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
50 Episodes
- Episode 1E1
Episode 1In light of the ongoing criticism of the Albuquerque Police Department, NMiF revisits the death of Albuquerque attorney Mary Han. The Line opinion panel looks at the new revelations regarding Arizona companies brought in by the state to take over behavioral health providers accused of fraud. The Line also looks at the latest on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. - Episode 2E2
Episode 2Questions remain about the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson visits the immigration center in Artesia. The line opinion panel discusses plans to raise admission standards for incoming freshmen at New Mexico State University. - Episode 3E3
Episode 3Should New Mexico adopt an open primary system? And what would the impacts be? Plus, a profile of Albuquerque Heading Home and its efforts to help the homeless in our city. NMiF Producer Megan Kamerick also speaks with Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, better known as The Minimalists, about their message that having less stuff means less stress, debt and distractions in life. - Episode 4E4
Episode 4NMiF Correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with "The Game of Thrones" author and Santa Fe resident George R.R. Martin. Plus, THE LINE panelists tackle homeless murders in Albuquerque, the push for marijuana law reforms, and the latest on Pojoaque Pueblo's push for a gaming compact. - Episode 5E5
Episode 5The debate over renaming the controversial Kit Carson park in Taos. Plus, reaction to an op-ed in the New York Times that criticized the Albuquerque Police Department for helping to foster a culture of violence that resulted in the murders of two homeless men, allegedly by three teenagers. Topics also include the latest on the Tesla gigafactory and potential changes to the SNAP program in NM. - Episode 6E6
Episode 6Wrapping up our series on the Water Crisis in the West: Thinking Like a Watershed with a discussion on water law and some potential innovative solutions to water scarcity issues. Plus, opinions on New Mexico's economy in light of an article published in an airline magazine that offers an extremely rosy picture of the state. And the latest on APS Superintendent Winston Brooks's future. - Episode 7E7
Episode 7Relatives of people shot by Albuquerque police officers talk reform, plus Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Winston Brooks resigns his position. But, should the public be able to find out why? And, the latest on the efforts in Santa Fe and Albuquerque to lower marijuana penalties. - Episode 9E9
Episode 9Inside the issue of campus sexual assaults at UNM. Hear from members of a new Sexual Violence Taskforce about steps the university is taking to ensure students remain safe and perpetrators are punished. Plus, a local filmmaker tackles the taboo topic of porn addiction in his latest project and THE LINE panelists tackle a proposed PNM rate hike and the state's ongoing brain drain. - Episode 10E10
Episode 10Santa Fe resident Paul Barnes, producer and longtime collaborator with filmmaker Ken Burns, talks about the upcoming series "The Roosevelts," which begins airing on September 14 on KNME. Plus, details of a new study on the economic impact of the arts and cultural industries. The Line opinion looks at a new campaign by Common Cause designed to draw attention to the role of money in politics. - Episode 11E11
Episode 11Producer Megan Kamerick talks with Rebecca Avitia, the first female executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Also on the show, we explore public banking, banks set up and run by government entities. THE LINE opinion panel updates the mid-term elections and delves into the ABQ City Council's passage of an ordinance to establish a new and robust civilian police oversight agency. - Episode 12E12
Episode 12A One-on-One conversation with democratic gubernatorial candidate Gary King. Plus campaign finance reform in New Mexico. THE LINE opinion panel also looks at the email scandal involving a New Mexico District Attorney's Office, and analysis about a new report on the amount of money spent on mental health in the Land of Enchantment. - Episode 14E14
Episode 14Attorney General Candidates Hector Balderas (D) and Susan Riedel (R) go one-on-one with NMiF Correspondent Gwyneth Doland. Plus, reaction to the First Congressional District debate held at the KNME studios on Thursday, October 8th. Reaction from New Mexico Public Media's latest election debate, this one featuring the Second Congressional District. Incumbent, and Republican Steve Pearce faces off against Democratic challenger Roxanne "Rocky" Lara. Plus, NMiF Correspondent Gwyneth Doland goes one-on-one with the Secretary of State candidates, Republican Dianna Duran and Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver. - Episode 15E15
Episode 15Recap and analysis of the Third Congressional District Debate between incumbent Ben Ray Lujan (D) and challenger Jefferson Byrd (R). The debate was hosted by Sam Donaldson on October 23rd. Plus, one-on-one interviews with the two candidates in the First Congressional District: incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) and challender Mike Frese (R). Plus the role of women in the 2014 elections. - Episode 16E16
Episode 16A closer look at the U.S. Senate race featuring incumbent Tom Udall (D) and Allen Weh (R), featuring one-on-one interviews with NMiF correspondent Gwyneth Doland. Plus, reaction to the NMPBS Senate debate, which aired on October 30, 2014. Producer Floyd Vasquez talks money in politics, and THE LINE panel looks at the latest polling numbers and how some of the other races are shaping up. - Episode 17E17
Episode 17THE LINE panelists offer insight and analysis on the 2014 midterm elections, including another win for Governor Susana Martinez, and the shift of power to the GOP in the state House of Representatives. Plus, journalist Radley Balko talks about his latest book on the militarization of the America's police departments. - Episode 20E20
Episode 20Boxer and MMA fighter Holly Holm sits down for a one-on-one conversation with producer Megan Kamerick. Plus, how Albuquerque is looking to Austin, Texas for ideas on how to build the city's tech economy. And, THE LINE opinion panel looks at a legal battle over the Valles Caldera and the gender divide in New Mexico schools. - Episode 21E21
Episode 21A look inside the controversial Sandia Mixed Landfill project, plus how Santa Clara Pueblo is dealing with years of wildfires and floods in a special report from PBS NewsHour Special Correspondent Kathleen McCleery. THE LINE opinion panel also looks at the firing this week of an APD Officer, and the payday lending industry in New Mexico. - Episode 22E22
Episode 22State Treasurer James B. Lewis sits down for a One-on-One interview as he gets ready for the next phase of his life. Plus, THE LINE opinion panel delves into the investigation into Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg and the possibility of a Kendra's Law in New Mexico. - Episode 23E23
Episode 23Members of the Albuquerque Police Department's Crisis intervention Team join mental health advocates to discuss some specific reforms in police training. Also in this week's program, we feature a special Line opinion panel of local journalists who are ready to reflect on the year's top news stories. - Episode 25E25
Episode 25Host Gene Grant sits down with Ed Lewis, the man behind "Essence" and "Latina" magazines. The graduate of the University of New Mexico talks about his career and his biography, "The Man from Essence: Creating a Magazine for Black Women." We also explore the fictional worlds created by George R. R. Martin, a Santa Fe-based author whose books are the basis of the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones". - Episode 26E26
Episode 26Another deadline for health care enrollment is just around the corner. So, how is New Mexico doing, especially when it comes to the state's most vulnerable residents? New Mexico in Focus Producer sits down with a pair of experts to find out. Plus, THE LINE opinion panel takes a look at some of the state's newest leaders, including the new Children Youth and Families Department Cabinet Secretary. - Episode 27E27
Episode 27This week, we look ahead to the 60-day Legislative Session which gets underway on Tuesday, January 20th. THE LINE panel looks at some of the budget talks going back and forth, plus debating the merits of using money from the permanent land grant fund to pay for early childhood education. All that, and a sit down interview with former New Mexico Senator Dede Feldman. - Episode 29E29
Episode 29A closer look at the issue of homelessness in Albuquerque. Go inside the Rescue Mission to see what volunteers there are doing to help, and join a discussion on what is being done locally to help those in the community who are most in need. Plus, a look at some of the economic development plans working their way through the legislature. All that and a preview of the upcoming APS elections. - Episode 30E30
Episode 30How will national media attention over a string of police shootings change the debate over reforms within APD? Plus, Bernalillo Co. DA Kari Brandenburg shares her perspective on the current relationship between APD and her office. The DA filed charges last month against two APD officers involved in the shooting of James Boyd in 2014. Also, debating right to work and storefront lending legislation. - Episode 31E31
Episode 31Attend Wildlife and Public Lands Day at the Roundhouse and follow a citizen lobbyist as she receives training and guidance in how to reach out to lawmakers on important issues. Plus, local experts talk about the potential impacts in New Mexico of the President's new college proposal. And, THE LINE panelists look at Third Grade reading retention and the future of Albuquerque's Tent City. - Episode 32E32
Episode 32A closer look at legislation that would affect New Mexico families. NMiF Correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks with lawmakers about their proposals. Plus, in depth and involved debate on the proposed Santolina development on Albuquerque's west side. And, reaction to Hanna Skandera's confirmation as New Mexico's Secretary of Education, plus the latest on Albuquerque's Tent City. - Episode 34E34
Episode 34Student across NM walked out this week in protest over the PARCC exam. Insight and analysis on their demonstrations and the current state of student assessments in New Mexico. Plus, discussion on the Interstate Stream Commission's decision to move forward with plans to develop a diversion project on the Gila River. - Episode 35E35
Episode 35Debating labor legislation known as "right to work." Plus, New Mexico Education Secretary Hanna Skandera talks about student protests over the PARCC exam and her current education priorities. Also, the newly formed Albuquerque Police Oversight Board holds its first meeting. Two members of that board sit down to talk about why they joined and what they hope to accomplish. - Episode 36E36
Episode 36A closer look at several proposals to improve ethics oversight of state lawmakers. Democratic State Senator Phil Griego resigned over his vote on a state real estate deal that he was involved in as a broker. THE LINE panelists will weigh in on that situation, plus politics and higher education. And, the history of the Atrisco Land Grant and the role of heirs in current debates over development. - Episode 37E37
Episode 37Analyzing the outcomes of the recent legislative session with a special panel of former state lawmakers. This year's sixty day session was a contentious one. What does that mean for politics this year and in 2016? Correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with two experts on state and national gun policies. And, remembering KNME Pioneer Dr. George Fischbeck. - Episode 38E38
Episode 38The battle over a new casino effort by the Fort Sill Apache tribe in New Mexico. Plus, results of a new survey of Jewish residents in New Mexico. And, THE LINE opinion panel discusses the state of the middle class, New Mexico's dependence on the federal dollars, and allegations that Albuquerque animal shelters are releasing dangerous dogs back into the community. - Episode 40E40
Episode 40This week on New Mexico in Focus, Public Square host Megan Kamerick sits down with Children Youth and Families Secretary Monique Jacobson. Plus, a look at what's going on with the local library system, in light of National Library Week. And THE LINE panel tackles energy issues in New Mexico, in honor of Earth Day. - Episode 42E42
Episode 42The New Mexico State Forester talks about preparations for this year's wildfire season. Plus, the winner of this year's Boston Marathon lives and trains in Santa Fe. Host Gene Grant sits down with Caroline Rotich to find out what it's like to win such a high profile race. Plus, THE LINE opinion panelists talk about the Native American actor walk-out on the Adam Sandler film. - Episode 43E43
Episode 43The city of Albuquerque wants to build a new waste transfer station at Edith and Comanche, but local residents are voicing concerns about traffic and pollution. Hear from both sides of the issue, plus educators sit down for an in depth conversation on the new teacher evaluations. Plus, THE LINE panelists talk about APD's controversial Taser contract. - Episode 44E44
Episode 44What does it mean for Albuquerque to be a 2030 District? Plus, what does the future hold for our transportation needs? Producer Sarah Gustavus goes looking for answers. Plus, THE LINE opinion panel discusses the latest developments in the Santolina development proposal, and the PRC's decision to deny a PNM rate hike. - Episode 45E45
Episode 45A conversation with the author Jess Bravin. His book "The Terror Courts" outlines the history of military commissions for Guantanamo detainees. Local attorney Nancy Hollander also talks about representing a man detained at Guantanamo for more than 12 years without ever being charged. THE LINE will also discuss a drop in higher education enrollment and efforts to promote Albuquerque to the world. - Episode 46E46
Episode 46A look at the cost of energy in New Mexico. The state Public Regulation Commission recently rejected PNM's request for a rate hike and new fees for residential solar customers. However, the state's largest utility is expected to re-file the request later this summer. Plus, previewing the Albuquerque Folk Music Festival and discussion on the new teacher evaluations with THE LINE opinion panel. - Episode 47E47
Episode 47Have all our recent rains impacted the ongoing drought in New Mexico? This week on New Mexico in Focus, we take a closer look. Plus, how to improve civic engagement among the millenial generation. And, THE LINE opinion panel looks at the long anticipated special session to deal with capital outlay projects and how the state can continue to bring down the teen pregnancy rates. - Episode 48E48
Episode 48THE LINE opinion panel looks back on the accomplishments of the 2015 legislative Special Session. Plus, the future of the RailRunner and the Attorney General's investigation into the state's justice system. Plus, the challenges and struggles of LGBTQ youth in New Mexico, as well as women veterans in the state. - Episode 50E50
Episode 50Reverend John D. Hill from Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church offers local reaction to the recent shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. Plus, Tom Church, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Transportation, discusses road conditions around the state.