and prevent us from enjoying the present. Through Peter’s question about forgiveness and Jesus’ parable of the debtors in Matthew 18, he explores the call to forgive generously, the consequences of “measure for measure,” and how forgiveness ultimately saves us from our human failures.

New Mexico State Police are investigating the fatal officer-involved shooting of 50-year-old Keith Charles Cowgill in Alamogordo. Officers responded to a 911 call about a suicidal man armed with a rifle, attempted to deescalate the situation, and shot Cowgill after he exited his home. He died at a hospital; involved officers were placed on administrative leave.

For eight years, 2001 W. Bullock has been home to Micah and Kas Howard, who transformed the property by painting the red brick white, adding black eaves, a driveway, Bermuda grass and a front-porch sitting area. Rose bushes, zinnias and sunflowers—named for cherished loved ones—add color and personal meaning to their Yard of the Week.