News

Nearly nine years after Marine Corps veteran Wade Dean Taylor disappeared in Alamogordo, his family has renewed the search with two billboards and a $5,000 reward. Taylor was last seen walking into the Chihuahuan Desert in 2017 after approaching a detention center injured. Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Republican Greg Cunningham clashed in a televised debate over affordability, crime, immigration and health care. Vasquez criticized Trump administration policies, including Medicaid and SNAP changes, while Cunningham emphasized tax cuts, border enforcement and support for law enforcement. The candidates also offered differing views on gun safety and deportations.

State Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, resigned after a federal judge ruled her legislative seat and contractual work as a special prosecutor violated New Mexico’s constitutional separation of powers. Reeb defended her conduct, citing ethics and attorney general guidance. Democrats accused Republicans of hypocrisy, while county commissions will nominate candidates for the governor to appoint.

A proposed Bureau of Land Management resource plan would make 97% of federal lands in Eddy and Lea counties available for oil and gas development, reducing restrictions on surface use for some parcels. Supporters say the plan provides energy and regulatory certainty, while environmental groups warn of thousands of wells, heavy water use, spills and greenhouse gas pollution.

El Rito Media’s five New Mexico newspapers won 43 awards at the New Mexico Press Association’s annual banquet in Albuquerque. The Ruidoso News led with 18 honors, followed by the Carlsbad Current-Argus with 10, Rio Grande Sun with seven and Alamogordo News with four. Artesia Daily Press also earned top honors, underscoring the company’s strength in local and digital journalism.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull defended his “Four Steps to Zero” proposal during a Roswell campaign stop, outlining a four-year phaseout of New Mexico’s personal income tax. The plan would require legislative approval and protect core services, while opponents say it would benefit wealthy residents. Hull faces Democrat Deb Haaland in a race polls show her leading.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Republican challenger Ndidamaka “Didi” Okpareke clashed in a televised debate over affordability, Medicaid restrictions, crime and public safety. They also discussed Stansbury’s potential testimony in New Mexico’s Epstein investigation and agreed the state is not ready for data centers, citing concerns about regulation, water security and community impacts.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham condemned the EPA’s proposed rollback of federal methane regulations for oil and gas production, warning it would increase pollution and threaten public health. The proposal would eliminate requirements on flaring, emissions monitoring, super emitters and equipment upgrades. State officials and advocates vowed to preserve and strengthen New Mexico’s protections.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting the duration of New Mexico governors’ emergency orders and requiring legislative oversight for extensions. The proposal follows pandemic-era restrictions and prior efforts by former Rep. Greg Nibert to impose 30- or 90-day limits. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration opposes the changes, citing potential emergency response delays.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is demanding an independent investigation after a hoist at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant fell 1,600 feet when its rope snapped during testing. No one was injured, but the incident renewed concerns about WIPP’s aging hoist infrastructure. Heinrich urged the Energy Department to involve workers and address documented safety issues.

France’s Alizee Paties captured her first XTERRA World Championship, validating her No. 2 world ranking and claiming her fifth triathlon gold of the year.

Young athletes took center stage on the second day of XTERRA World Championship racing in Ruidoso.