New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pride celebrations in New Mexico’s capital city. Santa Fe is marking the occasion with a series of events that will eclipse any previous Pride festivities in the city. NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio speaks with the executive director of the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance, Kevin Bowen, to ask about what went into this year’s planning, and why New Mexico continues to be a welcoming place for the LGBTQ community.  

Guest: Kevin Bowen, executive director, Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance 

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NMiF Senior Producer introduces this week's episode with headlines from around the state including new developments in the deadly 'Rust' shooting case. Plus, republican state Senator Mark Moores of Albuquerque announces he won't run for re-election, and the state's Tax and Revenue Department says it will start distributing tax rebate payments as soon as June 21.

Then, Gene Grant and The Line Opinion Panel take over the show. Gene and our panelistsdiscuss the recent developments in the U.S. Interior Department’s decision to withdraw oil and gas leases from Chaco Park and the surrounding 10-mile area. Plus, the panel reacts to the protest that disrupted Interior Sec. Deb Haaland’s planned visit to the area.

Gene and The Line also talk through a planned policy change at Albuquerque Public Schools that would prevent prospective students with past expulsions or other disciplinary issues from enrolling in the district’s schools. Our panelists debate some of the concerns surrounding the policy, including the possibility that it could push more kids through the cracks and into the criminal justice system.

Finally, the panel takes a look at the state’s $500 million settlement with Walgreens over the pharmacy chain’s role in the opioid epidemic.  

Host: Lou DiVizio

Line Host: Gene Grant

The Line Opinion Panel: 

Martha Burk, political psychologist, author 

Shaun Griswold, editor, Source New Mexico 

Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations 

Protest at Chaco Canyon deters event to celebrate new federal oil and gas leasing ban – Source NM 

Protest derails planned celebration of 20-year ban on oil drilling near Chaco national park – The Associated Press  

House panel investigates ties between Interior secretary, environmentalists – The Associated Press 

Albuquerque Public Schools poised to deny enrollment based on past expulsions, behaviors – Albuquerque Journal 

Native students are expelled in New Mexico far more than any other group. This school district is ground zero for the disparity. – New Mexico In Depth 

APS funding has increased while enrollment continues to fall, evaluation finds – Albuquerque Journal 

With Plunging Enrollment, a ‘Seismic Hit’ to Public Schools – The New York Times 

The forces underlying the public school enrollment drop - Kappan 

New Mexico settles opioid lawsuit with Walgreens for $500 million – Santa Fe New Mexican 

Opioid settlement windfall starts trickling into local government coffers – Santa Fe New Mexican 

Drug Overdose in New Mexico – New Mexico Department of Health 

Relief Routes: With fentanyl deaths on the rise and opioid misuse rampant, does New Mexico have a solid plan to spend settlement cash? – Santa Fe Reporter 

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Michelle Otero was the City of Albuquerque’s Poet Laureate from 2018 through 2020. This year, FlowerSong Press published her prose book, “Vessels: A Memoir of Borders.”  In conversation with Our Land’s Laura Paskus she talks about the challenges and rewards of writing about family, trauma, and history.

Host: Laura Paskus

Guest: Michelle Otero, Author, “Vessels: A Memoir of Borders” 

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NMPBS has a new executive producer for public affairs. Jeff Proctor has been entrenched in New Mexico journalism for decades. This week he sits down with Gene to introduce himself to New Mexico in Focus viewers, while revisiting some of his past work and laying out his vision for NMiF moving forward.  

Correspondent: Gene Grant 

Guest: Jeff Proctor, executive producer, NMPBS 

Jeff Proctor - Santa Fe Reporter

Jeff Proctor - New Mexico In Depth

Jeff Proctor - Albuquerque Journal

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NMiF Senior Producer introduces the show and lays out some headlines from around the state — including the protest that pushed U.S. Interior Sec. Deb Haaland's planned visit to Chaco Park all the way to Albuquerque. Plus, Walgreens has announced a $500 settlement in an opioid lawsuit from the state. And an Legislative Finance Committee report projects even more revenue from oil and gas production than previously expected.

Gene Grant updates The Line Opinion Panel on the federal charges announced for failed Republican candidate Solomon Peña. Gene asks the group for context on the ongoing trend towards federalizing state crimes.

Gene also sits down with Red River Mayor Linda Calhoun to talk about last month’s shooting at the town’s Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally and what the future holds for the holiday event. 

The Line Opinion Panel reconvenes when Gene asks how the shooting at Red River’s Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally will impact the future of motorcycle events throughout the state.

Plus, the panelists weigh in on the newly resurrected Governor’s Organized Crime Prevention Commission and ponder why the state is bringing back a 50-year-old program. 

Host: Lou DiVizio

Line Host: Gene Grant

The Line Opinion Panel: 

Joel Meyers, attorney, former federal prosecutor 

Eric Griego, Democratic former NM state Senator 

Dan McKay, staff writer, Albuquerque Journal   

Guest: Linda Calhoun, (R) Mayor of Red River 

For More Information:

Federal authorities charge Solomon Peña with election interference – Albuquerque Journal 

Republican Ex-Candidate Faces Federal Charges Over Shootings – New York Times 

Stung in Albuquerque: ATF descends on New Mexico’s largest city with questionable results – New Mexico In Depth 

8 bikers shot, 3 dead during motorcycle rally in Red River – Albuquerque Journal 

State police chief: Fight over a picture led to Red River shootings – Santa Fe New Mexican 

Red River marshal, Taos County Sheriff's Office clash over Red River shooting response – Santa Fe New Mexican 

FBI biker gang expert warns of more violence in wake of Red River shooting – Albuquerque Journal 

Turf at center of biker gang conflict in N.M. – Albuquerque Journal 

Lujan Grisham brings back commission to target organized crime in New Mexico – Albuquerque Journal 

Governor announces renewal of commission to help state tackle organized crime – Santa Fe New Mexican 

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio introduces the podcast this week with headlines from around the state, including the federal government's decision to protect Chaco Canyon and a 10-mile buffer zone from mineral extraction.

First, the group responds to Mayor Keller’s promises regarding the Gateway Center and his vision for growing the number of affordable housing units around the city.

The panel also discusses the work done so far by the Albuquerque Community Safety Department and the mayor’s plan to triangulate federal gun-free zones and enforce federal penalties across the city’s downtown area.  

Gene the panel assess the feasibility and affordability of the economic development projects the mayor is planning. They also react to the mayor’s response to the Gladiators turf situation and question whether he intentionally misused city dollars.

Finally, the panelists look ahead to a City Council vote that could restructure power at the top of city government and they also grade the mayor's work through his six years in office.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Line Host: Gene Grant

The Line Opinion Panel: 

Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law 

Lan Sena, former Albuquerque city councilor 

Tom Grover, attorney, former Albuquerque police sergeant 

For More Information:

Keller highlights gun violence, homelessness in State of the City address – Albuquerque Journal 

State creates council to address lack of affordable housing amid surge in homeless population – Albuquerque Journal 

City: Asbestos regulations not followed at Gateway Center – Albuquerque Journal 

Duplexes and casitas in single-family neighborhoods? Here’s where Mayor Keller’s zoning proposals stand – Albuquerque Journal 

Keller highlights gun violence, homelessness in State of the City address – Albuquerque Journal 

Albuquerque police near full compliance in reform effort – Albuquerque Journal  

2022 was another record-setting year for homicides in Albuquerque – KRQE 

How Albuquerque officials misused tax dollars in turf scheme – KRQE  

City of Albuquerque Announces Fiber Internet to Every Home and Business – City of Albuquerque 

Could Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park be the new home for New Mexico United’s soccer stadium? – Albuquerque Journal 

City councilors want a city manager — the mayor disagrees – KOAT 

In a special episode of the podcast, Gene Grant speaks with Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis about Mayor Tim Keller's recent state of the city address. Councilor Lewis reacts to the Mayor's priorities for the next year and shares his own opinion on what should be done to address homelessness and bolster the city's economy.

Later this week on the podcast, The Line Opinion Panel reacts to the mayor's address and interview, providing analysis on some of Mayor Keller's key talking points.

Watch New Mexico in Focus, Friday nights at 7 p.m. on NMPBS.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Correspondent: Gene Grant

Guest: Dan Lewis, Albuquerque City Councilor - District 5

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NMiF senior producer Lou DiVizio sits down with Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller for an exclusive, in-depth interview covering a variety of issues in the city, including homelessness, affordable housing and public safety. The mayor also responds to a question about his re-election plans as he rolls out several projects that will take years to complete.

Later this week on the podcast, Gene Grant speaks with Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis for his reaction to Mayor Keller's State of the City address, and for the councilor's take on those same key issues.

Also this week, The Line Opinion Panel reacts to the mayor's address and interview, providing analysis on some of Mayor Keller's key talking points.

Watch New Mexico in Focus, Friday nights at 7 p.m. on NMPBS.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Guest: Tim Keller, (D) Mayor of Albuquerque

For More Information: 

Keller highlights gun violence, homelessness in State of the City address – Albuquerque Journal 

State creates council to address lack of affordable housing amid surge in homeless population – Albuquerque Journal 

City: Asbestos regulations not followed at Gateway Center – Albuquerque Journal 

Duplexes and casitas in single-family neighborhoods? Here’s where Mayor Keller’s zoning proposals stand – Albuquerque Journal 

Keller highlights gun violence, homelessness in State of the City address – Albuquerque Journal 

Albuquerque police near full compliance in reform effort – Albuquerque Journal  

2022 was another record-setting year for homicides in Albuquerque – KRQE  

How Albuquerque Officials Misused Tax Dollars in Turf Scheme - KRQE

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NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio opens the show with headlines from around the state, including an update on the criticism surrounding New Mexico State University. According to reporting from the Las Cruces Sun-News, Athletic Director Mario Moccia is getting some support from area business owners and athletic boosters after Moccia signed a 5-year contract extension amid allegations of sexual harassment, assault and intimidation on the school's men's basketball team.

Gene Grant and The Line Opinion Panel take up three stories developing around the state. First, Gene asks the panelists if a new advisory council at the state’s Children Youth and Families Department has any chance to help solve the longstanding issues within the agency.

Then, Gene updates the back-and-forth over the proposed PNM-Avangrid merger as the state Supreme Court weighs whether to end the case or send it back to the Public Regulation Commission.

Plus, the panel addresses the latest on allegations of sexual harassment and assault in the ongoing scandal surrounding the New Mexico State University men’s basketball program. 

The Line Opinion Panel: 

Justine Fox-Young, Republican former NM state Representative 

Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican 

Dede Feldman, Democratic former NM state Senator 

Morning Word - Santa Fe Reporter

Enhancing Delivery of Services Steering Committee – New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department 

Foundation for Open Government statement on CYFD’s action to close special council meetings – New Mexico Foundation for Open Government  

Attorneys and Advocates Issue Statements in Response to Kevin S. Settlement Co-Neutrals’ Report on Status of Implementation – Pegasus Law 

CYFD policy advisory council begins work, even as questions persist about beleaguered agency’s core structure – Albuquerque Journal 

PRC commissioner recuses himself from merger issue – Santa Fe New Mexican 

New Mexico court denies challenge to PRC reforms – Albuquerque Journal 

Public Regulation Commission stumbles into the new year – Source NM 

PNM-Avangrid merger rejected by PRC – Albuquerque Journal 

State Supreme Court holds PNM, Avangrid second chance at merger in the balance – Santa Fe New Mexican 

PRC, utility lawyers had one-sided talks ahead of filing – Santa Fe New Mexican 

PRC modifies position on public hearings for PNM-Avangrid merger – Albuquerque Journal  

Allegations of misconduct surround proposed Avangrid-PNM merger – KRQE  

At New Mexico St, a meltdown that runs beyond basketball – The Associated Press 

Ex-NMSU basketball players say teammates targeted coaches – ESPN  

New Mexico State AD Mario Moccia receives 5-year extension – The Associated Press 

Governor will push for anti-hazing bill – Santa Fe New Mexican 

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio introduces the podcast this week with a roundup of headlines around the state. That includes the new ESPN report detailing the alleged hazing and sexual assaults that took place on the New Mexico State men's basketball team. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announces $12.6 million for a desalination facility in Alamogordo meant to remove of 'forever chemicals' from area groundwater. And, the state's Children Youth and Families Department is facing criticism from a state lawmaker and the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government over a new advisory council that will be closed to the public.

Then, Gene and The Line Opinion Panel reconvene to discuss the statewide anti-abortion movement and consider the local impact of out-of-state activists on smaller, Republican-leaning communities across New Mexico. 

Finally, NMiF correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks with civil rights attorney Laura Schauer Ives about how local anti-abortion court cases could impact people nationwide. 

Host: Lou DiVizio

The Line Host: Gene Grant

The Line Opinion Panel:

Elise Kaplan, investigative reporter, Albuquerque Journal 

H. Diane Snyder, former NM Republican state Senator 

Martha Burk, political psychologist and author 

Guests:

Sam Cobb, mayor, Hobbs

Laura Schauer Ives, civil rights attorney

Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland

For More Information:

After hours of debate Edgewood passes ordinance restricting access to abortion – Albuquerque Journal 

Edgewood’s anti-abortion ordinance: Here’s what people said – Albuquerque Journal 

City of Eunice sues governor and attorney general over abortion rule – Source NM 

New Mexico passed laws protecting access to abortion. Opponents ready for legal fight — even to U.S. Supreme Court. – Albuquerque Journal 

‘They’re fearful:’ What New Mexico abortion providers are seeing as their patient numbers soar – Albuquerque Journal 

New Mexico was once among a handful of states where abortions later in pregnancy were available. That changed in January. - Albuquerque Journal 

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