News

  New wells are to be drilled in downtown Santa Fe to check for groundwater contamination. The Journal Santa Fe says the City will work with the state Environment Department on the project with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency. A decades-old underground petroleum plume was found some years ago as construction began on downtown's new county courthouse.  More recently, workers at the Public Education Dept. building have complained of exposure to contaminants in basement offices.

In today's features: A conversation with Dr. JR Damron, chair of the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange on this first day of enrollment.  And a talk with Fred Nathan, executive director of Santa Fe-based Think New Mexico.  Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

Congressman Ben Ray Luján is decrying the federal government shutdown forced by Republican resistance to the nation's Affordable Care Act. Luján's statement says in part, "The longer the Tea Party shutdown lasts, the longer the people of New Mexico will pay the price."  Effects of the shutdown will be felt immediately here in New Mexico with its many military installations as half of all federal civilian employees are furloughed. Kirtland Air Force Base alone has more than 37-hundred federal civilian workers.

In today's features after our local news:  The state's Human Services Department is rolling out its multi-million dollar new communications system. And Albuquerque's Eclipse Aerospace, the reincarnation of the collapsed Eclipse Aviation, is enjoying good and growing success.  These stories and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

Starting tomorrow, New Mexico individuals and small businesses can start shopping for health insurance using the state's new health insurance exchange that offers a variety of plans. Enrollment can be accomplished online, by telephone or in person at about 160 locations across the state. Although the uninsured are the main target of the exchange, it's available to others as well. Coverage will begin in January--in the meantime, individuals who buy their own insurance can go to the exchange to look for a range of options. The exchange's website is: NMHIX.com.

In today's features after local news: A continuation of KSFR's interview with Santa Fe County's Katherine Miller and Adam Leigland. We also hear about accreditation at UNM's Cancer Center.  And the street drug Ecstasy is making a comeback in New Mexico.  Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

Five Santa Feans have been arrested on a 16-count federal indictment charging them with oxycodone trafficking offenses.  The charges against the defendants are the result of “Operation High Desert Bash,” an investigation initiated in January 2013 by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in Albuquerque and the Santa Fe Police Department. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a one-million dollar fine on each of the oxycodone charges.  All five are scheduled to make their initial appearances in Albuquerque federal court this morning.

  Among today's many features:A conversation about a Legislative Finance Committee audit report on the efficacy of pre-K efforts in New Mexico. A healthy flow in the Santa Fe River is the result of several factors. And Santa Fe County Manager Katherine Miller speaks to KSFR about a number of topics of local importance.  Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

State Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez is calling for Human Services Department Secretary Sidonie Squier’s resignation. Sanchez says Squier’s written response to a Draft Hunger Task Force report shows a lack of understanding of both her job and the people she serves. After reading the report, Squier wrote in an email that there has never been any significant evidence of hunger in New Mexico nor is there any at present. Squier says the focus should instead be on providing proper nutrition to citizens and that expanding government food programs is not productive.

In today's features following our local news: we talk with Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela about the state's JTIP program.  We also hear about how those folks collecting disability can return to gainful employment with risking much needed benefits. And...Bigfoot in the Valles Caldera? Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

How much money should the mayor of Santa Fe receive for the job? That was among first items of discussion as Santa Fe City Council considers city charter amendments for voter consideration in a special election. At the first of three public meetings on the matter, the assembly demurred on setting a fixed amount but noted that earlier discussions cited an amount of more than $100,000 annually. The Charter Review Commission advocates making the mayoral post a fulltime position with expanded powers while also barring additional employment.

In today's features after local news headlines: LANL spokesman Fred DeSousa details the damages known thus far to the Lab's properties after historic rainfall there caused flooding. We also speak with Land Commissioner Ray Power about a new wind energy project for New Mexico, a portion of which will be built on state lands.  Those items and more plus 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen.

 A special Santa Fe City Council meeting takes place this evening to discuss three resolutions concerning the Santa Fe Municipal Charter amendments. Those amendments could become ballot items for voter approval in a proposed special election that would be held in conjunction with our regular municipal election on March 4th, 2014. Among changes put forth is making the mayoral post a full-time position with higher pay and barring additional employment.

Due to today's technical difficulties, our AT NOON podcast is abbreviated, limited to today's top local news headlines at mid-day and 60 Seconds with Christopher Hagen. We are expecting our OTA signal to be restored shortly.

  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.