This opinion column examines politically motivated name changes, from Lake Ontario and the Gulf of Mexico to Virginia’s Lee Highway, military forts, sports teams and brands such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s. It argues that revising language and symbols to address historical or cultural concerns can become inconsistent, confusing and performative, raising questions about who decides what names mean.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and Artesia Public Library is encouraging residents to discover its books, magazines, internet, digital resources, local history, programs and more.

A Capitan woman pleaded no contest to six misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after officers found two dead pets and several emaciated animals inside her abandoned home. Shannah Coleman received three years of probation, while felony charges were dropped under a plea agreement. Three rescued dogs were reportedly adopted, and three cats remain in the care of the Humane Society of Lincoln County.

Alamogordo girls soccer fell 4-0 to Artesia on Sept. 3 at Riner Steinhoff Complex after conceding all four goals in the first half.

Artesia defeats Roswell 3-0 on Tuesday.

National parks draw hundreds of millions of visitors and billions in economic activity, yet face a $24 billion maintenance backlog and severe staffing cuts. Sherry Robinson argues that diverting National Park Service recreation fees to presidential “beautification” projects, while reducing park operations funding, threatens safety, accessibility, conservation, and the rangers who protect America’s shared heritage.

This opinion column supports the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would require greater financial transparency from members of Congress, and questions Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez’s opposition to it. The writer also critiques her positions on student debt, college tuition and immigration, arguing that Republican candidate Martin Zamora would better represent New Mexico’s Third Congressional District.

The owners of the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino have announced that Triple Crown races and other operations will be moving to Grand...

Federal officials have lifted the New World screwworm quarantine around Eunice nearly three months after New Mexico’s only confirmed case was found in a dog. Surveillance found no additional cases, though officials urge residents near active cases in Juárez, Mexico, to remain vigilant, monitor animal wounds and report suspected infestations promptly.

Artesia will begin searching for a new police chief after Kirk Roberts’ July retirement. Interim Chief Pete Quinones, a 21-year department veteran, plans to apply. The city will post the position Sept. 1, with a salary range of $111,363 to $143,748 and new leadership-accreditation requirements. The City Council also denied a zoning change and scheduled a hearing on ROV and golf cart regulations.

Artesia sports fans selected soccer player and track athlete Alani Escareno as the Artesia Girls Athlete of the Year. Escareno helped Lady Bulldogs make history Escareno...

First National Bank celebrated 70 years of service with an Aug. 28 anniversary event in Artesia. Founded in 1956, the Alamogordo-based bank now serves Alamogordo, Artesia, Cloudcroft, Tularosa and Ruidoso. Regional market president Richie Hood highlighted the bank’s strong Artesia presence since 2005 and its commitment to community, family and local involvement.