The KKOB Morning Briefing · News Radio KKOB

Morning Briefing May 9th, 2025

·33 min·3 clips

Two people are dead after deputies opened fire on a fugitive's car in Sun Valley Park.

This episode is a local news briefing for New Mexico, anchored by Shawn from the 96.3 News Radio KKOB news desk. It covers major regional and national headlines from the morning of May 9th, 2025. The lead story is the surprise election of the first American-born Pope, Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. Father Christopher Zugger of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Albuquerque notes the new pope's familiarity with Hispanic culture could resonate with New Mexico's Catholic population, which is 34% of the state. Two fatal police shootings are reported: one near Lynn Middle School in Las Cruces left a young man dead and another injured, while a fugitive, 37-year-old Brandon Rowe, and 25-year-old Brianna Wilkerson were killed by officers in Sun Valley Park. The Albuquerque Public School Board approved a record $2.25 billion budget, a $100 million increase from the prior year despite declining enrollment, raising per-pupil spending to $35,000. Santa Fe Mayor Allen Weber used his State of the City address to criticize the Trump administration's first 100 days as an "assault on justice," defending local DEI initiatives and immigrant support. A series of small earthquakes, including a 3.6 and a 3.2, struck near Eunice in southeastern New Mexico. Nationally, the stock market rose following a U.S.-U.K. trade deal framework, and the father of a Wisconsin school shooter was arrested for providing the firearm. The Ukrainian parliament ratified an agreement granting U.S. companies access to its rare earth minerals like lithium. A surprising detail is that Pope Leo XIV's brother, John Prevost, learned the news when his "phone," "iPad," and doorbell all went off simultaneously. The report questions why the Albuquerque school budget is increasing so significantly while student numbers fall, a point not addressed in the board meeting. Mayor Weber's speech explicitly framed Santa Fe's "justice" initiatives as a direct contrast to federal policies, referencing executive orders on DEI and birthright citizenship. The segment on the Wisconsin shooting reveals the teen had "regular access" to a gun safe in her home. The new pope holds dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship and has been a missionary in Peru for over 20 years. The episode includes multiple traffic and weather updates, forecasting a high of 76 in Albuquerque with minimal rain chances. The tone is fast-paced, factual, and concise, typical of a morning news radio broadcast. The style is straightforward and informational, delivering headlines with minimal commentary or analysis. Listeners interested in New Mexico-centric news, from local politics to crime and community events, would find this episode valuable. Those seeking in-depth discussion, interviews, or national/international focus might prefer to skip it.

As heard by us

A brisk local roundup that keeps school funding, city politics, and regional earthquakes moving.

This segment keeps a steady local-news rhythm as it moves from the new pope's American background and Peruvian citizenship to Albuquerque Public Schools' record-setting budget, Santa Fe's State of the City address, and a cluster of small earthquakes near Eunice.

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Why you'd press play

You want a quick Albuquerque briefing with schools, politics, and earthquakes in the mix.

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