This week, New Mexico in Focus producer Sarah Gustavus sits down with Ambassador Paul Robinson, a chief negotiator for the U.S. in nuclear talks with the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, and a former president of Sandia National Labs, Ambassador Robinson shares his insights on international negotiations and the future of nuclear weapons management.

Correspondent Russell Contreras talks with Christine Sierra, a Professor Emerita of Political Science at The University of New Mexico. They discuss important discoveries covered in a recently published book she co-authored, “Contested Transformation,” on racial and ethnic minorities in elected office at the beginning of the 21st century.

NMiF host Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists debate some of the top stories in news headlines this week, including an examination of New Mexico higher education system, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's recent visit to New Mexico, and Bernalillo County’s new security camera program.

NMiF regularly 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.

Studio guests

  • Ambassador Paul Robinson, former head of U.S./USSR Nuclear Testing Talks, former president of Sandia National Labs
  • Christine Sierra, political scientist and co-author of “Contested Transformation: Race, Gender, and Political Leadership in 21st Century America”

Correspondents

  • Russell Contreras
  • Sarah Gustavus

Line Panelists

  • Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief for the Albuquerque Journal
  • Dan Foley, former House minority whip
  • Sophie Martin, attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
  • Stephen Spitz, host of New Mexico People Places and Ideas on KUNM

Host

  • Gene Grant

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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