A federal law enforcement sting operation in Albuquerque that led to a disproportionate number of arrests of African Americans is the subject of conversation when former U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez talks with correspondent Jeff Proctor on this week’s edition of the New Mexico PBS news and public affairs series New Mexico in Focus. The 2016 drug possession sweep has now led to challenges of racial profiling and entrapment.
The program airs Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. on KNME 5.1 and will repeat Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7 a.m. The program will also air on KNMD 9.1 Saturday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. with and repeats Sunday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m.
Also on the program, correspondent Megan Kamerick leads a discussion about the arguments for and against the proposed Healthy Workforce ordinance that’s on the ballot this week in Albuquerque’s Municipal Election. Supporters say requiring paid sick leave leads to a healthier workplace. Opponents say it will hurt small businesses.
And NMiF host Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists debate some of the top news stories of the week, including Albuquerque Mayor Berry’s final State of the City address, and the disturbing report from the FBI that crime is on the rise in the Duke City.
Host
Gene Grant
Correspondents
Megan Kamerick & Jeff Proctor
Studio Guests
Damon Martinez, former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
Jason Espinoza, president/CEO, NM Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI)
Elizabeth Wagoner, attorney, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Line Panelists
Dan Foley, former House minority whip
Tom Garrity, president, The Garrity Group PR
Mary Hudetz, reporter, Associated Press
Sophie Martin, attorney
New Mexico in Focus is New Mexico PBS’ prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. Hosted by Gene Grant, New Mexico in Focus takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, health, education and arts issues and explores them in-depth, with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment.”
The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Sarah Gustavus with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer. NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.
Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided in part by the McCune Charitable Foundation.
Involved, informed, in-depth media: watch New Mexico in Focus again online shortly thereafter.
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