The fifth annual Cavern City Renaissance Festival returns to Carlsbad Beach Sept. 25–26, transporting visitors to a world of knights, pirates, music, fire dancing and fantasy. Enjoy live performances, Festival Quest, themed foods including turkey legs and meat pies, plus local ales and mead. Tickets start at $22.18 for adults.

3 Good things the Bulldogs did well.

A complete guide is coming soon.

Artesia rallied past Carlsbad 3-1 Tuesday night in the annual Eddy County soccer rivalry at Ralph Bowyer Cavemen Stadium.

Artesia girls volleyball defeat Carlsbad.

Artesia volleyball defeats Hobbs.

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Artesia native Krista Bartock remembered watching the attacks as a teenager and honored the first responders who never came home. The flight nurse handed out refreshments as firefighters and community members climbed Bulldog Bowl’s stairs 22 times, recreating the World Trade Center’s height and commemorating the lives lost.

Artesia residents gathered downtown Sept. 12 for the monthly Oil Patch Market at Heritage Plaza, where local vendors sold homemade planters, baked goods, snacks, caps and other unique items. Food trucks, music and family fundraising activities added to the event. The next market is scheduled for Nov. 7 during Balloons, Bands and Brews.

Retired Marine combat veteran and Air Force chaplain Jeff Swanson argues that deep cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs threaten care and benefits, particularly for rural New Mexico veterans. He praises Rep. Gabe Vasquez for pursuing bipartisan legislation on healthcare access, GI Bill support, veteran employment, and food assistance, calling him a strong advocate for veterans.

3 Keys to beating Gadsden

Artesia pulled away from Carlsbad with three second-half goals to win 4-1 in the annual Eddy County soccer rivalry Tuesday night.

A five-person emergency lift at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant plunged 1,600 feet after its cable snapped during testing, intensifying concerns about aging hoist infrastructure and workplace safety. While no one was injured, union officials and watchdogs criticized the Department of Energy and contractor SIMCO for inadequate transparency and prioritizing waste disposal over worker protection.