For nine years, Michael Missal served as Inspector General at the Department of Veterans Affairs—until he was abruptly fired on January 24. Meanwhile, veteran journalist Steve Herman is on administrative leave as the Trump administration moves to shut down the Voice of America (VOA). For the first time in its 82-year history, VOA has been offline since mid-March, silencing a global news source relied upon by millions.What happens next? As Missal and Herman explain, their fate—and the future of government oversight and press freedom—now rests in the hands of the courts.

Diplomat David Firestein and businessman Patrick Jenevein took vastly different paths to China, but both offer unique insights into its evolving political landscape. This program examines how Xi Jinping’s leadership marks a sharp departure from his predecessors and what that means for the United States and its allies

CNN legal commentator and bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin discusses his latest book, “The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy.” President Ford’s pardon just one month after President Nixon’s resignation, while viewed more favorably today than in 1974, continues to be controversial. Toobin takes the position that that how presidents use the power of the pardon reveals “the president’s soul.”

Dr. Larry Rasmussen, professor emeritus at Union Theological Seminary, discusses with co-hosts Peter Smith and Talitha Arnold when the guardrails of our nation’s democracy are being tested, we should reexamine the life of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an influential anti-Nazi dissident.

The Nation’s Report Card, published at the end of January, again ranked New Mexico student achievement last among all 50 states with scores trending down. Compounding the problem, Santa Fe Public Schools are now faced with Larry Chavez’ resignation resulting from charges against him of sexual harassment. While the Santa Fe School Board aims to have the position filled by the end of June, the vacancy creates an atmosphere of uncertainty. To learn more about why New Mexico is unable to improve its standing, (unlike Louisiana or Mississippi), and what Chavez’ departure means for Santa Fe students and educators, Forum Host Jim Falk talks with Amanda Aragon, the executive director of New Mexico Kidscan.

Ask residents of Santa Fe about their greatest concern and the likely response will be public safety. In this program, The Forum goes behind the statistics to discuss with Santa Fe Chief of Police Paul Joye how he and the Police Department are working to make the “city different” the “city safer.” Sergeant Luke Wakefield reminds us how we can make our residences safer to discourage theft.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber as he reflects on his time in office and the challenges and opportunities facing the city. As he enters the final year of his second term, Mayor Webber shares insights on his journey from journalism to politics, Santa Fe’s response as a sanctuary city, and pressing issues such as public safety, homelessness, and behavioral healthcare. Will he seek a third term? While no final decision has been made, we explore the factors that will shape his choice.

Shortly after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order putting a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance and development aid. A few days later, some 10,000 employees of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were told that they were being placed on administrative leave. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Agency’s programs would be reviewed and that those that were not cancelled would be managed by the Department of State.

February has been celebrated for decades as Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our country’s culture, economy and society.The Forum brings together world-renowned musicians to discuss the evolution of spiritual and gospel music and their wide influence on other genres of music and impact on American history.

The opportunities for a rich education in Santa Fe and New Mexico are as diverse as our culture. Continuing our tour of unique schools in New Mexico, The Forum takes a close look at two exceptional institutions: Saint John’s college and the United World College-U.S. campus (UWC).