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House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Republican congressional candidate Greg Cunningham in Carlsbad days before the election for New Mexico’s 2nd District. Johnson called the race nationally significant and criticized Democratic incumbent Gabe Vasquez over oil and gas and law enforcement. Vasquez’s campaign accused Cunningham of answering to Donald Trump’s MAGA movement rather than New Mexicans.

With New Mexico facing severe challenges in crime, education, poverty, economic freedom and healthcare, El Rito Media compares gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull. The editorial criticizes Haaland’s progressive policies and refusal to debate, while highlighting Hull’s record as Rio Rancho mayor and proposals for tax, regulatory, education and malpractice reform before endorsing him for governor.

The Artesia City Council ratified an amended Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan covering 2028-2032, following discussions during the city’s July budget retreat. The plan outlines priorities for anticipated capital projects and was submitted to meet the state’s Oct. 23 deadline. New Mexico’s Department of Finance and Administration is scheduled to publish the finalized plan Nov. 13.

Artesia families can celebrate Halloween with candy, games and decorated trunks at Trunk or Treat events at Hermosa Church of Christ and First Methodist Church on Oct. 31, plus final weekend activities at Heirloom Acres Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch. Police offer safety tips, urging visible costumes, safe routes, sidewalks, groups and adult candy inspections.

Artesia's Public Library and MainStreet’s family-friendly Halloween event featured plenty of goodies and fun for children and adults.

Artesia welcomes new businesses and organizations to the Chamber of Commerce. The Shop on 14th, located at 107 S. 14th Street, brings local vendors and entrepreneurs together under one roof, with room for services, events, and community gatherings. Central Valley and Penasco Soil & Water Conservation Districts support sustainable land stewardship through education, technical assistance, and conservation programs.

Women for a Better Carlsbad and Women for a Better Artesia joined as Women for a Better Eddy County to host “SHE: The American Dream” at Riverside Country Club. The Oct. 15 event encouraged voter participation, featured local civic updates and a keynote from Sen. Crystal Diamond Brantley, and spotlighted the Eddy County Fairgrounds and local FFA students.

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.

El Rito Media’s five New Mexico newspapers won 43 awards at the New Mexico Press Association’s annual banquet in Albuquerque. The Ruidoso News led with 18 honors, followed by the Carlsbad Current-Argus with 10, Rio Grande Sun with seven and Alamogordo News with four. Artesia Daily Press also earned top honors, underscoring the company’s strength in local and digital journalism.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull pledged to prioritize child welfare and improve transparency at New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department during an Artesia campaign stop. His proposals include rebuilding trust with foster parents, nonprofits and investigators, and ensuring stable placements for children. Democrat Deb Haaland has proposed replacing CYFD with an independent commission.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull met with community members and government leaders during a 90-minute gathering at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.