A Pecos, Texas, woman faces felony charges after police say she became intoxicated and violent at the Artesia Aquatic Center. Veronica Sue Barron, 39, allegedly argued with lifeguards, struck her husband and scratched two officers during her Aug. 8 arrest. Her case was bound over to district court, where she was scheduled for arraignment.

The police blotter for Sept. 12–17 lists arrests involving weapons, stalking, probation violations, arson, DWI and assault on healthcare personnel. Officers also responded to numerous motor vehicle accidents, suspicious activity, welfare checks, larceny reports, domestic disturbances, wanted and unwanted subjects, harassment, fraud, battery, threats, fireworks, shots fired and an overdose.

New Mexico should consider joining states seeking an Article V convention to propose congressional term limits, argues this opinion. Congressional dysfunction and decades-long incumbency have concentrated power, while limits could encourage turnover and accountability. Though concerns about lost experience and greater lobbyist influence remain, the process would require a proposed amendment to be ratified by three-fourths of states.

Shay Louis Perez, accused of fatally shooting Nicholas Lucero during a fight at “The Chutes” near Carlsbad, is appealing his detention without bail. Perez argues the court failed to properly consider self-defense and provocation, while prosecutors cite his criminal history and contend no release conditions could protect the community. He faces second-degree murder charges.

Early voting for New Mexico’s Nov. 3 General Election begins Oct. 6 in Eddy County. Residents can vote at the Carlsbad Clerk’s Office or Artesia Sub Office, with expanded hours Oct. 17–31. Absentee ballots may be requested through Oct. 20. The guide also lists Election Day polling locations and local, statewide and federal candidates.

Eddy County commissioners approved $5 million toward a $9.1 million replacement terminal at Carlsbad’s Cavern City Air Terminal. The new facility is expected to open in September 2027, enabling Contour Airlines’ larger jets to resume flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. Officials say the project could support additional destinations, attract business and allow future airport expansion.

Deerek Ruiz had a night.

Artesia’s 11th annual Red Dirt Black Gold Festival opened Friday downtown with a break in the weather, live music from Fuzion Nortena, food, and beverages for adults 21 and over. Crowds gathered early to enjoy the festivities, which continue Saturday with country music night.

Alamogordo’s football team faces its toughest challenge of the season when it hosts Artesia at 7 p.m. tonight at Tiger Stadium.

A New Mexico jury found Facebook willfully violated state law and committed more than 43 million unfair and deceptive trade practices involving user data. The verdict follows the state’s 2021 lawsuit after the Cambridge Analytica scandal. A judge will determine damages, with attorneys seeking the maximum $5,000 per violation. Meta disagrees and plans to appeal.

Flash flooding damaged an estimated 25 homes in the Hondo and Lincoln areas, prompting widespread emergency response from local fire departments, the sheriff’s office and road crews. No deaths were reported, but a sinkhole trapped one resident in Salazar Canyon. An evacuation shelter remains open, while Historic Lincoln and roads between the communities sustained flood-related damage.

Artesia received 4.4 inches of rain over three days, bringing 2026 precipitation at the NMSU Agricultural Sciences Center to 11.6 inches. Eddy County remains under a flash flood watch through Saturday night as heavy rain continues across southeastern New Mexico. Despite the weather, the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival is still scheduled downtown Friday and Saturday, with VIP tickets available online.