Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg rallied with gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland and Rep. Gabe Vasquez in Las Cruces, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and highlighting his family’s New Mexico ties. He criticized Republican policies on affordability and promoted infrastructure investments, while Haaland and Vasquez emphasized their campaigns and battles against Republican opponents in competitive races.
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.
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.