Local News
Catastrophic Flash Flood Emergency: Rio Ruidoso in New Mexico Rises 17 Feet in 20 Minutes
RUIDOSO, NM — A flash flood emergency has been declared in Ruidoso, New Mexico, after the Rio Ruidoso River surged approximately 20 feet in just 30 minutes Tuesday afternoon, causing catastrophic flooding and sweeping away structures in its path.
The flooding began around 3:00 p.m. in the Upper Canyon area of the Rio Ruidoso following intense rainfall and rapid runoff over the Salt Fire burn scar, a result of last year’s wildfire.
BREAKING: The Rio Ruidoso River at Hollywood, NM has risen 20 feet in 30 minutes! Flash flood emergency. Up on Brady Canyon Rd. The water rose 8 ft in a matter of minutes.#nmwxhttps://t.co/TKKk6QXeiT pic.twitter.com/982PvRRC0T— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) July 8, 2025
The combination of scorched terrain and heavy monsoon rains has created extremely hazardous conditions throughout the region.
Dramatic footage shared on social media shows a home being carried downstream by raging floodwaters, with water levels inundating streets and washing away vehicles.
Many residents and observers have described the flooding as the worst in recent memory, with some calling it unprecedented.
The wild horses that often graze along the riverbanks were reportedly seen retreating to higher ground — a sign locals have come to associate with incoming natural danger.
Officials are urging all residents and visitors in Ruidoso and downstream communities to seek higher ground immediately, avoid low-lying areas, and monitor alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency management.
This situation remains extremely dangerous and life-threatening, and authorities caution that the aftermath of this event will likely persist for years, especially due to the environmental instability caused by the Salt Fire burn scar.
If you have loved ones in the area, please check on their safety and urge them to follow all evacuation or emergency directives.
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.