Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico's Third District has made comment on Santa Fe Mayor David Coss' announcement that he will not seek a third term. Luján says he looks forward to working with Coss for the remainder of his term. Coss explained his decision to KSFR News…****
The Piedras Fire in the Sandia mountains near the village of Placitas has charred more than 50 acres. Hotshot crews from the Santa Fe and Carson national forests are working the blaze, along with 2 of the Forestry Division’s Veteran fire crews on their first assignment. Air tankers and helicopters are also in use, and area fire departments are providing support. The cause of the fire which broke out early Thursday morning has not been determined.
Officials at the UNM hospital in Albuquerque say they're putting a hold on plans to actively seek state approval for an expansion. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the hospital's proposal to add nearly 100 beds has been delayed for months by the state board of finance. Members of that board say they need more information before approving the project that has a price tag of more than $140 million.
Activity among filmmakers appears to be picking up in New Mexico. The state film office says 10 projects are already filming in the state, compared with 13 for all of last year. Business slowed down for a while after Gov. Martinez campaigned against film incentives and forced cash rebates to be lowered. But that has turned around.
New data from the Census Bureau indicates that the recession caused some 3,000 businesses around the state to close shop. New Mexico Business Weekly looked at the numbers and says 16 out of 20 industry sectors lost businesses. Most of them were in the construction industry.
New Mexico State University will select its next president on Monday, a few days ahead of schedule according to previous announcements. NMSU regents will make their selection from a field of five candidates including former New Mexico Governor GarreyCaruthers, current dean of NMSU's College of Business. Former President Barbara Couture resigned the post last September, just shy of three years on the job.
National tourism week is coming up, and Santa Fe will celebrate it next Thursday with an expo at the community convention center. The event is designed to bring local businesses together to talk about how to expand the industry. Tourism is Santa Fe's biggest business sector, contributing more than $200 million a year to the local economy,
Weather for Santa Fe – mostly sunny today and through the weekend. Highs today near 60 degrees, rising to the mid 60s by Sunday. Overnight lows in the mid 30s tonight and in the mid 40s by Sunday. Monday brings a 30% chance for showers.