Speak Up Las Cruces — Audio Archive

Complete two-hour live broadcast, captured from KTAL's rolling on-demand archive (Spinitron) the same day it aired. The station hasn't yet posted the individual guest segments for this episode to their website — this is the whole show, uncut. Per-segment files will be added here when KTAL publishes them.

Peter Goodman and Jamie Bronstein opened with breaking news on a motion to reject Project Jupiter's air quality permit, after the state land commissioner denied a pipeline right-of-way the project depends on. Las Cruces Utilities' Stephen Perez joined to explain a paperwork error that delayed public notice of a coliform test violation, and confirmed the water itself tested safe on retest. The hosts also touched on the Michigan Senate primary and the controversy over repairs to the White House reflecting pool.

Doña Ana County Commission Chair Manny Sanchez fielded an hour of pointed questions on Project Jupiter, defending the commission's environmental review process while filmmaker and project opponent Annie Ersinghaus argued residents were shut out of a decision with major water and emissions consequences. Callers pressed Sanchez on last month's chaotic commission meeting, including the arrests of several attendees, and asked directly why he hasn't resigned as chair. Sanchez also addressed reports of canvassers using residents' identities without consent and said he supports an Attorney General investigation into the claims.

Peter Goodman and Nancy Baker opened the show with a recap of a chaotic Doña Ana County Commission meeting. They also weighed in on Washington news, from Dr. Fauci's tense Senate exchange with Rand Paul to questions surrounding Senator Mitch McConnell's health. The hosts closed with new reports of ICE detentions at airports and expanding phone searches at U.S. borders, noting that more travelers, journalists, and attorneys are resorting to burner phones before they fly.

Carol Brey, the city's Quality of Life director, and Sarah Booth, deputy director of the Las Cruces Public Libraries, talked about everything the library system offers beyond books, from maker spaces and a "library of things" to bilingual story times and record-breaking summer reading attendance. They also gave an early look at the bond issue on November's ballot, which would fund a major expansion of Branigan Library including a larger children's area and a café.

Director Josh Taulbee joined actors Edward Montes, A.J. Tumminaro, and Rachel Thomas-Chappell to preview Clown Bar, a comedic noir about ex-circus performers turned criminals investigating a murder at their old haunt. The cast talked about the show's mix of comedy and heavier themes, the nightly makeup routine for tech week, and the Black Box Theatre's new VIP seating right at the edge of the stage. Clown Bar opens Friday, July 31, and runs two weekends at the Black Box Theatre.

Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman opened the show ahead of KTAL's 9th anniversary celebration by reflecting on why community radio matters, especially as consolidation has hollowed out local voices elsewhere. That led into the day's biggest local story: the county commission's unanimous vote to terminate County Manager Scott Andrews without cause, following a state audit that found serious HR and retaliation problems. Live caller and County Commission Chair Manuel Sanchez joined to discuss the decision, the search for a replacement, the county's compliance with its Project Jupiter contract, and an ongoing Attorney General investigation into fraudulent public comments submitted in the project's favor. The hosts also touched on the BLM's push to open protected land near Chaco Canyon to mining, echoing concerns about the fate of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks.

Maria Flores, former Las Cruces Board of Education president and current Las Cruces Community Radio board member, joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to discuss her years of public service and her passion for community radio, particularly its Spanish-language programming. Flores highlighted shows like Línea Abierta, KTAL's bilingual call-in program, and Onda Tejana, and spoke about her own decades-long love of radio dating back to a childhood transistor radio in Los Angeles. The conversation also touched on the station's upcoming 9th anniversary celebration and her reflections on the toughest decisions she faced during 13 years on the school board.

City Councilors Johana Bencomo and Becky Corran joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to discuss their joint op-ed opposing Las Cruces's potential involvement in the Department of Justice's $300 million "Model Cities" initiative. The councilors warned that the cooperative agreement would embed federal oversight into local policing, promote weapons of war, and require cooperation with ICE. Citing nonpartisan guidance from the National League of Cities regarding long-term financial sustainability, they pointed to historical precedents—including Detroit's STRESS initiative and Los Angeles's CRASH program—as cautionary examples of federal law enforcement interventions that brutalized minority communities. During the open-line segment, callers raised sharp questions about Flock Condor surveillance cameras allegedly installed near public pools, university-level AI training for law enforcement, and whether a recent federal award presented to Police Chief Jeremy Story was intended to incentivize local participation in federal programs.

Carol McCall and David Tucker of the Mesilla Valley Film Society joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to preview August's lineup at the Fountain Theater, including Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 sci-fi classic Stalker , the Texas-set thriller Baltasar , Romanian drama Continental 25 , the Paul Rudd comedy Power Ballad , and an Israeli political satire. The guests discussed the theater's mission to fill niches that commercial multiplexes don't, its historic building and community atmosphere, and upcoming fall programming including a documentary on Trinity test downwinders and a science-and-film series on animal communication.

Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein opened with concerns that Trump's drastic cuts to Utah's Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments could foreshadow a renewed push to shrink the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, tying it to new BLM director Steve Pearce's longstanding opposition to the monument's designation. The conversation also touched on the closure of the 125-year-old Roswell Daily Record and the shrinking of local journalism in southern New Mexico, Todd Blanche's Senate confirmation hearing, and a mysterious cryptosporidium-like outbreak that has sickened thousands nationwide without an identified source.

Christine Barber and Amanda Lavin of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to discuss two local transparency lawsuits. In the county case, FOG is seeking Project Jupiter-related emails that officials claim are exempt as a 'tactical response plan' that could enable a terrorist attack, an exception Lavin called a clear misuse of the public records law. In the city case, FOG's investigation found that Las Cruces councilors were repeatedly blocked from discussing police oversight until a little-known Public Safety Select Committee weighed in first, a practice Barber said shows the committee functioned as an improper policymaking body in violation of the Open Meetings Act.

Norm Gaume, former Interstate Stream Commission director, joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to explain the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court's approval of a settlement ending a 13-year water dispute between New Mexico, Texas, and the federal government. Gaume explained that the deal will force major cutbacks in New Mexico groundwater use south of Elephant Butte Dam, since farmers in the Elephant Butte Irrigation District hold senior water rights that leave little left for the City of Las Cruces, NMSU, and other newer users during low-flow years. He estimated the state will need roughly $150 million to buy back water rights and predicted a prolonged, contentious negotiation over how the state meets its new obligations.

Musicians Clinton Wilcox, host of Christian Classics 101 , and Julian Medina, sound engineer for Local Vibes Live who performs solo as JETZERO, joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to preview KTAL's 9th anniversary celebration on July 25th at the Destination Sports and Arts Complex. The two discussed their own multi-instrumental musical backgrounds, reflected on the shifting growth of Las Cruces's independent live music scene, and previewed the lineup for the free community event. The celebration will feature sets by Wilcox, Medina, Alex Brinkley's band Desert Honey, headliners The Swampcoolers, transitions by DJ Wolfman Max, a quilt raffle, and the official induction of three new members into the Las Cruces Community Radio Hall of Fame.

Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman opened with a preview of KTAL's ninth anniversary celebration on July 25th, featuring local musicians and new inductees to the Community Radio Hall of Fame. The conversation then turned to Project Jupiter, including a legislator-led protest at La Llorona Park and allegations that paid canvassers used deceptive tactics to collect fraudulent public comments favoring the project. The hosts also covered a city survey targeting underused properties, growth and water scarcity concerns, and closed with national news on Mitch McConnell's health and the Graham Platner controversy.

Ali Scotten, a consultant who advises businesses on the Middle East, joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to discuss the collapsing US-Iran ceasefire and the risk of renewed escalation. Scotten argued the US is worse off than under the Obama-era nuclear deal, since Iran now has unaccounted-for enriched uranium and has discovered its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of world oil and gas passes. The conversation covered declining Iranian public support for the regime, the effect of decades of American rhetoric treating Iran as an existential threat, and a heated exchange with a caller over whether Iran should be understood as an irrational "death cult."

Las Cruces Symphony conductor Jorge Martinez and second flutist Jesús Cándela joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to preview the orchestra's upcoming season. The season opens with soprano Barbara Padilla, a former America's Got Talent runner-up, performing crossover opera and popular Latin music, and closes in April with a joint performance featuring the NMSU choir. Martinez and Cándela described their philosophy of empowering musicians rather than commanding them, and spoke candidly about the symphony's financial fragility since the pandemic, with ticket sales covering only about 30% of costs. Tickets are available at the Las Cruces Symphony website or by calling (575) 646-3709.

Kris Knutson, recently departed chief public defender turned private attorney, joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to discuss the severe understaffing crisis in New Mexico's public defender system. Knutson explained that Doña Ana County felony attorneys often carry caseloads near 200, when a statewide workload study found the office would need roughly double its current 15 attorneys to provide adequate defense. He discussed the human toll of pretrial detention on low-income defendants, chronic under-vetting of cases by the District Attorney's office, and a persistent pay disparity between New Mexico public defenders and their counterparts in other states.

Peter Goodman and Nancy Baker spent the segment on Watergate as a lens for the current moment. Nancy, who was an undergrad in journalism when it broke and later worked as a reporter, walked through how a bungled break-in led to Nixon's resignation in August 1974, and argued that Ford's pardon taught the GOP crime is survivable. Now JD Vance calls it no big deal. That led into Trump's newest financial disclosure: over $2 billion in personal income this year, mostly crypto and UAE/Saudi real estate deals. Peter and Nancy called it grift with the mask off. They also covered fixes for partisanship (ranked choice voting, killing the Electoral College) and New Mexico politics: the vacant lieutenant governorship, plus the state GOP's own treasurer sitting in jail after a fatal hit-and-run. They closed wondering if partisanship has drained the enthusiasm out of this year's 250th anniversary, compared to the real celebration in 1976.

Drs. John Andazola of La Clínica de Familia and Dolores Gomez, board chair of the New Mexico Primary Care Training Consortium (NMPCTC), joined Peter Goodman and Nancy Baker to discuss the vital role of primary care and medical residencies. The central public policy argument is that where doctors train is where they ultimately practice, with family medicine residency programs retaining up to 70% of graduates in their local communities. Las Cruces's own Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program, established in 1996, has graduated 164 residents, with 90 staying in New Mexico and 35 currently practicing in Las Cruces across ERs, clinics, and hospitals. The conversation also highlighted national underinvestment in primary care, which receives just five cents of every healthcare dollar, and celebrated New Mexico's recent $24 million legislative commitment to funding graduate medical education. Both guests advocated for family medicine as the foundation of community health, emphasizing that 'upstream' preventive medicine dramatically reduces the expensive 'downstream' costs of hospital-based care.

Jerome Davis, host of KTAL's Return of Son of Incoherent Ramblings , joined Peter Goodman and Nancy Baker to talk about his show, his radio career, and the state of American race relations. Davis, who got his first radio job in Pensacola in 1974 and worked for the NPR outlet in Colorado Springs before landing in Las Cruces by way of a post office job, described his show as a mix of music you won't hear elsewhere - Lowell Fulson, Dexter Gordon, Paul Robeson - and frank conversation about race, history, and politics. The discussion ranged from the willful forgetting of Reconstruction to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Confederacy, the shifting definition of racism across generations, and Carter G. Woodson's hope that Black History Month would eventually make itself unnecessary by being absorbed into an honest telling of American history.

Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story, citizen activist Derek Pacheco, and Flock Safety representative Paris Lewbel joined Peter Goodman and Nancy Baker for a conversation about the city's automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Story and LaBelo made the case for the technology's immense investigative value, citing a 2021 kidnapping/assault arrest and a road rage shooting conviction made possible by specific vehicle leads. They highlighted unalterable audit trails, case-number requirements for searches, and New Mexico's newly enacted Senate Bill 40 as robust safeguards against local law enforcement misuse. Pacheco strongly pushed back, arguing that mass dragnet surveillance is inherently unconstitutional regardless of internal rules, pointing out that citizens cannot 'opt out' of public tracking. He further warned of broader geopolitical vulnerabilities, noting that state-level data can be weaponized or leaked, citing Israel's use of Iranian surveillance infrastructure. The debate also covered the community mapping network DeFlock, the strict legal boundaries preventing data sharing with federal immigration agencies, and the hypothetical risk of a less scrupulous administration utilizing the 43 local cameras against journalists or political dissidents.

Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened their news discussion with breaking news of a federal lawsuit filed against Doña Ana County, which they suspected to be immigration-related. The conversation then segued into Doña Ana County's ongoing governance problems surrounding Project Jupiter, highlighting the Foundation for Open Government's open records complaint and questioning whether the county commission is receiving or following sound legal advice. After touching on Maggie Toulouse Oliver's campaign withdrawal and the end of Ken Miyagashima's independent gubernatorial bid, the co-hosts turned to national affairs. They critiqued the current administration's handling of Iran and discussed the Senate's passage of a largely symbolic war powers resolution. The segment closed with a preview of KTAL's upcoming ninth anniversary celebration on July 26th at the Destination Sports and Arts Complex.

John Hunter of the Doña Ana County Historical Society and Travis Brown, director of the Southern New Mexico State Fair, joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to preview the county's celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, running June 30 through July 2 at the Doña Ana County Fairgrounds. Brown described a community festival open daily at 4 p.m., with a drone show nightly at 9:30 p.m. Hunter outlined the Historical Society's interactive activities, including a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and a living history performances drawing on Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine. The conversation also touched on the history of the Declaration, the origins of adobe construction, and the ongoing struggle to preserve historic buildings in Las Cruces. The fairgrounds are about 12 miles west of Las Cruces off the airport exit.

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker opened the show with an analysis of a surreal, pay-per-view UFC cage-fighting spectacle hosted on the White House South Lawn to mark Donald Trump's 80th birthday.. The conversation then turned to the Iran negotiations, with both hosts arguing that what the U.S. has effectively negotiated is a capitulation. The segment closed with a critique of global wealth inequality, citing economist Paul Krugman’s recent characterization of Elon Musk as a "human Ponzi scheme" after Musk was declared the world's first trillionaire.

Dr. Shirlee Cohen, interim president of the Black Nurses Association of New Mexico and El Paso, joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss the organization's community work and the worsening opioid crisis. After a period of progress driven by wider Narcan availability, the crisis has intensified as drug manufacturers have introduced fentanyl variants resistant to the reversal drug. In response, the BNA secured a state grant through Doña Ana County to launch self-sustaining hands-on community training programs. Cohen also raised concerns about the federal government's decision to strip nursing of its professional designation, which threatens graduate loan funding in a state already facing severe nursing shortages.

Jody Young, manager of the Doña Ana County International Jetport in Santa Teresa, joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to preview an upcoming public open house on the airport's updated master plan, to be held Tuesday, June 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the War Eagles Air Museum. Young described the jetport's mix of tenants and and discussed the airport's goals of breaking into the cargo market. He noted that the jetport has been self-funded from operations for over a decade and stressed the importance of developing the next generation of aviation workers and pilots.

Doña Ana County NAACP President Dr. Bobbie Green joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to preview a packed week of Juneteenth events in Las Cruces, culminating in the Juneteenth 2026 Freedom Banquet on Saturday, June 21 at the Las Cruces Convention Center. The keynote speaker is Gene Grant, a playwright, former 20-year PBS host, and executive director of the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, the only state-funded office of its kind in the nation. Dr. Green reflected on the meaning of Juneteenth as a celebration of true freedom finally extended to all, and on the responsibility that comes with it — including the duty to vote, the power of the Black dollar, and the NAACP's ongoing legal battles against gerrymandering and the DEI ban. Tickets for the banquet are available at the Doña Ana County NAACP website .

Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with a discussion of the previous day's Doña Ana County Commission meeting on Project Jupiter, where four hours of public comment reflected widespread frustration over a bait-and-switch in which a promised open town hall was replaced with a company-run open house and job fair near the construction site. A live caller, Derek Pacheco, described being unlawfully trespassed from the county building for the second time while peacefully documenting the proceedings with a camera, and Peter urged any attorney listening to take up his case. The conversation also touched on the PRC's rejection of Blackstone's bid to acquire PNM, and the national controversy surrounding Maine congressional candidate Graham Platner.

Adam Amador, principal of Alma d'Arte Charter School, joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to discuss race, ethnicity, and community representation in the context of the Project Jupiter debate. Amador argued that while environmental concerns about the data center are legitimate, the conversation has largely overlooked the colonias, the unincorporated communities south of Las Cruces where predominantly Spanish-speaking, low-income residents live without basic infrastructure and stand to be most directly affected. The conversation ranged from the history of institutional racism in New Mexico schools and courts to the question of how to separate race from class, with Amador offering to return for a deeper discussion of that topic.

Mike O'Leary and Brian Cox, co-hosts of the Mesilla Valley Sports Show on KTAL-LP, joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to discuss their show, their backgrounds in local sports, and their philosophy of community radio. O'Leary, a retired athletic trainer with more than 50 years in sports, and Cox, a former NMSU walk-on receiver and longtime Las Cruces booster, reflected on memorable guests — including Mary Henson and athletes whose personal stories went well beyond sports — and on their shared belief that local radio should shine a light on people who rarely get a platform. The conversation ranged from the decline of the Mayfield-Las Cruces football rivalry after the opening of a fourth high school, to the evolution of athletic training as a profession, to the specialization of youth athletes at ever-younger ages.

Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with a rundown of Tuesday's primary results. The conversation also touched on the recent Doña Ana County audit, with Peter and Walt offering notably different readings of its findings regarding Sheriff Kim Stewart's tenure. The segment closed with a shoutout to the LC Rocks Fest, which raised over $2,000 for KTAL.

Father Tom Smith joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel for a farewell conversation ahead of his return to Indiana. Father Tom described the retreat center's mission of providing quiet, restorative space for groups and individuals seeking spiritual renewal. Father Tom also spoke about the newly elected Chicago-born Pope, the role of faith during politically divisive times, and what drew him to the Franciscan order at age 14. He will be succeeded as director by Brother Joseph Bach. The Holy Cross Retreat Center is holding a farewell mass for Father Tom on Sunday, June 7 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception.

County Clerk Amanda Lopez Askin, County Commission District 1 Democratic primary winner Daisy Maldonado, and conservative commentator Juan Garcia joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel for a post-primary roundtable covering election results, voter turnout, and the county audit. Lopez Askin, who won the Democratic primary for New Mexico Secretary of State, spoke about building relationships over eight years of advocacy for voting rights across the state. Maldonado reflected on her grassroots door-knocking campaign and the role Project Jupiter played as a decisive issue for many voters in her district. The conversation ranged from low primary turnout and voter apathy to a lively exchange over voter ID requirements and the SAVE Act. Garcia closed by urging candidates to represent all constituents regardless of party, while Maldonado and Lopez Askin both offered thanks to their supporters.

Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein opened the show by celebrating the debut of KTAL's new soundboard before diving into local and national news. The main local topic focused on a special state audit of Doña Ana County revealing systematic governance and operational issues, including poor inter-departmental communication, slow hiring, and high employee turnover. The conversation then turned to national topics including the ongoing Iran war and the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff won by Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn and how Democratic nominee James Talarico might fare in the general election. The segment closed with a reminder to vote in the upcoming New Mexico primary, with the hosts highlighting the county sheriff's race and the House District 33 primary battle between Micaela Cadena and Ramona Martinez

Matt Dodson, an Air Force veteran, business owner, and self-described Democratic Socialist from Farmington, joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to discuss his primary challenge to incumbent Senator Ben Ray Luján. Dodson, who refuses corporate or PAC donations, outlined a platform centered on universal health care, free college tuition, higher taxes on the wealthy, removing money from politics, and reforming the Supreme Court. His judicial reform strategy includes requiring a unanimous Supreme Court decision to strike down federal laws, which Congress could subsequently override via a two-thirds supermajority vote. He sharply criticized Luján's record, targeting his acceptance of corporate campaign contributions and refusal to label the military action in Gaza as a genocide. Additionally, Dodson introduced an unconventional "51-51 rule," stipulating that a legislative majority must also represent at least 51% of the total U.S. population. Acknowledging his campaign's underdog status, Dodson argued that pervasive voter frustration with the Democratic establishment provides him a viable path. More details are available at mattdodsonfornm.com .

NMSU astronomy professor Dr. Chris Churchill returned for a second conversation, covering space law, the global space race, and the future of human spaceflight. Churchill opened with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and why he fears its prohibition on territorial ownership will prove as unenforceable as historical colonial precedents suggest. On the current space race, he argued that China is outstripping the United States in lunar exploration and predicted China will likely land its taikonauts on the moon before NASA returns American astronauts, noting that the U.S. plan relies on an unproven sequence of ten Starship refueling launches in orbit. The conversation also touched on the U.S. Space Force, the prospects for extraterrestrial life, and serious scientific work on warp drives. Churchill highlighted a lab experiment that produced a micro-warp field, noting that the underlying mathematics for faster-than-light travel have already been worked out. He closed by drawing a parallel to Michael Faraday's first tiny, primitive electric motor to illustrate how microscopic laboratory breakthroughs can ultimately revolutionize human technology.

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker opened the show with a lengthy discussion of the Justice Department's creation of a $1.776 billion fund to settle Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax records, with no transparency over who receives the money or why, including the possibility that January 6th rioters could file claims. The conversation then shifted to the long-term economic impact of AI on the workforce, drawing on a Guardian article by labor journalist Steven Greenhouse proposing responses including universal health care, wage insurance for displaced workers, a public works program, a shorter work week, and a universal basic capital stake in AI companies. Both hosts connected the coming AI disruption to current debates over SNAP benefits and the persistent failure of both parties to adequately address the economic anxieties of the working and lower middle class. The segment closed with a caller flagging a city general obligation bond on the upcoming ballot and a reminder to vote in the primary, with early polling already underway ahead of the June 2nd election date.

Seven Las Cruces High School FFA Ag Issues team members joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker for a scripted debate, performed in character, about the impact of AI data centers like Project Jupiter on agriculture in southern New Mexico. The debate was followed by a candid conversation with Walt and Nancy about the students' own views - most said that while they weren't opposed to AI generally, they had serious concerns about locating a data center in a drought-stricken region that already can't meet its agricultural water needs.

Cheryl Fallstead, organizer of the Las Cruces Ukes Fest, and Bob Hull, the club's chief musical officer, joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to preview the eighth annual festival, running May 29 through 31 at the Corbett Center with a public concert Friday evening at the Atkinson Recital Hall. Fallstead and Hull described the festival as a welcoming weekend of workshops, open mic sessions, jam sessions, and a ukulele swap meet. The conversation touched on what makes the ukulele so accessible and social compared to other instruments, the origin story of the Las Cruces Ukes club, and the theme for this year's festival: Strumming Without Borders. More information and registration are available at lascrucesukefest.com , and the club welcomes new members every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Las Cruces Village.

Olivia Kirkpatrick, Lanny Bradley, and Cristi Thomas of Parks For All LC joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss their grassroots campaign to bring Las Cruces its first fully inclusive, all-abilities park. The group, which formed just two and a half months ago, described a community where nearly 18,000 residents live with a disability - and where no park exists that allows people with mobility, sensory, or vision limitations to participate alongside their families. The group described their vision for a park built around dignity and participation - with zoned challenge areas, sensory spaces, full shade coverage, smooth transitions for wheelchair users, and accessible restrooms with adult changing tables. A caller encouraged them to engage with the city Parks and Recreation Board and suggested starting with smaller micro-accessibility improvements across existing parks as a pathway to a dedicated facility. The group acknowledged the long road ahead but said they are committed to seeing it through.

Peter Goodman and Jamie Bronstein opened the show with a discussion of the Supreme Court's ruling effectively ending federal Voting Rights Act protections, and what it means for redistricting — including Texas, where roughly 40-45% of voters are Democratic but about 80% of congressional seats are Republican. Peter then raised a significant legal question about the county assessor's race: whether Shannon Reynolds, who resigned near the end of his second term on the County Commission, is legally eligible to serve as assessor under a New Mexico Supreme Court precedent from 1984. The conversation also touched on the backgrounds of the three assessor candidates and the mixed assessments Peter has heard of incumbent Eugenia Montoya Ortega's tenure. The segment closed with an unexpected live call from Montoya Ortega herself, who pushed back on criticism of her performance and invited her detractors to face her publicly.

NMSU President Valerio Ferme joined Peter Goodman and Jamie Bronstein for a conversation covering his first year and a half leading the university. Ferme described his strategic focus on improving graduation rates as both an ethical obligation to students and a financial necessity, since tuition revenue from retained students helps fund research and public service. The conversation touched on faculty retention and salary challenges, the decline in international student enrollment in the current political climate, and NMSU's relatively limited engagement with Project Jupiter despite the university's water and engineering expertise. Ferme also spoke about the value of the arts at a land grant institution and the possibility of consolidating NMSU's scattered arts departments into a single school. He closed by noting that one of the biggest adjustments from his previous positions has been the sheer amount of time New Mexico university presidents must spend engaging the state legislature in Santa Fe.

Incumbent State Representative Micaela Lara Cadena and challenger Ramona Martinez joined Peter Goodman and Jamie Bronstein for a House District 33 Democratic primary forum. Martinez, an attorney with a background in state government and criminal defense, focused on infrastructure, health care access, and public safety. Cadena highlighted her capital outlay work in the district's historical communities and her role in redirecting the state gas tax toward road repair. Project Jupiter dominated the second half — both candidates said they would support returning the project to Energy Transition Act requirements, and Cadena linked the fast-tracking of the gas pipeline to Project Jupiter's role in the Trump administration's Stargate AI initiative. The segment closed with a sharp exchange over oil and gas funding and independent expenditures by a Jupiter lobbyist.

The primary elections, the "disastrous" state of the transfer portal in collegiate athletics, and traffic etiquette at local intersections were among the key topics discussed by Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel in the opening segment of Speak Up Las Cruces .

Democratic candidates for Doña Ana County Sheriff joined Speak Up Las Cruces for a  forum on public safety, leadership, transparency, and the future of the sheriff’s department. Candidates discussed their professional backgrounds in local, state, federal, and military law enforcement, along with differing views on the performance of the current administration and the relationship between the sheriff’s office and county government.

Republican candidates for Doña Ana County Sheriff joined Speak Up Las Cruces for a forum on leadership, transparency, public safety, and the future direction of the sheriff’s department. Candidates discussed their backgrounds in local, state, military, and federal law enforcement while outlining different approaches to accountability, officer wellness, recruitment, training, and community trust.

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker opened the show with thanks to listeners who supported KTAL during the Community Foundation's Giving Day before turning to a packed news discussion. They extensively criticized the Justice Department’s second indictment of James Comey, labeling it a dangerous weaponization of law against political rivals. The discussion broadened to include the longest government shutdown in history, high gas prices fueled by the Iran war, and the FCC’s expedited license review for ABC following a Jimmy Kimmel joke. Locally, the hosts examined the gubernatorial primary between Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman, and the New Mexico Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate Rebecca Dow to the ballot. Finally, they addressed the challenge voters face in choosing among judicial candidates who are ethically constrained from discussing their positions.

​Angela Rowe Garcia and Daisy Maldonado joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker for a candidate forum on the Doña Ana County Commission District 1 Democratic primary. Rowe Garcia, CEO of the Toy Box Early Learning Centers, emphasized economic development, small business support, and youth safety, drawing on her decade of advocacy in early childhood education. Maldonado, a community organizer with experience working in colonia communities, focused on economic mobility, creating a county economic development strategy, and strengthening the relationship between county government and state agencies. Both candidates addressed Project Jupiter, expressing concerns about accountability and the county's track record with private entities, and both weighed in on Memorial Medical Center's breach of its indigent care contract, calling for stronger enforcement and oversight. The winner of the June 2 primary will face Republican Samantha Barncastle Salopek in the general election.

Mariel Nanasi of New Energy Economy and rate case expert Rocky Bacchus joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss El Paso Electric's proposed 73% rate increase, which could push average residential bills from around $240 to over $400 a month this summer. Bacchus, who has been involved in previous El Paso Electric rate cases, argued that many of the utility's capital expenditures are unjustified and that professional expert testimony before the Public Regulation Commission is urgently needed. The conversation also touched on Project Jupiter's switch from gas turbines to Bloom Energy fuel cells, which both guests acknowledged as an improvement driven by public pressure but still falling short of a fully renewable solar-and-battery solution. Both called on the city, county, and state legislature to take a more active role in ratepayer advocacy, including creating a PACE zone to help homeowners go solar.

Incumbent County Assessor Eugenia "Gina" Montoya Ortega and challenger Shannon Reynolds joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker for a candidate forum on the Doña Ana County Assessor Democratic primary. Montoya Ortega, who is seeking a second term, described her work to correct long-standing inequities in how properties are valued across the county and her ongoing effort to complete a countywide reappraisal project - a statutory obligation she said has been complicated by staffing shortages and friction with the County Commission over funding. Reynolds, a former County Commissioner who resigned to qualify for this race, argued the assessor's office could play a broader role in addressing affordable housing and business recruitment through tax assessment policy, and proposed phased increases for commercial property reassessments similar to the 3% cap that protects residential homeowners. Montoya Ortega pushed back, arguing that commercial property assessment operates very differently from residential and that a cap on commercial values would hurt the state's tax base. (Rubén Reyes, a third candidate, will appear on a future episode.)

Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein opened the show with a run-through of local and national topics. Locally, they covered the New Mexico Supreme Court's reinstatement of Rebecca Dow to the House District 38 ballot after her removal over a petition filing dispute, the Las Cruces city budget shortfall of up to $15.8 million discovered by a new finance director, and the school board's 5-0 vote to rename Cesar Chavez Elementary. The conversation also touched on the ongoing U.S. military involvement in Iran and the economic consequences of the Strait of Hormuz disruption, including rising fuel costs and potential impacts on the upcoming World Cup and Olympics. The segment closed with a call from the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico promoting Giving Day , an online fundraising event running through Friday, with KTAL participating and seeking to reach a $2,500 goal.

NMSU English professor Michelle Granger joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to discuss the inaugural meeting of Higher Education Labor United, a new statewide coalition bringing together faculty, adjunct, and staff unions from across New Mexico's higher education institutions. Granger explained that the coalition's first priority is winning the 80-20 health care premium split that other state employees now receive but higher ed workers do not, with NMSU faculty currently paying as much as 40% of their premiums. She also discussed the NMSU faculty union's ongoing contract negotiations, the challenge of retaining faculty who leave for better pay elsewhere despite NMSU's growing enrollment, and federal cuts to university research funding. The conversation also touched on AI in the classroom, the impacts of NIL on college athletics, and the role of higher education in New Mexico's economic development.

Incumbent Rep. Ray Lara and challenger Juan Fuentes joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein for the first candidate forum of the 2026 primary season, discussing the issues facing House District 34, which spans Santa Teresa, Sunland Park, Chamberino, La Mesa, and a large rural agricultural area along the southern border. Both candidates focused heavily on the arsenic contamination in the area's drinking water, economic development and job creation relative to the booming Texas side of the border, and the challenge of accessing health care in a region where many residents rely on El Paso facilities. Lara, who chairs the House Democratic caucus and is seeking a fifth term, emphasized his record of capital investments and legislative work on behalf of the district. Fuentes, a lifelong Sunland Park resident with nearly 30 years of experience in local government, argued the district needs stronger advocacy for infrastructure and economic opportunity. The winner of the June 2 primary will run uncontested in the general election.

Theater educator Terry Davis and NMSU theater student Sean Miller joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to discuss New Mexico high school musical theater and the upcoming Enchantment Awards, which adjudicate high school musical productions across the state. Davis, who helped build the program from its founding in 2016, explained how the awards connect New Mexico students to the Jimmy Awards, the Broadway League's national high school musical theater competition in New York. Miller, an Organ Mountain High graduate and Enchantment Award winner, spoke about his path to studying theater at NMSU and his professional aspirations. Tickets for the 2026 Enchantment Awards, to be held May 3rd at Popejoy Hall on the UNM campus, are available at enchantmentawards.org.

New Mexico State Climatologist Dave DuBois joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to preview the Earth Day Celebration at Young Park on April 18 and discuss the state of the climate, drought, and shifting public attitudes toward climate change. Investigative journalist Heath Haussamen joined by phone to report on new revelations about Project Jupiter's water use — that the data center may consume far more water than the county was told when it approved the project last fall — prompting the County Commission to pass a resolution directing staff to investigate whether the project is in compliance with its legal agreements. DuBois added that Project Jupiter's gas turbines could produce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to roughly three million automobiles, directly undermining the state's clean energy goals.

Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein opened the show with several local and national topics. On the local front, they discussed new reporting revealing that Project Jupiter's water usage projections have grown dramatically, from roughly 80,000 gallons annually to 325 million gallons per year for cooling its gas generators, along with concerns about 14 million tons of annual air emissions from planned smokestacks. Walt noted that El Paso Electric is seeking a 73% rate increase, with a public meeting scheduled that afternoon at Branigan Library. Mary Martinez White called in to highlighted a new exhibit at the Albuquerque National Hispanic Cultural Center on New Mexico's nuclear history, connecting it to ongoing concerns about the state becoming a destination for environmentally risky projects. The segment closed with discussion of the announced ceasefire in Iran, which both hosts viewed as a costly and humiliating end to an unnecessary conflict, with significant uncertainty about whether it would hold.

Early childhood education professionals Valeria Holloway and MJ Lord joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to discuss New Mexico's new universal child care legislation and what it means in practice for providers and families. Holloway, who has run a home daycare for 24 years, and Lord, a teaching assistant at a preschool in Albuquerque, explained that the program covers children from birth to age 12 at licensed home daycares and centers, with new funding tied to a minimum wage floor of $18 per hour for child care workers. Both guests emphasized that workforce shortages and waitlists remain a significant challenge, particularly in rural communities, and that the funding flowing in July will take time to translate into new capacity. The conversation also touched on the developmental benefits of early group care, the state's star rating system for providers, and the particular rewards of working with children who have special needs or developmental delays.

Ashley Echavarria, CEO of the Las Cruces Boys & Girls Club , joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to discuss the upcoming groundbreaking for the organization's new facility at the former Video Twin movie theater at 1005 El Paseo Road. The club, which has operated out of a building dating to the early 1900s and can currently serve only about 115 children a day, will move into a 30,000-square-foot space that includes a gymnasium, a teen wing, a performing arts center, a culinary arts kitchen, a STEM lab, and outdoor play space. Echavarria noted that Project Jupiter contributed $1.5 million toward the project, which is now estimated at $10 to $12 million with about $8.3 million raised to date. She also discussed plans to eventually license the new facility for universal child care so families can attend at no cost, and previewed the organization's annual Lou and Mary Henson Community Breakfast on May 14th, featuring NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens as keynote speaker.

Liz Bennett of Las Cruces for Palestine joined by phone to discuss Shutdown Drone Warfare Week of Action, a coalition effort bringing together groups including Veterans for Peace to protest the military's drone programs at Holloman. Bennett described the ethical concerns around drone warfare, including its role in the conflict in Gaza, the growing integration of AI into weapons systems, and the effort to encourage service members to consult their conscience when given unlawful orders. The conversation also touched on the week's upcoming events in Alamogordo, including a community gathering, a march, and a screening of a documentary by journalist Abby Martin on the environmental impact of the military industrial complex. More information is available at shutdowndronewarfare.org .

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker discussed recent news items, including the nationwide No Kings rallies, the Supreme Court's oral arguments on birthright citizenship and the constitutional questions surrounding Trump's executive order, the ongoing government shutdown and congressional dysfunction, and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez's $375 million verdict against Meta for exposing minors to sexual content online.

NMSU astronomy professor Dr. Chris Churchill joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss his upcoming Academy for Learning in Retirement presentation and the state of modern astronomy. Churchill explained how quasars, supermassive black holes at the centers of distant galaxies, act as cosmic lighthouses whose ancient light beams encode billions of years of the universe's history in a single spectrum. He traced how dramatically the field has changed since he entered it in the 1990s, from the discovery of dark energy to the James Webb Space Telescope pushing observations back to when the universe was only a few hundred million years old. The conversation also touched on the Artemis 2 lunar mission, scheduled to launch that same afternoon, and broader questions about human spaceflight, Mars colonization, and the mixed promise of commercial space ventures.

NMSU film students Angie Ornelas, John Hernandez, and Barrow joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to preview the Las Cruces International Film Festival, running April 8 through 12. The students, all volunteers helping produce what is believed to be the largest student-run film festival in the country, described a packed schedule of 158 films from around the world, workshops on stunt choreography and horror filmmaking, and a screenwriting panel featuring director and screenwriter Shane Black. Notable guests include actor Michael Rooker, known for Guardians of the Galaxy , whose film will be screened during the festival, and actor-director Steve Zahn, whose psychological horror film She Dances will have its world premiere as the opening night feature. The conversation also touched on the growing film industry in southern New Mexico and the students' own aspirations to build careers without leaving the region.

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker used the final segment to preview the upcoming New Mexico primary elections, with a focus on Doña Ana County races. The most crowded contest is the sheriff's race, with seven Democrats and four Republicans vying for the seat being vacated by Kim Stewart after two terms. The conversation also covered several competitive state house primaries in the area, the gubernatorial race on both sides, and a significant change to New Mexico election law allowing independent voters to participate in primary elections for the first time.

Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein opened the show with a discussion of two major local stories — the city and county's legal action against LifePoint Health over alleged breaches of its contract to operate Memorial Medical Center, including failures to serve indigent patients and reinvest in the physical plant, and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez's successful $375 million lawsuit against Meta over harm to children. The conversation then turned to national issues, including the ongoing U.S. military involvement in Iran, the lack of a clear endgame, and the controversy over renaming Cesar Chavez Elementary School and what it means to contextualize complicated historical figures.

Dylan McDonald of the NMSU Library and Jessica Onsurez, news director for the Las Cruces Sun-News, joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to preview this year's Sunshine Week panel at NMSU, titled When Juvie Fails: Problems with New Mexico's Legal Code and Practice . McDonald explained that the annual event, co-hosted by the library for over a decade, uses New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act and the Open Meetings Act as a lens for examining how government transparency works in practice. This year's panel focuses on juvenile crime in the wake of the Young Park shooting, with participants including Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Storey, former state representative Bill McCamley, and an NMSU criminal justice professor.

Meghann O'Leary and Vesper Moore of Kiva Centers joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to discuss Soteria Las Cruces, a new community-based residential alternative to psychiatric hospitalization opening in Las Cruces. Funded through HB 87 and housed in a five-bedroom home on Twilight Ridgeway, Soteria accepts up to five guests at a time who are experiencing psychosis or altered states, offering a home-like environment staffed primarily by certified peer support workers — people with their own lived experience of mental health crisis. O'Leary and Moore described the model's emphasis on self-determination, relationship-building, and early intervention, noting that research shows an 84% improved wellness rate for people experiencing early psychosis when relationship-based support is provided. They also addressed the question of medication, explaining that Soteria supports guests' autonomy in working with psychiatrists to adjust or taper medications rather than requiring compliance. At roughly $100 per day compared to thousands for inpatient hospitalization, both guests argued the model is not only more effective but more sustainable and replicable.

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker opened the show with an extended discussion of the U.S. military involvement in Iran, focusing on the War Powers Act, its failure to meaningfully constrain presidential war-making since Vietnam, and what they described as an unprecedented bypassing of congressional notification and public justification. The conversation also touched on the SAVE Act and on New Mexico's upcoming primary filing season.

NMSU economics professor emeritus Jim Peach joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss the impact of the Iran war on global oil markets. Peach explained that while oil prices have risen significantly - from around $65 to around $100 per barrel - the disruption, though serious, is not unprecedented compared to the 1973 OPEC embargo or the 2008 price spike. He pushed back on the claim that the U.S. is energy independent, clarifying that despite producing 13.6 million barrels a day, the country still imports more crude than it exports. The conversation also touched on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, production cuts by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, and what higher energy prices mean for consumers and for New Mexico's state revenue.

Lance Robert, president of Celebration of Our Mountains, joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss the El Paso-based outdoor education organization that leads geology-focused hikes, rockhounding trips, night desert explorations, and other outdoor events — primarily on New Mexico's abundant public lands. Robert, a retired geologist who first found the group while working in Las Cruces in 2000, described how the organization aims to go beyond simple hiking by bringing knowledgeable leaders who educate participants about the science behind what they're seeing. The conversation touched on the remarkable geological diversity of the region, from ancient seabeds to volcanoes within a half-hour's drive, and on upcoming spring events open to all ages and fitness levels

Author Rudy Apodaca joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss his latest historical novel, A Life Uninvited , which follows a young New Mexico National Guardsman taken prisoner by Japanese forces in the Philippines during World War II. Apodaca, a former court of appeals judge on his fifth novel, explained that while the book is fiction, it is grounded in research and interviews he conducted with actual POW survivors in 2001 and 2002. The conversation touched on the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range - which serves as the novel's prologue setting - and on the book's broader themes of fear, memory, and resilience. Apodaca was scheduled to appear at the Remember Bataan Foundation booth at White Sands on Friday and sign books at COAS Books on North Main in Las Cruces on Saturday, March 21st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nina Quintana, New Mexico state manager for the Save the Children Action Network, joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss the landmark legislation making New Mexico the first state in the nation to offer universal child care for all residents. Quintana explained that the bill codifies and expands the state's existing child care assistance program, funded through the Early Childhood Trust Fund — a $320 million investment made in 2019 by Governor Lujan Grisham that has grown to $11 billion. The conversation touched on how families can access the program, the challenge of expanding capacity in a state with a shortage of licensed providers, and efforts to raise wages for child care workers through a new career ladder program. Quintana noted that New Mexico is already fielding interest from other states and sees the legislation as both a milestone and the beginning of a broader national shift toward treating child care as a public good.

Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with news that co-host Daisy Maldonado is taking a leave of absence from Speak Up Las Cruces to run for Doña Ana County Commission District 1. The conversation then turned to national and international issues, including the ongoing U.S. military involvement in Iran, recent special election results in Georgia and New Hampshire, and the potential impact of the SAVE Act on voter eligibility.

Mark Vieth, a Christian and military veteran, and Jim Hoerst, an atheist, joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel for a lively debate about the proper relationship between religion and government in the United States. Vieth argued that Christian values provide a foundation for good governance and the conversation ranged from the Founders' intent on church-state separation to the rights of religious minorities, including a pointed exchange about Islam and whether it should be permitted to operate freely in America. Hoerst offered the counterpoint that religion, by claiming to speak for God, inevitably becomes a tool for imposing one group's will on others.

Mad Hatter Art Gallery owner Penny Peace and Patti Wojahn of the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to discuss Women's History Month and the ongoing challenges facing women artists. Penny described the gallery's current exhibit, She Creates , featuring eight women artists from the Las Cruces area, and noted that women's work has historically been misattributed to male mentors, fathers, or partners for centuries. The conversation also touched on the status of the Equal Rights Amendment and the SAVE Act's potential to disenfranchise women voters. The segment closed with details about a Women's History Month celebration co-sponsored by the League, the Doña Ana County NAACP, and the American Association of University Women — Sunday, March 15th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mad Hatter, 221 North Main Street.

Sheri Reinhart and Kelly Jo Waggoner of Indivisible Las Cruces joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to discuss the organization's origins, its approach to civic engagement, and the upcoming No Kings Rally 3 - scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, from 10 a.m. to noon at Albert Johnson Park. The guests described how the Las Cruces chapter has grown steadily, from roughly 1,500 attendees at the first No Kings Rally to nearly 3,000 at the second, and emphasized that the movement is intentionally peaceful and community-centered. The conversation also touched on how Indivisible operates and its relationship with the national organization, which provides training and grant support while leaving local chapters autonomous.

Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with a longer-than-usual discussion of national and international news, focusing on the U.S. military strike on Iran and the debate over congressional war powers, and a pair of closely watched Texas primary races.

UNM research professor Dr. David Lightfoot and Ph.D. candidate Simon Doneski joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to discuss the alarming decline of insect populations in New Mexico and across North America. They explained how climate-driven warming and drying is hitting the Southwest particularly hard, noting that the region has lost an estimated 54% of butterfly abundance over the past 20 years. The conversation also touched on Senate Bill 5, which for the first time allows the newly renamed Department of Wildlife to recognize insects as wildlife rather than pests, and on practical steps residents can take, including planting native species like milkweed and chamisa to support pollinators.

State Representative Angelica Rubio joined Speak Up Las Cruces to discuss one of the most consequential outcomes of the recent 30-day legislative session: a constitutional amendment that would allow New Mexico legislators to receive a salary, subject to voter approval in November. Rubio reflected on her decade-long effort to modernize the unpaid, part-time legislature and argued that compensation would broaden access to public service and strengthen democratic accountability.

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker opened the show with a rundown of highlights from the recently concluded legislative session. In national politics, the hosts discussed the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling against the administration's broad tariff authority and the Justice Department's pattern of ignoring or delaying compliance with court orders in immigration detention cases.

Debbi Moore, president and CEO of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss her upcoming retirement after nearly 10 years leading the organization. Moore reflected on her nearly 40-year career in chamber work, saying her true legacy lies not in any single project but in the leadership development programs she has championed across multiple communities. The conversation touched on her role in building collaborative relationships among the city's three chambers after a period of division, the restoration of the historic Armijo House, and her view that the Chamber's core value is giving small local businesses a voice at the table.

State Representatives Doreen Gallegos and Sarah Silva joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss the dramatic final days of New Mexico's long-sought medical malpractice reform legislation. Gallegos, who has championed the issue for five years, described a tense endgame in which four potentially crippling amendments had to be stripped out before the bill cleared the Senate - ultimately passing by overwhelming margins in both chambers. The conversation also touched on the legislature's broader efforts to insulate New Mexicans from federal funding uncertainty, a constitutional amendment on the November ballot to create a paid professional legislature, and the state's oversight role as Project Jupiter moves forward.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with an update on the final hours of the New Mexico legislative session, focusing on amendments to the medical malpractice bill and questions surrounding conflicts of interest in the Legislature. In the second half of the segment, the hosts debated a recent police shooting outside a Las Cruces Walmart, examining the use of off-duty officers for private security, the role of deadly force in property crimes, and the broader systemic issues surrounding crime and public safety.

Las Cruces City Councilmember and columnist Cassie McClure joined Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to discuss her book My So-Called Millennial Life and the evolution of her long-running syndicated column . The conversation then turned to her experience serving on the City Council, including the challenges of public safety concerns, city budgeting, and GRT allocations. McClure spoke candidly about the difficulty of balancing competing constituencies,and her efforts to improve transparency and public understanding of city processes while navigating growth, inequality, and shifting community expectations.

Attorneys Kacey Hovden and Maslyn Locke of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center joined Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to discuss two pending lawsuits challenging Project Jupiter. One lawsuit argues that Doña Ana County violated the Open Meetings Act when it moved into closed session before adopting ordinances granting tax incentives. The second contends that the county approved the project without the required cost-benefit and environmental analyses under state and local law. The conversation also examined the project’s proposed natural gas microgrids, greenhouse gas emissions, and projected water use in a region already facing groundwater depletion, along with steps residents can take during the air permitting process. The segment concluded slightly earlier than planned due to a brief power outage at the station.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with a discussion of the recent news.​

NMSU economics professor Chris Erickson joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado for a wide-ranging discussion of tariffs, inflation, and the importance of an independent Federal Reserve. Erickson explained how tariffs generally raise consumer prices and reduce overall economic activity, while acknowledging they can be used strategically in targeted industries. A caller challenged his analysis, prompting a deeper exchange on trade balances and manufacturing data. The conversation later turned to Project Jupiter, with Erickson defending the proposed data center as a major economic development opportunity despite concerns about environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.

Ron DeHarpporte of the ACLU–Minnesota and Sylvia Ulloa of CAFe joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado to discuss immigration enforcement, recent legislation in New Mexico, and ongoing litigation in Minnesota. DeHarpporte described a climate of fear in Minneapolis, including detentions of U.S. citizens and multiple lawsuits filed to challenge alleged constitutional violations by ICE. Ulloa highlighted New Mexico’s Immigrant Safety Act (HB 9), which limits local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and phases out private detention contracts, while cautioning that enforcement tactics may shift rather than disappear. The conversation also addressed federal funding cuts to certain states, concerns about agency accountability, and practical steps communities can take to understand and assert their rights.

Former PRC Commissioner and State Senator Steve Fischmann joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado to discuss Blackstone’s proposed acquisition of PNM. He raised concerns about private equity ownership of a regulated utility, warning of reduced transparency if PNM goes private and the risk of higher costs through affiliate transactions. Fischmann pointed to El Paso Electric’s earlier sale as a cautionary example and emphasized the importance of the PRC’s public interest standard. The conversation also touched on the energy demands of new data centers and his long-standing proposal that New Mexico’s permanent fund could purchase a controlling stake to keep the utility accountable to residents rather than investors.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman opened the program with a discussion of the recent news.

Local conservatives Brian Ormand and Juan Garcia joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman for a conversation that moved beyond the planned topic of Christian nationalism into a broader discussion of faith, politics, and civic life. The discussion explored abortion, the death penalty, immigration enforcement, economic inequality, and the role of religion and morality in public policy.

Writer and editor Barry Pearce joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to discuss his new short story collection, Plan of Chicago , a linked set of nine stories set in different neighborhoods across the city. Pearce described using Chicago as a microcosm of the United States, populating the book with characters from diverse backgrounds whose personal plans often collide with the realities of urban life. The conversation explored his approach to character-driven fiction, the influence of his experiences working on the census, and the challenges of writing authentically across difference. Pearce also reflected on his path as a writer, the long process of publishing fiction, and the importance of loving the work itself. He closed by previewing his upcoming reading at NMSU as part of the Nelson–Boswell Reading Series.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with an extended discussion of recent national events, focusing largely on federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and what they described as a dangerous escalation in tactics by ICE and other federal authorities. The conversation explored concerns about civil liberties, executive overreach, and the erosion of public accountability. Listeners weighed in during call-ins, including reflections on Minnesota’s political divisions and the role of public protest. The segment closed with a turn to New Mexico, touching on legislation aimed at limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and the broader implications for local law enforcement and community safety.

Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart joined co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to reflect on a recent series of listening sessions held across the county, revealing stark differences in public safety needs from community to community. Stewart described severe service gaps in places like Hatch, where police and fire coverage has been sharply reduced, and explained how those conversations prompted immediate changes in county enforcement support. Much of the discussion focused on immigration enforcement, with Stewart outlining her refusal to participate in federal programs such as Stonegarden while emphasizing cooperation with federal agencies. The conversation also explored protest policing, de-escalation, and the leadership challenges facing local law enforcement in a time of national unrest and rapid policy change.

Carlos Aceves joined Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to discuss immigration enforcement, historical patterns of repression, and the growing movement to resist what he described as an emerging authoritarian moment in the United States. Speaking as a longtime Chicano activist and member of the El Paso–based civic group El Chuco Habla, Aceves traced current immigration policies back to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and earlier mass deportations of Mexican Americans, arguing that today’s enforcement tactics echo past abuses. He announced two upcoming events: a February 2 public forum on the treaty’s modern relevance and the National Raza Day of Action Against ICE on February 7. Aceves urged listeners to understand their constitutional rights, reject fear-driven compliance, and remain civically engaged to defend democratic norms.

Kathe Stark of Patients Primero joined co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to discuss the growing health care crisis in New Mexico and the legislative efforts underway to address physician shortages. Stark pointed to a Legislative Finance Committee survey showing that two-thirds of responding doctors are considering leaving the state, citing medical malpractice laws—particularly punitive damage claims—as a primary driver. She explained how House Bill 99 seeks to rebalance the system by clarifying liability standards, codifying existing reforms, and stabilizing the patient compensation fund. The conversation also explored interstate licensure compacts, workforce recruitment initiatives, and the limits of piecemeal solutions during a short legislative session. Stark urged listeners to follow committee hearings, provide public comment, and contact lawmakers as debates over health care reform continue in Santa Fe.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker opened the program with an extended discussion of the Trump administration’s actions at home and abroad, focusing on President Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos and their implications for global stability. The conversation centered on what the hosts described as a rupture in the post–World War II rules-based international order, along with concerns about authoritarian drift in the United States, including ICE actions in Minnesota and federal interference with state oversight. Toward the end of the segment, the hosts also weighed the prospects for medical malpractice reform as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming New Mexico legislative session.

Author Coventina Waterhawk joined co-hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss her book Duly Diagnosed, Duly Blessed: From Struggle to Purpose , which examines life with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Waterhawk shared her personal journey through childhood depression, addiction, domestic abuse, and repeated misdiagnosis, highlighting the stigma and gaps in care faced by people with complex mental health needs. She spoke about recovery as an ongoing process, the role of medication and self-compassion, and how lived experience can be transformed into purpose through creativity, community, and advocacy.

Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss priorities facing the district as the New Mexico legislative session begins. He emphasized the push for a statewide 80–20 health insurance split for educators to aid recruitment and retention, reviewed facilities needs including planned work at Mayfield High School, and described academic progress reflected in improved reading and math scores. Ruiz also addressed equity obligations under the Martínez-Yazzie ruling, challenges such as declining enrollment and chronic absenteeism, and efforts to expand student supports through early childhood programs, career and technical education, and partnerships with NMSU.

In a prerecorded interview conducted by Peter Goodman on January 16, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján discussed growing concerns about executive overreach and the erosion of constitutional checks and balances. Luján addressed threats and pressure facing Republican lawmakers, including intimidation from President Trump, and criticized Congress for failing to exercise its oversight responsibilities. Much of the conversation focused on the federal government’s response to the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, the refusal to allow independent state investigation, and what Luján described as a dangerous precedent. He also warned about efforts to weaken the Voting Rights Act, the possibility of martial law, and the long-term risks to democracy if citizens disengage, urging listeners to remain active, informed, and committed to peaceful civic participation.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with a discussion focused on abuses of authority by government agencies. Much of the segment centered on the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents in Minnesota, raising questions about the use of force, the lack of an independent investigation, and federal interference with state oversight. Shifting to local issues in Doña Ana County, the hosts criticized the arrest of activist Derek Pacheco at a commission meeting as an infringement on First Amendment rights. Throughout the segment, the hosts emphasized the need for accountability and transparency to prevent the unchecked exercise of power at both the federal and local levels.

Georges Cordoba joined co-hosts Daisy Maldonado and Peter Goodman to share a personal perspective on recent developments in his native country. Born and raised in Venezuela before becoming a U.S. citizen, Cordoba described the sense of relief many Venezuelans feel following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, while cautioning that meaningful change will take time. The conversation also touched on Cordoba’s work in health and holistic healing, drawing parallels between national recovery and personal resilience.

Artist, philanthropist, and NMSU Regent Ammu Devasthali joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado to talk about her journey from India to Moscow and ultimately to Las Cruces. She reflected on her background in Russian language and literature, her later path into printmaking and painting, and how the arts shape a fully human education. Much of the discussion focused on her work as a regent, including the responsibilities of university governance, the development of NMSU’s next strategic plan, and the institution’s land-grant mission of community engagement. Devasthali also addressed student safety, graduate student support, federal research funding cuts, and the importance of keeping higher education accessible across New Mexico’s rural communities.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with a discussion of recent local, state, and national news. Walt also shared the news of the death of the show’s longtime Russia expert, Joe Roach.

A wide-ranging panel discussion examined New Mexico’s worsening health care provider shortage ahead of a January presentation series hosted by the Academy for Learning in Retirement . Guests examined why the state is losing physicians, pointing to malpractice insurance costs, the gross receipts tax on medical services, and low Medicaid reimbursement rates. Local physician Dr. Jean-Pierre Reinhold shared his experience practicing in Las Cruces, while policy and advocacy voices outlined potential reforms and legislative approaches likely to surface during the upcoming 30-day session.

Local artist Adrian Aguirre spoke with Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado about his new body of work, a series of drawings titled Fantasmas . The work was inspired by news reporting and the disturbing images of Venezuelan migrants imprisoned without due process at CECOT, El Salvador’s notorious high-security detention center. Aguirre discussed the emotional weight of "bearing witness" to these events through art, specifically creating work that serves as documentation rather than commercial product. Aguirre’s exhibit opens on January 3 at Casa Otro in Mesilla.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with a discussion of current local and national issues.

Speak Up Las Cruces hosts Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel talk with Diana Alba-Soular of the Southern New Mexico Journalism Collaborative about the expiration of federal Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and what New Mexico’s state-funded stopgap means for residents who buy insurance on the exchange. The conversation explores who is most affected, how sharply premiums are rising, and why uncertainty remains as lawmakers prepare for the next legislative session. Journalist and freelancer Jonny Coker also joins to share firsthand experience with escalating health insurance costs. The segment concludes with a discussion of the New Mexico Local News Fund and its matching campaign to support nonprofit, community-based journalism across the state.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with a discussion of the week’s local and national news stories.

State Senator Joe Cervantes joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado for an in-depth discussion of major issues before the New Mexico Legislature, including crime, competency rules, water management, the Texas–New Mexico settlement, and the environmental review process for large industrial projects such as “Project Jupiter.” Midway through the program, Kathe Stark joined the conversation to examine New Mexico’s physician shortage and how malpractice laws, residency shortages, and federal reimbursement disparities contribute to the problem. Together, they discussed the 2021 malpractice compromise, differing concerns between hospitals and individual providers, and whether joining interstate medical compacts would help stabilize the state’s healthcare workforce.

Former state senator and PRC commissioner Steve Fischmann discussed Project Jupiter and why he believes recent legislative and county actions have weakened public oversight of major industrial projects. He explained how Jupiter’s air permit could significantly increase emissions and how microgrid financing allows companies to avoid federal regulation. Fischmann also raised concerns about private-equity-owned utilities and argued for new models of public accountability in New Mexico’s energy system.

​Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman opened the program with a discussion of the week’s headlines.

Juan Garcia joined Walt and Peter to examine how political rhetoric and presidential authority have shifted during the Trump era. He and the hosts debated the sinking of suspected drug boats, the use of terms like “narco-terrorists” and “invasion,” and how shifting definitions can expand presidential power. Garcia defended some of Trump’s policies while criticizing the president’s messaging and exaggerations, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency. The conversation also explored Republican and Democratic responses to executive overreach, conflicts of interest and women’s roles in the military.

Pediatrician Dr. Jana Williams offered a detailed look at why southern New Mexico faces such severe shortages of doctors and other medical professionals. She explained how recent malpractice law changes, high insurance costs, and New Mexico’s gross receipts tax discourage physicians from practicing in the state, while limited residency programs make it harder to recruit new doctors. Williams also described structural issues - aging providers, corporate consolidation, difficult insurance credentialing, and the growing reliance on urgent care - that further strain patient access.

Author and NMSU professor Brandon Hobson discussed his new novel The Devil Is a Southpaw , a layered story told by an unreliable narrator reflecting on his time in juvenile incarceration and the lingering trauma that shaped him. Hobson explained the book’s trickster elements, its exploration of truth and memory, and the fictional film that inspired the title. He also spoke about the pleasure and playfulness he tries to bring to writing and described the literary influences that shaped him, from Borges and Nabokov to South American modernists.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with discussions of the week’s top local and national stories. Plus Walt shares some upcoming KTAL events and a special fundraising project.

​Russia analyst and former Marine Joe Roach assessed the state of the war in Ukraine, noting Russia’s enormous casualty rates, the limited value of territorial gains like Pokrovsk, and growing internal pressure on Putin’s leadership. He explained how seasonal conditions and battlefield losses have stalled Moscow’s momentum and intensified the Kremlin “blame game.” Roach also outlined the broader geopolitical consequences, including Europe’s move toward greater nuclear independence and U.S. allies in Asia preparing for a more uncertain American role. He predicted that, despite the devastation, Ukraine could eventually attract major investment after a negotiated armistice.

BLM public information officer Bill Wight outlined a full slate of guided hikes and programs planned for December at the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument. He highlighted archaeological walks at La Cueva, paleontology hikes at the Trackways, mountain bike outings, and several Friends-led tours that explore ethnobotany, geology, and local history. Wight also noted strong winter visitation, the impact of this year’s unusually wet weather, and the ongoing need for volunteers and site hosts.

Local resident Frank Carril outlined a series of safety, maintenance, and ADA problems he has documented across multiple Las Cruces parks, beginning with the pickleball courts and water fountains at Apodaca Park. Drawing on his construction and government background, he argued that the city lacks a meaningful system for follow-up or public accountability, noting years of unaddressed issues despite repeated outreach to staff and councilors. Carril also discussed unfinished or over-budget projects, missed opportunities to use state and federal funds, and the broader consequences of poor oversight. A caller joined the conversation to echo concerns about transparency, prompting a wider discussion of how residents can press for change through public meetings and direct engagement with city leadership.

Walt Rubel opened the hour with updates on upcoming station events before he and Nancy Baker shared what they’re thankful for and discussed the week’s news.

Dr. Clif Perry, Professor Emeritus at Auburn University and upcoming ALR presenter, explored how the Navajo Code Talkers created the most secure battlefield communication system of World War II. He traced the origins of the idea to Philip Johnston, a missionary’s son who grew up bilingual in Navajo, and explained why the language’s tonal structure, complex verbs, and lack of written form made it impossible for Japanese forces to decipher. Perry also discussed the long delay in publicly acknowledging the code talkers’ service, the cultural contradictions that make their loyalty so remarkable, and the ingenious ways Diné speakers adapted their language to describe modern military terms. Throughout the conversation, he highlighted how their contributions saved countless lives and remained classified for decades.

Casa de Peregrinos Executive Director Lorenzo Alba Jr. joined Walt and Nancy for an in-depth look at food insecurity in Doña Ana County and how his organization is responding to unprecedented need. He described close partnerships with Roadrunner Food Bank and dozens of local agencies, as well as major expansions underway in Sunland Park and Chaparral to reach some of the region’s poorest communities. Alba also detailed record Thanksgiving distribution numbers, the success of their zero-waste food rescue program, and the crucial role volunteers play—especially on Fridays.

Mike Lilly of the Las Cruces Running Club previewed this year’s record-setting Turkey Trot, which reached 1,200 registered runners and had to close sign-ups early. He described how the Thanksgiving-morning tradition has grown into the region’s largest race, helped by a flat, fast course at the Field of Dreams and new family-friendly touches - including pumpkin pie at the finish line. Lilly also highlighted the club’s youth running programs and how race proceeds support local cross-country teams.

Co-hosts Daisy Maldonado and Peter Goodman opened the show with a wide-ranging discussion of national and local political developments and responded to listener calls.

Las Cruces City Councilor Johana Bencomo discussed her new role as executive director of New Mexico Safety Over Profit , an advocacy organization representing people harmed by corporate misconduct, medical negligence, and unsafe systems. She described the group’s mission to elevate the voices of survivors, protect access to justice, and push for reforms that improve patient safety and hold powerful institutions accountable. Bencomo addressed misconceptions about the organization’s donors, explained how medical malpractice fits into broader social justice issues, and outlined concerns about private-equity-owned hospitals. She also briefly responded to city-related questions, including public concerns about nuisance abatement.

Ellen Saige and Ute Thomas of the Dyslexia Institute of Southern New Mexico discussed how dyslexia affects children and adults, and the specialized instructional methods that help learners thrive. They explained the visual and auditory challenges dyslexic readers face, common misconceptions about intelligence and motivation, and the importance of early screening - now mandated for all New Mexico first graders. Saige and Thomas described their multi-modal, research-based program and emphasized how timely intervention can restore confidence, improve academic performance, and transform a child’s relationship with school.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel discussed issues in the news. They were joined by the Editor-in-Chief of The Round Up , Elizabeth Anne Andrews.

Round Up editor Elizabeth Anne Andrews and journalist Diana Alba Soular discussed recent reporting on sexual assault at NMSU and gaps in the university’s response. They previewed a November 20 panel on campus safety and shared thoughts on the challenges of covering difficult topics in an era of shrinking newsrooms.

Janice Williams, chair of the Las Cruces Republican Party, joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel for a wide-ranging conversation about national and local politics. She shared her views on limited government, party balance, and public trust in institutions. The discussion covered the government shutdown, healthcare reform, and the challenges of running local Republican candidates in a largely Democratic city. Williams also reflected on the values she believes the Republican Party represents at the local level.

Third Judicial District Judge Robert Lara joined the show to preview his upcoming “Community and the Courts” event, where members of the public are invited to observe real court proceedings and join a lunch discussion. Lara explained how the program helps demystify the court system, especially family court, and clears up misconceptions from courtroom dramas.

Volunteer Jennifer Kreie joined Peter and Walt to share the mission of Dharma Horse Equine Sanctuary and preview its upcoming “Hay for Horses” fundraiser. The sanctuary, which cares for around 20 horses, ponies, and mules—many rescued from neglect—provides lifelong care rather than adoption. Kreie described the calming bond between horses and humans, her own role mucking stalls and grooming, and one standout pony named Peanut who charms visitors with tricks. The event will be held Saturday, November 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Habaneros on East Amador.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado discussed issues in the news, including the results of the November 2025 election,

Frances Williams joined hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to raise the alarm about New Mexico’s worsening healthcare crisis. She argued that high medical malpractice insurance costs—driven by unlimited damage awards and attorney fees—are pushing doctors out of the state. She discussed stalled reform efforts in the legislature, the influence of trial lawyers, and her experience trying to access care.

State Senator Jeff Steinborn, co-founder and board president of Film Las Cruces , joined Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado along with Film Las Cruces Liaison Andrew Jara to mark the organization’s 10th anniversary. They discussed its evolution and success in attracting productions to southern New Mexico, the importance of developing local film crews, recent filming highlights, and ongoing efforts to grow the region’s film industry and infrastructure.

Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado spoke with Paul Maxwell and NMSU Clay Club president Zoe about this year’s Picacho Hills Art Show , a juried event featuring more than 20 artists from Las Cruces, El Paso, and Ruidoso. In addition to professional artists, this year’s show includes students from NMSU and Doña Ana Community College, offering a fresh and energetic perspective. The event will be held at the DACC East Mesa Campus (2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd) and features works in painting, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, and jewelry.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker discuss issues in the news, including the extended shutdown of the federal government.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker spoke with Tina Cordova of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium and journalist Elva Osterreich about new scams targeting New Mexicans eligible for federal compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). They discussed the history of the downwinders movement, the health and financial legacy of radiation exposure, and how out-of-state groups are exploiting recent RECA amendments for profit.

Former state legislator Bill McCamley joined hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges facing young men in America. McCamley discussed his upcoming book,  Right My Dudes, Now What? , and addressed issues such as education disparities, changing gender roles, toxic masculinity, and political alienation. He called for greater compassion and nuanced conversation on the left to better engage young men while continuing to fight for equity and justice.

Scott Hays Strom, Cultural Resource Program Manager at White Sands National Park, joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to preview his four-part lecture series for the Academy for Learning in Retirement. Topics include the geology, wildlife, and human history of White Sands, from fossilized megafauna footprints to surprising archaeological finds and the area's Mars-like landscape. Strom also explained the transition from monument to park status, White Sands' ecological uniqueness, and how the dunes continue to reveal new stories each year. .

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado discuss issues in the news.

Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado spoke with Pam Hett of Indivisible Las Cruces and former state official Bill McCamley about the recent “No Kings” rally, which drew over 3,000 participants to Albert Johnson Park. The guests emphasized the peaceful, joyful nature of the protest and its goal of defending democracy and resisting authoritarianism. McCamley outlined the warning signs of dictatorship and stressed the importance of civic engagement, elections, and community action. Hett encouraged listeners to get involved with Indivisible and shared details about upcoming events.

Jan Archey joined co-hosts Daisy Maldonado and Peter Goodman to reflect on the success of this year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser, which supports El Caldito soup kitchen. She discussed highlights from the event, changes to improve the guest experience, and the many ways local artists and sponsors contribute. Archey also spoke about her history with pottery education and the mission of the   Potters’ Guild .

Carrie Porter and Dan Lere joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado to preview the 2025 Las Cruces Renaissance Arts Faire . They highlighted new attractions, returning favorites, and what visitors can expect during the November 8–9 weekend at Young Park — including a royal parade, jousting, mermaids, music, food, and a live KTAL broadcast.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman opened the show with a discussion of current events.

Robert Wofford, incumbent candidate for the Las Cruces School Board District 3 seat, spoke with co-hosts Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman about school safety, absenteeism, education policy, and his background as a longtime English teacher. He also addressed the district’s move to a year-round calendar, student creativity, and content in public school libraries. Wofford closed by explaining his support for the current board and the upcoming school bond issue.

Travis Brown, Executive Director of the Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo , joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to talk about this year’s fair. He also shared the fair’s broader impact and future plans, including a $35 million county bond issue on the ballot to fund infrastructure upgrades and a potential amphitheater at the fairgrounds.

Bill Diven joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to reflect on his five-decade career in journalism and photojournalism across New Mexico. He shared stories of covering riots, political campaigns, and train derailments, as well as his start at The Round Up , time at the Sun-News , and work for the Albuquerque Journal .

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado discuss issues in the news.

Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado hosted a candidate forum for Las Cruces City Council District 6, with Tommy Black, John Muñoz, and Richard Reynaud participating. They discussed homelessness, housing, public safety, city growth, and the “Realize Las Cruces” land-use code. Each candidate shared their vision for improving the district and the city. (The fourth candidate, Ramona Bataneant, was invited but did not participate.)

School Board District 2 incumbent Pamela Cort joined Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to discuss her re-election bid. She highlighted work on anti-bullying policies, the new career and technical education center, and student support services. Cort defended intellectual freedom in school libraries, addressed school safety and testing, and urged support for a school bond measure to fund renovations at Mayfield High School and other district improvements. (Her opponent, Kristina L. Moore, was also invited but did not participate.).

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker discuss issues in the news.

City Councilor Becky Corran joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss her campaign for re-election in District 5. She highlighted work on affordable housing, park improvements, and public safety. Learn more at beckycorran.com. Her opponent was invited but did not respond.

Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker welcomed Dr. Kelly Jenks (University Museum) and Dr. Steve Loring (Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum) to preview the Academy for Learning in Retirement’s October lecture series on Las Cruces museums. The guests discussed the role of museums in preserving local heritage, their current exhibits, and how they balance tradition with innovation.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado opened the show with a discussion of current events.

Frank Zamora, former pastor and DACC philosophy instructor, joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado to explore the concept of love as a conscious, volitional act — not merely an emotion. He discussed the School for Personal and Professional Growth , which he co-founded to help people live more intentionally and relationally. The conversation ranged from theology to social division and how love might be used as a healing force in society. Zamora also reflected on leaving the pulpit after 30 years and his evolving views on faith, science, and spirituality.

Former state legislator and PRC commissioner Steve Fischmann joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado to offer his perspective on Project Jupiter and broader issues of transparency, environmental protection, and governance in New Mexico. He criticized the legislative process that quietly enabled the AI data center deal and emphasized the lack of enforceable environmental protections in the county’s agreement. The conversation also touched on the dangers of political power consolidation and the recent controversy surrounding fracking waste, or “produced water,” in the state.

Laura O’Connor, CEO of Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, joined Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado to preview the organization's upcoming fundraising event, Toast the Tails, set for October 2 at Grapevine Plaza. O’Connor shared details about the fashion show, silent auction, live music, and pet-friendly atmosphere, and emphasized the importance of community support for the no-kill shelter. She also discussed the sanctuary’s mission, the adoption process, challenges with overcapacity, and how Safe Haven carefully matches animals to prospective homes.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with a discussion of recent events. This week they were joined by Jess Williams.

Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel hosted an in-depth and frank discussion on Project Jupiter, a proposed AI data center in Santa Teresa. The roundtable featured County Commissioners Manny Sanchez and Shannon Reynolds, State Representative Micaela Lara Cadena, and knowledgeable citizens Phil Simpson, Bob Hearn, and Vince Gutschick, along with several callers. Critics raised concerns about environmental impact, transparency, the rushed approval process, and lack of enforceable energy-use standards. Commissioners defended the project's potential benefits, including job creation and infrastructure investment,

Science fiction writer and editor Sarena Ulibarri joined the show to introduce listeners to solarpunk — a growing literary movement that imagines sustainable, equitable futures in response to climate change. She explained how solarpunk differs from more dystopian genres, how it aims to empower collective action through hopeful storytelling, and how the movement intersects with grassroots environmental efforts. Ulibarri also previewed her upcoming talk at the Rio Grande Theatre, part of the Cambios climate series hosted by NMSU.

Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado hosted a spirited discussion about Project Jupiter, a proposed $165 billion artificial intelligence data center in Doña Ana County. ProgressNow NM’s Lucas Herndon and community advocate Jonathon Delgado raised concerns about transparency, environmental impacts, and the need for more public input. County Commissioner Manny Sanchez called in to defend the process and highlight the project’s potential economic benefits. Listeners also weighed in with a range of perspectives.

Bill Wight, Public Information Officer for the Bureau of Land Management’s Las Cruces District, joined Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to preview upcoming events for National Public Lands Day. He shared details about the September 27 cleanup at Kilbourne Hole, including how to participate and what volunteers can expect. Wright also highlighted a series of “patio chats” at Dripping Springs, a guided hike in Fillmore Canyon, and a Tuesday night mountain bike ride series. He closed with news of a proposed land exchange between BLM and the New Mexico State Land Office aimed at strengthening protections around the Oregon Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument.

State Representative Nathan Small, chair of the House Finance Committee, spoke with Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado about the upcoming special session called in response to major federal funding cuts to health care, food assistance, and public broadcasting. He explained how the state plans to protect vulnerable residents using surplus funds, including reserves from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Small also addressed the challenges of administering new federal work requirements, the long-term economic implications for New Mexico, and the importance of keeping the state’s economy diversified and resilient in the face of federal pullbacks.

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker opened the show with a discussion of the week’s top local and national stories.

Las Cruces Bulletin editor Susan Moree joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to highlight top stories the paper is tracking. She outlined the Bulletin’s plan to survey City Council and School Board candidates on key issues. Moree recapped Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s listening session at Memorial Medical Center, where hospital leaders warned about the impact of proposed federal Medicaid cuts. She also discussed an NMSU Arrowhead Center study on Spaceport America’s growing economic footprint and noted continuing financial pressures at NMSU.

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján joined Peter Goodman for a wide-ranging interview recorded during a recent visit to Las Cruces. Luján discussed the impacts of Medicaid funding cuts, immigration enforcement, and the war in Gaza — as well as his efforts to undo recent policy changes. The conversation also explored the fragility of U.S. democracy, the dangers of unchecked presidential power, the influence of corporate money, and the rising threats of climate change.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with a look at candidates in the upcoming local elections. During the segment, Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin called in to explain the candidate filing process and the city’s use of ranked-choice voting. The hosts also discussed a controversial proposal for a large air-cooled AI data center in the county and its potential environmental impact. The conversation then shifted to recent state senate races in Iowa and Georgia as possible indicators of national political sentiment, along with concerns over the federal administration’s recent actions.

New Mexico State Climatologist Dave DuBois joined hosts Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel for an in-depth discussion on the state of the climate. Topics included the increase in extreme weather events, the ongoing "mega-drought" despite a relatively normal monsoon season, and the near-record low water levels at Elephant Butte Reservoir. DuBois explained how federal funding cuts are forcing the National Weather Service to eliminate a large number of local weather monitoring stations, creating gaps in long-term climate data. He also discussed how state-level programs are working to fill that void, the future challenges for water use in agriculture, and what climate models predict for Southern New Mexico in the coming decades.

Former Las Cruces Symphony conductor Lonnie Klein joined the show to preview his upcoming four-part presentation for the Academy for Learning in Retirement , Music in Revolution and Evolution . He outlined the series, which traces the radical transformation of classical music from 1800 to 1940, including works by Beethoven, Berlioz, and Gershwin. Klein also reflected on his 22-year tenure with the symphony and his efforts to commission new works from contemporary composers.

Co-hosts Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel opened the show with a wide-ranging discussion of current events. Topics included Senator Ben Ray Luján’s recent town hall and interview, the $600,000 NMSU settlement with former basketball coach Greg Heiar, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s emergency crime declaration in Rio Arriba County, the Jeffrey Epstein controversy, and recent developments in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Lucas Herndon joined Peter Goodman and Walt Rubel to share his perspective on law enforcement and community safety. He discussed why he believes the current policing model should be abolished and how alternative approaches - such as investing in education, public health, and community infrastructure - might reduce crime and increase public well-being.

Co-hosts  Peter Goodman and Daisy Maldonado opened the show with a sweeping discussion of national and local developments. They shared reactions to Trump’s increased federal control over D.C., his planned meeting with Putin, the dismissal of a top U.S. labor statistician, and extreme gerrymandering efforts in Texas. The conversation then considered the proper role of statistics in policy and Daisy’s personal reflections on her work with colonias and the Empowerment Congress.

City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo joined Daisy Maldonado and Peter Goodman to discuss her participation in LCPD’s Real-to-Reel workshop. She reflected on the training scenarios, the complexity of police work, and the emotional toll of split-second decision-making. The conversation also explored the limits of use-of-force training, the need for investment in upstream solutions like mental health care and housing, and the importance of community-police relationships grounded in accountability, empathy, and honest dialogue.

Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz joined the show to talk about the start of a new school year and the challenges ahead — including school safety, declining enrollment, and potential losses in federal education funding. He highlighted new district initiatives such as AI-powered weapon detection systems, a parent communication app, and an upcoming town hall on social media. Ruiz also reaffirmed LCPS’s commitment to serving all students, regardless of immigration status.