On this week’s episode of New Mexico in Focus, the program will feature work done by students from the New Mexico News Port at UNM, highlighting what the community thinks about gun violence.

Earlier this year, producer Sarah Gustavus sat down with journalist and Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman while she was in New Mexico to discuss the issues and people profiled in her new book, “The Democracy Now!: Twenty Years Covering the Movements and Changing America.” Gustavus and Goodman also talked about the 2016 elections and the value of independent media.

New Mexico in Focus is New Mexico PBS’ one-hour public affairs show that airs Fridays at 7 p.m. and repeats Sundays at 7 a.m. on Channel 5.1, and Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on Channel 9.1, except during Pledge Drives.

Also featured in this week’s program is correspondent Megan Kamerick’s visit with journalist Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic.” Quinones was visiting New Mexico in the spring to talk about the rise of heroin and opiate addiction across the United States and its impact on communities throughout New Mexico.

Additionally, a report from PBS Newshour will be included in this week’s program, highlighting the use of dogs in courtroom cases involving children. When children are called on to testify about difficult subjects, comfort dogs are provided to help support them. The dogs receive training in New Mexico and special correspondent Kathleen McCleary presents and inside view of how the dogs work.

Guests:

  • Amy Goodman, journalist, author and host of Democracy Now!
  • Sam Quinones, journalist, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic”

Correspondents

  • Sarah Gustavus
  • Megan Kamerick
  • Kathleen McCleary, special correspondent for the PBS Newshour
  • New Mexico News Port Students, UNM Department of Communications and Journalism

Host/Commentator

  • Gene Grant

The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Sarah Gustavus and associate producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for the program is provided in part by McCune Foundation Communications Fund and the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

To stay informed, watch New Mexico in Focus again online at www.newmexicopbs.org shortly thereafter and sign up for the weekly newsletter.

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