News Staff

Relentless weekend rain caused additional flooding across northern New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, prompting evacuations near the San Juan, La Plata, Animas and Chama rivers. At least 10,000 homes had already sustained damage. Chama closed roads amid sewage concerns, while outages affected Navajo communities. The state authorized up to $55 million in emergency funds.

Southeast New Mexico College recognizes second-year nursing student Erin Chavez as its October 2026 Mountain Lion Student of the Month. Honored for compassion, leadership, integrity, and clinical judgment, Chavez advocated for a terminally ill patient’s comfort and dignity, exemplifying SENMC’s values and the patient-centered care of an exceptional future nurse.

The Forest Service has begun removing dead and dying trees around campsites, roads and trails in the South Fork and Blue 2 burn scars near Ruidoso. The work will reduce hazards and fuels, prepare sites for reforestation and improve recreation access, with temporary road closures possible. Hazard tree removal is expected through 2027, while broader restoration continues through 2029.

Former Alamogordo senior project manager and ADA coordinator Justen Boyle alleges he was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about ADA compliance and directives he believed violated city ordinances. After he described his grievance publicly, the city commission voted 7-0 to hire an independent reviewer to investigate his termination and delayed hearing.

This opinion essay argues that the upcoming midterm elections represent more than a referendum on gas prices or presidential approval. It frames the contest as a fundamental choice between limited government and free-market capitalism and a progressive socialist agenda, examining immigration, energy, Iran, fraud, DEI, and Islamism while warning of the consequences.

Otero County commissioners declared a flood emergency after severe storms damaged roads and other infrastructure. Officials say damage assessments and emergency repairs are ongoing, with some areas still inaccessible and the full recovery cost unknown. The declaration allows the county to seek additional state funding, while FEMA inspectors assess damage described as extensive by local emergency officials.

New Mexico School for the Arts gives students statewide access to rigorous academics and pre-professional arts training, but distance remains a barrier. Its dormitory provides free housing, meals and programming for rural students who could not otherwise attend. As NMSA seeks permanent dorm funding in 2027, state leaders should ensure ZIP code never limits a student’s talent.

With New Mexico facing severe challenges in crime, education, poverty, economic freedom and healthcare, El Rito Media compares gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull. The editorial criticizes Haaland’s progressive policies and refusal to debate, while highlighting Hull’s record as Rio Rancho mayor and proposals for tax, regulatory, education and malpractice reform before endorsing him for governor.

The editorial board endorses Republican Martin Zamora for New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District. A lifelong Clovis-area rancher, farmer and state representative since 2019, Zamora brings bipartisan experience and strong knowledge of agriculture, water and conservation. His priorities include compensating Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire victims, creating jobs and addressing housing and infrastructure needs tied to Los Alamos National Laboratory’s expansion.

The police blotter for Oct. 17-23 includes arrests for battery, aggravated domestic assault, DWI, open-container, disorderly conduct and interference with officers. Officers responded to reports of shots fired, stolen vehicles, accidents, domestic disputes, fights, threats, harassment, suspicious activity, welfare concerns, alarms, larceny, graffiti, loud noise and other incidents throughout the community.

Sen. Jeff Steinborn urges New Mexico’s State Investment Council to review and divest public funds tied to Russia and companies controlled by Elon Musk, citing Ukraine’s suffering and Starlink restrictions. A new Alex Gibney documentary, “Musk,” intensifies concerns about Musk’s business practices, political influence, data access and ability to affect warfare and foreign policy.

An opinion column examines New Mexico’s House Bill 99, arguing its medical malpractice reforms only “stopped the bleeding” while doctors remain at risk of leaving the state. It praises lawmakers who advanced the measure and scrutinizes House Democrats who sought to weaken or opposed it, urging voters to consider legislative records and healthcare access in the election.