New Mexico in Focus
New Mexico In Focus
New Mexico in Focus is NMPBS' s prime time, hour-long news program exploring the issues, people and events shaping New Mexico and the Southwest.
Where to Watch New Mexico in Focus • New Mexico In Focus
52 Episodes
- Analyzing New Mexico's Journalism EcosystemE1
Analyzing New Mexico's Journalism EcosystemJeff Proctor interviews with the new executive editor at the Albuquerque Journal, Patrick Ethridge. A panel of local journalists chats with NMiF Host Gene Grant about the successes, shortcomings and challenges facing small-town news publications. Jeff Proctor talks with Albuquerque City Council President Pat Davis. Gene closes out the show with a final panel with three newsroom leaders. - Analyzing New Mexico's Journalism Ecosystem Pt. 2E2
Analyzing New Mexico's Journalism Ecosystem Pt. 2Interview with the new executive editor at the Albuquerque Journal, Patrick Ethridge. Gene Grant sits down with three non-journalists to get their perspective on the news media in our state. Jeff Proctor talks with Albuquerque City Council President Pat Davis. Gene Grant catches up with two prominent Black journalists in New Mexico to learn more about their contributions to the state's news. - Understanding the Next Generation Broadcast Format: ATSC 3.0E3
Understanding the Next Generation Broadcast Format: ATSC 3.0Gene Grant speaks with Lonna Thompson from America's Public Television Stations about the rollout off a new broadcast format designed to supports 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos audio, and even interactive apps over the air, without a cable or streaming subscription. - $485M Foster Care Abuse Jury Award & Redistricting LawsuitsE4
$485M Foster Care Abuse Jury Award & Redistricting LawsuitsGene Grant discusses the recent $485 million jury award on behalf of an 8-year-old girl. Follow the criminal case against former UNM athletic director Paul Krebs. A recent ruling could set the stage for changes to political redistricting. Filmmakers Karen Coates and Jerry Redfern explain how cluster bombs work and why they're so dangerous. - Oppenheimer's Legacy in NM & Actors/Writers Strike EscalatesE5
Oppenheimer's Legacy in NM & Actors/Writers Strike EscalatesAfter the release of the film Oppenheimer, Gene Grant asks the panel about the legacies of nuclear testing in New Mexico and whether the film should have included an examination of the devastating impacts of the scientists' work here. Recent acquittal of former University of New Mexico athletic director Paul Krebs. Conversation about the escalation of the ongoing film actors' and writers' strike. - Cerro Pelado Fire Update & NM Water AllocationE6
Cerro Pelado Fire Update & NM Water AllocationNew report from the U.S. Forest Service that shows they were responsible for starting last year's Cerro Pelado Fire. Activist groups call to prioritize residential and drinking water. UNM Hospital is one week into a new partnership with the Metropolitan Detention Center. Water attorney Adrian Oglesby helps explain the proposed plan for water allocation between New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. - Gene Grant Says Goodbye to New Mexico in FocusE7
Gene Grant Says Goodbye to New Mexico in FocusGene's thoughtful and balanced approach to issues of the day made NMiF go-to watching for a generation of viewers. This week, we look back at the highlights of Gene's career here, while making sure to assess the impact of his nearly two decades of work. To make Gene's final show extra special, we assembled a group of people who've been around the show, and Gene, for years. - Restorative Justice, Nuclear Impacts & The Future of NMiFE8
Restorative Justice, Nuclear Impacts & The Future of NMiFLearn about a pilot program aimed at reducing student expulsions. Antonia Gonzales speaks with Navajo anti-nuclear activist Leona Morgan to discuss how the state's history of uranium mining and nuclear testing has caused irreparable damage to Indigenous communities across New Mexico. Finally, Jeff Proctor and senior producer Lou DiVizio talk about the future of NMiF as the show moves forward. - New Mexico's Nuclear Underground: An Our Land SpecialE9
New Mexico's Nuclear Underground: An Our Land SpecialThis year, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a 40-year license for a private company, Holtec International, to build a facility between Hobbs and Carlsbad that would store nuclear waste from power plants the company is decommissioning in states from New Jersey to California. We hear from John Heaton, Sen. Jeff Steinborn and Dr. Myrriah Gómez. - U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez & Torrance County DetentionE10
U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez & Torrance County DetentionU.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez speaks with correspondent Russell Contreras in his first interview on NMPBS. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor sits down with Sophia Genovese from the NM Immigrant Law Center to talk about a new complaint alleging human rights abuses at the Torrance County Detention Facility. The on-going work of correspondents Gwyneth Doland, Russell Contreras and Antonia Gonzales. - Remembering Gov. Bill Richardson & NM Water ChallengesE11
Remembering Gov. Bill Richardson & NM Water ChallengesThis week on New Mexico in Focus, we remember Gov. Bill Richardson, who died last week. Our Land's Laura Paskus spoke with New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission Director Hannah Riseley-White. Mike Loftin, CEO of Homewise Inc., breaks down a proposal on the ballot for Santa Fe voters this fall that would tax homes over $1M. - Fallout from the Governor's Move Against GunsE12
Fallout from the Governor's Move Against GunsWe address Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's executive order attempting to ban guns in public in Bernalillo County for 30 days. According to a July report from a nonprofit advocacy group, only five of 14 hospitals in New Mexico are compliant with a federal rule regarding price transparency. For more on their study, Lou DiVizio sits down with Patient Rights Advocate CEO Cynthia Fisher. - The Future of Fire in New Mexico & Expanding STEAM EducationE13
The Future of Fire in New Mexico & Expanding STEAM EducationSouthwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin, Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez, and Santa Fe National Forest Fuels Program Manager Dennis Carril talk about the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon and Cerro Pelado fires, prescribed burn protocols, and the future of fire and forest management in a warming world. Educators talk about new expansions in the creative approaches within STEAM. - Yazzie-Martinez Case & Gallup-McKinley County SchoolsE14
Yazzie-Martinez Case & Gallup-McKinley County SchoolsIn partnership with New Mexico In Depth, Executive Director Trip Jennings asks Torrez about his intention to take over litigation in the Yazzie-Martinez case. Then, Jennings discusses a recent announcement from the attorney general that his office will investigate reported disproportionately harsh discipline at Gallup-McKinley County Schools. - Indigenous Leaders React to Española ShootingE15
Indigenous Leaders React to Española ShootingKUNM reporter and first-time In Focus correspondent Nash Jones sits down with a special roundtable to discuss why government agencies continue to struggle with hiring and retaining employees in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. New Mexico in Focus correspondent Antonia Gonzales speaks with two indigenous community leaders about the shooting and the violent history surrounding colonial monuments. - City of Albuquerque Sued for Violating Rights of UnhousedE16
City of Albuquerque Sued for Violating Rights of UnhousedSenior Producer Lou DiVizio speaks with two attorneys who are suing the City of Albuquerque on behalf of several unhoused clients. The lawsuit accuses the city of violating the Fourth and Eighth Amendments and due process protections for unhoused people. Learn about Rebecca Clarren's new book about her ancestors lives in America. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 15 into law. - PED Secretary Talks Yazzie-Martinez ResponseE17
PED Secretary Talks Yazzie-Martinez ResponseLou DiVizio speaks with Public Education Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero about the state's position on Attorney General Raúl Torrez's desire to take over litigation in the Yazzie-Martinez case. KUNM's Megan Kamerick hosts a roundtable to talk about what the state is doing for chronic absenteeism. Jeff Proctor speaks with two school counselors about how hurdles have impacted their mental health. - Police Shootings, UNM Clery Act Violations & Gila RiverE18
Police Shootings, UNM Clery Act Violations & Gila RiverJeff Proctor facilitates an in-depth, two-part conversation about police shootings in NM. Police have shot 357 people statewide over the last 10 years. The Daily Lobo broke a story documenting UNM's violations of a federal transparency law. Our Land's Laura Paskus visited the Gila River, including a stretch that would have been changed forever if New Mexico had built on a controversial diversion. - Policing the Police & The Significance of the Afro-FrontierE19
Policing the Police & The Significance of the Afro-FrontierExecutive Producer Jeff Proctor interviews ABQ City Council President Pat Davis about delays in council's handling of citizen oversight for APD. President of New Mexico Water Advocates, Norman Gaume, talks about the 2023 Water Security Planning Act. Dr. Timothy Nelson talks about his new book about Blackdom. New 24-hour kiosks in Santa Fe providing access to free menstrual products. - 2023 Elections, Healthcare & Local Journalism in the 1970sE20
2023 Elections, Healthcare & Local Journalism in the 1970sJeff Proctor chats with Santa Fe Reporter Editor and Publisher Julie Ann Grimm about the capital city's 2023 election results. New Mexico is grappling with a shortage of medical professionals, especially nurses. The 1970s were a time of change in New Mexico's newsrooms. We mark this weekend's Veteran's Day with a special segment on the dedication of the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C. - Sheriff's Office Oversight, Air Quality & Transit EquityE21
Sheriff's Office Oversight, Air Quality & Transit EquityExecutive Producer Jeff Proctor speaks with Matthew Reisen and Dianne Layden about a recent indictment alleging a multi-state machine gun scheme. Laura Paskus talks with Eric Jantz about bills passed for a South Valley community to protect itself from pollution. Laura also discusses the City of Albuquerque's Zero Fares Pilot Program and transit equality with members of Together for Brothers. - U.S. Interior Sec. Deb Haaland & MMIWR Task Force DisbandedE22
U.S. Interior Sec. Deb Haaland & MMIWR Task Force DisbandedGov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's decides to quietly shut down the state's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force. Antonia Gonzales speaks with Deb Haaland about her work and asks her to respond to activists who say the federal government isn't doing enough to protect the Greater Chaco landscape. Albuquerque libraries are celebrating Native American Heritage Month. - NM United's New Stadium, PED Calendar Proposal & PoetryE23
NM United's New Stadium, PED Calendar Proposal & PoetryNew Mexico United CEO and President Peter Trevisani stops by our studio for a one-on-one interview. The state Public Education Department wants to expand school calendars, increasing the number of instructional days required for students statewide. New Mexico Poet Laureate Lauren Camp talks about her new book and a project that brings "epic poetry" to communities across the state. - Spike in Migrant Deaths & Redrawn Congressional MapE24
Spike in Migrant Deaths & Redrawn Congressional MapLauren Villagran of USA Today and Omar Ornelas of the El Paso Times, speak about their investigation into a spike in migrant deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border. The NM Supreme Court handed Republicans a defeat when the justices ruled that the state's redrawn congressional map was constitutional. The lasting impact of a historic mining town and the two mining disasters that made headlines. - 2023 Revisited: Rights of Unhoused & Albuquerque's BosqueE25
2023 Revisited: Rights of Unhoused & Albuquerque's BosqueU.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez's first interview on NMPBS. Lou DiVizio speaks with two attorneys who are suing the city of Albuquerque on behalf of several unhoused clients. Michelle Otero talks about the process of writing as an act of healing. Antonia Gonzales visits the director of Free Flow New Mexico. Lastly, we show our appreciation for one of New Mexico's greatest natural gems. - 2023 Revisited: Alexander Uballez & Listening to the GilaE26
2023 Revisited: Alexander Uballez & Listening to the GilaWe take you back to September and U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez's first interview on NMPBS. Jeff Proctor speaks with school counselors about the unique hurdles students are confronting. "The Legacy Project" is a new archival endeavor from the National Hispanic Cultural Center to preserve a dying Spanish dialect. Consider what lessons the Upper Gila River holds for the future. - 2023 Revisited: The Future of Fire & NMiF CorrespondentsE27
2023 Revisited: The Future of Fire & NMiF CorrespondentsOur Land Senior Producer Laura Paskus hosts a three-part roundtable conversation with U.S. Forest Service Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin, Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez, and Santa Fe National Forest Fuels Program Manager Dennis Carril. Our chief correspondents, Gwyneth Doland, Russell Contreras and Antonia Gonzales gathered for a conversation about their work. - 2023 Revisited: MMIWR Task Force & Rights of NM RiversE28
2023 Revisited: MMIWR Task Force & Rights of NM RiversDiscover Rebecca Clarren's new book "The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance." Albuquerque Museum's new temporary exhibit "News for the People." We discuss Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's decision to quietly shut down the state's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force. Laura Paskus explores the legalities of water rights along NM's many rivers. - NM Alcohol Legislation, Stadium Appeal, State Forfeits FundsE29
NM Alcohol Legislation, Stadium Appeal, State Forfeits FundsPanelists provide more context about Legislature's decades of failures to address our nation-leading alcohol-related death rate. Neighbors oppose the new stadium for the New Mexico United professional soccer team. New Mexico's Parks Division has missed a series of deadlines and must forfeit millions of dollars in federal funding intended for outdoor recreation projects for the last three years. - Analyzing State of the State & Priorities for the SessionE30
Analyzing State of the State & Priorities for the SessionCorrespondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with two journalists for three discussions as the group previews this year's 30-day session. During the first segment, we examine key moments during the governor's State of the State address, including her reaction to protesters who interrupted her speech. Finally, we wrap up the studio discussions with a look at Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's proposals. - DA Bregman on APD Corruption Probe, Environmentalists Sue NME31
DA Bregman on APD Corruption Probe, Environmentalists Sue NMThis week, we interview BernCo DA Sam Bregman about his decision to dismiss more than 150 DWI cases in the public wake of the FBI investigation of APD. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with Democratic leaders at the Roundhouse. Our Land's Laura Paskus hosts a special roundtable about a lawsuit that claims the state has violated residents' constitutional rights to a clean environment. - Lujan Grisham on 2024 Session & APD Corruption UpdateE32
Lujan Grisham on 2024 Session & APD Corruption UpdateThis week, we speak with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham about the ongoing legislative session. The governor, District Attorney Sam Bregman and Sen. Peter Wirth speak on a pretrial detention bill. Reporters Elise Kaplan of City Desk ABQ and the Albuquerque Journal's Matt Reisen update us on the ongoing FBI investigation of APD. Our Land's Laura Paskus previews her environmental coverage for 2024. - 2024 Legislature Update & Climate Care for the PublicE33
2024 Legislature Update & Climate Care for the PublicThis week, we speak to Democratic state representatives Andrea Romero, G. Andrés Romero and Sen. Benny Shendo Jr., about alternative energy and school graduation bills. Source New Mexico Editor Shaun Griswold and Republican former state representative Justine Fox-Young discuss the ongoing legislative session. A UNM neurologist tells us how her climate care program helps health care professionals. - 2024 Legislative Recap: Which Bills Passed and Which Didn'tE34
2024 Legislative Recap: Which Bills Passed and Which Didn'tThis week, we recap New Mexico's 2024 legislative session with Shaun Griswold, editor of Source New Mexico, and Trip Jennings, executive director of New Mexico In Depth. Immigration attorney Sophia Genovese tells us why an asylum seekers' detention bill died in the Senate. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland asks legislators and advocates to grade this year's session in Santa Fe. - 'Rust' Trial Begins, New Consent Bill & ABQ Councilor RogersE35
'Rust' Trial Begins, New Consent Bill & ABQ Councilor RogersThis week, we hear from an attorney and journalist about the ongoing and upcoming trials of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and actor/producer Alec Baldwin, each charged in the 2021 on-set deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers tells us her District 6 priorities. A representative and a policy advocate speak on their affirmative consent bill. - Attorney Tips FBI on APD DWI Corruption CaseE36
Attorney Tips FBI on APD DWI Corruption CaseThis week, legal malpractice attorney and former state rep Daymon Ely tells us he tipped off federal agents about alleged corruption at the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit. New soccer stadium plans were sent back to Albuquerque's Environmental Planning Commission for review. A bill that would amend the state's Land and Conservation Fund is on the governor's desk. - U.S. Attorney on APD DWI Corruption CaseE37
U.S. Attorney on APD DWI Corruption CaseThis week, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez speaks on the processes at play in the federal investigation into alleged corruption at the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit. We hear from two survivors of the Hermit's Peak/Calf-Canyon Fire who are still waiting on federal assistance. Laura Paskus takes us to Apache Creek for an inside look at the federal government's annual Mexican Wolf count. - Fire Season, US Attorney Pt. 2, Rising Food PricesE38
Fire Season, US Attorney Pt. 2, Rising Food PricesThis week, we speak to an economist and a food bank representative about how rising grocery prices are hurting New Mexicans. We ask U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez how the federal investigation into alleged corruption at the Albuquerque Police Department could impact the ongoing federally mandated reform effort. Two state forestry division heads look ahead to this year's fire season. - COVID Turns 4, SCOTUS & Water, Oil & Gas WorkersE39
COVID Turns 4, SCOTUS & Water, Oil & Gas WorkersThis week, we speak with a public health expert and one of the first New Mexicans diagnosed with COVID-19 as we break down how our handling of the coronavirus shaped the state's last four years. Reporter Danielle Prokop updates us on a decade-old Rio Grande water rights case now before the U.S. Supreme Court. And we dive into a UNM report examining working conditions for oil and gas workers. - Oil & Gas Lease Fight; New-Look LegislatureE40
Oil & Gas Lease Fight; New-Look LegislatureThis week, State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard stops by the studio and tells us 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. Former state senator Dede Feldman walks us through this fall's legislative elections as 19 seats in the Roundhouse are up for grabs. - Gov Pushes Special Session; Lobos Hoops SeasonE41
Gov Pushes Special Session; Lobos Hoops SeasonGov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tells Lou DiVizio why she wants to call a special session centered on public safety. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland asks UNM political science professor Timothy Krebs and ACLU-NM policy advocate Daniel Williams about the gov's plan and the politics of public safety in NM. Albuquerque Journal sportswriter Geoff Grammer looks back at the Lobo Men's basketball season. - Food Justice in NM & Woodstock Oral HistoriesE42
Food Justice in NM & Woodstock Oral HistoriesThis week, 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. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor speaks with a museum curator and a photographer about their work on an oral history project that aims to gather memories from attendees of Woodstock. - Earth Day's NM Roots; BernCo Transparency MessE43
Earth Day's NM Roots; BernCo Transparency MessThis week, Our Land's Laura Paskus sits down with Arturo Sandoval, one of the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, to discuss the event and how it has since changed. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor talks to Melanie Majors, executive director of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, about new allegations of state transparency law violations against Bernalillo County commissioners. - Dem NM Primary Election & Fighting Child PovertyE44
Dem NM Primary Election & Fighting Child PovertyThis week, two journalists tell us how voters could reshape the state's Democratic party this summer. Both chairwomen of Albuquerque's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission discuss the group's first year. UNM's Native American Studies Department celebrates 20 years. The new executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children tells us how she fights child poverty. - Exploring CABQs Plan to Address HomelessnessE45
Exploring CABQs Plan to Address HomelessnessThis week, KUNM News Director Megan Kamerick sits down for a two-part discussion on Daymon Ely's proposed plan to address homelessness in Albuquerque. 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. Homeless advocate and attorney Peter Cubra walks us through the constitutional rights of the unhoused. - Big Money Race for BernCo DA; Authors Speak UpE47
Big Money Race for BernCo DA; Authors Speak UpTwo Source New Mexico journalists dig into the loophole they found in a transparency law that leaves voters with more information about one candidate than the other in the big-money race for Bernalillo County district attorney. St. John's College-affiliated authors talk about the value of a liberal arts education. And Las Cruces-based Sarah Silva discusses her work as a community organizer. - Respect and Reciprocity: An Our Land SpecialE48
Respect and Reciprocity: An Our Land SpecialIf we treat landscapes and rivers with a sense of respect and reciprocity, what do we learn? And how do we then treat ecosystems and human communities differently? That's what we consider on this special episode of Our Land. Guests include Julia Bernal, Executive Director, Pueblo Action Alliance. Martha Cooper, Freshwater Director, The Nature Conservation. Joe Saenz, Chihe'ne (Warm Springs Apache). Lawrence A. Montoya, Former Governor, Pueblo of Santa Ana. - Don Schraders World; Farmington HS ControversyE49
Don Schraders World; Farmington HS ControversyThis week, Source New Mexico Editor Shaun Griswold speaks with state Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette about the cap removal at Farmington High that sparked local and national outrage. The widow of a smokejumper describes the challenges wildland firefighters and their families face. The Paper.'s Andy Lyman speaks with Don Schrader about his life and his hopes for the future of Albuquerque. - 2024 Primary Results; Sen. Ben Ray Luján on RECAE50
2024 Primary Results; Sen. Ben Ray Luján on RECAThis week, we break down the numbers from this week's primary with Dr. Timothy Krebs, chair of UNM's Political Science Department. We ask U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján about his work trying to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to cover New Mexico. Documentarian Doug Fine talks about his film, "American Hemp Farmer" and tells us why New Mexico is uniquely positioned to benefit hemp farmers. - Juneteenth in NM; Med Access in a Pharmacy DesertE51
Juneteenth in NM; Med Access in a Pharmacy DesertThis week, a group of New Mexico Black community leaders and elders tell us about the importance of celebrating Juneteenth. City Councilor Nichole Rogers talks about the International District being labeled a "pharmacy desert" - and how she plans to address residents' pharmaceutical needs. - NM Pride Month; Public Education Report CardE52
NM Pride Month; Public Education Report CardThis week, Marshall Martinez of Equality New Mexico talks about celebrating Pride month and the current state of LGBTQ rights in the Southwest. Former superintendent Dr. Karen Sanchez-Griego speaks on improving public education. A UNM neurologist tells us how her climate care program helps health care professionals. We head to the annual Native Youth Olympics in Alaska.