News Staff

Ruidoso’s 2026 monsoon season delivered 11.21 inches of rain—nearly twice the area’s average and the second-wettest in the Sierra Blanca Airport’s 21-year record. Despite rainfall totals matching 2025, storms were generally lighter and avoided burn scars, resulting in no flash flood emergency declarations. Meteorologists say timing, healing scars and luck limited flooding.

New Mexico’s medical malpractice reforms and healthcare compacts face renewed political threats, the author argues, as trial lawyers and their allies influence Democratic candidates and legislative committees. The piece highlights reform champions Rep. Marian Matthews and Rep. Nicole Chavez, criticizes Lisa Curtis and Deb Haaland, and urges voters to protect doctor access and keep public pressure on lawmakers.

This week, New Mexico anglers seeking trout should head north, where conditions range from good to particularly good at Hopewell Lake, Lake Maloya, the Pecos River, Rio Grande, Rio Chama and San Juan River. Catfish anglers should look west of Silver City or near Portales, where Bill Evans Lake and Oasis State Park are producing fair to good results.

United Way of Eddy County announced that Executive Director Kyle Marksteiner will step down to join the City of Carlsbad. Serina Lyons will serve as interim executive director, bringing nonprofit experience and organizational knowledge to the role. The organization thanked Marksteiner for strengthening community partnerships and assured donors, volunteers, and agencies of continued operations during the transition.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting the duration of New Mexico governors’ emergency orders and requiring legislative oversight for extensions. The proposal follows pandemic-era restrictions and prior efforts by former Rep. Greg Nibert to impose 30- or 90-day limits. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration opposes the changes, citing potential emergency response delays.

An opinion essay argues that prominent American critics of Israel, including Hasan Piker, Ilhan Omar, and Zohran Mamdani, apply charges of genocide, apartheid, colonialism, and war crimes selectively. It contrasts their rhetoric with the histories of Turkey, Somalia, and Uganda, urging them to acknowledge abuses associated with their homelands before condemning Israel or America.

Yarn United brings Artesia-area crafters of all skill levels together at the Artesia Public Library on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Members crochet afghans, blankets and worry worms, share skills and materials, and welcome knitters. The group fosters creativity, friendship and stress relief, while many participants donate their handmade creations to local causes.

The release on bail of five terrorism suspects arrested near a British air base draws sharp criticism, amid concerns about security lapses, inadequate investigations and Britain’s handling of terror-linked individuals. The column cites past attacks in London and Manchester, questions whether authorities are taking threats seriously, and warns that releasing suspects could leave the government responsible for future violence.

R2Doso Con returns to the Ruidoso Convention Center Oct. 17-18 for its second year, bringing comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, cosplay and celebrity guests to the mountain community. Fans can see the Batmobile, Mystery Machine and Back to the Future DeLorean, meet Star Wars talent, enter contests and tournaments, and support an event designed to boost local tourism.

At the National Cleanup Workshop in Washington, D.C., Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tem JJ Chavez moderated a panel on WIPP’s role in supporting safe, permanent disposal and environmental cleanup. The discussion highlighted how dependable disposal solutions, rigorous safety standards, and collaboration among federal, local, and community partners are essential to protecting public health and advancing the nation’s cleanup mission.

Constitutional Amendment 4 would allow New Mexico legislators to receive compensation tied to the state’s median household income beginning in 2029. Supporters argue salaries would broaden participation, reduce reliance on fundraising, and enable lawmakers to work year-round on increasingly complex challenges, including healthcare, affordability, infrastructure, federal funding cuts, and environmental concerns.

After moving to Artesia in 2009, Toby Heisler built a career in the oil and gas industry before turning his lifelong passion for sports cards into The Locker Room Cards & Collectibles. Opened with his wife and son, the shop offers vintage and modern sports cards, Pokémon, memorabilia and merchandise, creating a family-friendly destination for collectors of all budgets.