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
57 Episodes
- Cannabis Comes to NM & Historical AstronomyE1
Cannabis Comes to NM & Historical AstronomyThe Line opinion panel discusses the arrival of recreational-use cannabis. The Growing Forward podcast team hears from Adam Levin of the Pew Charitable Trusts on the research on rolling out legal cannabis in other states. William Donahue of St. John's College talks about receiving the LeRoy Doggett Prize for his work in historical astronomy and his translations of works by Johannes Kepler. - Covering the Border & Protecting Against WildfiresE2
Covering the Border & Protecting Against WildfiresAn inside look at the faces and stories behind our crisis on the U.S./Mexico border with Albuquerque Journal photographer Roberto Rosales. The award-winning Our Land series returns this month, as we travel to the Carson National Forest to learn about a unique, community-based approach to managing the forest and protecting against wildfires. - Branson Blasts Off & Education StrugglesE3
Branson Blasts Off & Education StrugglesThe Line opinion panel looks at the long term impacts of Virgin Galactic's historic spaceflight at Spaceport America. The group also explores Rebecca Dow's entry into the Republican race for governor and the impact of tough-on-crime policy decisions for the state court system. Navajo journalist Sunnie Clahchischiligi discusses the unique challenges Native students faced during the COVID-19 outbreak. - Date Night Discrimination & Gas Station LiabilityE4
Date Night Discrimination & Gas Station LiabilityThe Line opinion panel offers reactions on the state Supreme Court's decision that gas stations have a duty to refuse to sell fuel to drunk drivers. The group also explores the ethics complaint against Attorney General Hector Balderas over his handling of a proposed PNM merger. Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus sits down with two journalists covering PFAS contamination in Michigan and New Jersey. - COVID & Masks, Boarding Schools and Soccer PitchE5
COVID & Masks, Boarding Schools and Soccer PitchNative leaders discuss the need for the painful look back at the history of boarding schools in the U.S., as well as the path forward toward healing. Plus, how the University of New Mexico Medical School is boosting long-slumping numbers of rural primary care doctors. The Line opinion panel talks about the return of masks - even for vaccinated people and a proposed new soccer stadium in Albuquerque. - Delta Blues, Toxins & FirefightersE6
Delta Blues, Toxins & FirefightersEnvironmental correspondent Laura Paskus speaks with a former U.S. Air Force firefighter who discusses his experience with toxic chemicals used in firefighting foam at Cannon Air Force Base. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez talks about the effort by Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to forge a compromise bill that will spend some $1 trillion on infrastructure projects. - Delta Pinches Hospitals, CYFD Shakeup & MonsoonsE7
Delta Pinches Hospitals, CYFD Shakeup & MonsoonsThe Delta variant is putting new pressure on local hospitals. We'll get an update from administrators who are now calling this a "pandemic of the unvaccinated." The Line opinion panel will also discuss the ongoing debate about how schools and business should respond to the most recent surge. On this month's Our Land episode, we talk about drought in New Mexico, and this year's monsoon season. - Mask Mandate Redux, Crime Trends, and NM CensusE8
Mask Mandate Redux, Crime Trends, and NM CensusThe recent spike in COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated people means a return of mask mandates, as well as new vaccine requirements. The Line opinion panel weighs the impact and political implications. The Line also discusses Albuquerque's troubling crime trend and newly released Census data. Former New Mexico TV meteorologist Jorge Torres about how local newsrooms can better cover climate issues. - More Pandemic Pushback and Afghans Come to NME9
More Pandemic Pushback and Afghans Come to NMThe Line opinion panel offers thoughts on Democratic leaders' commitment to accept Afghans refugees. The group also discusses pedestrian safety in New Mexico, and the legal challenge to Gov. Lujan Grisham's new mask mandate. Plus, judging the impacts of the SunZia Transmission Project, 4 billion project is supposed to someday bring wind-generated power from New Mexico to California and Arizona. - State Budget, Benefits Expire & Afghan ResettlementE10
State Budget, Benefits Expire & Afghan ResettlementSearching for perspective on the end of the war in Afghanistan and the resulting humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands of Afghans look to flee Taliban rule. The Line opinion panel takes a closer look at the implications of a predicted $1.4 billion surplus in the state's next budget year. The group also discusses the looming end to COVID unemployment benefits and a new state education strategy. - Downwinders, Virgin Galactic Troubles & Dark SkiesE11
Downwinders, Virgin Galactic Troubles & Dark SkiesUpdating the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium's work to get the U.S. government to compensate families who were impacted by the Trinity nuclear test. This month's Our Land explores what it means to connect with the night sky and protect it for future generations. The Line opinion panel discusses the grounding of Virgin Galactic after the discovery of troubles with a recent historic launch. - Firefighter Concerns, Cannabis Equity & MasksE12
Firefighter Concerns, Cannabis Equity & MasksWildland firefighters discuss their work challenges including the lack of full-time benefits and surprisingly low wages. Growing Forward podcast co-hosts Megan Kamerick and Andy Lyman talk to members of the state's cannabis regulation advisory board about efforts to provide equitable business opportunities. The Line opinion panel discuss key developments for policing in Albuquerque and the state. - Redistricting, Ag Outlook & Native FashionE13
Redistricting, Ag Outlook & Native FashionNative fashion model Quannah Chasinghorse (Han Gwich'in Sicangu/Oglala Lakota) discusses her recent Met Gala media blitz. The 19-year-old has been advocate and environmental activist as long as she's been a model. Now, with a larger stage, Chasinghorse sees a chance to amplify her message. Plus, Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte discusses how farmers and ranchers are dealing with our ongoing drought. - Balloon Safety, Mayor's Race & Genius GranteeE14
Balloon Safety, Mayor's Race & Genius GranteeThe founder of balloon tour company Rainbow Ryders discusses safety changes he'd like to see in the industry. Plus, a conversation with new "Genius Grant" winner, MacArthur Fellow Monica Muñoz Martinez. Dede Feldman discusses her new book about what politicians learn about NM during campaigns. The Line opinion panel talks ABQ's Mayoral race and the sudden lack of educational achievement data. - The Albuquerque Mayoral ForumE15
The Albuquerque Mayoral ForumThis week on New Mexico in Focus, as voting begins in local elections across the state, NMiF teams with the New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative to present a mayoral forum in the state's largest city. Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller has three challengers, including Eddy Aragon and Manny Gonzales. - Campaign Money Game, IATSE Strike & Our LandE16
Campaign Money Game, IATSE Strike & Our LandThe Line opinion panel breaks down the latest campaign finance numbers in the governor's race. With the IATSE strike deadline of Monday, Gene Grant speaks with a senior media reporter from Variety and local union members to find out what's at stake and what workers are demanding from producers and studios. Our Land returns to take a trip hiking trails with Together for Brothers. - Stadium Proposal, Redistricting & Author William deBuysE17
Stadium Proposal, Redistricting & Author William deBuysThis week the Citizen Redistricting Committee has wrapped up it's work, approving a series of map proposals for redrawing election districts for the next ten years. Early voting is already underway in ABQ on a proposed, publicly financed, multi-use stadium that would be home to the popular New Mexico United Soccer team. Author William deBuys discusses his latest work. - Avangrid Merger, Film Set Tragedy & ABQ Stadium OpinionsE18
Avangrid Merger, Film Set Tragedy & ABQ Stadium OpinionsThere's a proposed merger between PNM Resources and Avangrid. People offer opinions on a proposed multi-use stadium slated for Downtown Albuquerque. The Line opinion panel offers thoughts on next Tuesday's municipal elections, the accidental shooting on a NM film set and the legislation that allows retired law enforcement officers to reenter the workforce, while collecting pensions. - Election Results, Gun Ban & Student Action on Climate ChangeE19
Election Results, Gun Ban & Student Action on Climate ChangeThis week on New Mexico in Focus, historic turnout across New Mexico led to some eye-opening results on election night. Students at the University of New Mexico calling for an investigation into the University's foundation investments in fossil fuels. An interview with Zuni Pueblo Artist Mallery Quetawki who helped create an artistic tribute to We:Wa seen on Google's homepage this week. - Social Studies Curricula Changes, Water ManagementE20
Social Studies Curricula Changes, Water ManagementThe state Department of Education is looking to update social studies curricula statewide, which has sparked a lot of public input and outcry. This month on Our Land, a discussion about our rivers and how we manage them, from a feminine perspective. As COVID-19 cases continue to soar in NM, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced plans to make vaccine boosters available to all adults. - Busting Thanksgiving Myths and Reservation Dogs ComposerE21
Busting Thanksgiving Myths and Reservation Dogs ComposerThis week on New Mexico in Focus, November is a month dedicated to the contributions of Native Americans. Stereotypes, myths and misunderstanding of Tribes are still very much part of public perception, however. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with some members of the Native Community about how we can all celebrate Native people without promoting stereotypes or appropriating their culture. - New Wrinkles for Special Session, PNM MergerE22
New Wrinkles for Special Session, PNM MergerLawmakers head back to the Roundhouse next week, for a Special Session to deal with redistricting. The Line opinion panel also weighs in on the changes at the Roundhouse and what lawmakers will do with redistricting. A merger between New Mexico's PNM Resources and Iberdola-owned Avangrid is in the works. It's a multi-billion-dollar deal that will affect nearly every household in New Mexico. - Special Session Begins & PNM Merger Struck DownE23
Special Session Begins & PNM Merger Struck DownState lawmakers are back inside the Roundhouse this week, parsing through redistricting recommendations from a new, independent commission. The Line Opinion Panel reacts to the breaking news the Public Regulation Commission struck down a proposed merger between Public Service Company of New Mexico and Avangrid, an east coast power utility. Plus, urban wildlife. - Redistricting & Fentanyl's Impact on CrimeE24
Redistricting & Fentanyl's Impact on CrimeThis week on New Mexico in Focus, The New Mexico Legislature is hard at work leading up to the holidays, making important decisions about Redistricting and the spending of more than a billion dollars in federal COVID relief funds. Join us on this episode to see more. - Top Ten Stories of 2021 Part 1 & Food Insecurity InnovationE25
Top Ten Stories of 2021 Part 1 & Food Insecurity InnovationWe bring back an annual tradition, the countdown of the Top Ten stories of the year. A special Line opinion panel of journalists from across the state offers thoughts and reflections on these defining moments. Also, host Gene Grant learns about some of the creative ways that people are working to end hunger in New Mexico and learn about how you can get involved in the efforts this holiday. - Top Ten Stories of 2021 Part 2 & Environmental MusingsE26
Top Ten Stories of 2021 Part 2 & Environmental MusingsHost Gene Grant and the group begin with the fifth biggest story of the year, and work down to the top story of the year. No surprise, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will make an appearance or two on this list. Environment Reporter Laura Paskus reached out to sources from the last several years to get thoughts and reflections on climate change and setting goals for 2022 and beyond. - Omicron Spread, Lawmaker Transparency and DroughtE27
Omicron Spread, Lawmaker Transparency and DroughtLawmakers return to the Roundhouse in just a matter of days for the 2022 Legislative Session. Our Line opinion panel looks at some of the proposals that legislators will likely consider and whether or not there will be bipartisan support to achieve meaningful change. Environment Reporter Laura Paskus sits down with bioclimatologist Park Williams. - 2022 Budget Proposals & Hospitals Warn of Longer WaitsE28
2022 Budget Proposals & Hospitals Warn of Longer WaitsThis week on New Mexico in Focus, state leaders share their 2022 budget plans ahead of the start of the 30-day legislative session next week. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland checks in with Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart for what she's expecting when the session starts Tuesday. Environment Reporter Laura Paskus shares a unique approach to climate change. - State of the State: Analyzing the Governor's AddressE29
State of the State: Analyzing the Governor's AddressThis week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion Panel dig into Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's 2022 State of the State Address, analyzing the Governor's stated priorities, and what she may have left out. Join us on this episode to learn more. - Voting Reform Proposals & the Governor's Push for HydrogenE30
Voting Reform Proposals & the Governor's Push for HydrogenLawmakers are considering changes to voting rights and tax laws. Line opinion panelists also debate Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's renewed push for Hydrogen power, and the recently released 'Hydrogen Hub Development Act.' Join us on this episode to learn more. - Anti-Crime Initiatives, Hydrogen, & Education EquityE31
Anti-Crime Initiatives, Hydrogen, & Education EquityLaura Paskus speaks with an energy journalist about potential concerns in the push to make New Mexico a hub for hydrogen production. The Line Opinion Panel debates the new anti-crime legislation moving through the legislature. Panelists also discuss a trio of new bills aimed at helping make education more equitable for Native American students. - Hydrogen Bill Stalls, Voting Changes & Staffing CrisisE32
Hydrogen Bill Stalls, Voting Changes & Staffing CrisisA new plan to revive the hydrogen bill moves forward. The panel discusses recent staff shortages and changes made to the voting reform measures. Laura Paskus catches up with one of New Mexico's U.S. Representatives, Melanie Stansbury, about the action she's taken since joining congress. Laura talks with climate scientist Dave Gutzler about the climate changes New Mexico's already experiencing. - Legislative Session & Indian Boarding School HistoryE33
Legislative Session & Indian Boarding School HistoryThe 2022 Legislative Session wraps after a grueling 30-day session. De Haven Solimon Chaffins sits down with Laura Paskus to explain how her artwork explores the story of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine and its impacts. Antonia Gonzales talks with Dr. Theodore Jojola about this difficult Indigenous history and the current efforts to acknowledge that history and foster healing. - Breaking Down the 2022 Legislative SessionE34
Breaking Down the 2022 Legislative SessionNMiF Host Gene Grant talks with UNM Political Science Professor Timothy Krebs about the recently completed 30-day Legislative Session. Join us on this episode to learn more. Produced by Jeff Proctor, Antonio Sanchez, Lou DiVizio, and Laura Paskus. - Mask Mandate Ends, Potential Blackouts & Regular SessionE35
Mask Mandate Ends, Potential Blackouts & Regular SessionMegan Kamerick talks with the Archbishop of Santa Fe. Gene Grant wraps up the regular legislative session talking to political science professor Timothy Krebs and welcomes Dr. Kirsten Pai Buick into her new role at UNM. The Line Opinion Panel explores the Governor's decision to end NM's indoor mask mandate, a coal-fired power plant, and APD shifts increasing. - Pastoral Letter Calls For Nuclear DisarmamentE36
Pastoral Letter Calls For Nuclear DisarmamentCorrespondent Megan Kamerick speaks with the Archbishop of Santa Fe about his recent pastoral letter, calling for international nuclear disarmament. Archbishop John C. Wester explains his stance, while noting the presence of two federal nuclear weapons laboratories here in New Mexico. - GOP Convention Fallout, Local Response to UkraineE37
GOP Convention Fallout, Local Response to UkraineHost Gene Grant speaks with three members of a local nonprofit about their efforts in our state, and the tragedy happening in their home country. Gene speaks with an Ukrainian professor, currently in hiding outside of the capital, Kyiv. The Line Opinion Panel unpacks the reaction to the New Mexico Republican Convention, and the primary race to become the GOP nominee for Governor. - Ukrainian Americans of New MexicoE38
Ukrainian Americans of New MexicoA group of Ukrainian Americans here in New Mexico are trying to raise support for their home country. In an exclusive roundtable interview, three members of that group share the horrors their friends and loved ones are enduring in their home country. Plus, they lay out how we as Americans and New Mexicans, can help stand up to the authoritarian aggression of Russia. - Navajo Nation President Jonathan NezE39
Navajo Nation President Jonathan NezCorrespondent Antonia Gonzales spends a few minutes with Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, who has decided to keep the reservation's mask mandate in place, even as states like New Mexico and Arizona drop theirs. The two discuss the latest on the Tribe's response to COVID-19 and even President Joe Biden's recent State of the Union speech. - Infrastructure, Child Welfare Bill & Transparency in GovE40
Infrastructure, Child Welfare Bill & Transparency in GovNext week is Sunshine Week, a celebration of open government and access to public information started more than 15 years ago by the News Leaders Association. Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez recently expressed concerns about the under-utilization of a criminal diversion program aimed at non-violent offenders. We await the fate of a bill that addresses child abuse and neglect cases. - Budget Battles, Hydrogen & Weather ModificationE41
Budget Battles, Hydrogen & Weather ModificationLaura Paskus explains weather modification and how it could be used in NM. Ebony Isis Booth Introduces us to Frank Blazquez who takes us through his vision for his documentary series "Duke City Diaries." The Line Opinion Panel takes up the state's record-setting budget, debates items the Governor eliminated from the legislature's spending plan and her executive action on Hydrogen for Albuquerque. - Special Session, Recreational Cannabis and NM State EngineerE42
Special Session, Recreational Cannabis and NM State EngineerThe Line Opinion panel talks inflation and rising gas prices, preview of the first legal sales of recreational cannabis in New Mexico, and more accusations of sexual harassment are coming out against a sitting state senator. Environment Reporter Laura Paskus talks with the new State Engineer about water access and introduces a new project aiming to preserve the Rio Grande's natural habitat. - Nuclear Waste Storage Proposal & Sustaining Journalism in NME43
Nuclear Waste Storage Proposal & Sustaining Journalism in NMEnvironment reporter Laura Paskus talks with a NM Senator who's working to keep Holtec from bringing their waste here. Host Gene Grant talks with independent journalists about the challenges they face. A Professor of Theology shares his outlook on climate change through a lens of faith. An environmental education circus tries to teach us about Albuquerque's water and impact on the environment. - Tax Rebate Checks, Cannabis Legalization & Spring RunoffE44
Tax Rebate Checks, Cannabis Legalization & Spring RunoffLook back on the first week of legal recreational cannabis sales in the state, from the logistical issues it presented to the potential economic positives it unveiled. And, we discuss the return of no-payment evictions in Bernalillo County. Laura Paskus checks to see how the repeal of the plastic ban bag could affect water quality in the city and a forecast for how much moisture we can see. - ABQ Zoo's Elephant Enclosure CriticizedE45
ABQ Zoo's Elephant Enclosure CriticizedAnimal Rights Group In Defense of Animals, IDA, recently ranked the Albuquerque Zoo as second worst in the U.S. for elephant habitats, in part because of a pair of recent deaths. Host Gene Grant talks with Brittany Michelson of IDA to learn more about what the criticisms involve and what changes the group would like to see. - Wildfire Danger, Latinx Voting Analysis & Election PreviewE46
Wildfire Danger, Latinx Voting Analysis & Election PreviewThis week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion Panel addresses the startling number of wildfires burning in our state. The Panel also digs into the Governor's race ahead of the GOP primary, analyzing fundraising totals, and recent political ads. - Wildfires, Attorney General's Race, Public Lands Oil & GasE49
Wildfires, Attorney General's Race, Public Lands Oil & GasExplore the action the Governor could take for wildfires with more federal resources. The panelists consider the latest round of campaign finance reports in the Democratic race for Attorney General. U.S. Department of the Interior report details the deficiencies in the federal oil and gas program as new leasing opens back up. - Reflecting on the Legacy of the Rio Grande SunE50
Reflecting on the Legacy of the Rio Grande SunGene Grant sits down with former owner, editor and publisher Robert Trapp to ask why he decided to move on from the multi-generational business, what the legacy of the paper may be, and what the future could hold under new ownership. Gene also talks with three former reporters at the Rio Grande Sun who recall some of their memories at the paper and explain how formative their experiences were. - Extreme Winds, Wildfire Emergency & Climate AnxietyE51
Extreme Winds, Wildfire Emergency & Climate AnxietyAbortion rights and how overturning Roe V. Wade could impact our state. New childcare expansions available. Expanded benefits for wildland firefighters and prescribed burns. Virgin Galactic announces a delay in its plans to begin commercial space flights. Laura Paskus asks why this spring has seemed even windier than usual, and the impact that's having on fire season along with climate anxiety. - Yazzie Martinez Draft Plan, Mapping Wildfires & West's WaterE52
Yazzie Martinez Draft Plan, Mapping Wildfires & West's WaterThe Line Opinion Panel reviews the state's new draft plan to address the Yazzie Martinez lawsuit. The state could be in for more surplus revenue than expected. The Panel also discusses the record-setting wildfire burning near Las Vegas. Laura Paskus talks with an expert about how wildfire maps are plotted and talks about our changing environment with a professor from the University of Arizona. - NM Wildfires & Missing and Murdered InvestigationsE53
NM Wildfires & Missing and Murdered InvestigationsThe key races in the primary election and the recent barrage of attack ads. Two NM Pueblos reached an agreement to produce and sell recreational cannabis products. The U.S. Forest Service decides to pause all prescribed burns for at least 90 days. Laura Paskus speaks with Martin Heinrich for his opinion on those burns. Antonia Gonzales talks with the FBI and a Navajo criminal investigator. - Preventing School Violence, PFAS & Interstate HighwayE54
Preventing School Violence, PFAS & Interstate HighwayIdeas for action after another deadly school shooting in the United States. The economic implications of a new interstate that would cut through New Mexico. Both the Hermit's Peak and Calf Canyon fires began as prescribed burns conducted by the U.S. Forest Service. Laura Paskus speaks with James Kenney about the latest developments in the case of the dairy farmer's herd affected by PFAS. - Primary Election and 'Bleak' Outlook for Water SupplyE55
Primary Election and 'Bleak' Outlook for Water SupplyNew Mexico voters had their say at the polls this week. Our Line opinion panel breaks down all the big winners and losers from Tuesday's Primary Election. They also assess some of the key races for the upcoming General Election now that the races are set. The panelists also discuss the lingering threat of flooding in parts of the state, in the wake of this summer's devastating wildfire season. - President Biden Pledges Support for NM's WildfiresE56
President Biden Pledges Support for NM's WildfiresThe President pledged to cover all costs associated with the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Commissioners in Otero County have been sued and ordered to certify primary election results. A bipartisan plan to address gun violence that relies on the expansion of red flag laws. Laura Paskus talks with wildfire reporters, how you can apply for aid, and a Mexican Wolf extinction protection program. - Otero County Election, Police Shooting LawsuitE57
Otero County Election, Police Shooting LawsuitThis week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion Panel reacts to the recent developments in Otero County where commissioners have finally voted to certify its primary election results. And our panelists review a Chaves County lawsuit over a police shooting, as the Attorney General probes another officer-involved incident in the same county.