State News
Sunday, May 3, 2026 · Las Cruces
NM Permian Oil Boom Fuels Record State Royalties in 2025
New Mexico's slice of the Permian Basin pumped a record 6.6 million barrels per day in 2025, driving unprecedented royalty revenues into state coffers. Southeast New Mexico communities from Carlsbad to Hobbs reap the benefits amid efficiency gains and major operator expansions. As ExxonMobil leads 2026 growth, questions loom over gas constraints throttling further surges.
Santa Fe Hotel Surge Fuels Jobs, Economy Amid Tourism Boom
Santa Fe's tourism renaissance is sparking a wave of new hotel builds, from luxury suites in the Historic District to sprawling Marriotts on Cerrillos Road. These projects promise hundreds of construction and hospitality jobs while pumping millions into the local economy. Yet, as visitors flock to the City Different, city leaders balance growth with water limits and neighborhood preservation.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Las Cruces Track Meet Shatters Attendance Records with Historic Runs
Record-breaking crowds packed Las Cruces for the New Mexico high school track and field championships, witnessing unprecedented performances across divisions. Local stars from Organ Mountain and Las Cruces High stole the show with state titles and all-time records. The event highlighted the growing passion for track in the Land of Enchantment.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
New Mexico United Lands MLS-Vet Djeffal to Fire Up Midfield
Albuquerque's New Mexico United has signed dynamic midfielder Sofiane Djeffal, a 26-year-old standout from MLS rival-affiliated Lexington SC, ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The move bolsters a midfield already fortified by re-signed star Gedion Zelalem and rising talent Cam Wilkerson. Fans at Rio Grande Credit Union Field are buzzing over the Black & Yellow's aggressive roster build.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
UNM Lobos Storm to MW Semis with 93-77 OT Thriller Over SJSU
In a pulse-pounding overtime victory, the New Mexico Lobos men's basketball team crushed San Jose State 93-77 in the Mountain West Tournament quarterfinals. Albuquerque fans flooded Las Vegas, painting The Pit's spirit in cherry and silver. The win propels UNM into a high-stakes semifinal clash with rival San Diego State.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
NMSU Rolls Out $5M Ag Water Program to Combat NM Drought
New Mexico State University launches a $5 million initiative to equip farmers with cutting-edge water-saving tools amid escalating drought threats. The Agricultural Water Resilience Program targets ranchers in parched regions like the Rio Grande Basin. With funding flowing through June 2026, it's a lifeline for the state's beleaguered agriculture sector.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
APD Nabs 44-Year-Old in Deadly Old Town Shooting Spree
Albuquerque police arrested Arturo Jose Nanez early Sunday after a fatal shooting near Old Town that targeted a homeless man, capping a night of downtown violence. The 44-year-old suspect allegedly admitted to the killing and hiding his weapon, as officers used ShotSpotter and surveillance to track him down. In a separate incident hours earlier, another man died in a botched robbery gone deadly.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
New Mexico Doubles Down on Solar, Wind Tax Credits Amid Federal Rollbacks
As the Trump administration tightens federal renewable energy incentives, New Mexico lawmakers are advancing aggressive state-level tax credits for solar and geothermal projects to keep the clean energy boom alive. The measures, championed by legislators in Santa Fe, aim to position the state as a renewable energy leader while protecting jobs and emissions reductions.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
UNM Health Offers Free Skin Cancer Checks in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho
As Skin Cancer Awareness Month kicks off, UNM Health is providing no-cost screenings Saturday at clinics in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, no appointment needed. The walk-in events target New Mexico's underserved areas amid rising skin cancer risks from high sun exposure. Experts urge residents of all ages to arrive early for first-come, first-served checks.
Sunday, May 3, 2026