By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach What started as an idea between two friends has quickly become a thriving community. TransJoy, an Ohio-based advocacy and support group, was founded by ENMU student and “The Chase” writer Kayla Reichenbach, a cisgender ally contributing remotely from New Mexico, and Phoebe Jean, a transgender woman residing in Ohio. The…
Author: yvonne.baird
Snow White is Ho-Hum
By Staff Writer: Julia Simmons This Saturday, I shelled out $24 to go see the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in theaters. This was the first movie I’ve seen in theaters in over a year, and the trailer gave me high hopes that it would be worth the price. Here’s my…
Rats: The Misunderstood Companion
By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach Rats often get a bad rap. Many people associate them with disease and filth, but in reality, domesticated rats, known as fancy rats, are intelligent, affectionate and surprisingly clean. Unlike their wild counterparts, pet rats have been selectively bred for centuries. They are highly social and form strong bonds with…
Family Pridefest 2025 Set for June in Portales
By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach Eastern New Mexico Rising will host Family Pridefest 2025 on June 28 at Portales City Park. The free, family-friendly event will run from noon to 4 p.m., offering entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and community resources. Organizers say the event aims to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, providing a welcoming space for…
U.S. Moves to Halt Penny Production, Raising Questions About the Future of the Coin
By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach President Donald Trump announced on Feb. 11, 2025, that he has directed the U.S. Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the cost of production. While pennies will remain in circulation, the federal government would no longer produce new ones. The move is intended to reduce government spending, as…
Measles outbreak hits Lea County
By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed three cases of measles in Lea County, officially declaring an outbreak on Feb. 14. This follows a surge in neighboring Gaines County, Texas, where cases jumped from two to 48 in just two weeks. While officials suspect a link, no direct…
A Lord of the Rings Review 20 Years Later
By Staff Writer: Julia Simmons Growing up, I was a serious Harry Potter fangirl. I never had any interest in LOTR, despite my parents, siblings, friends, and teachers insisting I would enjoy the movies. I remember the media at the time pitted the two fantasy series against each other, and I had no desire to…
Is Theater Culture Dead?
By Staff Writer: Julia Simmons Recently, I went to the movies for the first time in over a year. I used to love going to movie theaters as a child, but with the number of streaming services available now, I haven’t felt the need to go. The movies have become much more expensive, and I…
From Joke to Phenomenon: The Rise of “Hello Kitty Island Adventure”
By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach What started as a joke on “South Park” back in 2006 has turned into one of the biggest hits in cozy gaming. “Hello Kitty Island Adventure” was first released as an Apple Arcade exclusive on June 28, 2023, but after gaining a loyal following, it got a major revamp and…
Magic in the Mundane: Local Author GM Katz Proves Creativity Thrives Anywhere
By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach For many stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, Eastern New Mexico can feel like just another stop. The flat landscape and quiet towns might not seem like a hub for creativity, but beneath the surface, artists and writers are making their mark. One of them is GM Katz, a local…