Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez campaigned across conservative southeastern New Mexico seeking a third term in Congress, emphasizing stronger safety oversight at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and more balanced management of public lands beyond oil and gas. He criticized Republican challenger Greg Cunningham as a Trump loyalist, while Cunningham accused Vasquez of undermining public safety and police support.

The U.S. Department of Energy and Salado Isolation Mining Contractors will host a virtual community forum on Nov. 4 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to discuss operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The public can register via the story’s QR code, ask questions and raise concerns about WIPP’s underground disposal of transuranic nuclear waste.

Artesia City Council selected Pete Quinones as the city’s permanent police chief during a special meeting Sept. 29. Quinones had served as interim chief after Kirk Roberts announced his retirement in July. An Artesia native, Quinones joined the department in 2005 and has led patrol, criminal investigations and administrative divisions during his career.

Ruidoso hosts the XTERRA World Championships this weekend, bringing in more than 700 athletes from around the world.

3 Things the Bulldogs did well.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Artesia City Council delayed voting on proposed golf cart and recreational OHV street regulations after residents questioned safety equipment requirements and age limits, including an 18-year-old minimum for drivers and 12 for passengers. Council will seek further input before a potential November vote. Members also approved rezoning three lots near 13th Street and Hermosa Drive for apartments.