New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Election season is inching closer and Republican candidates for governor are ratcheting up their campaigns. Our Line Opinion Panelists will debate the political tactics of some of those candidates, and what the most recent round of campaign finance reports tell us about who could come out on top.

Correspondent Russell Contreras sits down with an expert on Latinx voting trends to talk about what we learned from 2020, and how it could translate into the 2022 primary season.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has a new plan to consolidate homeless encampments into city-sanctioned areas. Our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the effectiveness of such a plan, and if there are any other solutions that could help keep people off the streets altogether.

Correspondents:

Gene Grant

Russell Contreras

Line Opinion Panelists:

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Rebecca Latham, chief executive director, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Guest:

Stephanie Valencia, co-founder & president, Equis Labs

For More Information:

Rebecca Dow Aims to Unseat Gov. Lujan Grisham – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Border an Early Focus in Campaign Ads for GOP – Albuquerque Journal

Abortion Could Play Key Role in Race for Southern NM’s U.S. House Seat – NM Political Report

Equis Labs

New Data Helps Explains Trump’s Gains Among Latino Voters in 2020 - Vox

Our Line Opinion panelists discuss the startling number of wildfires burning in our state. It’s causing growing concern over what that could mean for the rest of the spring and summer. All that, as forecasters continue to offer warnings about ongoing drought across the state.

At New Mexico PBS, our main objective is to inform you, our viewers, about the issues that matter around this state. But we’re also committed to passing important knowledge on to the next generation. Environment reporter Laura Paskus talks with an educator in our state who helps design lesson plans based on the scientific reporting in segments of Our Land who explains these modules are a great resource for anyone.

Plus, we preview a new episode of our companion podcast, "Growing Forward," all about the cannabis industry in New Mexico. The full episode will release next Tuesday, April 19th. 

Correspondents:

Gene Grant

Laura Paskus

Line Opinion Panelists:

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Rebecca Latham, chief executive director, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Guest:

Mollie Parsons, educator, Cerise Consulting

For More Information:

Pretty Brutal: Hiring Woes Plague Biden Effort to Fight Wildfires - Politico

Heat, Wind Hit New Mexico as Crews Battle Blazes – Albuquerque Journal

The Risk & Benefits of a Prescribed Burn - KOAT

New Mexico Must Focus on Water in 2023 – Santa Fe New Mexican

The Impact of Wildfires on Forests - NMPBS

Climate Change and its Impact on Species - NMPBS

Our Land - Facebook

Bernalillo County is the latest to end its moratorium on non-payment evictions. Our Line Opinion Panelists explain why they think there hasn’t been a rush to kick people out of their homes, and the programs available for people who are struggling to pay rent.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service issues spring forecasts for western rivers, including the Rio Grande. Hydrologist Angus Goodbody, with the agency’s National Water and Climate Center, speaks with correspondent Laura Paskus about the spring forecast for the Rio Grande Basin. He also explains why the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s streamflow “normals” have recently changed—and what that means for the future.

Animal 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. (note: we invited the ABQ Bipark to participate in this discussion as well, but so far that invitation has been declined.)

Correspondents:

Gene Grant

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Angus Goodbody, forecast hydrologist, USDA-NRCS

Brittany Michelson, In Defense of Animals 

Line Opinion Panelists:

Serge Martinez, professor, UNM Law School

Sophie Martin, attorney

Justine Fox-Young, former state representative

For More Information:

National Water and Climate Center, USDA-NRCS

NRCS Seasonal Streamflow Normals for Rio Grande Stations

New Mexico NRCS Snow Survey Program

New Mexico Basin-Wide Interactive SNOTEL Graphs

Non-Payment Evictions Begin Friday in Bernalillo County – Source NM

Battle Heats Up Over Remaining Federal Rental Assistance – Albuquerque Journal

Our Line Opinion Panelists react to the legislature’s decision to send $500 to all New Mexico taxpayers. Is this an efficient way to ease the burden of rising costs? Plus, what role did the upcoming election play in the decision-making process for lawmakers?

New Mexico State University Professor Emeritus Dr. James Peach joins the program to discuss the effectiveness of the $500 payments on the way for people living in New Mexico. Dr. Peach also shares his thoughts on preventing future inflation spikes.

Environment Correspondent Laura Paskus talks with Kali Bronson, Bernalillo County Stormwater Program Compliance Manager, about plastic bags and where they end up in Albuquerque. Just last night, the Albuquerque City Council voted to override Mayor Tim Keller's veto of a repeal to a plastic bag ban.

Our Line Opinion Panelists assess the success of New Mexico’s first week of legal recreational cannabis sales. They discuss where the millions of dollars in estimated tax revenue will go at the end of the year, and some of the concerns from smaller "micro-producers" that are struggling to compete with larger operations.

Correspondents:

Gene Grant

Laura Paskus 

Guest:

Dr. James Peach, economics professor, NMSU

Kali Bronson, stormwater program compliance manager, Bernalillo County 

Line Opinion Panelists:

Serge Martinez, professor, UNM Law School

Sophie Martin, attorney

Justine Fox-Young, former state representative

For More Information:

New Mexico Lawmakers Approve Economic Relief to Ease Burden of Rising Costs – Santa Fe New Mexican

$50M Appropriations Bill, Revised After Governor’s Veto, Includes Transparency Provision – Santa Few New Mexican

NM Legislature Approves Payments to Offset Inflation – Associated Press

New Mexico Launches Cannabis Sales Within Texans’ Reach – Associated Press

Medical Cannabis Program Still Boasts Incentives, Providers Say– Albuquerque Journal

NM Officials Look to Curb Risk of Stoned Drivers – Albuquerque Journal

In Albuquerque, the Conservation Carnivale brings the Rio Grande’s bosque ecosystem alive with theatre—and some silliness, too. Ringleader Endion Schichtel knows how hard it is for people to see what’s happening in the world. But that doesn’t mean environmental education shouldn't be fun.

New Mexicans already face the impacts of climate change, including uncertain water supplies for irrigation, dry riverbeds, forest die-offs, and wildfires. When it comes to climate change and climate action, what lessons do communities of faith hold for people both religious and secular? How do people grieve the loss of species and ecosystems? And how has white supremacy shaped both the climate—and Christian theology? Correspondent Laura Paskus and Larry Rasmussen, professor emeritus at Union Theological Seminary, dive into all these topics.

Environment reporter Laura Paskus talks with Barbara L. Chillcott, senior attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center, to learn why conservation groups are suing the U.S. Department of the Interior over documents related to a 2021 report about the federal oil and gas leasing program.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Endion Schichtel, Ringleader, Conservation Carnival

Frank, Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

Abuela, Rio Grande Cottonwood

Prudence, North American Porcupine

Larry Rasmussen, professor emeritus, Union Theological Seminary

Barbara Chilcott, Western Environmental Law Center

For More Information:

Conservation Carnivale

Conservation Carnivale on Instagram

Earth Honoring Faith Book

Religion and Views on Climate and Energy Issues – Pew Research Institute

Faith groups increasingly join fight against climate change – ABC News

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/

https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/report-on-the-federal-oil-and-gas-leasing-program-doi-eo-14008.pdf

Visit the NMPBS Video App: https://portal.knme.org/show/our-land-new-mexicos-environmental-past-present-and-future/

Subscribe to Our Land Weekly: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/woyxJ21/ourland

Legal sales of recreational cannabis are set to begin April 1 in New Mexico. Our Line Opinion Panelists react to recent concerns from retailers concerned about supply. Plus, why the failure of recent legislation could mean more headaches on water rights and usage.

New Mexico has a new water boss under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. State Engineer Mike Hamman spoke with correspondent Laura Paskus about the state’s current water challenges, climate change, and infrastructure funding. They also talked about the cannabis industry and the demands it may place on water supplies and why New Mexico’s top water official is required to be a registered professional engineer.

Plus, COVID-19 and the economy have posed a big threat to many small news outlets across the state. We talk with working journalists about the challenges and opportunities in this new media landscape. 

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Mike Hamman, New Mexico State Engineer

Leota Harriman, editor, The Independent

Peter Rice, editor, Downtown Albuquerque News

Ryan Lowery, president, SPJ Rio Grande

Line Opinion Panelists:

Kristelle Siarza, CEO, Siarza Social Digital

Dan Foley, fmr. NM House Minority Whip

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM

For More Information:

NM Gets Ready For Recreational Cannabis Sales – Santa Fe New Mexican

NM’s Legal Weed Stores Open April 1. Here’s What You Need to Know - Leafly

Albuquerque City Council Stalls on Enforcement of Marijuana Rules - KOAT

NM Office of the State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission - Office of the State Engineer

NM 50-Year State Water Plan - Office of the State Engineer

“Lake Powell's water levels dip to new low, triggering worries about power production” - Arizona Republic

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling legislators to a special session set to begin April 5. In a press release, the Governor says she wants lawmakers to find a way to ease the burden of rising consumer costs. She’s also directing legislators to pass a ‘junior spending bill’ she vetoed weeks prior. Our Line Opinion Panel discusses the potential motivations of the Governor’s call, and what positives might come out of the special session.

More women have come forward, accusing New Mexico State Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto of sexual harassment and bullying. An open letter from several advocacy groups details the accusations and alleges a wider problem when it comes to interactions between lawmakers and lobbyists. Our Line Opinion Panelists explore the implications of the letter, and how the Senate should respond to the accusations against Senator Ivey-Soto.

Along the Rio Grande in Corrales, New Mexico, nonprofit and governmental partners have come together to try to put floodwaters and wastewater to better use for the river and its ecosystem. Recently, The Nature Conservancy partnered with the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Village of Corrales, City of Rio Rancho, AMREP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Rio Grande Return to revamp some infrastructure along the river and create a bioswale that will hopefully increase habitat, improve water quality, and reduce erosion.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Sarah Hurteau, climate program director, the Nature Conservancy

David Gatterman, executive engineer, Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority

Line Opinion Panelists:

Kristelle Siarza, CEO, Siarza Social Digital

Dan Foley, fmr. NM House Minority Whip

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM

For More Information:

Governor Announces Special Session – Office of the NM Governor

NM Governor Seeks Economic Relief in Special Session – Associated Press

Special Session to Focus on Spending Bill – Albuquerque Journal

Area Legislators Question Need for Special Session – Roswell Daily Record

More Women Come Forward With Sexual Harassment Claims Against Legislator – The Paper.

Advocacy Groups Seek Sen. Ivey Soto’s Resignation – Albuquerque Journal

More Women Accuse Sen. Ivey-Soto of Harassment – Santa Fe Reporter

As drought continues to grip the western United States, some communities are trying to modify the weather—and New Mexico state officials have received two recent applications to attempt cloud seeding. One application was withdrawn last fall after community members opposed it. Now, the Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District is hoping a summertime cloud seeding operation might bring rain to parched farm and ranch lands in eastern New Mexico. The district declined requests for interviews, but correspondent Laura Paskus spoke with Gary Walker with Seeding Operations & Atmospheric Research (SOAR), about its application before the state, and also with Hannah Riseley-White, deputy director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is taking executive action on hydrogen. The Governor is directing her administration to pursue a hydrogen economy, but questions remain. The Line Opinion Panel discusses the recent developments, including a new investor’s promise to bring $250M and 500 jobs to Albuquerque.

New Mexico in Focus host Gene Grant speaks with SFR reporter William Melhado about his series on the state of public education in New Mexico since the Yazzie-Martinez ruling.

Environment Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Gary Walker, Seeding Operations & Atmospheric Research

Hannah Riseley-White, deputy director, NM Interstate Stream Commission

Line Opinion Panelists:

Diana Snyder, fmr. state senator

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican

For More Information:

NM Governor Sets Sights on Building Hydrogen Economy – Associated Press

Hydrogen-Based Aviation Takes Off – Albuquerque Journal

Hydrogen Power Demanded by NM Gov. Via Executive Order – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Weather Control and Cloud Modification - New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission

NM PBS Video App

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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed the largest budget in New Mexico history. Our Line Opinion Panel tells us what’s inside, and what the Governor removed from the legislature’s spending wish list. Plus, how the Governor’s vetoes could impact her relationship with the rest of her party.

Concerned citizens around the globe are speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including a Russian-American living here in New Mexico. Ebony Isis Booth speaks with Grisha Gutkin who organized a rally for peace in Santa Fe. He tells her why he’s so motivated to spread awareness about the crisis, and what he thinks is one of the biggest barriers to peace.

Visual artist Frank Blazquez shares insights into his process creating the documentary series “Duke City Diaries.” The video series profiles individuals born and raised in the city of Albuquerque, while trying to capture the impacts the city has had on their lives. Blazquez explains how he finds his subjects, and why he’s so fascinated with the Land of Enchantment.

New Mexico’s Democratic Party has released the results from its pre-primary convention. Our Line Opinion Panelists touch on the headline selections and debate the motive of a new political action committee backing moderate Democrats in contested races.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Diana Snyder, fmr. state senator

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican

Colores Correspondent:

Ebony Isis Booth

Guest:

Grisha Gutkin, Russian-American, organized rally for Ukraine in Santa Fe

For More Information:

Governor Signs $1B Spending Boost, Vetoes Small Projects – Associated Press

Incensed New Mexico Legislators Debating Override Attempt – Santa Fe New Mexican

NM Lawmakers Call for Extraordinary Session to Override Governor’s Veto - KOB

War in Ukraine – Ukrainian Government’s Collection of Verified News Reports

Breaking News: Russian Invasion of Ukraine – Collection of Verified News Reports

Ukrainian Americans of New Mexico – Nonprofit Webpage

Humanitarian Aid – Ukraine Courage

Frank Blazquez - YouTube

The District Attorney for New Mexico’s largest county says public defenders are not taking advantage of a criminal diversion program as often as they should. Our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the merits of that accusation, the effectiveness of the program and why some people charged with crimes might not want to participate.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is considering a new bill that would change the way the state handles child abuse and neglect cases. Some child welfare activists are in favor, but many are opposed. The Line Opinion Panel debates the potential impacts of the bill, while addressing the systemic issues for children caught inside our state’s legal system.

Remember last year's news reports that someone was illegally cutting alligator junipers in one of New Mexico's national monuments? Today, Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus talks with Eric Weaver, Natural Resources Branch Chief for El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments. They'll discuss some special trees, including alligator junipers, but also ancient douglas firs and junipers, ponderosas and aspens - and why they matter.

Correspondents:

Gene Grant

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Eric Weaver, natural resources branch chief, El Malpais/El Morro National Monuments

Line Opinion Panelists:

Edmund Perea, attorney/legal and public safety analyst

Michael Bird, fmr. president of the American Public Health Association

Julie Ann Grimm, editor, Santa Fe Reporter

For More Information:

New Mexico Lawyers Spar Over Criminal Diversion Program – Associated Press

Pre-Prosecution Diversion Program Offers Support to Reduce Recidivism - KRQE

Santa Fe’s Diversion Program for People With Addictions Has Dwindled – Santa Fe Reporter