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 1E1
Episode 1Former President of the American Public Health Association, Michael Bird, talks about his legacy, which includes being named as one of the 75 most influential alumni at the Univ. of California-Berkeley. Plus, Natl. Security Advisor Todd Greentree discusses the history of civil wars in Central America and how they're contributing to the current migrant crisis. Plus, full contact female sports in NM. - Episode 2E2
Episode 2Environmental correspondent Laura Paskus speaks with outgoing Senator Tom Udall about the struggle for action on climate change during his final 18 months in office. Paskus also takes viewers along for this month's installment of Our Land, as she examines the effort to build a network of backyard wildlife sanctuaries. Plus, find meet some of the volunteers behind the International Folk Art Market. - Episode 3E3
Episode 3Nikki Nojima Louis was among 120,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated in camps across the West during World War II. She shares her personal experience and the parallels with what is happening with migrant children today. Plus, we sit down with Maya Salganek, a New Mexico native now working on the new PBS Kids show "Molly of Denali." The Line talks about the ongoing chile wars with Colorado. - Episode 4E4
Episode 4Slavery is not a topic we talk about a lot here in the Southwest, but the practice was common in New Mexico. Two UNM scholars share their research on the topic. A new study shows that New Mexico is at the center of the missing and murdered indigenous women crisis. We find out what local advocates are doing to raise awareness. Plus, reaction to news the governor has released the PED Secretary. - Episode 5E5
Episode 5Former Education Secretary Karen Trujillo speaks out about Governor Lujan Grisham's decision to replace her after only 6 months on the job. Plus. a pair of lawmakers discuss the decision and what comes next for New Mexico's schools. Plus, The Line opinion panelists talk about the latest school test scores, and the latest developments on the border. - Episode 6E6
Episode 6Former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano shares insights on her new book looking at the national threats after 9/11. This month's Our Land looks at the future of the remote Gila River. And, the Line panelists look at the fallout from recent mass shootings, including in nearby El Paso. They also look at transparency matters and monitoring of prescription pain medicines. - Episode 7E7
Episode 7Reaction to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's new pick to lead the Education Department. Plus, Lujan Grisham sits down to talk about her "education moonshot" at the start of a new school year. Plus, visit Albuquerque's International District to see how neighbors working with the Nature Conservancy and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps have transformed a vacant dirt lot into a pop-up public park. - Episode 8E8
Episode 8Correspondent Antonia Gonzales sits down with Sec. Lynn Trujillo of the NM Department of Indian Affairs to talk about tribal priorities on the state level, including big changes to education. Correspondent Laura Paskus talks to NM Environment Department Sec. James Kenney about PFAS, or toxic, human-made chemicals found at U.S. military bases nationwide and around the world. - Episode 9E9
Episode 9Host Gene Grant talks with ADA advocate Terri O'Hare about what it's like to navigate Albuquerque as a person with a disability. Megan Kamerick sits down with Jim Linnell, UNM Theatre Professor Emeritus, and author. The Line opinion panel discuss Bernalillo County's passage of a new paid leave law, state spending, and flipping New Mexico from a blue to a red state in 2020. - Episode 10E10
Episode 10Public health experts discuss the health risks of e-cigarettes and vaping, especially by children, teens and other vulnerable communities. The Line opinion panel discuss the abundance of lawsuits filed by Carlsbad Medical Center against its patients. They also debate new medical cannabis guidelines in New Mexico schools and take time to remember Supreme Court Justice Charles Daniels. - Episode 11E11
Episode 11Playwright Mary Kathryn Nagle outlines the ongoing struggles for accurate representations of Indigenous people in the theater world. In this month's Our Land, an update on the recent outbreak of blue-green algae blooms at some NM lakes. And, The Line opinion panel looks at the idea of creating a new early childhood education endowment, and the state's move away from coal-fired electricity. - Episode 12E12
Episode 12President Donald Trump visited New Mexico this week as part of his reelection campaign. We talk to supporters and opponents and The Line opinion panelists also discuss the chances New Mexico could flip republican in 2020. They also discuss the governor's proposal to make college education free. We also sit down with with three students who participated in this week's Climate Strike event in ABQ. - Episode 13E13
Episode 13New security restrictions are coming to ABQ International Balloon Fiesta. We find out what those changes will be, and The Line opinion panelists weigh in on what it will take for the increased security efforts to be a success. The Line panelists also discuss the local impacts of the newly announced Trump Impeachment Inquiry. Plus, MMA legend Greg Jackson talks life inside and outside the octagon. - Episode 14E14
Episode 14UNM Political Science Professor Jessica Feezell breaks down the political messaging surrounding President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry, as well as how to process news from different sources. Local STEM students get a hands-on lesson on robotics. And, The Line opinion panelists discuss a new proposal for vehicle emissions standards and a bond proposal to boost athletic events in Albuquerque. - Episode 15E15
Episode 15The state's first official Indigenous Peoples' Day is Monday, October 14th. A trio of Native artists and activists discuss what the day can mean for Indigenous peoples, and how they pass their history to non-Natives who are curious about the past. This month's Our Land examines the recently ramped-up effort to clean jet fuel pollution from the water below Albuquerque. - Episode 16E16
Episode 16Examining the latest crime report for UNM and what officials are doing to fight crime on campus. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller discusses the upcoming November municipal elections. The Line opinion panelists also debate the benefit of body cameras for law enforcement officers in New Mexico, the use of restraint in public schools and the often tense relationships between police and the media. - Episode 17E17
Episode 17A closer look at Albuquerque's plan for a public campaign finance voucher system, termed "Democracy Dollars." Hear from both an advocate and an opponent of the issue, which will be on the Albuquerque ballot in November. The Line panelists debate New Mexico's move to the SAT test as a replacement to the PARCC exam, and the recent decision by faculty of the University of New Mexico to unionize. - Episode 18E18
Episode 18Representatives from the Albuquerque Historic Neighborhoods Alliance push back against the city's new zoning policy, saying it ignores local input and actually creates racial disparities. Plus, host Gene Grant and The Line panelists weigh in on priority issues for the upcoming 30-day legislative session, a record year for tourism the state's oil and gas economy dilemma. - Episode 19E19
Episode 19A sit down interview with the National president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), Thomas Saenz. He updates a pivotal lawsuit surrounding the state's public education system. Plus, youth advocates and a local filmmaker set out to make Albuquerque and New Mexico a safer place for young people. And, we get an update on diversion plans for the pristine Gila River. - Episode 20E20
Episode 20Albuquerque Journal business reporter Kevin Robinson-Avila discuss his in-depth series on local electric cooperatives and their response to The Energy Transition Act signed into law this year by Gov. Lujan Grisham. The Line panelists delve into the newest legal challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act. They also explore a shortage of fire fighters in rural communities and new bail reform criticism. - Episode 21E21
Episode 21NMiF travels to Jemez Pueblo this week, to meet Tina Archuleta, who has made it her mission to decolonize Native diets. Plus, NMiF contributor Gwyneth Doland discusses her new report on the history of redistricting in our state. And, the Line panelists tackle new stadium plans for New Mexico United, a new audit report on secret legal settlements in the waning days of the Martinez administration. - Episode 22E22
Episode 22New U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo offers some thoughts on her new appointment and how her time in New Mexico impacted her work. She also shares a some of her poems from a reading she did this summer in Santa Fe. UNM Football player Teton Saltes shares how he tackles advocacy for his community with the same determination he does athletics. And we revisit a recent trip to the Bosque del Apache. - Episode 23E23
Episode 23Congresswoman Deb Haaland discusses the need for greater investigation into missing and murdered Native women and her efforts to improve broadband access. The Line opinion panel take on the announcement, made shortly after Haaland was in the NMiF studios, that Rep. Haaland was named as co-chair for presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren's campaign. The Line also discuss school funding and ABQ Crime. - Episode 24E24
Episode 24Newly retired Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Steve Terrell talks about what's changed since he first started covering the Legislature. In this month's installment of Our Land, we travel to the border to see firsthand construction of the new wall between the U.S. and Mexico and learn about the its impacts on wildlife and communities. The Line panelists talk gun laws and food assistance requirements. - Episode 26E26
Episode 26Our look back at 2019 kicks off with topics ranging from President Trump's visit to Rio Rancho this fall to groundwater contamination near New Mexico military installations and Governor Michelle Lujan's first year in office. Also, we revisit Albuquerque's International District, where this summer several groups turned an empty dirt lot into a pop-up public park. - Episode 27E27
Episode 27Continuing our annual countdown of the top stories of the year. Our look back at 2019 wraps up with topics such as the passing of the landmark Energy Transition Act and the move toward recreational cannabis legalization. NMiF also revisits a grass-finished beef ranch in Tierra Amarilla that's the latest venture of four generations of the Casados Family. - Episode 28E28
Episode 28How New Mexico's oil boom in the Permian Basin is altering life for many people in Southeast NM. In this month's installment of Our Land, correspondent Laura Paskus sits down with John Fleck, co-author of the new book "Science Be Dammed: How Ignoring Inconvenient Science Drained the Colorado River." The Line panelists weigh in on the state budget proposals and new entries in the U.S. Senate Race. - Episode 29E29
Episode 29An in depth interview with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, previewing what to expect when she delivers her official call to legislators for her second session as chief executive. The Line opinion panel delve into the governor's plans to add their insights and informed opinions to the conversation. And, members of the Capitol press corps offer their views on what to watch for as the session begins. - Episode 30E30
Episode 30Recapping the State of the State speech, including analysis from former lawmakers. We'll also talk to lawmakers about responsible budgeting and check in on concerns about open government. A representative from Transform Education NM also discusses the latest education reform proposals, and we investigate the true influence of lobbyists thanks to a new report by New Mexico Ethics Watch. - Episode 31E31
Episode 31The allure of commercial sports betting for New Mexico Tribes. Plus, lawmakers discuss the extreme risk firearm protection order, or "red flag" law. The bill would let the state temporarily take a gun from someone found by a court to be a danger to themselves or the community. The Line opinion panelists take up so-called nuisance businesses, cannabis legislation and the wage theft case backlog. - Episode 32E32
Episode 32Lawmakers discuss the funding woes of the state's new Ethics Commission as well as a movement to change the way New Mexico does redistricting. Journalist Tierna Unruh-Enos talks about her new podcast, focused on the unsolved murders of women buried on Albuquerque's West Mesa. This Line panelists discuss diversity in the Roundhouse, progress on the state's budget and a lawsuit against Kirtland AFB. - Episode 33E33
Episode 33Our Land correspondent Laura Paskus talks to state Environment Dept. leaders about the low levels of PFAS toxic chemicals that have been found in some intake wells in the eastern New Mexico city of Clovis. In "Your New Mexico Government" news, we update the progress of plans to reform the state's failing public employee pension program, and take you to American Indian Day at the Roundhouse. - Episode 34E34
Episode 34Lawmakers discuss the recently completed legislative session, including priority #1: the budget agreement. This month's installment of "Our Land" stretches from the Sandia Mountains, all the way to a newly protected national monument in southern New Mexico, as people find new ways to connect with our state's public lands. The Line opinion panel also looks back at the 30-day legislative session. - Episode 35E35
Episode 35The Executive Director of the newly formed New Mexico Ethics Commission, Jeremy Farris discusses the group's mission and work. The Line panelists move from the recently wrapped legislative session to the next big political story: election season. The panelists also tackle the problem of hundreds of cases in limbo due to a backlog at the state's Court of Appeals. - Episode 36E36
Episode 36The New Mexico Department of Health talks COVID-19, the coronavirus that is sending the country - and the world - into a panic. The Line opinion panel looks at why both of New Mexico's U.S. Senators are asking for arrest data to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, plus whether professionalizing lawmakers will affect lobbyist spending in New Mexico. - Episode 37E37
Episode 37The Line opinion panel look at the impacts of COVID-19 in New Mexico. Tax experts also discuss changes following last year's signing of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as more changes to understand at the state and federal level. And in this month's Our Land episode, why Cochiti Pueblo is against a plan to change Bandelier National Monument to a National Park. - Episode 38E38
Episode 38Psychiatrists from UNM share strategies for dealing with the realities of social distancing as the nation responds to the COVID-19 outbreak. Members of the New Mexico Native American Census Coalition also discuss the challenge of avoiding an undercount in Indian Country, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Line opinion panel take a broad look at New Mexico's response to COVID-19. - Episode 39E39
Episode 39Workforce Solutions Sec. Bill McCamley discusses the state's expanded unemployment response due to the new coronavirus outbreak. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Stacy Bohlen of the National Indian Health Board share the struggles of dealing with scarce resources in their response to virus outbreaks on tribal lands. Plus, new evidence of PFAS contamination in New Mexico. - Episode 40E40
Episode 40Human Services Department Secretary Dr. David Scrase talks about the state's testing capacity, how it impacts the spread of COVIID-19 and how the health care system is preparing for a surge. Domestic violence awareness advocates discuss how victims can deal with and escape abuse under our current stay-at-home orders. Plus, what's behind rollback of regulations regarding pollution during the pandemic. - Episode 41E41
Episode 41This week, we find out what efforts are underway in Albuquerque to help curtail COVID-19 spread among people experiencing homelessness. Plus, Members of the Catholic and Jewish communities share how they are trying to adapt faith traditions during a pandemic. Farmington Daily Times Reporter Noel Smith updates the COVID-19 outbreak on the Navajo Nation and efforts to curb its spread. - Episode 42E42
Episode 42Updating the COVID-19 impacts in Southern New Mexico with Las Cruces Sun-News reporter Algernon D'Ammassa. New Mexico's Indian Affairs secretary and two tribal leaders also update the COVID-19 response in Native communities. The Line opinion panel discuss partisan reactions to Gov. Lujan Grisham's public health restrictions and the growing call for early release of some non-violent prisoners. - Episode 43E43
Episode 43Drs. Sanjeev Arora and Leslie Hayes discuss how rural medical centers and hospitals are handling cases of the novel coronavirus, as well as how telehealth strategies are making a difference. Sen. Tom Udall updates federal relief efforts in Washington, D.C. Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel discuss whether the state has enough resources to expand novel coronavirus testing for every citizen. - Episode 44E44
Episode 44Researchers at the University of New Mexico talk about efforts around the world working to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus that has led to the death of more than 57,000 in the United States alone. The Line opinion panel discuss COVID-19 updates, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's plan to extend restrictions through May 15th and how impacts on school, city, and state budgets. - Episode 45E45
Episode 45Examining the state's COVID-19 testing capability with Health Sec. Kathyleen Kunkel. Criminal justice reporter Jeff Proctor updates his reporting on how some 6,600 inmates in New Mexico are affected by the pandemic, and what the state is doing to protect prisoners and correctional employees from the deadly virus. Plus how Native communities are using culture to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak. - Episode 46E46
Episode 46A Navajo citizen shares his COVID-19 recovery story and a journalist offers insight on her current work highlighting why the virus is spreading so rapidly across Navajo land. Hospital administrators in Northwest NM discuss current hospital operations and the impacts on health care workers treating coronavirus patients. Three Muslims in Albuquerque adapt to Ramadan in a time of COVID-19. - Episode 47E47
Episode 47A closer look at testing for the novel coronavirus - both for those infected and for those who may have had the virus with only mild or no symptoms - with a representative from the state's largest independent laboratory. The Line opinion panel discuss the state's reaction to initial efforts to reopen and the upcoming June primary election. This week, the group looks at the federal races. - Episode 48E48
Episode 48A conversation with two members of the Governor's Economic Recovery Council which has been tasked with setting up guidelines and best practices for reopening the state's businesses and economy. Plus, we look at how people are carrying on the tradition of honoring San Ysidro, patron saint of acequias, during a pandemic. And, experts discuss voting issues ahead of next Tuesday's Primary election. - Episode 49E49
Episode 49Impacts of Black Lives Matter protests across New Mexico and why the City of Albuquerque is not ready to issue a curfew because of those protests. Plus, parsing through New Mexico's primary election results, which saw a staggering number of absentee ballots and a strong overall turnout. We also continue to update COVID-19 in New Mexico, including a check in with the Southwestern part of the state. - Episode 50E50
Episode 50This week, The Line panelists preview next week's special session, called by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to begin addressing a projected $2 billion hole in next year's spending package. The group also discusses local responses to the Black Lives Matter movement. This month's Our Land visits the dry bed of the Rio Grande south of Socorro and looks at how that drying affects endangered fish. - Episode 51E51
Episode 51Understanding the City of Albuquerque's response to the shooting at a protest over a Juan de Oñate statue, including an interview with Mayor Tim Keller. The Line panel also weighs in on the topic, as well as the start of the special session. Correspondent Laura Paskus learns what it's like to cover COVID-19 as a photojournalist. She talks with ABQ Journal photojournalist Roberto Rosales. - Episode 52E52
Episode 52"The first secretary of the NM's newly minted Early Childhood Education and Care Dept., Elizabeth Groginsky, talks about her plans for the department which launches next week. Plus, how COVID-19 is now ravaging Arizona and what that means for us here in New Mexico. Plus, wrapping up the special session outcomes and a conversation with Santa Fe Mayor Allan Webber about the city's statue controversy".