Blog Archives

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Former NMSU Assistant Sports information Director Brian McCann

2/12/2026

This episode of the Mesilla Valley Sports Show welcomed former NMSU assistant sports information director Brian McCann, who worked in Las Cruces from 1987 to 1995. McCann reflected on the behind-the-scenes work of a small sports information office in the pre-internet era. He revisited memorable moments including the 26–3 women’s basketball season of 1987–88, volleyball’s first “Pack the Pan Am” match, the 1988 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship, the legacy of the Troy Cox Softball Classic, and the men’s basketball tournament runs of the early 1990s. The conversation underscored how a resourceful department and dedicated student assistants helped shape a pivotal era in Aggie athletics.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Steve Fischmann on Blackstone’s Bid for PNM

2/11/2026

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.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Ron DeHarpporte & Sylvia Ulloa on Immigration Enforcement & Civil Liberties

2/11/2026

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.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Chris Erickson on Tariffs, the Fed & Project Jupiter

2/11/2026

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.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Peter & Daisy Talk About the News (February 11, 2026)

2/11/2026

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

Café con Leche: Cruces Creatives' Lea Wise-Surguy

2/10/2026

On this episode of Café con Leche, Greg welcomed Lea Wise-Surguy of Cruces Creatives to discuss the recent closure of the Doña Ana Arts Council and what it means for the local arts community. Lea explained how Cruces Creatives became the sole designee of much of the Arts Council’s tangible assets and reflected on the transition during what she described as a difficult moment for the arts in Las Cruces.

The conversation also explored the evolution of Cruces Creatives over the past eight years. Lea outlined the organization’s “makerspace 2.0” model — combining shared tools and workspace with robust educational programming, youth initiatives, and partnerships with schools and local farmers. She emphasized the organization’s core mission: building community by empowering people of all ages to create, collaborate, and turn ideas into reality.

Walt Rubel Commentary: NM elections don’t need help from the feds

2/10/2026

I don’t think our elections were crooked when I moved here in 2002, but they were conducted incompetently.

Then-County Clerk Ruben Ceballos and his chief deputy Aurelio Enriquez were both charged with 14 offenses related to their handling of the primary election that year, including improper shredding of absentee ballots, demanding illegal fees and conspiracy.

Think Again: Shahid Mustafa on Normalized Racism and The Costs of Silence

2/9/2026

Shahid Mustafa, co-host of Black English Vernacular on KTAL-LP, joins us for an exploration of the normalized racist narrative emanating from the highest office in the land, and the disturbingly limited public response. The evaluation explores why so many people seem to be shutting down their information intake, their critical thinking, and their voices. Distraction, avoidance, and silence are costly. We do so at our own peril.

Local Vibes Live: Planet I Love You

2/6/2026

Hosts Alex Brinkley and Casey Chacón welcome Planet I Love You to Local Vibes Live for an energetic in-studio performance and conversation. Formed in 2019, the six-piece indie rock band talks about growing from a small project into a collaborative group rooted in community, connection, and shared experience. Between live performances of original songs, the band reflects on their songwriting process, the meaning behind their name, recent creative growth, and plans for upcoming recordings and touring.

Live True: Astro Understanding with Danielle Mercurio

2/6/2026

Lisa Lucca talks with metaphysical architect, intuitive, and pattern decoder Danielle Mercurio who helps us understand the mystical through a practical lens. Learn more about the coming Lunar New Year, Astrocartography, and more.

<<Previous

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Former NMSU Assistant Sports information Director Brian McCann

Speak Up Las Cruces: Steve Fischmann on Blackstone’s Bid for PNM

Speak Up Las Cruces: Ron DeHarpporte & Sylvia Ulloa on Immigration Enforcement & Civil Liberties

Speak Up Las Cruces: Chris Erickson on Tariffs, the Fed & Project Jupiter

Speak Up Las Cruces: Peter & Daisy Talk About the News (February 11, 2026)

Café con Leche: Cruces Creatives' Lea Wise-Surguy

Walt Rubel Commentary: NM elections don’t need help from the feds

Think Again: Shahid Mustafa on Normalized Racism and The Costs of Silence

Local Vibes Live: Planet I Love You

Live True: Astro Understanding with Danielle Mercurio

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