Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Valerie Espinoza argues that the Public Regulation Commission must preserve robust public participation in utility cases. She warns that new rules limiting intervention, discovery, testimony and cross-examination could weaken oversight of monopoly utilities, affecting rates and long-term energy decisions. Espinoza calls for fairness, justice and broader community access over administrative convenience.

Carlsbad Medical Center will begin construction in November on a $19 million freestanding emergency room in south Carlsbad. The 24/7 facility will offer six to eight treatment rooms, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound and a helipad, improving access for residents of growing areas including Carlston Ranch. The hospital is also renovating its main campus.

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.