In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Juan Garcia, chairman of the Coalition of Conservatives in Action. Broadcasting from Las Cruces, Juan shares why he got involved in politics, his thoughts on civic apathy, and how faith communities can—and should—step into the public square. The conversation touches on border security, crime, economic development, and the controversial removal of prayer at county meetings. Garcia calls for greater engagement from all New Mexicans, regardless of background, in shaping a safer, freer future for the state.

Welcome to the weekly headline roundup from the New Mexico Suncast. In this July 18 edition, host Jim Williams and correspondent Joaquin Romero break down the biggest stories across the state—from deadly floods in Ruidoso and fire evacuations across Grant and Valencia Counties, to boil water advisories and food assistance challenges. They also dig into corruption allegations in Española and the launch of a new local chapter of the America First Policy Institute. If you want the real pulse of New Mexico—unfiltered and urgent—this is your briefing.

Connie Vigil is a citizen advocate and grassroots lobbyist who helped transform New Mexico's approach to homelessness and mental health. In this powerful interview, she shares her personal journey, explains the bipartisan effort behind Senate Bill 1, and outlines how the Miami-Dade model could reshape treatment—not incarceration—for vulnerable populations across the state. From coffee shop conversations to Capitol Hill, Connie proves that one determined voice can ignite statewide change.

If you're interested in real solutions to substance abuse, chronic homelessness, and justice reform—this is the conversation New Mexico needs.

🎓 Learn more about the Miami-Dade Criminal Mental Health Project

📩 Contact Connie: [email protected]

🗳️ Demand your local leaders get educated and act

Zachary Fort, President of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, joins the New Mexico SunCast to discuss the rise of youth shooting sports, challenges in firearm legislation, and the link between criminal justice failures and gun crime. Fort shares his personal journey into advocacy, urges civic engagement, and explains why discipline and safety training—not bans—are the key to a safer state. Whether you're a gun owner or a skeptic, this interview brings clarity to the debate around Second Amendment rights in New Mexico.

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In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, host Jim Williams sits down with leaders from the New Mexico Dream Center and Basin Dream Center in Midland, Texas, to expose the hidden crisis of human trafficking across the Southwest. Survivors, outreach workers, and law enforcement allies discuss how vulnerable youth are preyed upon, the urgent need for public awareness, and what communities can do to fight back. From familial trafficking to AI-driven intervention tools, this conversation cuts through the myths and shows how we can all take action.

Four-term Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima joins the New Mexico Sun Cast to share his gubernatorial vision for 2026. With deep roots in the state and a unique multicultural background, Miyagashima discusses everything from geothermal desalination and housing reform to public safety, economic development, and his personal journey from small business owner to city leader. Learn how his experience in both the private and public sectors drives his data-informed, business-savvy approach to government. This is not your average campaign pitch—Miyagashima lays out real plans for water independence, criminal justice reform, and tackling New Mexico’s healthcare crisis.

🔗 Explore more:

📍 KenForNewMexico.com

📍 KenNM.info

📌 Highlights Include:

- Plan to use geothermal power for statewide desalination

- Prison-to-profession pipeline for affordable housing

- Fixing the state’s broken medical malpractice laws

- Metro police proposal to combat crime in Albuquerque

- Firsthand experience with the U.S.–Mexico border

At just 23, Marcus Lujan is already shaping state policy as Field Director for Think New Mexico. In this powerful interview, Lujan walks us through his efforts to recruit real voices for real legislative impact—from expanding Medicaid reimbursements to tackling New Mexico’s healthcare worker shortage. With insight into bridging political divides and a passion rooted in local Catholic education, Marcus shows what it means to lead with both humility and purpose.

Kristina Fisher, Associate Director of Think New Mexico, reflects on 23 years of public policy work in the Land of Enchantment. In this candid conversation, she shares how growing up in New Mexico shaped her mission, why environmental restoration is bipartisan at its core, and how Think New Mexico tackles real-world issues with deep research, grassroots support, and practical solutions. From repealing the food tax to advocating infrastructure reform, Fisher reminds us that common sense still has a place in politics—if we’re willing to engage.

In this episode of the New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Susan Martin, the business manager of Think New Mexico, to explore her unexpected path from theater major to nonprofit operations expert. Broadcasting from Santa Fe, they discuss the many hats she wears—from HR to property management—and how her years at the Santa Fe Opera shaped her love for behind-the-scenes work. It’s a candid conversation about dedication, arts, and the quiet engines that keep mission-driven work alive.

On this episode of the New Mexico Suncast, host Jim Williams interviews Katie Gutierrez, the dynamic tax, budget, and economic reform director at Think New Mexico. From her roots in the East Mountains to shaping state-level policy, Gutierrez shares a forward-thinking vision for economic justice, food security, and how smart public investment can lift entire communities. The conversation tackles healthcare deserts, regressive tax structures, and the need for flexible infrastructure funds. A clear-eyed look at the trade-offs—and hope—within state policy today.

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