News

  The federal government has authorized $2 million in “quick release” emergency funds for New Mexico roadways & bridges damaged by our recent bout of heavy rains. According to the U.S. DOT, repairs from the September storms are so far estimated to be at least $9 million.  That number is expected to rise with future damage assessments. 

  Among today's features: We hear from New Mexico Voices For Children on the persistence of poverty levels in our state.  We also speak with the director of the Interstate Stream Commission as--for the first time in years -- the Pecos River does not require augmentation of its water flows. And KSFR News reporter Marion Cox wraps up her conversation with Santa Fe County Commissioner Kathy Holian; today they talk about the new animal control ordinance being prepared. Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

  New Mexico’s three house members have voted along party lines on cuts to food stamps. Ben Ray Luján voted against the republican sponsored bill that would cut $39 billion from SNAP, the supplemental nutritional assistance program. The national program helps 179,000 households here in New Mexico. Congressman Luján took to the floor of the House to speak against the cuts. *** District One’s Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham also voted against the cuts. Congressman Steve Pearce joined fellow republicans in support of the cuts, which passed on a 217-210 vote.

In feature stories after our local news report:  A conversation with the NM Environment Department about the hazards to drinking water wells in areas hit with flooding and how to decontaminate them.  We also speak with the Human Services Department as New Mexico receives relatively good marks for delivering Medicaid services to a high percentage of our state's eligible children. Those items and more plus 60 seconds with Christopher Hagen.

  In Rio Arriba County, the Chama River has spilled into the town of Hernandez after heavy rains. A dozen or more homes were partially submerged by rising waters. The flooding began late yesterday about 10 miles north of Española near the junction of US 84 and 285. The Red Cross has established a shelter for all those displaced.  County officials say the heavy rains of last week caused channels to become clogged with debris, sending the Chama over its banks with Wednesday's downpours.

Among today's features after our local news: ABQ City Councilor Ken Sanchez tells KSFR he wants strict enforcement of the Duke City's minimum wage law. We also speak with Deborah Bussmeyer at the Con Alma Foundation and its quest to find worthy "healthcare heroes."  Those items and more--plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

Among today's features: A conversation with a county representative about that questionnaire survey going out to some 3000 Santa Fe households.  We also hear from Senator Tom Udall in Wash., DC on a number of topics. And County Commissioner Kathy Holian provides an updated view of the county's Sustainable Land Development Code.  Those items and more -- plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

The field of candidates for mayor of Santa Fe has dropped by one with the withdrawal of District 3 city councilor Chris Rivera. Rivera says his decision comes after discussion with family, friends and close supporters. The freshmen councilor is half way into his first term and serves on several committees including Public Works, Public Safety, and Business and Quality of Life. Rivera says he learned a lot while considering a mayoral run and plans now to continue to serve his district constituents.

 Some $750,000 in disaster aid funds were included in an emergency order issued by the governor back on Friday due to flood damages across New Mexico. It's expected that more money will be allocated shortly as weekend rains caused additional flood impacts. The money will go toward rebuilding roads and other infrastructure and is made available to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to assist local communities in recovery efforts.

In today's features, we speak with New Mexico Voices for Children spotlighting a study saying NM ranks 5th in the nation for its cuts to K-thru-12 education in recent years.  We also hear from the state department of Aging & Long Term Services on a Senior Celebration and Awareness Day coming up at the State Fair that will address future needs of our state's seniors. Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

In today's features, a conversation with the Chief Business Officer for Santa Fe Public Schools about tonight's community meeting on the Atalaya School.  A re-designed gymnasium is to be presented.  We also hear from the New Mexico State University Vice President of Student Affairs about a continuing decline in enrollment across all campuses.  Those and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

A former Santa Fe builder has been indicted by a state grand jury on multiple felony fraud charges that victims say amount to millions of dollars.  William "Kal" Kalinowski was the force behind Barranca Builders and a number of other local companies. In 2008, he defaulted on bank loans made for multiple high-end home construction projects at Las Campanas, leaving sub-contractors and home buyers holding the bag. He filed for bankruptcy in 2009. The 68-year-old Kalinowski, now living in Massachusetts, has been ordered to appear in a Santa Fe District Court on October 7th.

In today's features, we hear from the New Mexico Environmental Law Center about their opposition to newly-approved rules governing copper mining in our state.  We also hear from a New Mexico State Fair representative as the annual event kicks off its Diamond Jubilee today.  Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen all here for you At Noon.

And a reminder that KSFR will carry today's City Council meeting live beginning at 5PM.