Let's Talk New Mexico

New Mexico’s Children, Youth, and Families Department has suffered decades of instability and the agency struggling to protect vulnerable youths. The governor and lawmakers are stressing urgency to address long standing issues, but the legislature has shown a break in trust by significantly cutting the agency’s requested budget. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss legislative efforts for child welfare reform.

Psychedelics are gaining momentum as medicines to treat a variety of conditions such as addiction and PTSD, and New Mexico might become the third state to legalize medical psilocybin — the main ingredient in magic mushrooms.

About 22,000 New Mexicans worked for the federal government last year. Many people are nervous about the ongoing reduction in the federal workforce, but how severely could our state be impacted?

James Beard Foundation recognizes top achievements in the culinary world. This year five New Mexico chefs are semifinalists in the “Best of the Southwest” category and another three local establishments are semifinalists in national categories like “outstanding bakery,” “outstanding professional cocktail service” and “outstanding wine and other beverages program.”

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for easing medical malpractice insurance expenses by having the state step in to help cover gaps. Meanwhile a new Senate bill introduced by the only doctor in the legislature takes a different approach to lowering costs. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss how problems with malpractice insurance affect providers in the state and their patients, along with possible policy solutions.

By law, New Mexico utilities must transition to renewable power with benchmarks starting this year. However, with two large solar projects seeking permits, neighboring communities have voiced concerns over safety. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss proposed solar farms near Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Are you concerned about battery storage for solar energy or their proximity to communities?

Our state legislature is meeting in Santa Fe again - this time through mid-March - to consider the budget, but also lawmakers’ and the governor’s priorities on things like public safety, health care, and the environment. Which issues do you think should be priorities?

On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll explore a controversial proposed power line project through the Caja del Rio that sparked a large push to protect the area and talk to the people who recreate and use the landscape on a daily basis.

KUNM News brought you about 40 episodes of Let’s Talk New Mexico this year on topics ranging from the scarcity of doctors and pharmacies, to wildlife management and the arts economy – and many more that deserve another listen. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll revisit some of the standout discussions of 2024.

More than 12,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in New Mexico last year and shelter resources are strained as fewer people are adopting and more people are surrendering their furry friends. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss animal shelters and rescues, how to support them, and how to better manage our pet population.