Top Stories of 2021 (#10 & #9)

December 24, 2021 –This week, we kick off our countdown of the top stories of 2021. Our special Line opinion panel of local journalists get the ball rolling with the deadly shooting on a New Mexico film set. The investigation into the “Rust” tragedy is still ongoing, but the incident has called into question safety and financial concerns in one of the state’s largest industries. And coming in at #9 on this year’s list is the scandal that forced one of the state’s most powerful lawmakers to resign. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, former House Majority Leader, was indicted in April on charges she funneled money in her job with Albuquerque Public Schools into private businesses and non-profits she controlled.  

Host: Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:
Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter
Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun News
Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Bureau
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus

For More Information:

Search warrant issued for Alec Baldwin’s phone over Rust shooting investigation – The Guardian

New Mexico unwavering on film incentives after set fatality – Las Cruces Sun News

AG documents incriminate legislative, education leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton – Carlsbad Current Argus

Editorial: Stapleton saga ushers in new accountability measures at APS – Albuquerque Journal