By Julia Goldberg | Editor-in-Chief

Good morning, folks. Happy weekend. For this week’s roundup, you’ll find an array of stories — from New Mexico’s massive award in its lawsuit against Meta to the state’s ongoing efforts to find justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Of course, we are ticking ever closer to the Nov. 3 general election, so you can also peruse a handful of political reads below, and plenty more on our dedicated election page (you’ll also find a link to our Voter Guide below). Early voting continues through Halloween (trick or treat?). Find locations here. We’ll see you Monday!

‘It’s shameful’: New Mexico veterans increasingly turn to food banks after SNAP rollbacks

‘It’s shameful’: New Mexico veterans increasingly turn to food banks after SNAP rollbacks

New Mexico food bank officials told lawmakers recently that federal rollbacks to food assistance programs have impacted veterans’ food security, and left food banks across the state struggling to provide more help with fewer resources.
Multimillion-dollar ad buys increase in New Mexico’s closely watched CD2 race

Multimillion-dollar ad buys increase in New Mexico’s closely watched CD2 race

Millions of dollars continue to pour into New Mexico’s closely watched 2nd Congressional District race, according to recent filings from candidates and political action committees. According to a Source NM review of campaign records, individual donors and well-financed PACs have spent or promised to spend at least $21.8 million in total this election cycle in the race between incumbent U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) and opponent Republican Greg Cunningham. 
New Mexico AG sues Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime lawyer, accountant in federal court

New Mexico AG sues Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime lawyer, accountant in federal court

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime personal attorney and accountant in federal court, alleging that the two helped to facilitate and conceal his sex trafficking operation.
New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay state $25B

New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay state $25B

A New Mexico District judge on Wednesday ordered Meta to pay $25 billion in penalties for violating state law regarding unfair and deceptive trade practices. “I think today’s judgment from a state which admittedly is not very big in terms of population should be a clear warning to everyone in big tech,” New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said.
ICYMI

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We're reading (and you should be able to access) a Wall Street Journal story about the decline of the Rio Grande’s impact on Elephant Butte.

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