News Staff

An El Rito Media Editorial Board endorsement. Read to learn why you should vote for ‘Didi’ Okpareke in District 1.

Many New Mexico voters may know little about judges seeking retention in 2026, who run without opponents or campaign ads. The nonpartisan Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission surveys courtroom participants, reviews court data and interviews judges before issuing recommendations. This year, JPEC recommends retaining all 41 evaluated judges, including six serving the 5th Judicial District.

Roswell’s fall and winter cultural lineup includes world-class contemporary art, UFO history, live music, theater and local museums. While the Roswell Museum remains closed following 2024 flood damage, it continues community programming and outreach. Visitors can explore the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, International UFO Museum, military and aviation history museums, galleries, arts spaces and performing groups.

Cal Thomas argues that voters’ frustration with both parties stems from relying too heavily on government and neglecting personal initiative. Citing the Wright brothers, Carnegie, Ford, Tubman and others, he contends that motivation and independent action achieved what government could not. He suggests practical choices to manage rising costs, warning that changing party majorities will not change outcomes.

A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion for nearly 44 million violations of the state’s Unfair Practices Act. A jury found Facebook misrepresented users’ data controls, content moderation, community standards and Cambridge Analytica investigation. Attorney General Raúl Torrez called the judgment historic, while Meta is expected to appeal.

Roswell’s Thrill the World event on Oct. 24 at Chaves County Cultural Plaza invites participants to learn and perform Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller choreography alongside dancers worldwide. Rehearsals begin at 1 p.m., with a synchronized performance at 4. The Halloween bazaar also features vendors, food trucks, contests, entertainment, a zombie walk, and charity support for Roswell Night Skies.

Celebrate fall with Bruce Lesman’s light, fluffy pumpkin pancakes, made with pumpkin purée, buttermilk, warm spices, and finely chopped walnuts. Cooked until golden, these indulgent breakfast or brunch favorites are stacked high and finished with crushed walnuts, warm maple syrup, and whipped cream. This comforting recipe serves four to six and is perfect for seasonal gatherings.

Nearly nine years after Marine Corps veteran Wade Dean Taylor disappeared in Alamogordo, his family has renewed the search with two billboards and a $5,000 reward. Taylor was last seen walking into the Chihuahuan Desert in 2017 after approaching a detention center injured. Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Despite abundant oil revenue, New Mexico’s economy remains stagnant, with slow job and wage growth. The state’s $75 billion sovereign wealth fund and projected surplus create an opportunity for bold change. This opinion piece endorses Gregg Hull’s proposal to eliminate the personal income tax, arguing it could improve affordability, attract residents, encourage entrepreneurship, and diversify jobs.

New Mexico anglers can target trout, bass, catfish, bluegill and carp this week, with especially strong trout action in northern waters. San Juan River, Rio Cebolla, Fenton Lake and Lake Maloya are producing well, while Escondida Lake offers catfish and bluegill. Bass are biting at Alto and Greene Acres lakes, and Oasis Park Lake has good catfishing.

In a speech from Athens, Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked ancient Greece’s influence on American democracy, the Founders, and Western political thought. Cal Thomas praises Rubio’s eloquence and statesmanship while lamenting the decline of classical education and historical knowledge in today’s universities. He argues Rubio’s competence, character, and service make him presidential material.

As autumn brings cooler temperatures to southeast New Mexico, outdoor enthusiasts can explore sinkhole lakes, wetlands, sand dunes, rugged OHV trails, and mountain landscapes. Highlights include camping, hiking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, off-roading, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing at Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Mescalero Sands, Haystack Mountain, and Lincoln National Forest.