‘Books & Co.’ host Alberto Ríos discusses U.S-Mexico border on PBS NewsHour

As President Donald Trump visits California to look at prototypes for the proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall, poet Alberto Ríos believes borders are what help join people together.

Ríos, Arizona’s first poet laureate and host of “Books & Co.,” grew up near the border, and says his upbringings in the southwest are what shaped his life.

“The border for me has very little to do with the wall or a fence. The border is everywhere and in everything every step of the way in my life,” says Ríos. The poet spoke in-depth about his recent works, which he calls “poetry with a purpose,” with PBS NewsHour reporter Jeffrey Brown. Watch the full interview here.

Fountain Hills with text reading: Food Festival Saturday, April 11, 2026, Fountain Hills, Arizona
April 11

Join us for the We-Ko-Pa ‘Check, Please! Arizona’ Food Festival

The Superstition Mountains
aired April 3

What happened in Arizona during the American Revolution?

A student participates in a Super Why Reading Camp

Super Why Reading Camps help children build literacy skills

The Arizona PBS logo and text reading: Your Arizona Connection Starts Here

Celebrating Arizona PBS’ 65th Anniversary

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