News

9 a.m. Update -- Highway 4 reopens. New acreage update: 21,000, 40 % containment.

7 a.m. First News​ -- More containment is being reported at the 20,000 acre Thompson Ridge Fire in the Jemez though it did jump a southern flank fire line on Sunday prompting the partial closure of Highway 4.  The more than 1000 personnel working the fire have achieved 40% containment.  Efforts now are also being assisted by the deployment of some 20 members of New Mexico's National Guard providing logistical support.

On Friday's midday report:  The new county courthouse in downtown Santa Fe opens Monday morning. We’ll hear from the chief judge about what it brings…We’ll put the question of power lines starting forest fires to a member of the Public Regulation Commission. Valerie Espinoza has already begun to raise the issue…What to do with wild horses and should they be rounded up at all?...headlines...60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen...

  See progression map of Thompson Ridge fire   

  See progression map of Tres Lagunas fire

  On Thursday's midday report"  An insurance company that insures homeowners against major sewer and waterline problems finds that Santa Fe City Council may be turning against it. We’ll speak with the company’s CEO about what they do… Santa Fe has a brand new member of the police department – a $127,000 SWAT team robot…And the state health department offers details about an unusual breakout of Hepatitis A…headlines...60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen...

See animated Tres Lagunas progression map

  After local news, we'll hear about those UNM Medical Center union job cuts as transcription work is outsourced. Mayor David Coss was among a coalition of mayors delivering remarks today in support of federal marriage equality.  And the matter of providing care for caregivers is explored.

  On Tuesday's midday report:  The governor’s office is embroiled in another email issue – this time over whether the FBI is investigating the contract to run the Downs racino in Albuquerque…On a different front the Martinez administration has lost another round in court over environmental rules…And a chat with Sen. Tom Udall over the current state of affairs in the U.S. Senate…headlines...60 Seconds with the ol' reprobate...

On Monday's midday report: A question at the Roundhouse is whether the FBI is investigating the Martinez administration ... A report says New Mexico could save tens of millions a year in prison costs if the high school graduation rate improved...A group is gathering this week to remember the famous Tierra Amarilla County courthouse raid and its instigator of the 1960s...New research at the UNM Medical School holds promise...headlines...60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen...

The latest report has the Thompson Fire in the Jemez now just above 1900 acres. Some 310 personnel have been working to create fire lines around portions of the perimeter but there is no containment at present. The fire, which started Friday, is believed to have been caused by a downed power line. That’s the same ignition source cited for the Tres Lagunas Fire near Pecos which has now scorched at least 7500 acres.  Over 400 firefighters are on scene with 5% containment.

Fire officials say the blaze north of Pecos has doubled once again today.

Seen from Santa Fe and filmed by Michael Zeiler.