Shows
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Las Cruces Shooting Context with Algernon D'AmmassaLou 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...2025-04-0718 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)PRC Nominations & Proposal to Change Albuquerque's 'Zero Fare' Bus ProgramHost Lou DiVizio looks ahead to the holiday season at NMPBS, and updates the week's top headlines.
Then, Gene Grant and our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the decision ahead for the Governor as she considers her options for the new Public Regulation Commission. The PRC Nominating Committee recommended nine names to the Governor. She'll have to choose three of those nominees to form the final commission.
Gene and the Line Panel also talk through a proposal from Albuquerque City Council to change the city's 'Zero Fare' program by requiring riders to show state-issued photo ID to...2022-12-1228 min
CrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 42: Algernon D'AmmassaIn this week’s episode, we’re talking to Algernon D’Ammassa. Algernon has been a reporter for the Sun-News since 2018. Before that, he was at the Deming Headlight. Earlier this month, Algernon returned to the Headlight as the newspaper’s editor-in-chief. The Headlight was recently purchased from Gannett by the Silver City Independent Publishing Co., which owns the Silver City Daily Press and Independent.
During his time in Las Cruces, Algernon was a great asset to our newsroom — and to our community. He’s not one to shy away from a big, hard-to-report story — particularly if the reporting is of vital publi...2022-11-1545 min
The Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 42: Algernon D'AmmassaIn this week’s episode, we’re talking to Algernon D’Ammassa. Algernon has been a reporter for the Sun-News since 2018. Before that, he was at the Deming Headlight. Earlier this month, Algernon returned to the Headlight as the newspaper’s editor-in-chief. The Headlight was recently purchased from Gannett by the Silver City Independent Publishing Co., which owns the Silver City Daily Press and Independent.During his time in Las Cruces, Algernon was a great asset to our newsroom — and to our community. He’s not one to shy away from a big, hard-to-report story — particularly if the reporting...2022-11-1245 minCrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 36: Yacone Family TragedyThis week, we’re speaking to Algernon D’Ammassa. Algernon is an investigative and enterprise reporter for the Sun-News. We’re talking about the recent Yacone family tragedy — in which local restaurateur Bob Yacone is accused of killing his wife, Kimberly, before engaging deputies from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office in a shootout that left him injured.
As is often the case in situations like this, official information trickled out at a relatively slow pace. Meanwhile, in the newsroom, we were beginning to put the pieces together much more quickly.
Apart from the tragedy itself, the situation raised a nu...2022-10-0348 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 36: Yacone Family TragedyThis week, we’re speaking to Algernon D’Ammassa. Algernon is an investigative and enterprise reporter for the Sun-News. We’re talking about the recent Yacone family tragedy — in which local restaurateur Bob Yacone is accused of killing his wife, Kimberly, before engaging deputies from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office in a shootout that left him injured.As is often the case in situations like this, official information trickled out at a relatively slow pace. Meanwhile, in the newsroom, we were beg...2022-10-0148 minCrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 33: Darcy Morrison and Youthful OffendersIn this week’s episode, we’re talking to Algernon D’Ammassa, who generally covers statewide issues for the Las Cruces Sun-News. He recently spoke with Darcy Morrison, an inmate at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants. It’s a life she describes as “a quiet one.”
For much of the day, she works in the prison’s library, where she tutors other inmates. She told Algernon she completed her bachelor’s degree last year, and that she finds joy in teaching other inmates. After the daily 4 p.m. head count, she typically reads or watches “Jeopardy!” In her unit, inmates ro...2022-09-1347 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 33: Darcy Morrison and Youthful OffendersIn this week’s episode, we’re talking to Algernon D’Ammassa, who generally covers statewide issues for the Las Cruces Sun-News. He recently spoke with Darcy Morrison, an inmate at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants. It’s a life she describes as “a quiet one.”For much of the day, she works in the prison’s library, where she tutors other inmates. She told Algernon she completed her bachelor’s degree last year, and that she finds joy in teaching other inmates. After the daily 4 p.m. head count, she typically reads or watches “Jeopard...2022-09-0947 minNew Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Analyzing Polling in State Races, Wildfire Impacts Linger & Navajo Novelist Releases Acclaimed ThrillerHost Lou DiVizio previews the week ahead at New Mexico in Focus, and runs through the top state headlines impacting New Mexicans.
Gene Grant hosts a discussion with our Line Opinion Panel about new polling in statewide races that shows Democrats with big leads.
Gene and the Panel also assess the dire situation in Las Vegas where ash and wildfire debris have contaminated the city’s drinking water source.
New Mexico in Focus Correspondent Antonia Gonzales sits down with a Navajo novelist to talk about her new book ‘Shutter,’ which follows a young woman fr...2022-09-0646 minCrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 23: Paid Sick LeaveIn this week’s episode, we’re talking about a new law impacting all New Mexico workers. As of July 1, private employers in New Mexico must allow their employees to earn paid sick leave if they don't already do so.
Workers covered by the Healthy Workplaces Act of 2021 may use the time off to recover from an illness or injury, assist an ailing family member or address covered legal or domestic situations. They will be able to accrue 64 hours annually in most cases — and will also be able to accumulate unused time year to year, although the employer does not have t...2022-07-0542 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 23: Paid Sick LeaveIn this week’s episode, we’re talking about a new law impacting all New Mexico workers. As of July 1, private employers in New Mexico must allow their employees to earn paid sick leave if they don't already do so.Workers covered by the Healthy Workplaces Act of 2021 may use the time off to recover from an illness or injury, assist an ailing family member or address covered legal or domestic situations. They will be able to accrue 64 hours annually in most cases — and will also be abl...2022-07-0342 minCrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 22: Spaceport America CupIn this week’s episode, we’re talking about an annual event that has returned to our area after a two-year, COVID-inspired hiatus. That’s the Spaceport America Cup — which was recently described by someone in our newsroom as March Madness for aspiring rocket scientists.
We talk to Las Cruces Sun-News reporter Algernon D’Ammassa — who regularly covers the Spaceport, its anchor tenant Virgin Galactic, and related topics — and to photojournalist Meg Potter, who is relatively new to New Mexico, about their experiences covering the first day of the event.2022-06-2834 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 22: Spaceport America CupIn this week’s episode, we’re talking about an annual event that has returned to our area after a two-year, COVID-inspired hiatus. That’s the Spaceport America Cup — which was recently described by someone in our newsroom as March Madness for aspiring rocket scientists.We talk to Las Cruces Sun-News reporter Algernon D’Ammassa — who regularly covers the Spaceport, its anchor tenant Virgin Galactic, and related topics — and to photojournalist Meg Potter, who is relatively new to New Mexico, about their experiences covering the first day of the eve2022-06-2634 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Calf Canyon Wildfire Cause Revealed & Our Land: Dairy Cows Euthanized After PFAS Exposure | 6.6.22The 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...2022-06-0639 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Preventing School Violence | 6.3.22The 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 Grant2022-06-0459 minCrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 16: The local economyIn this week’s episode, we’re talking about the local economy as a number of interesting factors collide. On one hand, the nation’s economy is shrinking as inflation and other factors drive up gas prices — creating a pinch at the pump and at the supermarket. Las Cruces certainly isn’t immune to these large-scale factors — but, according to one economist we spoke to, we may be a little better insulated.
We’ll talk to Sun-News reporter Algernon D’Ammassa, who has followed several facets of this story quite closely. We’ll talk about the state’s recent legalization of the sale of recre...2022-05-0250 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 16: The local economyIn this week’s episode, we’re talking about the local economy as a number of interesting factors collide. On one hand, the nation’s economy is shrinking as inflation and other factors drive up gas prices — creating a pinch at the pump and at the supermarket. Las Cruces certainly isn’t immune to these large-scale factors — but, according to one economist we spoke to, we may be a little better insulated. We’ll talk to Sun-News reporter Algernon D’Ammassa, who has followed several facets of this story quite closely. We’ll ta...2022-04-3050 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 13: Cannabis comes to townIn this week’s episode, we’re talking all about cannabis. On Friday, April 1st, sales of recreational — or adult-use — cannabis became legal in New Mexico. And Las Cruces was the first city in the state to conduct a legal sale. We’ll get into how that happened…Doña Ana County, which borders Texas, also enjoyed the benefit of its share of cannabis tourism — border dispensaries in the south county were flooded with Texans, happy that legal weed was now within their reach. In Las Cruces, it seemed that well-established...2022-04-0951 min
CrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 7 — Legislative LookbackThis is The Reporter’s Notebook from the Las Cruces Sun-News, a podcast in which we attempt to pull back the curtain on our reporting process while diving deeper into some of the biggest stories and topics of the week.
In this episode, we’re joined by Algernon D’Ammassa, who covers statewide issues for the Sun-News, as well as Adrian Hedden, the energy and environment reporter for the Carlsbad Current-Argus, to look at the just-adjourned session of the New Mexico Legislature.
Several major bills made it to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk. Many others died in committee or on the f...2022-03-1046 minCrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep.4 — A Deep Dive into DASOThis is The Reporter’s Notebook from the Las Cruces Sun-News, a podcast in which we attempt to pull back the curtain on our reporting process while diving deeper into some of the biggest stories and topics of the week.
Amid rising tensions between Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart and County Manager Fernando Macias, the sheriff is now facing an employment discrimination complaint by one of her sergeants who claims he was wrongfully denied a promotion and a code of conduct complaint related to the same incident.
DASO Sgt. Eric Flores was told he was the third top-scoring can...2022-03-0930 minCrucesSunNewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 2 — The McHard Report details city mismanagementThis is The Reporter’s Notebook from the Las Cruces Sun-News, a podcast in which we attempt to pull back the curtain on our reporting process while diving deeper into some of the biggest stories and topics of the week.
It’s been more than a year since a scathing report was released to the public detailing $1.7 million in mishandled public money within Visit Las Cruces, the city's convention and visitors bureau.
A year later, the city pointed to a number of organizational changes inspired by the report, but admitted it was not following all of the investigators' recommendations.
We're join...2022-03-0927 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 7 — Legislative LookbackIn this episode, we’re joined by Algernon D’Ammassa, who covers statewide issues for the Sun-News, as well as Adrian Hedden, the energy and environment reporter for the Carlsbad Current-Argus, to look at the just-adjourned session of the New Mexico Legislature.Several major bills made it to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk. Many others died in committee or on the floor. We’ll attempt to capture what you need to know — and the big takeaways from the 30-day session.Immediately following the adjournment, Gov. Lujan Grisham lifted the statewide mask mandate, which we also discu...2022-02-2046 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)2022 Legislative Session Breakdown | 2.18.22The 2022 Legislative Session ended at noon on Thursday, February 17th. A frantic finish helped push many of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s top priorities over the finish line, including a record budget, substantial teacher raises, and a package of crime bills. Our Line opinion panel of working journalists break down those key issues and the tactics used to get them to the governor’s desk.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham laid out an aggressive agenda for the 2022 Legislative Session, especially considering it was just a 30-day, budget session. Some of her big-ticket items were seemingly doomed from the star...2022-02-191h 15
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)The Governor’s Push for Hydrogen & Tax Laws Explained | 1.31.22Lawmakers are considering new legislation that would put New Mexico on a pathway to become a leader in hydrogen energy production. But is there enough science to merit such an investment? Our Line Opinion panelists explore the unknowns of the controversial energy source, and weigh the potential economic consequences for New Mexico if lawmakers hesitate on taking the lead.
Gene Grant sits down with tax expert Richard Anklam to dig through the tax cuts being weighed in the legislature. Are these reforms thorough enough to make a difference for New Mexican families and businesses? Plus, are there...2022-01-3135 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep.4: A Deep Dive into DASOAmid rising tensions between Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart and County Manager Fernando Macias, the sheriff is now facing an employment discrimination complaint by one of her sergeants who claims he was wrongfully denied a promotion and a code of conduct complaint related to the same incident.DASO Sgt. Eric Flores was told he was the third top-scoring candidate in a process to select three new DASO lieutenants last summer, but he didn't get the job.Who gets promoted, and by whom, within the ranks of county law enforcement has left in limbo o...2022-01-2930 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Voting Reform Proposals In Depth | 1.28.22Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks one-on-one with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver about a set of new voting reforms moving through the legislature. The proposed changes are aimed at expanding access and participation in our elections. The Secretary also touches on a recent survey measuring voter confidence in our electoral system.
The Line Opinion panel reacts to our interview with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and weighs in on the proposed voting reforms introduced to the legislature. Our panelists debate the merits of the proposals to remove barriers to absentee voting, extend opportunities for early voting...2022-01-2938 minThe Reporter's Notebook from The Las Cruces Sun-NewsThe Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 2: The McHard ReportIt’s been more than a year since a scathing report was released to the public detailing $1.7 million in mishandled public money within Visit Las Cruces, the city's convention and visitors bureau.A year later, the city pointed to a number of organizational changes inspired by the report, but admitted it was not following all of the investigators' recommendations.We're joined by Las Cruces Sun-News reporters Algernon D'Ammassa and Michel McDevitt for a closer look.2022-01-1627 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Top Ten Stories of 2021 Part 2 | 12.31.21This week on New Mexico in Focus, we wrap up our annual countdown of the top 10 stories of the year that was. We're joined once again by a special Line opinion panel of journalists from across the state as they offer thoughts and reflections on these defining moments. This week it’s stories #5-#1.
The Line opinion panel:
Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter
Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun News
Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Bureau
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus2022-01-0156 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Top Ten Stories of 2021 Part 1 | 12.24.21This week on New Mexico in Focus, we bring back an annual tradition on the show, the countdown of the Top Ten stories of the year. A special Line opinion panel of journalists from across the state offers thoughts and reflections on these defining moments. This week it’s stories #10-#6.
The Line opinion panel:
Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter
Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun News
Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Bureau
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus2021-12-2550 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Election Preps and Unchecked COVID Spread | 10.30.20This week on New Mexico in Focus… NMiF producer Matt Grubs talks with reporters across the state to discuss important issues in their areas before the election. First up is Dan Boyd of the Albuquerque Journal, who assesses the general election chances of progressive Democratic senate candidates against Republican challengers, after the progressives ousted moderate members of their own party in the primaries. Several Republican senate seats in the Albuquerque area are also at risk, as Democratic challengers hope to turn the area blue.
Matt Grubs also does an election roundup with three other reporters. He speaks to H...2020-10-301h 34
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Reverend William Barber II, Birds Dying Mystery & Students Return to the ClassroomThis week on New Mexico in Focus: Correspondent and environmental journalist Laura Paskus follows up on a story by Algernon D’Ammassa of the Las Cruces Sun-News that reported people were finding dead migratory birds across the state of New Mexico. Paskus talks to New Mexico State University ornithologist Martha Desmond and Audubon New Mexico’s Jonathan Hayes to find out what might be causing the bird deaths.
Rev. William Barber II is the co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, an economic justice effort first envisioned by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s. Rev. Barber c...2020-09-191h 05
No More NormalCOVID-19 Response: The Balls That Got DroppedWe come back to life’s essentials like housing and education in episode 80, and the systemic problems that can easily slip past us if we’re not vigilant. As we continue to endure, it's easy to drop the ball on issues New Mexico has been battling for years. Today we hear from journalists from around the state on how the pandemic is affecting schools and teachers, the affordability of housing, and whether the corrections system is fulfilling its human rights obligations.
Longtime education reporter and KUNM News Director Hannah Colton tells us what public school days might look...2020-06-2528 min
No More NormalCOVID-19 Response: Faith in the SystemDo you have faith in the systems? How has government response to the pandemic eroded or reinforced that for you? It seemed important back in what we collectively refer to as “normal times.” But what have public officials done to instill our faith? In Episode 69, we talk about the long list of pre-pandemic ills that plague us during this plague. We talk with the secretary of state about what it takes for politicians to keep voters invested and journalists about why there is a lack of faith—and whether it can be restored.
Secretary of State Maggie Toulous...2020-05-3028 min
New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)Tribal Response to COVID-19, Southern NM Check-in & Hunting Changes at Bosque del ApacheThis week on New Mexico in Focus, correspondent Laura Paskus continues with her series of interviews with journalists around the state as they cover COVID-19 in their communities. Algernon D’Ammassa, a reporter with the Las Cruces Sun-News who lives in Deming, has been covering the pandemic crisis in Southern New Mexico.
Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with New Mexico’s Indian Affairs secretary and two tribal leaders about COVID-19 and Native communities. Tribes are working to slow the disease’s spread as state, national and congressional leaders are raising concerns about the devastating impact COVID-19 can have on tri...2020-04-2459 min
No More NormalCOVID-19 Response: Hospital ReadinessIn Episode 34, we discover how prepared hospitals and health care facilities in New Mexico really are. And we go all over the state for this one.
We hear from Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, who was on Let's Talk New Mexico this morning, about how things are looking in the southern part of the state. Reporter Algernon D'Ammassa from the Las Cruces Sun-News tells us about what questions journalists there are asking of their regional hospitals.
Dr. David Pitcher, executive physician for the UNM Health System answers questions about how well they're prepared and about a cr...2020-04-0358 min
No More NormalSouthern New Mexico and the Legislative SessionAlgernon D'Ammassa from the Las Cruces Sun News talks to me about the legislative issues that are resonating in the southern part of New Mexico. We talk about the hot button issues (recreational cannabis; the red flag law) but we also talk about the spaceport and its economic effects on the state.2020-02-0715 min