KSFR's Kate Powell brings you local news at noon. 

When Governor Susana Martinez appointed Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson to be the new head of the Children Youth and Families Department, eyebrows were raised at Jacobson’s lack of background in child protective services. However, during her Senate confirmation hearings, the Taos native and former corporate marketing executive, managed not only to change minds, but to create excitement in a department plagued by crises. I asked Jacobson about the hearings and about the challenges that lay ahead.

Poor Zimbabwe: At 91, President Robert Mugabe can't last much longer, but a possible successor, likely to be at least as supportive of thuggery and corruption, is his second wife Grace. Former US diplomat turned analyst and author Todd Moss told KSFR's Dave Marash on HERE AND THERE, the news may be even worse than that for Zimbabwe.

On the heels of Tax Day, Congress discusses balancing the budget by raising taxes. But who should foot the bigger bill? That's the question on Martha Burk's mind in this week's edition of Equal Time.