BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — President Joe Biden has nominated a longtime environmental advocate and Democratic aide to oversee the vast expanses of federally owned land in Western states — the latest political appointment raising concerns among Republicans as Biden moves to curtail energy production from public reserves. Tracy Stone-Manning of Missoula, Montana, was nominated on Thursday to direct the Interior …

The state closing Albertsons Market in Hobbs on Wenesday set off a flurry of phone calls between local and state officials that at least has the state and Albertsons talking about a plan to move forward. Hobbs Mayor Sam Cobb said on Friday afternoon he has been in touch with the governor’s office, speaking with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham directly three …