New Mexico in Focus
New Mexico In Focus
New Mexico in Focus is NMPBS' s prime time, hour-long news program exploring the issues, people and events shaping New Mexico and the Southwest.
Where to Watch New Mexico in Focus • New Mexico In Focus
52 Episodes
- Episode 2E2
Episode 2Examining the impact of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, now celebrating its 15th anniversary. This month's "Our Land" segment explores Project Feed the Hood, a food justice program in Albuquerque that connects communities with healthy food and young people with the land. The Line opinion panelists debate President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, and a recent ruling on labor union dues. - Episode 3E3
Episode 3UNM Athletics Director Eddie Nuñez talks budget struggles and the Title IX issues that may impact the future of UNM's existing athletics programs. The Line opinion panelists debate whether guardianship reforms that went into effect this month will sufficiently protect vulnerable citizens, the latest PARCC test results and updates to the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project. - Episode 4E4
Episode 4A judge rules New Mexico is not properly funding education, particularly for economically disadvantaged students. Hear from one of the parents involved in the lawsuit that led to the ruling, and find out what she would like to see changed moving forward. Albuquerque Journal sports writer Geoff Grammer talks about the fallout from major sports cuts at UNM, and why the business of sports matters. - Episode 5E5
Episode 5Outgoing UNM Provost and former President Chaouki Abdallah reflects back on his 30 year career as a Lobo. The Line panelists discuss a federal judge's ruling that Albuquerque's DWI vehicle seizure program is unconstitutional and reactions to the New Mexico Public Education Department's planned appeal of a lawsuit that ruled the state has violated the rights of students who are most "at risk." - Episode 6E6
Episode 6A closer look at Title IX compliance issues in the UNM Athletic department, and how they influenced the UNM Regents' decision to cut four sports last month. The Line opinion panelists discuss a lawsuit filed by NMPolitics.net over records at the Spaceport and whether all New Mexicans should have the option to buy in to Medicaid. - Episode 7E7
Episode 7Former state historian Estevan Rael-Gálvez talk about the changes to this year's Entrada tradition in Santa Fe. The Line opinion panelists also discuss a judge's decision to grant bail to adult defendants found in a northern New Mexico compound, former governor Gary Johnson's entrance into the U.S. Senate race, and neighborhood opposition to proposed "tiny home" villages. - Episode 8E8
Episode 8Exploring the unique relationship American Indian tribes have with the federal government with a Native scholar and Vice President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan Nez. Plus, he Line opinion panelists to debate campaign financing efforts in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and look at the effect of an imminent closure of an important behavioral health provider in the Taos area. - Episode 9E9
Episode 9Outgoing general director of the Santa Fe Opera Charles MacKay talks about how the opera has been part of his life since he was a young boy. MacKay talks about his time with the opera and where he is headed next. The Line opinion panelists look at the problem of homelessness in Albuquerque, debate how New Mexico should spend its budget surplus, and discuss the latest polls in the race for Governor. - Episode 10E10
Episode 10Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller talks about his priorities for the city, including a range of initiatives related to crime, economic development and community building. And the Line opinion panelists look at the role of labor unions in New Mexico, discuss how some children with disabilities wait years for available services and debate whether the NM Supreme Court should disallow straight-party voting. - Episode 11E11
Episode 11An introduction to an innovative program, "Teeniors," which helps seniors learn how to effectively use technology while also giving job opportunities for local youth. This month in "Our Land," protecting wildlife and humans, through a concentrated approach to animal crossings. And The Line opinion panelists examine a new "transparency report" on UNM, and the rising cost of rent in Albuquerque. - Episode 12E12
Episode 12PED Secretary Christopher Ruszkowski talks teacher and student evaluations, plus other education priorities and the politics around our education system. Plus, The Line opinion panelists debate the results of an Albuquerque Journal poll that surveyed voters about some major midterm races. They also look at new developments and milestones for the rail yards in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. - Episode 13E13
Episode 13UNM Political Science Professor Emerita and trailblazer Christine Sierra talks about helping to build the field of Latino/Latina political studies. The Line opinion panelists discuss what issues top voters' minds headed into the midterm elections, plus a lawsuit alleging the state's foster care system is "broken," as well as efforts to shape Governor Susana Martinez's legacy. - Episode 14E14
Episode 14Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Andrew Oxford breaks down the money spent so far by special interest groups leading up to the November midterm elections. Plus, new debate about plans to move the country from the Electoral College to the popular vote in electing the leader of the United States. The Line opinion panelists discuss UNM salaries, and new approaches to fighting crime. - Episode 15E15
Episode 15This November, voters will choose whether to approve a change to the state constitution and create an independent statewide ethics commission. We break down what it would mean if the amendment passes. In this month's Our Land, two UNM professors talk about what role the environment will play in the upcoming elections. And, The Line panelists discuss the big news that Netflix is coming to ABQ. - Episode 16E16
Episode 16Second Congressional District candidate Xochitl Torres-Small (D), talks about some of the big issues in the race, and why she wanted to run to replace Steve Pearce. Plus, how people are coping with a growing housing conundrum in Carlsbad in the midst of a big oil and gas boom. And, The Line panelists discuss the upcoming state House races, and UNM's plan to deal with 4 controversial murals. - Episode 17E17
Episode 17A closer look at an election story that often gets overlooked: electing a judge to the NM Court of Appeals. There is added intrigue this year, as female candidates have the potential to win a majority on the court. Also, how young professionals are dealing with a housing crunch in Carlsbad, and The Line panelists talk about the effectiveness of attack ads and newspaper and celebrity endorsements. - Episode 18E18
Episode 18Campaigns, parties and civic groups are working hard to drum up voter enthusiasm. Local experts discuss voter targeting and turnout in the midterm elections. Plus one last breakdown of the race for Governor, and an explainer on Constitutional Amendment #1. Plus, Gene Grant and The Line Opinion panelists discuss local reaction to anti-semitic violence, and politics and the Catholic Church. - Episode 19E19
Episode 19It was a big night for democrats in New Mexico's 2018 midterm elections. Not only did voters elect the first Native American woman to Congress, but the entire delegation went blue, along with the Governor's race. Host Gene Grant and The Line panelists break down all the results, and what it means for New Mexico moving forward. In this month's Our Land, we explore Albuquerque's urban forest. - Episode 20E20
Episode 20A closer look at the deal to bring Netflix's new production hub to ABQ, plus the move's impact on the local film industry. The Line opinion panelists discuss Mayor Tim Keller's decision to cut ties with electric bus manufacturer Build Your Dreams and pursue alternatives for the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project. The Line also debates the "war against the media," and a lawsuit in the CD2 race. - Episode 21E21
Episode 21Featuring new one-on-one interviews with three important guests. LaDonna Harris is founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity. She talks about her illustrious career and what's changed in the past 50 years. Author Alfredo Corchado discusses his latest book, "Homelands" which looks at issues of immigration and identity. And, poet Joan Naviyuk Kane talks about her work writing about climate change. - Episode 22E22
Episode 22Profiling Casa de Salud's innovative Health Apprenticeship program, which gives teens and young people a chance to gain valuable experience. Plus, The Line panelists break down a new report on the economic impacts of climate change in NM, the final results in the midterm elections, plus possible new election reforms and why feminist artist Judy Chicago pulled the plugs on museum plans in Belen. - Episode 23E23
Episode 23An in depth interview with Deb Haaland, who made history last month by becoming one of the first female Native American candidates to win a spot in the U.S. House. Plus, the Line opinion panelists discuss new revelations in the handling of rape kits, the hotly contested race to lead the state GOP Party, and news that the Archdiocese of Santa Fe plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. - Episode 24E24
Episode 24Historian, author, and Santa Fe resident Hampton Sides discusses his newest book, "On Desperate Ground," which tells the story of one of the most harrowing clashes in the Korean War. Plus, we follow up on new revelations about the handling of rape test kits in New Mexico. The Line panelists discuss new warnings about the state's budget surplus and why the recent "blue wave" in NM was also gray. - Episode 25E25
Episode 25UNM Men's Soccer Head Coach Jeremy Fishbein talks about what this past season was like for him and his players, after the Board of Regents voted to cut his program after this year. He also talks about the possibility the program may still be revived with help from the legislature and Governor-Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham. And the Line begins our countdown of the top stories of 2018. - Episode 26E26
Episode 26Correspondent Russell Contreras sits down with author and journalist Gustavo Arellano, creator of the formerly syndicated column "Ask a Mexican." Arellano talks about the importance of alternative newsweeklies, free speech, and Latino representation in the media. Host Gene Grant and a special Line opinion panel of local journalists continue to count down the stories that defined 2018. - Episode 27E27
Episode 27Medicine is not always enough to help patients on the road to recovery. Dr. David Rakel has spent his career looking at the role the compassionate connection can play in a person's overall health. Plus, host Gene Grant and a special Line opinion panel of local journalists offer predictions about what's in story in 2019, and what focus their reporting will have in the new year. - Episode 28E28
Episode 28New Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham hits the ground running. The Line panelists break down her first days in office, as well as her executive order to put an end to PARCC testing. Plus, the battle over banning single-use plastics comes to Albuquerque. This month's "Our Land" segment features a preview of environmental legislation that will likely be considered in this year's legislative session. - Episode 29E29
Episode 29Lawmakers this year will consider a proposal to create extreme protection orders, which allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from those deemed to be an immediate threat to themselves or others. We find out how they work, and what supporters and opponents have to say about the idea. Plus, reaction and analysis of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's first State of the State Address. - Episode 30E30
Episode 30Breaking down what will no doubt be one of the most high-profile legislative discussions this year: legalizing recreational cannabis for adults over age 21. Plus, the Line panelists talk about the lingering effects of the federal government shutdown, the latest education reform proposals, and the fast pace of the beginning of the 2019 legislative session. - Episode 31E31
Episode 31The latest updates on gun control legislation making its way through the Roundhouse this year, plus the battle over a minimum wage hike in New Mexico. Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus also talks about her latest story which uncovered massive contamination at Holloman Air Force Base. She also looks at efforts to protect "temporary" waterways in New Mexico. - Episode 32E32
Episode 32A financial market analyst, a tax expert, and an owner of a medical cannabis dispensary dive into the finances surrounding legalized and medicinal cannabis. The Line panelists discuss Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's appointees to the state's education leadership team. Plus, the debate over abortion and aid-in-dying bills that are making their way through the legislature. Host: Gene Grant. - Episode 33E33
Episode 33The public got its first look this week at legislation laying out logistics of a voter-approved Ethics Commission. We head to Santa Fe for the lowdown on HB4. Plus, a former legislature and open-government advocates discuss other ethics related legislation in this year's session. The Line opinion panelists discuss the so-called "tampon tax" proposal, plus new appointees to the UNM Board of Regents. - Episode 34E34
Episode 34Exploring the impacts of a bill that would raise the minimum wage in New Mexico, and do away with another wage level designed for employees like restaurant wait staff and bartenders, who currently work on tips as well. Plus, how activism turned to artwork for some of the Dakota Access Pipeline protesters. And, The Line panelists talk education funding and President Trump's border emergency. - Episode 35E35
Episode 35In response to a judge's decision that New Mexico hasn't been spending enough on its public schools, the Legislature has added nearly half a billion dollars to the budget for education. We look at how lawmakers are ensuring they do more than just throw money at a problem. The Line panelists debate the House Democrats' tax overhaul plan and examine reports of groundwater contamination near Cannon AFB. - Episode 36E36
Episode 36Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham sits down for one of her first one-on-one, in-depth interviews since the start of the legislative session. In this month's Our Land segment, Correspondent Laura Paskus travels to Socorro and a Superfund cleanup site where a plume of toxic groundwater from an old battery plant is seeping underneath homes. And, The Line looks at early childhood education proposals. - Episode 37E37
Episode 37An in-depth look at ways of addressing chronic homelessness in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and across the state. The Line panelists also weigh in on the last days of this year's legislative session, including the protracted efforts to craft an ethics commission proposal and look at a possible commitment for New Mexico to back the nation's popular vote in presidential races. - Episode 38E38
Episode 38Members of the state's Capitol press corps run down the recently completed legislative session, including the top themes and trends along with what lies ahead when lawmakers return next year. The Line opinion panel discuss the state's response to the influx of new immigrants, and critiques of the "education moonshot" launched this legislative session. - Episode 39E39
Episode 39Previewing the Native Women's Business Summit, scheduled for April 5 -6. Plus, breaking down the latest changes to the state's film incentives with Santa Fe Film Office Director Eric Witt. And, The Line opinion panelists tackle the news Senator Tom Udall will not run again in 2020, and impacts of the state's ongoing dependence on federal dollars. - Episode 40E40
Episode 40Spotlighting the key players in a national Independent Lens documentary "The Providers" which focuses on the challenges of treating addiction in rural New Mexico. Plus, The Line panelists discuss a push by House Republicans to repeal a gun law through referendum, as well as the new law increasing the state's minimum wage rate. - Episode 41E41
Episode 41A closer look at Bernalillo County's mobile voting unit, the first such experiment in the state. On this month's installment of Our Land, environmental correspondent Laura Paskus looks at how climate change affects spring runoff and summer summer irrigation (The interview is a companion piece to the broadcast of the national PBS series "Sinking Cities" airing 4/28 and 5/5, 2-4pm). - Episode 42E42
Episode 42Albuquerque Journal political reporter Dan McKay discusses the latest news on the lawsuit that's changing the way the state funds K-12 education. The Line opinion panelists look at the influx of immigrants seeking asylum and the call for health officials to help at the New Mexico/Mexico border. The Line also debates Albuquerque's new plastic bag ban. - Episode 43E43
Episode 43Local journalists talk about the media's access to government, and why it's important to the general public. For Earth Day, we meet a landlocked blue whale made out of recycled plastic and find out how "Ethyl" is highlighting the toll humans are exacting on the planet's oceans. The Line opinion panelists discuss the militia group now on the southern border and a big announcement from PNM. - Episode 44E44
Episode 44Talking economic development in New Mexico with Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes. We also sit down with the new Secretary of Education, Karen Trujillo, to talk about her strategies for leading the state's schools. The Line panelists discuss Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's lukewarm approval rating in a national poll and the alarming number of shootings in Bernallilo County so far this year. - Episode 45E45
Episode 45New York Times correspondent Simón Romero talks about his work covering the migrant surge along the U.S.-Mexico border. In this month's "Our Land" episode, engineers from the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority, discuss changes to storm water management. And, The Line opinion panelists discuss recent student protests and the business response to recent crime along Route 66. - Episode 46E46
Episode 46KUNM reporter Marisa Demarco talks about her investigative series on the connection between broken streetlights and pedestrian deaths in Albuquerque's International District. Experts attending the National Indian Health Board's Annual Public Health Summit in Albuquerque stop by to talk about the epidemic of opioid abuse in tribal communities. - Episode 47E47
Episode 47Spaceport America's CEO talks about the future of commercial space flight in New Mexico. And, The Line opinion panelists discuss increasing perceptions Albuquerque is a dangerous place in which to live, and debate Bernalillo County District Attorney Raúl Torrez's proposed constitutional amendment that would make it easier to detain certain defendants pending trial. - Episode 48E48
Episode 48Sec. of Economic Development Alicia Keyes discusses new legislation designed to boost film and TV production. Plus, instructors from UNM and CNM talk about how they're working to prepare students for jobs in the industry. U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham visited New Mexico this week to learn firsthand about some of our unique challenges, and how to ensure the upcoming count is accurate. - Episode 49E49
Episode 49Elections expert Lonna Atkeson and advocate Maria Perez discuss whether the time is right for Albuquerque to use ranked-choice voting. Plus, the Line opinion panelists debate the proposed idea of building a fence around the University of New Mexico's main campus to address safety issues. They also wrestle with the looming threat to the state's economy of tariffs on goods imported from Mexico. - Episode 50E50
Episode 50We visit El Cerro Mission in Valencia County, where a year ahead of the census count, local planners are reaching out to community leaders in hard-to-count neighborhoods. This month's Our Land looks at habitat restoration efforts near Socorro. Plus, on The Line, APS finds elevated lead levels in some schools' sinks and faucets, and new conditions now qualify for the medical cannabis program. - Episode 51E51
Episode 51Senator Tom Udall talks about the country's growing tensions with Iran and his efforts to avoid rushing to war. Plus, how economic development efforts can be applied in rural New Mexico as well. The Line panelists break down the news that NBCUniversal will also be setting up production facilities in Albuquerque, and another poor ranking for child well-being in New Mexico. - Episode 52E52
Episode 52Researchers at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine talk about their work developing a vaccine that carries the tantalizing possibility of preventing Alzheimer's disease. Plus, supporters of President Donald Trump hold a rally outside the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, and share their thoughts on immigration and the President's chance to win New Mexico in 2020.