New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Host Lou DiVizio runs through the top headlines in New Mexico, including changes coming to the state's Public Regulation Commission. Plus, an update on the deadline DWI crash that killed a mother and two children in Wagon Mound. 

Later in the show, correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks with Ellie Rushforth, reproductive rights counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union in New Mexico. Rushforth explains the legal implications of the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe V. Wade, and how recent executive action by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will impact New Mexicans. 

Gene Grant speaks with the group behind an high-tech, mobile exhibit celebrating the contributions of African American homesteaders who came to New Mexico in the late 19th Century. 

Host: Lou DiVizio

Correspondents: 

Gwyneth Doland, Gene Grant

Guests: 

Ellie Rushforth, ACLU NM reproductive rights counsel

Rita Powdrell, director, African American Museum & Cultural Center of NM

Thomas Williams, documentarian

Marilyn Pettes Hill, third generation homesteader

Eric Yakley, technologist – Facing the Rising Sun

For More Information: 

NM Governor Orders Safeguards for Abortion Access – Associated Press

NM Shields Abortion Providers Ahead of Expected Patient Surge – Reuters

A Closer Look at Abortion Rights in NM - KOB

Facing the Rising Sun – New Mexico Magazine

Exhibit Background – City of Albuquerque

On this episode of New Mexico in Focus the podcast, host Lou DiVizio shares new action from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on abortion access. The Line Opinion Panel reacts to the recent developments in Otero County where commissioners have voted to certify its primary election results. That’s after a lawsuit from the Secretary of State, and an order from the State Supreme Court. 

In an interview from early June, Jason Casuga, CEO and chief engineer of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, speaks with Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus about the impact of monsoon rains will have on the persistent drought in our area.

Plus, the Line Opinion Panelists review a Chaves County lawsuit over a police shooting, as the Attorney General probes another officer-involved incident in the same county.

Host:

Lou DiVizio

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations

Andy Lyman, NM Political Report

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Guests:

Jason M. Casuga, CEO/chief engineer, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

For More Information: 

Cowboys For Trump Founder Sentenced to 14 Days - Reuters

Otero County Votes 2-1 to Approve Primary Results – Source NM

Building Anger in Rural New Mexico Erupts in Election Crisis – Associated Press

A.G. to Probe Chaves County Deadly Deputy-Involved Shooting – Associated Press

Suits Alleges Misconduct, Lack of Training by Chaves County Deputies – Albuquerque Journal

Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

On this episode of New Mexico in Focus the Podcast, host Lou DiVizio explains the impact of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe V. Wade. He also speaks with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver about the election certification saga in Otero County, and what it could mean heading into November. The Line Opinion Panel discusses a new poll showing a closer-than-expected race for Governor. And, Paula Garcia, the executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association explains the struggles her community is facing during consecutive natural disasters. 

Host:

Lou DiVizio

Line Host: 

Gene Grant

Line Panelists:

Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations

Andy Lyman, NM Political Report

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Guests:

Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary of State

Paula Garcia, executive director, NM Acequia Association

For More Information:

Cowboys For Trump Founder Sentenced to 14 Days - Reuters

Otero County Votes 2-1 to Approve Primary Results – Source NM

Building Anger in Rural New Mexico Erupts in Election Crisis – Associated Press

Poll: Gov. Lujan Grisham with Narrow Lead at Start of General Election – NM Political Report

Lujan Grisham Attacks Ronchetti Over Lack of Experience – Santa Fe New Mexican

New Ads Target Governor’s Discretionary Fund – Albuquerque Journal

Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Fire Burned Area Emergency Response Information

Interactive Flood and Debris Flow Map

NM Acequia Association

The Line Opinion Panel dives into the chaos in Otero County where commissioners have been sued and ordered to certify primary election results. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has also referred those commissioners to the Attorney General for potential criminal and civil violations of the state’s election code.

The panel also assesses a bipartisan plan to address gun violence that largely relies on the expansion of red flag laws, which already exist here in New Mexico. That plan includes necessary funding to enforce those laws but falls short of demands from gun control advocates. The plan is also sparking backlash among gun owners who say red flag laws are a constitutional infringement.

Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus talks with Carolyn Donnelly about the ins and outs of managing our New Mexico dams and reservoirs. Donnelly is the water operations supervisor for the Albuquerque Area Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus, Our Land Executive Producer

Guest:

Carolyn Donnelly, Water Operations Supervisor, Albuquerque Area Office, U.S. Bureau of Recalamation

Line Opinion Panelists:

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Julie Ann Grimm, editor & publisher, Santa Fe Reporter

For More Information:

Some NM House Incumbents Fail to Secure Nominations - KUNM

Sanchez Defeats Montoya For District 40 Nod – Santa Fe New Mexican

County’s Refusal to Certify Vote Hints at Election Chaos – Associated Press

Bipartisan Senate Group Reached Agreement on Gun Reforms - Yahoo

Tentative Senate Gun Deal Has Surprises, Loose Ends – Santa Fe New Mexican

Senate Gun Deal Likely to Face Pushback from GOP – The Hill

The Line Opinion Panel reacts to President Biden’s weekend visit to our state. The panel discusses the President’s pledge to cover all the costs associated with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, and who will be left behind with the current reimbursement strategy.

Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus talks with two reporters about their experiences covering the largest wildfire in state history and how you can apply for aid money if you’ve been impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

More than 20 years ago, in 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partner agencies released Mexican wolves into the wild for the first time since the wolves had been driven to extinction in the United States in the 1970s. Today, a population of wolves lives in the Gila National Forest and across the border in Arizona. The program isn’t without its challenges, and this year, the Black Fire ignited in the Gila National Forest during denning season, where it’s affecting four wolf packs. Maggie Dwire, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Deputy Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator, talks with Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus about the Mexican Wolf and recovery efforts.

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Julie Ann Grimm, editor & publisher, Santa Fe Reporter

Our Land Executive Producer:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Maggie Dwire, assistant wolf recovery coordinator, Mexican Wolf Program, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Patrick Lohmann, reporter, Source NM

Adria Malcolm, freelance photojournalist

For More Information:

Biden: Whatever it Takes, as Long as it Takes – Santa Fe New Mexican

Biden Ramps up Federal Help for NM Wildfire Fight – Associated Press

Locals Find a Bit of Hope in President’s Promises – Santa Fe New Mexican

Wildfire Victims Living on Land Grants Will Not Qualify For Federal Aid - KUNM

Recovery Area Map

Black Fire Maps & Information

Apply For Assistance- FEMA

Adria Malcolm – Freelance Photojournalist

Patrick Lohmann – Source New Mexico

Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus explores the harsh realities of shrinking water supplies here in Central New Mexico. Jason Casuga from the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District explains why we’re just days away from the water available to farmers going dry and what the MRGCD is doing to mitigate the ongoing drought.

The Line Opinion Panel discusses the lingering threat of flooding in parts of the state, in the wake of this summer’s devastating wildfire season. Our Panelists also talk about the opportunity ahead for President Biden as he prepares to visit New Mexico to address wildfire damage.

Plus, host Gene Grant has an in depth conversation with former Albuquerque Journal columnist Joline Gutierrez Krueger, who recently retired. 

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former New Mexico State Senator

Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM & president, Mulryan-Nash Advertising

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guest:

Jason M. Casuga, CEO/chief engineer, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

For More Information:

Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

VIDEO: Cochiti Canyon Flood, Dixon Apple Orchard - YouTube

2011 Flood Footage – AfterWildfireNM.org

New Mexico voters had their say at the polls this week. Our Line Opinion Panel breaks down all the big winners and losers from Tuesday’s Primary Election. That includes Mark Ronchetti’s win as the Republican Nominee for Governor and Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez’s victory as Democratic Nominee for Attorney General. The Line Panel also looks ahead to the general election. Panelists explore Republican Nominee for Governor Mark Ronchetti’s chances at unseating Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in November. Plus, what turnout numbers from the primary could indicate about voter enthusiasm.

Senior Producer Lou DiVizio also discusses the outcome of this week’s Primary Election, with Mario Jimenez of Common Cause New Mexico. The two talk about the impact of new election changes like same day voter registration and expanded use of absentee ballots. They also discuss the influence of money in this year’s midterm elections.

Correspondent:

Lou DiVizio

Guest:

Mario Jimenez, campaign director, Common Cause New Mexico

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former New Mexico State Senator

Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM & president, Mulryan-Nash Advertising

For More Information:

Amid Light Turnout, NM Voters Pick Their Nominees – Albuquerque Journal

National Pacs Spend Big Ahead of NM Primary - SourceNM

Ronchetti to Face Lujan Grisham after Breezing Through Primary – SF New Mexican

Common Cause New Mexico

NM Secretary of State Voter Information Portal

Bernalillo County DA Torrez to Face Gallup Attorney for AG – Albuquerque Journal

Two Incumbents Trail in U.S. House Races – Albuquerque Journal

The Line Opinion Panel discusses the troubling news that both the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fires began as prescribed burns conducted by the U.S. Forest Service. The Panel also touches on new concerns over the burn scar left by the fire. Experts say it could lead to disastrous flash flooding once monsoon season comes around.

The Line Opinion Panel also discusses the economic implications of a potential interstate that would cut through New Mexico. The international trade route would stretch from Laredo, Texas, connecting to I-25 in Raton, New Mexico.

In Clovis, N.M., Art Schaap of Highland Dairy has had to euthanize more than 3,500 dairy cows contaminated with toxic chemicals from Cannon Air Force Base. New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney talks about the pollution—and about the cow carcasses, which must be treated as “hazardous waste” because of the high levels of PFAS that remain in them. Warning: graphic content.

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun-News

Sophie Martin, attorney

Diane Snyder, former NM State Senator

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guest:

James Kenney, secretary, New Mexico Environment Department

For More Information:

The Struggle for PFAS Pollution Accountability

Art Schaap's Dairy Dilemma

Former Cannon Firefighter Kevin Ferrara Talks PFAS Contamination

Groundwater War: Reporters on the Challenges of Covering PFAS

Forest Officials: Dormant Prescribed Burn Caused Calf Canyon Fire – Santa Fe New Mexican

NM Wildfire Burn Scar has Forest Officials Worried – Western Slopes Now

NM May Get New Interstate Highway - KRCC

The Line Opinion Panel offers ideas for action after another deadly school shooting in the United States. The Panel debates suggestions on making schools safer, and what could be done to make it harder for would-be shooters to get ahold of deadly assault weapons.

Plus, Producer Lou DiVizio sits down with an education expert to discuss solutions put forward in his latest book, “Preventing School Violence: A User’s Guide.” Author Franklin Schargel explains how his research on bullying and American gun culture illuminates a unique issue in this country.

Line Host:

Gene Grant

Correspondent:

Lou DiVizio

Guest:

Franklin Schargel, former teacher & author, “Preventing School Violence: A User’s Guide”

Line Opinion Panelists:

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun-News

Sophie Martin, attorney

Diane Snyder, former NM State Senator

For More Information:

Preventing School Violence: A User’s Guide

Albuquerque Community Members Call for Change After Texas Shooting - KRQE

NM Democrats Seek New Gun Restrictions – Associated Press

After Texas Shooting, Schools Around U.S. Boost Security – Santa Fe New Mexican

Albuquerque Community Members Call for Change After Texas Shooting - KRQE

NM Democrats Seek New Gun Restrictions – Associated Press

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales sits down with the FBI’s top agent in New Mexico and a Navajo criminal investigator to find out if a new Navajo language initiative is working, and to understand some of the other obstacles when it comes to investigating crimes on tribal lands.

The Line Opinion Panel dives into the key races in the primary election and dissects the recent barrage of attack ads. Former weatherman Mark Ronchetti and State Representative Rebecca Dow are airing targeted ads, both claiming to be more closely aligned to Donald Trump than their opponent. The Panel explores the effectiveness of those tactics, and the heated race for the democratic nomination for Attorney General.

Plus, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver joins Producer Lou DiVizio to discuss the Primary Election and what new wrinkles voters can expect when they head to the polls. 

Correspondent:

Antonia Gonzales

Lou DiVizio

Guests:

Raul Bujanda, FBI, special agent in charge, New Mexico

Malcolm Leslie, captain, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations

Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary Of State

The Line Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law

Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative

Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican

For More Information:

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Taskforce

FBI Tips

Ronchetti Enjoys Big Lead Over GOP Rivals – Albuquerque Journal

GOP Gubernatorial Debate Heats Up in Final Minutes – Santa Fe New Mexican

GOP Attack Ads Heat Up as Primary Nears – The Paper

New Mexico Secretary of State