Two big stories this week and how we're covering them

For three solid days last weekend, I sat inside my house listening to rain hammer the roof, keeping an eye on the creek beds in my downtown Globe neighborhood and scrolling through Facebook posts about rising rivers and evacuation notices in Tonto Basin and San Carlos. Several events were cancelled. We are all now at a heightened sense of worry whenever there is substantial rain. Will we get flooded?

The rain and flooding worries are reflected in several stories in this issue. But we're not just reacting to events. This issue’s lead story is especially timely. Gila County, Globe and Miami have launched the Copper Country Flood Mitigation Initiative to coordinate their resources against flooding. Prevention isn't just about water. It's also about the massive wildfires that scar our mountains and leave them unable to hold water. The effort is being led by Lucinda Andreani, who helped Coconino County build a cohesive plan of its own. We believe it will be one of the most important steps our communities take to eventually allow us to feel safe again when the rains come.

Tuesday’s midterm elections will also carry substantial consequences for our state and our country. Forecasters expect Democrats to win the House, with the Senate leaning their way as well. Voters have now made their priorities clear. A Fox News poll found 60 percent of voters extremely concerned about corruption, edging out inflation at 58 percent. Gallup found nearly nine in 10 Americans see corruption as widespread, up 10 points in a year. Harris Poll CEO John Gerzema summed it up: voters see leaders as both responsible for their economic pain and profiting from it.

Unfortunately, we could not reflect that big story in the paper you are holding, which was printed before the votes came in. You can check our website to see the results and we'll be following up about what our historic vote means on our website and in our next issue.

And if the news this week has you looking for some relief, we're now publishing a customized puzzle in each edition of the paper based entirely on the stories of that issue. Our new crossword is challenging but entirely local and you can find all the answers by just reading the paper and catching up on local happenings. It's a win-win!

You can also tackle the crossword online, where you can get hints and clues (exposing letters or words) or use the timer to compete with friends. You can also print out the online version to do at home if you don't have the paper. Pass it on. It's all free and fun and our small contribution to our collective sanity. Enjoy.