Former Hobbs Mayor Monty Newman announced Monday he is running for Congress a second time to represent New Mexico’s Second Congressional District. Newman, a Republican, is hoping to take the U.S. House of Representatives seat being vacated by Steve Pearce, R-N.M., who announced last month he is running for the office of New Mexico’s governorship. “Congress has a courage problem,” …

J.J. Murphy’s job as Hobbs’ city manager will come to an end on Aug. 23 but the City Commission voted Monday to keep him as a special consultant for 10 months. During Monday’s City Commission meeting, commissioners approved in a 5-2 vote an employment transition and settlement agreement with Murphy where he will transition as a special consultant to the …