Victor Davis Hanson: Why the Atomic Bombs Were Not Demonic—and Why They Were Dropped on Japan

The 1945 atomic bombings remain morally controversial, but this opinion argues they were neither demonic nor primarily a warning to Stalin. It examines fears of a costly invasion, Japan’s continued resistance, and proposed conventional alternatives, concluding Truman’s administration used Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force surrender quickly and potentially save many more lives, despite lasting ethical questions.

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Nearly 74 years after Sgt. Willie Estrada died saving his tank crew in Korea, his family continues seeking the Medal of Honor for Alamogordo’s war hero. Already awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously, Estrada’s legacy is preserved by his brother Pete, nephew Mario and the American Armed Forces Museum, which will honor him throughout September.

Three bright spots for the Bulldogs in their loss to Hobbs

Three bright spots for the Bulldogs in loss.

First Ruidoso Antique Show Draws Collectors and Curious Treasure Hunters

The first annual Ruidoso Antique Show drew more than 1,600 visitors and 56 vendors to the Convention Center, filling a gap left by the longtime Lions Club event. Organized by Bob and Cindy Dolgener, the show celebrated collecting as a personal pursuit, with vendors and attendees highlighting the value, history and nostalgia found in objects others might dismiss as junk.

Gamble does not pay off for Bulldogs football team

Artesia comes up short on two-point try in 28-27 loss at Hobbs HOBBS — Artesia coach Jeremy Maupin is not afraid to gamble. On Friday night, with the game in his hands and overtime one kick away, Maupin...
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Opinion

The 1945 atomic bombings remain morally controversial, but this opinion argues they were neither demonic nor primarily a warning to Stalin. It examines fears of a costly invasion, Japan’s continued resistance, and proposed conventional alternatives, concluding Truman’s administration used Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force surrender quickly and potentially save many more lives, despite lasting ethical questions.

Javier Sanchez: Pushed to our limits

God puts us on this earth for reasons that lie on the other side of understanding. We do not know the who, the where or the what of the world.

Paul Gessing: Free childcare built on deceit, dirty secrets

“Free” universal childcare is estimated to cost taxpayers $850 million annually with the price tag rising quickly over time according to the Legislative Finance Committee.

Obituaries

Warren Louis (W.L.) Gray passed away quietly at his home in Kyle, TX on June 28, 2026 at the age of 91.

Dub married his high school sweetheart, Dewana Lou Berry, one week after her graduation in 1955.

Vega M. Nilsson

Vega M. Nilsson, a long-time resident of Artesia, New Mexico passed away at home on December 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Vega was born in Brooklyn, New York to Fredrik and Hilda Nilsson,...

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David Grousnick: Building Bridges Instead of Fences: A Lesson in Reconciliation

A pastor’s column contrasts a grudge rooted in Sherman’s Civil War destruction with a story of two feuding brothers. When a carpenter is asked to build a fence, he builds a bridge instead, restoring their relationship. The lesson is clear: our lives are measured not by possessions or barriers, but by how many people we help and bridges we build.

Victor Davis Hanson: Why the Atomic Bombs Were Not Demonic—and Why They Were Dropped on Japan

The 1945 atomic bombings remain morally controversial, but this opinion argues they were neither demonic nor primarily a warning to Stalin. It examines fears of a costly invasion, Japan’s continued resistance, and proposed conventional alternatives, concluding Truman’s administration used Hiroshima and Nagasaki to force surrender quickly and potentially save many more lives, despite lasting ethical questions.

Three bright spots for the Bulldogs in their loss to Hobbs

Three bright spots for the Bulldogs in loss.

First Ruidoso Antique Show Draws Collectors and Curious Treasure Hunters

The first annual Ruidoso Antique Show drew more than 1,600 visitors and 56 vendors to the Convention Center, filling a gap left by the longtime Lions Club event. Organized by Bob and Cindy Dolgener, the show celebrated collecting as a personal pursuit, with vendors and attendees highlighting the value, history and nostalgia found in objects others might dismiss as junk.

Gamble does not pay off for Bulldogs football team

Artesia comes up short on two-point try in 28-27 loss at Hobbs HOBBS — Artesia coach Jeremy Maupin is not afraid to gamble. On Friday night,...

Culinary Confidential: Southwest Charcuterie Board for Effortless Entertaining for summer gatherings and cocktail parties

Create an impressive Southwest charcuterie board with smoked cheeses, cured meats, artisan breads, Hatch green chiles, pickles, olives, fruit, nuts, and flavorful dips. Bruce Lesman shares simple assembly tips for balancing textures, colors, and bold flavors, plus wine, beer, and cocktail pairings. Perfect for summer gatherings, cocktail parties, wine nights, and relaxed entertaining.

Around Town takes a look at community events in Artesia

Looking for something to do in Artesia?

Seventy-Four Years Later, Willie Estrada’s Family Still Seeks Medal of Honor

Nearly 74 years after Sgt. Willie Estrada died saving his tank crew in Korea, his family continues seeking the Medal of Honor for Alamogordo’s war hero. Already awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously, Estrada’s legacy is preserved by his brother Pete, nephew Mario and the American Armed Forces Museum, which will honor him throughout September.

Roswell Shorts Indie Film Fest Returns. Here is a look at what to expect at the event set for late September at the UFO...

Roswell Shorts Film Fest launched last year as a sister event to the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival, held near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Scenes from the Bulldogs’ 28-27 loss to Hobbs on Friday night

Artesia Bulldogs lose to Hobbs 28-17 on Friday night.

United Way prepares for 9th Day of Caring next month in Artesia and Carlsbad with community partners

United Way of Eddy County’s Ninth Annual Day of Caring takes place Sept. 17, bringing more than 250 volunteers together for 19 projects benefiting local nonprofits. Businesses, industry partners and community groups will paint, clean, repair and provide services across Carlsbad, Artesia and Loving, with kickoff events and a simultaneous Facebook broadcast launching the countywide effort.

$139M BLM lease sale led by Eddy County as revenue is split between the feds and state

In total, 25 parcels on 20,334 acres were leased in the three states, with the highest bids going to southeast New Mexico properties in the Permian Basin.