New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

On the podcast this week, Source New Mexico Editor Shaun Griswold hosts a two-part roundtable discussion on the pro-Palestine protests taking place at the University of New Mexico and college campuses around the nation. In the first half of their conversation, Shaun asks what legal rights students have to protest at the Duck Pond and at the Student Union Building. Later, the table considers why younger people have rallied around this issue. Then, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor speaks with Sophie Leah of Jewish Voice for Peace and asks why her organization wants UNM to divest from Israel. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

On this week's podcast, KUNM News Director Megan Kamerick sits down for a two-part discussion on Daymon Ely’s proposed plan to address homelessness in Albuquerque. Then, James Freeman, a person who once lived on the streets of Albuquerque and is now a director at HopeWorks, gives his thoughts on the proposal. Plus, homeless advocate and attorney Peter Cubra walks us through the constitutional rights of unhoused people and breaks down how a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling could change the way New Mexico polices them. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Executive Producer Jeff Proctor talks to Source New Mexico Editor Shaun Griswold and freelance reporter Justin Horwath about how voters could reshape the state's Democratic Party during this summer's primary elections. Plus, Gabrielle Uballez, the new executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, talks to correspondent Russell Contreras about her work searching for new solutions to child poverty and why she wanted to take the issue on. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

On the podcast this week, Our Land’s Laura Paskus sits down for a two-part discussion with Arturo Sandoval, one of the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970. In the first half of their conversation, Sandoval tells us about his role in putting together the first event and takes a step back to look at how it has since changed. Later, the two talk broadly about the concept of colonization, how it has defined the world around us and observe how it is intertwined within capitalism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

This week on New Mexico in Focus, Our Land’s Laura Paskus sits down with a special roundtable to discuss all things food — why it costs so much, why so much of it gets thrown away and the social justice issues associated with access. Laura begins by asking the group why more than 100,000 tons of food is wasted each year in Albuquerque. Then, the roundtable discusses possible solutions to food waste, considering everything from smaller serving sizes at restaurants to composting expired produce at home. Laura steps back for the final segment and explores how food waste has taken a toll on our planet and how fixing that problem is essential in our attempt to address climate change. Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guests: Sandra West, sustainable waste specialist, City of Albuquerque Amanda Rich, assistant director, Three Sisters Kitchen Anton Becker-Stumpf, Southwest Organizing Project --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Albuquerque Journal sportswriter Geoff Grammer stops by to chat with Lou and look back at this year's Lobo basketball season, as the men's team made the NCAA tournament for the first time in a decade. Looking Back at the 2023-24 Lobos Men’s Basketball Season Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Geoff Grammer, sportswriter, Albuquerque Journal For More Information: https://twitter.com/GeoffGrammer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

This week on the podcast, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tells us why she wants to call a special session centered on public safety. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio asks the governor why she thinks a special session is necessary and whether she has the votes to get what she wants passed. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland looks further at the proposed special session, as she hosts a roundtable discussion with UNM political science professor Timothy Krebs and ACLU-NM Policing Policy Advocate Daniel Williams. Gwyneth asks the two about the governor's plan and the politics of public safety in New Mexico. Segments: Gov. Lujan Grisham Pushes Special Session on Public Safety Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico The Politics of Public Safety in New Mexico Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Timothy B. Krebs, professor and chair, UNM Political Science Department Daniel Williams, policing policy advocate, ACLU-NM For More Information: Governor: Special session 80% likely on public safety measures – Santa Fe New Mexican --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Lou DiVizio introduces the show with some headlines from around the state. Then, State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard tells Lou why she chose to hold off on selling the state's most valuable oil and gas leases until officials lock in a higher royalty rate than the office is charging now. Reactions to her decision have been mixed and Lou asks the commissioner to respond to remarks from her critics and from the governor. The Legislature is in for a big shakeup after the November election. There are currently 19 open legislative seats — 12 held by Republicans, and the other seven by Democrats. Former state senator Dede Feldman sits down with Lou to discuss just how competitive these races will be this fall. Host: Lou DiVizio Segments: State Land Commissioner on Decision to Halt Lease Sales on Oil-Rich Land Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Stephanie Garcia Richard, NM State Land Commissioner Analyzing the State Legislature Seats Up for Grabs this Fall Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Dede Feldman, Democratic Former NM State Senator For More Information: New Mexico halts some oil-field lease sales in standoff over royalty rates in Permian Basin – Associated Press New Mexico GOP mulls next steps as House, Senate leaders announce exits – Santa Fe New Mexican --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Lou DiVizio opens the show with some headlines from around the state including news that after two years, a $10M state-supported abortion clinic in Las Cruces is stuck in its planning phase. This week, U.S. Supreme Court justices heard arguments from attorneys representing New Mexico, Texas and Colorado, as the three states presented a plan that would resolve a decade-old water rights case. Source New Mexico reporter Danielle Prokop joins us from Washington, D.C. to ask how the high court's decision will impact how we share water from the lower Rio Grande for years to come. A new study from the University of New Mexico reports dangerous working conditions in the oil and gas industry. Correspondent Elizabeth Miller speaks with Dr. Gabriel Sanchez, a study author and executive director at UNM's Center for Social Policy, to ask how the sector's workers might find new jobs in a clean-energy future. Finally, this week on the show we look back at how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the last four years. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor sits down with Santa Fe-based public defender Jennifer Burrill and Michael Bird, former president of the American Public Health Association, to take stock of our state and country's handling of the pandemic — and where we are now. Then, Jeff asks Jennifer about her bout with Long COVID and the physical toll it has taken. Supreme Court Hears Rio Grande Water Rights Case Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Danielle Prokop, reporter, Source New Mexico UNM Study Finds Dangerous Working Conditions in Oil and Gas Industry Correspondent: Elizabeth Miller Guest: Dr. Gabriel Sanchez, professor and executive director, UNM Center for Social Policy Long COVID in NM and the Pandemic’s Lasting Effects Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guests: Jennifer Burrill, attorney, New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender Michael Bird, former president, American Public Health Association How COVID Has Shaped the Last Four Years in NM Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guests: Jennifer Burrill, attorney, New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender Michael Bird, former president, American Public Health Association For More Information: Viral Respiratory Infection Dashboard – New Mexico Department of Health U.S. Supreme Court questions both positions in Rio Grande water case – Source New Mexico Southeastern New Mexico Oil & Gas Workforce Study – UNM Center for Social Policy New Mexico ranks high for long COVID-19 symptoms – KRQE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

This week on New Mexico in Focus, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor interviews U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez about the federal investigation into alleged corruption at the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit. Uballez sheds some light on the process of the investigation and Proctor asks why the U.S. Attorney took the unusual step to confirm the investigation earlier this year in letters to the city's police chief and district attorney. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Alexander Uballez, U.S. Attorney, District of New Mexico For More Information: Prominent attorney says he took DWI corruption allegations to FBI – Source New Mexico --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

This week, Journalist Patrick Lohmann of Source New Mexico sits down with two survivors of the Hermit's Peak/Calf-Canyon Fire. In the first of two conversations, Lohmann asks both about the losses they have suffered and how they have helped neighbors in their community recover. Later, the pair speak on the lack of federal financial relief their community has received and why local leadership at FEMA needs to change. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Patrick Lohmann, Reporter, Source New Mexico Guests: Kayt Peck, Wildfire Survivor from Rociada, NM Yolanda Cruz, Wildfire Survivor from Manuelitas, NM For More Information: Location & Hours for Claims Reimbursements – Federal Emergency Management Agency Website They lost everything in New Mexico’s biggest wildfire - Source NM Nosotros La Gente: Healing what’s broken - Las Vegas Optic --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Lou DiVizio opens the show with several developing headlines from around the state including an update on the city of Albuquerque's handling of homeless encampments since a court injunction last year mandating the city not remove encampments on public property. Then, Journalist Elise Kaplan of City Desk Albuquerque asks legal malpractice attorney and former state representative Daymon Ely about the information he passed along to federal agents from potential victims of an alleged scheme to get drunk driving cases tossed out of court. Also, Ely comments on how the case has harmed public trust in the legal system. Correspondent: Elise Kaplan Guest: Daymon Ely, attorney, former state representative For More Information: Legislators Boost Their Retirement Pay - Albuquerque Journal New Mexico AG joins lawsuit over possible Kroger, Albertson’s merger - KRQE Cimarron High School bans backpacks and jackets - KOAT Santa Fe County proposes plastic bag ban - Santa Fe New Mexican Prominent attorney says he took DWI corruption allegations to FBI - City Desk Albuquerque --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Host Lou DiVizio leads off with headlines from around the state, including a U.S. appeals court decision striking down a moratorium on coal leasing from federal lands. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor speaks to attorney Ahmad Assed and journalist Julia Goldberg about the ongoing trial of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and the pending trial of actor/producer Alec Baldwin, each charged with involuntary manslaughter in the deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust" in 2021. In their two-part discussion, the pair break down the charges, the politics and the potential industry impacts. A bill to bring affirmative consent policies to public universities and colleges across the state is headed to the governor's desk after passing the Legislature last week. The 'Yes Means Yes' legislation would require higher education institutions to include materials and resources in student orientation packages. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio speaks with Democratic state Rep. Liz Thomson and advocate Alexandria Taylor about the bill and how consent education can help prevent sexual assault. After winning a run-off election last fall, Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers began her tenure representing District 6 — the city's Southeast Heights — in January. This week, Senior Producer Lou DiVizio asks Rogers about her priorities for the district and what it means to her to be the first Black woman to serve on the council. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Trial, Pending Baldwin Trial & a Media Circus Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guests: Julia Goldberg, Senior Correspondent, Santa Fe Reporter Ahmad Assed, Attorney Bill Brings 'Yes Means Yes’ Policies to NM Higher Ed Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guests: Rep. Liz Thomson (D), Albuquerque Alexandria Taylor, Executive Director, New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs New ABQ City Councilor Nichole Rogers on District 6 Priorities Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque City Council, District 6, Southeast Heights For More Information: Prosecution, defense paint different pictures in `Rust' arguments – Santa Fe New Mexican Baldwin's lawyers push for earlier June trial date in 'Rust' case – Santa Fe New Mexican Affirmative consent bill passes New Mexico Legislature after five attempts – Source New Mexico Nichole Rogers wins runoff election, becomes first Black woman to serve on ABQ City Council - KUNM --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Lou DiVizio opens the show with headlines from around the state, including the potential the Governor could call for a special legislative session to address public safety concerns. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland hosts a three-part discussion with two journalists recapping New Mexico's 2024 legislative session. Gwyneth asks Shaun Griswold, editor of Source New Mexico, and Trip Jennings, executive director of New Mexico In Depth, about the approved state budget, which public education and public health bills passed, and the environmental and public health bills that didn't pass in Santa Fe. Immigration reform advocates were shocked earlier this month when the state Senate rejected an asylum seekers' detention bill. Sophia Genovese, an attorney with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, tells Executive Producer Jeff Proctor when she knew the bill's life would be cut short. We head back to the Roundhouse one last time this session with Gwyneth, as she catches up with several lawmakers and policy advocates to talk about a wide range of influential issues, including a failed oil and gas regulation bill, increased funding for state roads and money set aside for health care. Segments: 2024 Legislative Recap Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Trip Jennings, executive director, New Mexico In Depth Shaun Griswold, editor, Source NM Asylum Seekers Detention Bill Dies in Senate Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Sophia Genovese, attorney, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center 2024 Legislature Recap: Health Care Bills & Funds for Roads Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Tannis Fox, attorney, Western Environmental Law Center Rep. Jared Hembree (R), Roswell Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R), Carlsbad Rep. Jenifer Jones (R), Deming Rep. Kathleen Cates (D), Rio Rancho For More Information: NM House sends state budget to gov for signature – KUNM Nearly $750 million transportation project bill to fix NM’s roads clears Senate floor –KRQE Affirmative consent bill passes New Mexico Legislature after five attempts – Source NM Tribal education trust fund is dead, legislative sponsor says – Source NM N.M. Senate narrowly rejects ban on immigrant detention, supporters warn abuses will carry on – Source NM Capitol Recap: Lawmakers zoom through final efforts on last day of session – Albuquerque Journal --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Lou DiVizio opens the show with an update heading into the final week of the 2024 Legislative Session and shares some other headlines from around the state. Then, Correspondent Gwyneth Doland catches up with elected officials in Santa Fe and speaks to Democratic state representatives Andrea Romero, G. Andrés Romero and Sen. Benny Shendo Jr., about alternative energy and school graduation bills. Later, Lou sits down with Source New Mexico Editor Shaun Griswold and Republican former state representative Justine Fox-Young to discuss which bills have passed, which haven't and what still might get through the Roundhouse. First, the roundtable examines the fate of the governor's favored public safety bills. In the second half of their discussion, Lou asks why the governor's public education goals are receiving bipartisan pushback from lawmakers who represent small school districts. For More Information: HB 129 - Fire Arm Waiting Period HB 171 - Graduation Requirements SB 315 - Electric Vehicle Tax Credit SB 316 - Advanced Energy Equipment Corporate Tax Credit Bill Tracker - Source NM --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio starts the week with a rundown of some of the top headlines in the state including state lawmakers advancing a bill to criminalize "fake electors" in future elections. Then, Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham about the ongoing legislative session and asks how her favored bills are faring in the Roundhouse. We turn our attention to a high-profile pretrial detention bill that died before reaching a full Senate or House vote. Lujan Grisham tells us that some version of the bill might find life again during this year's session. Additionally, we break down support and opposition for the bill with District Attorney Sam Bregman state Sen. Peter Wirth. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on 2024 Legislative Session Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guest: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Pretrial Detention Bill Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guest: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico DA Sam Bregman on Supporting Pretrial Detention Bill Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Sam Bregman (D), District Attorney, Bernalillo County Sen. Peter Wirth Disagrees with Pretrial Detention Bill Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guest: Sen. Peter Wirth (D), Majority Floor Leader For More Information: Pretrial detention bill favored by governor tabled in Senate committee – New Mexico Political Report --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

This week on the podcast Lou DiVizio details some headlines from around the state, including a new report detailing continued failures at the state's Children Youth and Families Department. Then, Lou sits down with Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman to discuss the federal investigation into possible corruption within the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit. Bregman responds to concerns from residents in a state that's been troubled by drunk drivers for decades. Finally, we rejoin correspondent Gwyneth Doland at the Roundhouse. Legislation is slowly starting to move through the Capitol, as Democratic leaders get a handle on what from the governor's agenda could be viable in their chambers. This week, Gwyneth speaks with House Speaker Javier Martinez and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth for an update on the bills in front of them. Host: Lou DiVizio DA Sam Bregman on APD Federal Investigation Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Sam Bregman, District Attorney, Bernalillo County State Democratic Leaders on Child Safety Bills, Balancing State Budget Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Rep. Javier Martinez (D), House Speaker Sen. Peter Wirth (D), Senate Majority Speaker For More Information: Four members of APD DWI unit added to DA’s list of untrustworthy officers - City Desk ABQ Albuquerque police lieutenant, officers being investigated by FBI identified - Albuquerque Journal --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Lou DiVizio opens the pod this week with headlines from around the state, including reporting on a federal investigation that appears to allege corruption by Albuquerque Police officers and a prominent defense attorney in DWI cases. Then, correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with two journalists for three discussions as the group previews this year's 30-day session. Gwyneth also takes us inside the Roundhouse to ask state Republican minority party leadership, Sen. Gregory Baca and Rep. T. Ryan Lane, how they plan to move forward after hearing the governor's agenda for the state this year. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Trip Jennings, Executive Director, New Mexico In Depth Jessica Onsurez, News Director, Gannett Gregory Baca, (R) NM Senate Minority Leader T. Ryan Lane, (R) NM House Minority Leader For More Information: Gov. Lujan Grisham lays out big agenda for short session in State of the State speech – Santa Fe New Mexican Republicans say Gov. Lujan Grisham's rosy State of the State speech ignores grimmer realities – Santa Fe New Mexican New Mexico Battles to Clamp Down on Big Oil – Capitol & Main N.M. governor, Senate GOP unveil public safety agendas – Source NM --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Senior Producer Lou DiVizio welcomes you to a new year at NMiF and looks ahead to the work you can expect on the pod in the coming weeks and months. Then, Lou updates you on some state headlines, including the New Mexico Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in a challenge to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's public health order on guns. We'll be back next week with a longer episode featuring the longform interviews you've come to expect from NMiF. Host: Lou DiVizio For More Information: State Loses Millions in Federal Dollars Meant to Fund Outdoor Recreation Projects - New Mexico In Depth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Lou DiVizio kicks off the show with some state headlines, including news the Governor's appointee for Secretary of the state Indian Affairs Department is stepping down. Plus, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor speaks with two journalists, Lauren Villagran of USA Today and Omar Ornelas of the El Paso Times, about their yearlong investigation into a spike in migrant deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border. Spike in Migrant Deaths on the Southern Border Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guests: Lauren Villagran, border reporter, USA Today Network Omar Ornelas, photojournalist, El Paso Times For More Information: 'It's heartbreaking': Day after day, New Mexico investigator recovers migrant remains – El Paso Times --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message