New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

This week on the podcast, we explore what the end of federal oversight at the Albuquerque Police Department means for the city.Today's episode features the parents of a man who Albuquerque Police shot and killed on April 12, 2011, when two plainclothes detectives killed 27-year-old Christopher Torres, shooting him three times in the back in his family's backyard. Since that day, his parents, Steve and Renetta Torres, have been prominent voices in the push for reform at APD. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor recently met with the Torres's to talk about what they lost 14 years ago, and to get their perspective on the decade-plus of trying to clean up the department that killed their son.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Jeff ProctorGuests: Renetta Torres, Son Killed by APD in 2011Steve Torres, Son Killed by APD in 2011  

A new exhibit called 'the bomb' has opened at the University of New Mexico's Zimmerman Library. The exhibit takes visitors through a series of images, archival footage and film clips documenting the unsettling history and uncertain future of the world's most dangerous machine: nuclear weapons. KUNM News Director Megan Kamerick sits down with the exhibit's two creators and a university professor to discuss the project.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Megan KamerickGuests:Eric Schlosser, Co-Creator, Journalist and Author, 'the bomb' ExhibitSmriti Keshari, Co-creator and Film Director, 'the bomb' ExhibitMyrriah Gómez, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico Honors College  

In September 2023, Jacob Johns was shot will attending a celebration of Rio Arriba County's decision to delay installing a statue of Spanish conquistador and war criminal Juan de Oñate. Now, Johns and another demonstrator are suing county officials for allegedly failing to keep them safe. Searchlight New Mexico's Joshua Bowling, who was first to report on the lawsuit, sat down with Johns in our studio to discuss the case and why Johns believes the county violated his civil rights that day.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Joshua Bowling, Searchlight New MexicoGuest: Jacob Johns, Shooting Survivor, PlaintiffFor More Information:Protect and serve: Did county officials enable Ryan Martinez's violent actions at a 2023 protest in Española? - Searchlight New Mexico

Lou DiVizio opens the show with news from around the state. Then, we turn our attention to federal cuts made to AmeriCorps, the government agency that's trained generations of Americans to help others. Until recently, AmeriCorps employed thousands to help others statewide — from Taos to Ruidoso, and in cities and pueblos in between. Now, the federal agency is a shadow of what it once was, as most of its staff have been fired and millions of dollars in federal grants have been axed. Host Nash Jones speaks with U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., to discuss President Trump's gutting of AmeriCorps, and what he and the state are doing about it.The Albuquerque Sign Language Academy is one of several local programs hit hard by the AmeriCorps cuts. Jones recently sat down with Rafe Martinez, the academy's director, as well as former AmeriCorps board member Alvin Warren to discuss the federal cuts and their impact in communities across the state.State Sen. Jay Block, R-Rio Rancho, introduced a bill during this year's legislative session to create a program similar to the Department of Government Efficiency. Unlike DOGE, Block tells senior producer Lou DiVizio that his proposed program will not shrink the government workforce, nor target what the Trump administration calls “woke propaganda.” Host: Lou DiVizioSegments:U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich on Major Cuts to AmeriCorpsHost: Nash JonesGuest: U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.AmeriCorps Cuts Disrupt NM ProgramsHost: Nash JonesGuests:Alvin Warren, Former AmeriCorps Board MemberRafe Martinez, Director, Albuquerque Sign Language AcademyNM Sen. Jay Block on Creating State Program Similar to DOGECorrespondent: Lou DiVizioGuest: NM Sen. Jay Block, R-Rio RanchoFor More Information: Records: New Mexico governor has OK'd more than $2M for National Guard deployment to Albuquerque - Source New Mexico

Nash Jones examines civil rights and immigration in New Mexico during Donald Trump's first 100 days in the White House. Nash speaks with Marshall Martinez of Equality New Mexico and Deanna Warren, an attorney with the ACLU.  Warren and Martinez consider how Trump's second term has changed federal policy regarding civil liberties and the communities their organizations serve. Then, Nash asks how state laws can help shield New Mexicans from those federal changes.President Trump's administration has pushed the limits of presidential and military power in its efforts to crack down on immigration. Valeria Garcia Tavares, an attorney with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, tells Nash what she's hearing about the experience of those living in our state without legal status.Segments:How Advocacy Orgs Are Defending New Mexicans in Trump 2.0Host: Nash JonesGuests:Deanna Warren, Gender Equity Attorney, ACLU of New MexicoMarshall Martinez, Executive Director, Equality New MexicoImmigrant Rights and Deportations in Trump's Second TermHost: Nash JonesGuest: Valeria Garcia Tavarez, Survivor Advancement Senior Attorney, New Mexico Immigrant Law CenterPodcast Host: Lou DiVizio

Correspondent Gwyneth Doland interviews NMPBS General Manager Franz Joachim, who lays out the facts on what President Trump's executive order to end federal funding for public media could mean here at home.The dam that creates the El Vado Reservoir on the Rio Chama Tributary is leaking — and in dire need of repair. Correspondent Elizabeth Miller recently spoke with water management expert Adrian Oglesby about the dam, as well as his concerns over the water outlook for New Mexico this summer.Segments:NMPBS General Manager on Proposed Federal Cuts to Public MediaCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuest: Franz Joachim, General Manager and CEO, NMPBSFailing Water Architecture in NMCorrespondent: Elizabeth MillerGuest: Adrian Oglesby, Director, UNM Utton Transboundary Resources Center 

Many of New Mexico's state programs rely heavily on both federal funding and staffing. Recent cuts by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency are putting many of those programs in jeopardy. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio recently sat down with Bill McCamley, a Democratic former state representative and cabinet secretary, to ask how those cuts will impact New Mexicans. Host: Lou DiVizioGuest: Bill McCamley, Democratic Former State Representative and Cabinet Secretary   

Lou DiVizio opens the show with some headlines from around the state.Then, Correspondent Gwyneth Doland asks Michael O'Donnell, director of UNM's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, how President Trump's cuts to federal programs will make their mark in our state.And, Lou speaks with Steve Jones, a certified public accountant and Republican candidate running for Congress, about Trump's decision to lay off thousands of federal workers.Host: Lou DiVizioSegments:How Trump's Cuts Could Hit NMCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuest: Michael O'Donnell, Director, University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic ResearchNM Republican Candidate on Trump's Second TermCorrespondent: Lou DiVizioGuest: Steve Jones, Republican Candidate for U.S. Congress, District 1  

To commemorate sexual assault awareness month, correspondent Antonia Gonzales sits down with three advocates from the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women about their work in tribal communities. Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Antonia Gonzales (Navajo)Guests: Tiffany Jiron (Pueblo of Isleta), Executive Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native WomenCharolette Gonzales (Diné, San Ildefonso Pueblo), Policy and Advocacy Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native WomenPatrick Gallegos, Sex Trafficking Prevention Coordinator, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women 

Lou DiVizio interviews the Archbishop of Santa Fe John C. Wester about the death of Pope Francis this week. Wester shares stories of his own personal interactions with Pope Francis, what he will remember most about Francis' papacy and his hopes for the selection of a new Pope.

Lobo men's basketball has welcomed a new head coach. Eric Olen, who spent the last two decades running the show at U.C. San Diego, accepted the position to be the University of New Mexico's 23rd men's basketball coach earlier this week. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio speaks with Albuquerque Journal sportswriter Geoff Grammer about Olen's approach to basketball, as well as the legacy of outgoing Coach Richard Pitino.Host: Lou DiVizioGuest: Geoff Grammer, sportswriter, Albuquerque JournalFor More Information: Talking Grammer Podcast Geoff Grammer - The Albuquerque Journal

Lou DiVizio shares some headlines from across the state including an update on the measles outbreak in southeastern New Mexico.Then, Albuquerque Journal reporter Algernon D'Ammassa updates us on the investigation into last month's mass shooting in Las Cruces that killed three teenagers and wounded more than a dozen other people. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor asks D'Ammassa how the people of Las Cruces and its leaders are doing following the most public, jarring act of violence seen in the city in 35 years.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Jeff ProctorGuest: Algernon D'Ammassa, Southern New Mexico Correspondent for the Albuquerque JournalFor More Information: Algernon D'Ammassa - The Albuquerque Journal

Earlier this month, a federal judge ordered Socorro County to pay $2 million to Jessie Chavez, a man who accused jail guards and officials of essentially torturing him in solitary confinement during two stints of incarceration in 2022 and 2023.  Steven Robert Allen, an attorney and director of the New Mexico Prison and Jail Project, represented Chavez. In their one-on-one conversation, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor asks Allen about the case and how solitary confinement is used around the state.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Jeff ProctorGuest: Steven Robert Allen, Director, New Mexico Prison and Jail Project For More Information:Man wins settlement for abuse while being detained in the Socorro County Detention Center – KOAT  

For years, journalist Ted Alcorn has written about alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico and the many efforts made in Santa Fe to reduce that number by increasing the state's alcohol tax rate. House Bill 417, introduced during this year's session, would have increased the alcohol tax rate and raised tens of millions of dollars for a prevention and treatment program. Although there was early momentum for the proposal, the bill died in committee before receiving a full vote. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio spoke with Alcorn about the failed measure and asked why the bill seemed to abruptly run out of traction.Host: Lou DiVizioGuest: Ted Alcorn, Contributor, New Mexico In Depth

Searchlight New Mexico reporter Joshua Bowling sits down with Levi Monagle, an attorney who has represented survivors of Catholic sexual abuse. That includes about 140 cases exposed during the recent bankruptcy proceedings against the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. During that time, the church created a public list of 83 credibly accused priests — a list that Monagle says is woefully incomplete.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Joshua BowlingGuest: Levi Monagle, Plaintiffs' Attorney For More Information: Undercount: why the Catholic church won't list many New Mexico priests who've been linked to sexual abuse – Searchlight New Mexico 

This week, Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with two groups of journalists to discuss the ins and outs of this year's 60-day legislative session. Hundreds of bills made their way through the Roundhouse — Gwyneth asks why only a few dozen landed on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's desk. Reporters Danielle Prokop of Source New Mexico and the Santa Fe New Mexican's Margaret O'Hara break down what few education and environment bills passed, while Megan Gleason of the Albuquerque Journal tells us why a paid family and medical leave bill never received a full vote in the Senate. Then, Marjorie Childress of New Mexico In Depth sheds light on changes made to the state's closed primary election system.  Jerry Redfern of Capital & Main tells Gwyneth why bills for oil and gas reform went nowhere this session. Albuquerque Journal reporter Matthew Reisen talks about the governor's push for another special session focused on crime. Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:Megan Gleason, Co-Business Editor, Albuquerque JournalDanielle Prokop, Reporter, Source New MexicoMargaret O'Hara, Reporter, Santa Fe New MexicanMarjorie Childress, Managing Editor, New Mexico In DepthJerry Redfern, Reporter, Capital & MainMatthew Reisen, Reporter, Albuquerque JournalFor More Information:Despite changes, paid worker leave bill voted down again – Albuquerque JournalDemocrats say session brought meaningful change, but more work to be done – Santa Fe New Mexican2025 session aftermath – Source New MexicoOne signature away from drawing New Mexico into greater sunshine – New Mexico In DepthSnow Melts, Drought Builds and New Mexico Legislators Spike New Oil Regulations – Capital & Main‘Horrific tragedy': Three dead, 15 injured after gunfight erupts during car meetup in Las Cruces – Albuquerque JournalAfter Las Cruces tragedy, governor weighs special session focused on juvenile crime – Albuquerque Journal 

Lou DiVizio takes you on one last trip to Santa Fe as the 60-day legislative session wraps up. Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland asks state party leaders what legislative priorities did and didn't make it through during this year's session.Gwyneth speaks with state representative Nicole Chavez about the failed bill and her personal perspective on juvenile crime.An immigration lawyer and an advocate speak out against the actions of ICE as they push for a bill to change the state's relationship with federal immigration authorities.Gwyneth speaks with Chair of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee, Derick Lente, about House Bill 14, an extensive tax package that passed the House last week.Rachel Biggs, a strategist with Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, tells Gwyneth why she believes a group of bills meant to expand access to housing could strengthen communities around New Mexico.Segments:State Party Leaders Reflect on 2025 Legislative SessionCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:NM Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or ConsequencesNM Rep. Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe; Majority Floor LeaderNM Rep. Chavez on Failed Bill to Address Violent Juvenile CrimeCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuest: NM Rep. Nicole Chavez, R-AlbuquerqueImmigration Lawyer, Advocate Call for End to State Contracts with ICECorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:Rebecca Sheff, Senior Immigrant Rights Attorney, ACLU of New MexicoEdwin Garcia Castillo, held by ICE at the Torrance County Detention CenterNM Rep. Lente Says Tax Package Will Help Lower and Middle ClassCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuest: NM Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo; House Taxation and Revenue ChairBills Target NM's Homeless and Housing CrisesCorrespondent:Gwyneth DolandGuest: Rachel Biggs, Chief Strategy Officer, Albuquerque Healthcare for the HomelessFor More Information: 2025 Bill Tracker - Source New Mexico

Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland interviews state Sen. Mimi Stewart about her bill that would fund future climate change projects and asks what the state is doing to prepare for possible federal retaliation over DEI policies in state government and at Universities.Last fall, a state audit report found more than $360,000 in questionable travel and purchases by the president of Western New Mexico University. Since then, the president and all but one regent have resigned. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio speaks with state Sen. Gabriel Ramos, whose Silver City district includes Western, about damage to the school's reputation and why replacing those regents is taking so long.A bill that would mandate paid family and medical leave narrowly passed the House last week and now heads to the Senate Finance Committee. Gwyneth speaks to Tracy McDaniel of the Southwest Women's Law Center about why she has advocated for this proposal for years — and why she's pushing back against concerns that it could make hiring in New Mexico more difficult.Host: Lou DiVizioSegments:Senate Bill Would Fund Future Green ProjectsCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuest: NM Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque; President Pro TemporeWestern New Mexico University's Regent Seats Remain VacantCorrespondent: Lou DiVizioGuest: NM Sen. Gabriel Ramos, R-Silver CityChanges Made to Paid Family Medical Leave Bill Correspondent: Gwyneth DolandGuest: Tracy McDaniel, Policy Advocate, Southwest Women's Law Center 

Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland interviews state House Speaker Javier Martínez about all things Roundhouse-related: the state budget, a proposed paid family leave bill and a series of bills aimed at overhauling the state's long-troubled child welfare system.Then, House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong tells Gwyneth what she thinks the state can do better to help smaller businesses.And two Senate Finance Committee members, including its chairman, talk to Gwyneth about the state's budget, as well as how lawmakers are setting the state up for potential cuts in federal funding.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:NM Rep. Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque; House SpeakerNM Rep. Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena; House Minority LeaderNM Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup; Chair, Legislative Finance, Senate Finance CommitteesNM Sen. Steve Lanier, R-Aztec; Senate Finance Committee For More Information:Senate OKs $2 billion trust fund to fight any federal Medicaid cuts - Santa Fe New Mexican

Lou DiVizio sits down with a UNM researcher to discuss a study that found high levels of microplastics in the human brain. Host: Lou DiVizioGuest: Dr. Marcus Garcia, University of New Mexico Health Sciences For More Information:UNM Researchers Find Alarmuing Levels of Microplastics in the Human Brain - UNM

Lou DiVizio chats with the policy director from Common Cause New Mexico, Mason Graham, about several measures moving through the Roundhouse that would modernize our state legislature. Graham explains Common Cause's mission and how changes like paying lawmakers could help them craft better policy.Host: Lou DiVizioGuest: Mason Graham, Policy Director, Common Cause New Mexico

Senior Producer Lou DiVizio asks two students and a law professor how their proposal to create a task force to analyze desegregating gendered acting categories at the Oscars reached the doorsteps of Hollywood.Host: Lou DiVizioGuests:Abigail McCoy, UNM Constitutional Law Student, Proposal ContributorDevrah Fung, UNM Constitutional Law Student, Proposal ContributorLawrence Jones, UNM Adjunct Professor, Former NJ Superior Court Judge 

Lou DiVizio opens the show with updates on several items in the state legislature, including concern from democrats over federal budget plans that threaten to cut Medicaid funding.Then, Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland asks two former lawmakers how this year's legislative session is shaping up. Former state senators Mark Moores and Eric Griego discuss the state's budget and a package of crime bills that have hit the governor's desk. Then, the pair consider how lobbyist dollars are tipping the scales at the Roundhouse as legislators debate environmental and health-care-system reform bills.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:Republican Former NM Sen. Mark Moores Dr. Eric Griego, Ph.D., Former Democratic NM State Senator, UNM Adjunct Professor For More Information:House Budget Gives Big Boost to Tribal Education - New Mexico In DepthHouse endorses changing session lengths, ending “pocket vetoes” - New Mexico In Depth

KUNM's Megan Kamerick interviews Emily Kaltenbach, the state's top official focused on aging, who tells us how officials are preparing financially for an expected boom in our elderly population.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Megan KamerickGuest: Emily Kaltenbach, Secretary Designate, NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department 

Lou DiVizio opens the podcast with headlines from around the state including the resignation of the Bernalillo County Undersheriff in the ongoing federal DWI corruption investigation. Then, Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with state representatives Nathan Small and Cathrynn Brown about the state budget as the 60-day legislative session passes the midway point. Gwyneth also talks with state Rep. Linda Serrato about competing proposals to create trust funds for New Mexico babies.House Bill 417, a proposed tax hike on alcohol, passed its first hurdle in Santa Fe this week. Gwyneth speaks to Democratic Rep. Cristina Parajón, one of the bill's sponsors, and Sindy Bolaños-Sacoman, co-founder of the New Mexico Tribal Behavioral Health Providers Association, to discuss how the bill's proposed extra revenue would be spent — and why. Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:NM Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las CrucesNM Rep. Cathrynn Brown, R-CarlsbadNM Rep. Linda Serrato, D-Santa FeNM Rep. Cristina Parajón, D-AlbuquerqueSindy Bolaños-Sacoman, Co-Founder, New Mexico Tribal Behavioral Health Providers Association NM Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo  

According to the state Health Department, young people in New Mexico are subjected to the highest rates of adverse childhood experiences in the nation. These experiences, known as ACEs, can add up and have devastating effects on children. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio sits down with Dr. Evalyn Plumb, a clinical psychologist with UNM's Project ECHO, to talk about a program focused on counteracting the impacts of ACEs in an effort to head off several chronic conditions in childhood. Lou also asks about the program's early results.Host: Lou DiVizioGuest: Dr. Evelyn Plumb, Clinical Psychologist   

Lou DiVizio introduces a conversation between KUNM's Megan Kamerick and Chip Conley, an expert on aging. Conley reframes what it means to grow old and contribute to society and explains what an expected boom in New Mexico's elderly population could mean for our state.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Megan KamerickGuest: Chip Conley, Founder, Modern Elder Academy 

Lou DiVizio opens the podcast with some headlines from around the state including news of a public safety package passed by the state House of Representatives over the weekend. Then, Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland catches us up on several high-profile health care bills introduced at the Roundhouse. She speaks with Fred Nathan from Think New Mexico about a bipartisan bill aimed at changing our state's medical malpractice law. Gwyneth also chatted with state Sen. Nicole Tobiassen and Rep. Marianna Anaya about other health care bills on their radar.And state Rep. Sarah Silva talks with Gwyneth about a proposed bill that would update our state's journalism shield law. The bill would prohibit state agencies from compelling reporters to cough up confidential sources or information — with a few limited exceptions.Segments:2025 Health Care Reform Bills Hit the Roundhouse Correspondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:NM Sen. Nicole Tobiassen, R-AlbuquerqueNM Rep. Marianna Anaya, D-AlbuquerqueFred Nathan, Founder and Executive Director, Think New MexicoBill Updates Journalism Shield Law for Digital AgeCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:NM Rep. Sarah Silva, D-Las CrucesBill Church, Executive Editor, Santa Fe New MexicanFor More Information:New Mexico Department of Health declares measles outbreak in Lea County - KRQENew Mexico Department of Health VaccinationsCouncil proposes fix to perpetually empty board and commissions - City Desk ABQNM House passes public safety package - Source NM

KUNM's Megan Kamerick speaks with journalist and author Kyle Paoletta about multiculturalism in New Mexico and his new book, "American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest."Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Megan KamerickGuest: Kyle Paoletta, Journalist and Author, “American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest” 

This week, Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland asks state Democratic lawmakers about their efforts to protect undocumented immigrants from a Trump administration that's ramping up raids across the country.Then, Lou DiVizio speaks with Archbishop John Wester in response to President Trump's decision to roll back back immigration protections for schools, health care facilities and places of worship. Lou asks Wester about the guidance he has given to priests across the state, should federal agents visit their churches.Host: Lou DiVizioSegments:NM Democratic Lawmakers Push for More Immigration ProtectionsCorrespondent: Gwyneth DolandGuests:NM Sen. Cindy Nava, D-BernalilloNM Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, D-AlbuquerqueNM Archbishop on Trump's Immigration PoliciesCorrespondent: Lou DiVizioGuest: Archbishop John Wester 

Executive Producer Jeff Proctor asks longtime civil rights lawyer Peter Cubra and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman where the two find common ground when considering the future of criminal justice in our state. First, Jeff asks what they would like to see accomplished at the Roundhouse during this year's legislative session. Then, Bregman and Cubra consider whether bills intended to increase penalties and lengthen incarceration will actually deter crime. Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Jeff ProctorGuests:Sam Bregman, District Attorney, Bernalillo CountyPeter Cubra, Coalition for a Safer Albuquerque, Attorney

This week on New Mexico in Focus, politics correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to discuss her top agenda items during this year's legislative session. In the first half of their discussion, the governor is asked how she plans to shield state programs that might be put on the financial chopping block by President Donald Trump. Gwyneth also asks the governor how she plans to make progress on several public safety bills that have found her at odds with leaders in her own Democratic Party.   Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guest: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, (D) New Mexico  

Source New Mexico's Danielle Prokop sits with Our Land's Laura Paskus to look back at Laura's time as a reporter and senior producer at New Mexico PBS. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Danielle Prokop, Source New Mexico Guest: Laura Paskus For More Information: Final issue of Our Land Weekly! – Our Land 'Our Land' host Laura Paskus to leave NMPBS – KUNM  

Lou DiVizio starts out the podcast with headlines from around New Mexico, including news of a plea deal in the federal investigation of alleged corruption in APD's DWI unit. Politics correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with former state senator Dede Feldman and former state representative Justine Fox-Young about Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's State of the State address. Gwyneth asks whether this year's push from the governor for tougher laws on crime will succeed. Then, the pair of former lawmakers consider what Lujan Grisham's choice to leave President Donald Trump out of her address might mean about her last two years in office. Gwyneth speaks with Democratic state Rep. Reena Szczepanski, and Republican senators Jay Block and Pat Woods after the governor's speech to ask about some of her top-line issues. Host: Lou DiVizio Segments: Former Lawmakers React to State of the State Address Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Dede Feldman, Democratic Former State Senator  Justine Fox-Young, Attorney and Republican Former State Representative NM State Senators, Reps Respond to 2025 State of the State Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: State Sen. Jay Block, R-Rio Rancho State Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview State Rep. Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, Majority Floor Leader For More Information: NM Supreme Court: Schools can be sued for discrimination - Source New Mexico New Mexico Gov. unveils sweeping public safety proposals – Source New Mexico Governor touts progress but urges lawmakers to do more on crime as 60-day session begins – Albuquerque Journal 

Senior Producer Lou DiVizio interviews educator and Democratic state Rep. Andrés Romero about potential changes to federal education policy. Romero, who chairs the Legislative Education Study Committee, says he's preparing for the possibility of cuts to Title I funding. Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: G. Andrés Romero, (D) NM State Representative, District 10, Bernalillo County  For More Information: Legislative Education Study Committee 

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham addresses the Legislature with her State of the State speech from the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. This is the Democratic governor's seventh annual address and her third since reelection.

Joshua Bowling, an investigative reporter at Searchlight New Mexico sits down with state Attorney General Raúl Torrez to talk about the lawsuit over a $1.9 million buyout for Western New Mexico University's outgoing president, Joseph Shepard. Bowling broke the story of lavish spending and other possible misconduct at the school in 2023. This week, he asks Torrez how the alleged misuse of public money went unnoticed for so long.  Correspondent: Joshua Bowling Guest: Raúl Torrez, New Mexico Attorney General For More Information: New Mexico Attorney General files suit against Joseph Shepard and WNMU Board of Regents – Searchlight NM Joshua Bowling - Searchlight NM 

Lou DiVizio starts the podcast this week with headlines from around the state, including news New Mexico snowpacks are smaller than usual so far this year. Then, Politics Correspondent Gwyneth Doland interviews three journalists to preview the  2025 legislative session, which begins next week in Santa Fe. Trip Jennings, executive director of New Mexico In Depth, Julia Goldberg, editor-in-chief at Source New Mexico and Dan Boyd, Capitol Bureau chief for the Albuquerque Journal weigh in on some of the key issues lawmakers are prioritizing this year. Gwyneth starts by asking how the state might spend a record $11 billion in state revenue. Then, she shifts to other areas of interests for New Mexicans including public safety and behavioral health reforms. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Trip Jennings, Executive Director, New Mexico In Depth Dan Boyd, Capitol Bureau Chief, Albuquerque Journal Julia Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief, Source New Mexico For More Information: Highlights of $10.8 billion legislative budget plan - Albuquerque Journal Higher starting teacher pay, road repairs among highlights of $10.8 billion legislative budget plan – Albuquerque Journal New Mexico lawmakers' $10.8 billion spending plan 'not that far apart' from governor's – Santa Fe New Mexican   

Lou DiVizio introduces the first podcast episode of 2025 with headlines from around the state. That includes a ruling from the State Supreme Court prohibiting counties and cities from restricting access to abortion. Then, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor interviews U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez during what will likely be his last days on the job as Donald Trump prepares for a second term in the White House. In their wide-ranging discussion, Jeff asks Uballez about the investigation into alleged corruption within the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI Unit, the root causes of crime, the concept of justice and his larger vision for the office as Uballez prepares to step aside. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Alexander Uballez, U.S. Attorney, District of New Mexico  

Lou DiVizio introduces an interview from Correspondent Antonia Gonzales as she interviews two New Mexicans about President Joe Biden's recent apology for Native American Boarding School Policies. Dr. Joannie Suina (Pueblo of Cochiti) from the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and Gerilyn Tolino (Diné), a descendent of boarding school survivors explain why they see this just as a first step in reconciliation. Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales Guests: Dr. Joannie Suina, Ed.D. (Pueblo of Cochiti), NABS, Center for the Futures of Native Peoples Gerilyn Tolino (Diné), Carlisle Indian School Descendent 

Lou DiVizio introduces an interview between Executive Producer Jeff Proctor and Sophia Genovese, Managing Attorney at the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center. Genovese tells us how advocates and lawmakers are already working on new ways to push back against a second Trump administration and a president-elect who campaigned on the promise of “mass deportations.” Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Sophia Genovese, Managing Attorney, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center 

Lou DiVizio opens the show with headlines from around the state, including a new lawsuit filed against the state's Children Youth and Families Department by a current employee. That employee claims actions by a superior in the department led to the death of a child who had once been under state care. Then, Lou talks to journalist Shaun Griswold about what's next for Indigenous communities as the nation prepares for a second Trump administration. Among the key areas of interest: oil and gas production & environmental protections. Host: Lou DiVizio Guest: Shaun Griswold, journalist

A study published in September shoes Project ECHO's online mentoring model effectively teaches rural healthcare providers how to better care for their patients. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor speaks with doctors Matthew Bouchonville and Tamara Singleton about how Project ECHO's new diabetes care courses are already changing the lives of rural New Mexicans. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guests: Dr. Matthew Bouchonville, Associate Director, Project ECHO Dr. Tamara Singleton, Family Physician, El Rito 

Earlier this year, Arturo Sandoval, founding director of the Center of Southwest Culture, appeared on the show to talk about his role in organizing the first Earth Day in 1970. Now he's back, talking about how to protect the federal environment laws Congress passed in that era. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guest: Arturo Sandoval, Founding Director, Center of Southwest Culture 

Lou DiVizio opens the podcast with headlines from around the state including news the city of Las Cruces will pay a $20M settlement in the deadly police shooting of an unarmed woman. After that, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor speaks with the legal and policy directors from the ACLU of New Mexico about what a second Trump administration could mean for civil rights protections in our state. Jeff asks the two about their specific concerns related to free speech, expression and assembly under Trump. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guests: María Martínez Sánchez, Legal Director, ACLU of New Mexico Lena Weber-Salazar, Interim Policy Director, ACLU of New Mexico 

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stops by the NMPBS studio to talk about her first year on the job and the work her agency is doing to increase connectivity across the country, including in New Mexico. Host: Lou DiVizio Guest: Anna Gomez, FCC Commissioner

Lou DiVizio introduces an interview between Our Land Senior Producer Laura Paskus and Executive Director of Pueblo Action Alliance Julia Bernal. The two talk about the many types of liberation Bernal's organization seeks for Indigenous people and everyone else. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guest: Julia Bernal, Executive Director, Pueblo Action Alliance 

Lou DiVizio opens up the podcast with headlines from around the state, many of which focus on the upcoming 60-day legislative session. Tonight, Nov. 18, Albuquerque City Council will meet to finalize its priorities heading into the session. You can watch that meeting live or after the fact here. Another topic on the agenda for lawmakers at the roundhouse next year will be regulating artificial intelligence. This week, KUNM's Megan Kamerick speaks with two computer science experts about their work pushing elected officials to create privacy guardrails on artificial intelligence. Dr. Cris Moore tells us how AI algorithms and social media can be a perfect storm to spread misinformation on a massive scale. Dr. Melanie Moses considers how a lack of transparency from technology companies could lead to loopholes when crafting laws regulating AI. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Megan Kamerick Guests: Dr. Melanie Moses, Ph.D., Professor, UNM Department of Computer Science Dr. Cris Moore, Ph.D., Professor, Santa Fe Institute 

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver sits down with Executive Producer Jeff Proctor to talk about the state's first presidential election with same-day registration. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary of State 

This week, a breakdown of this year's general election results. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio goes over the state's congressional contests with a special roundtable of politics experts. Then, Lou reviews the state's many House and Senate races, before asking how New Mexico Democrats plan to provide statewide protections against a potential wave of conservative national policy. Later, Lou asks the roundtable how a second term for President Elect Donald Trump will shape the way politics are played at the Roundhouse.  Host: Lou DiVizio Guests: Dr. Eric Griego, Ph.D., Former NM State Senator, UNM Adjunct Professor Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations Dan Boyd, Capitol Bureau Chief, Albuquerque Journal 

The republican candidate for Congressional District 3 talks a bit about her background in state politics and shares her perspective on climate change, immigration and in vitro fertilization.   Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guest: Sharon Clahchischilliage, (R) Candidate for U.S. Representative, NM District 3