New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

In this episode we share thoughts on the Environment as we enter 2022, with guests from past Our Land episodes. In addition, we share part of a recent conversation with the new director for the Cannabis Control Division, from our sister podcast, "Growing Forward". Subscribe today, wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we wrap up our annual countdown of the top 10 stories of the year that was. We're joined once again by a special Line opinion panel of journalists from across the state as they offer thoughts and reflections on these defining moments. This week it’s stories #5-#1.

The Line opinion panel:

Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun News

Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Bureau

Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus

This time on New Mexico in Focus, we go back to class to separate fact from fiction when it comes to inflation. Dr. Janie Chermak from the UNM Economics Department helps host Gene Grant understand what exactly inflation is, and what's driving our current spike in prices for everyday items like milk, bread and gasoline. Are the soaring prices just another offshoot of COVID-19 and the current supply chain issues, or are they here to stay?

Plus, the investigation into a tragic shooting on the set of the film "Rust" is ongoing, and much of the focus is on the apparent breakdown of protocols with the production. Scott Rasmussen is a veteran armorer, the person charged with handling weapons on a film set. He discusses hiw approach to making safety a priority on set and what changes this tragedy might have for the entire industry moving forward. 

Guests:

Dr. Janie Chermak, UNM Economic Department

Scott Rasmussen, Veteran Film Set Armorer

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we bring back an annual tradition on the show, 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. This week it’s stories #10-#6.

The Line opinion panel:

Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun News

Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Bureau

Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus

The synthetic drug fentanyl is wreaking havoc on the state of New Mexico, specifically the city of Albuquerque, becoming the number 1 drug driving crime in the state’s largest city. The Line opinion panel weighs in on what can be done to control the rising number of users, and overdoses. Plus, the mindset parents should take when discussing the relatively new, and highly potent drug.

Also this week, Correspondent Laura Paskus learns more about what resources are available for those struggling with addiction. She sits down with Lou Duran of Serenity Mesa Recovery Center as well as the uber-talented Albuquerque Journal team of Matthew Reisen and Roberto Rosales, who just wrapped up a three part series on Fentanyl and crime. 

Albuquerque Journal Series

Fentanyl use exploding on Albuquerque streets

Fentanyl the No 1 drug driving ABQ crime, violence 

Fentanyl: a game of 'Russian Roulette'

Resources:

NM Network of Care (Behavioral Health): https://newmexico.networkofcare.org/mh/services/index.aspx

Treatment Connection: https://www.treatmentconnection.com/

OpenBeds: https://openbeds.net/

PullTogether: https://pulltogether.org/resources-by-county

UNM Center for Development and Disability Information Referral Database: http://www.navigateresources.net/icnm/

SAMHSA Find Treatment: https://findtreatment.gov/

SAMHSA Opioid Treatment Program Directory: https://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/directory.aspx?

Dose of Reality MAT Treatment Locator: https://doseofreality.com/mat/

Dose of Reality Naloxone Locator: https://doseofreality.com/naloxone/

SHARE NM: https://sharenm.org/nm-resources

With redistricting decisions very much in flux, the Line Opinion Panel explores the issues standing in the way of New Mexico lawmakers. Will legislators truly consider the input of Tribal Nations, and if not, what could the legal ramifications be? Panelists give their take on that, and the possibility of Albuquerque being split into three separate congressional districts.

Correspondent Gwyneth Doland also updates the tension over redistricting in a conversation with two people deeply invested in the process. Kathleen Burke from Fair Districts New Mexico and Casey Douma from the All Pueblo Council of Governors share their perspectives, and concerns, about the recent developments at the Capitol. They explain what they think is being overlooked, and how lawmakers should reframe their approach to properly serve underrepresented populations.

The state legislature is working through another major undertaking – allocating more than $1B in federal COVID-19 relief funding. The Line Opinion Panelists explain the priorities lawmakers are considering, and the impact the virus is still having on the decision-making process. With hospitalization rates climbing higher, is there more that can be done to support medical professionals?

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales introduces us to Navajo baker Liz Howdy. Find out how her culture frames her outlook as an artist and entrepreneur, and the passion that fuels her work. Plus, an easy holiday recipe everyone will love around the holidays!

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations

Guests:

Kathleen Burke, project coordinator, Fair Districts for New Mexico

Casey Douma, All Pueblo Council of Governors; Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee

Liz Howdy, baker, Howdy Cakes

More information:

New Congressional Map - Signed on Friday by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Native Americans Wield Influence in New Mexico Redistricting – Associated Press

All Pueblo Council of Governors – Official Website

Native Americans Wield Influence in New Mexico Redistricting – Associated Press

New Mexico Senate Passes Broadband, Highway Spending Bill – Associated Press

Howdy Cakes Instagram Page - Instagram

Wildlife doesn’t adhere to borders – that's the message from an urban ecologist as Environment Reporter Laura Paskus explores the animal life in New Mexico cities. She asks how humans can coexist with foxes, coyotes, bobcats and raccoons, and more. This special episode features video and images from viewers around New Mexico who shared information about the wildlife they see in their neighborhoods and communities.

We’d love to hear from even more New Mexicans! Add photos and information about the wildlife you see in your neighborhood on our interactive map.

We also bring you two of our recent Facebook Live conversations. First, on the Our Land side, we catch up with a plant expert for some tips on how to care for your lawn and plant life this winter, when conditions are still so dry and temperatures are higher. And, host Gene Grant finds out what organizations are doing in New Mexico this holiday season and year round to help those struggling with food insecurity. 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is proposing a 7% pay hike for public educators across the state. The Line Opinion Panel discusses whether or not it’s enough to compensate teachers for pandemic stresses, or to fill growing vacancies at districts around the state.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Diane Snyder, Former State Senator

Eric Griego, Former State Senator

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Guests:

Zoë Rossman, Urban Ecologist and UNM Graduate Student

Ari Herring, Rio Grande Food Project 

Erin Garrison, Food is Free Albuquerque

Ashley Rammeslberg, ABQ Free Fridge

Juan Suarez, ABQ Free Fridge

Carlos Bustos, water conservation program manager, Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority

For More Information:

Our Land - Instagram

Wildlife Ecology & Photography – ZoeRossman.com

Details of Teacher Raise Proposal in New Mexico – Associated Press

Gov. Proposes 7% Raise for NM Educators – Albuquerque Journal

Governor Plans on 7% Raises for NM Educators – Governor's Office

Rio Grande Food Project 

Food is Free Albuquerque 

ABQ Free Fridge 

The Line Opinion Panel dives into the special legislative session on redistricting. Could Albuquerque be split into multiple districts? And what could that mean for representation in rural areas? Panelists share their thoughts and concerns as we await a final decision.

The Line Panel also reacts to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s decision to nix the proposed PNM merger. Panelists explore comments from PRC members who cited “a demonstrated record” of bad behavior from both companies, PNM and its proposed partner, Avangrid. And, where does this leave Attorney General Hector Balderas after his vocal support for the deal? We also share part two of our interview with PNM and Avangrid Executives that was taped before the PRC's decision, since there is still a chance this proposal comes back again in the future, or if there is a potential appeal. 

Author Sam Quinones explores the increasingly deadly drug problem in the southwest as Meth and Fentanyl become more prevalent and more potent. Quinones shares what we can to do protect people who are most vulnerable to drug use, and how that assistance can benefit entire communities.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Diane Snyder, Former State Senator

Eric Griego, Former State Senator

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Guest:

Sam Quinones, Author, “The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth”

For More Information:

How Fentanyl and Meth Took Over America – NY Times

Author Sam Quinones Explores Fentanyl Crisis in New Book – CBS News

Sam Quinones – SamQuinones.com

State Redistricting Map Leads to Partisan Clash at NM Legislature – SF New Mexican

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus sits down with executives involved in a potential multi-billion-dollar public utility merger that could have big implications for citizens across the state. Hear why those corporate leaders say this will be a good thing for customers in New Mexico, despite concerns over Avangrid’s past issues on the East Coast.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is moving to remove the word ‘Squaw’ from all federal lands, citing the derogatory connotations it carries for Native Americans. Our panel discusses the timing of the decision, and the influence of Sec. Haaland’s Native voice in Washington, D.C..

And, we look back on a report earlier this year for Our Land, with Correspondent Laura Paskus, where explored the power of what we name places in New Mexico, and shares a December conversation with then-U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland – about legislation she was proposing that hopes to make those names more culturally sensitive and inclusive.

Correspondents:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Pat Vincent-Collawn, PNM Resources, President and CEO

Pedro Azagra Blázquez, Corporate Development Director, Iberdola

Don Tarry, PNM Resources, Senior Vice President and CFO

Line Opinion Panelists:

Cathy McGill, NM Black Leadership Council

Sophie Martin, attorney

Dan Foley, former House Minority Whip

For More Information:

PNM Merger Statement

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Discusses PNM / AVANGRID Merger – KPVI TV

PNM/Avangrid merger under heavy fire at PRC – Albuquerque Journal 

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland moves to ban the word 'squaw' from federal lands – NPR

Deb Haaland is taking on racist names on federal lands – Salon

States Slowly Erasing Word 'Squaw' From Maps – Pew Stateline

A preview of the upcoming special session for the New Mexico Legislature. Chris Nordstrum, Communications Director Senate Majority for the Senate Majority, explains new COVID-19 preventative measures, including a vaccination requirement for all visitors at the Capitol. He also explains what security will look like now that a ban on firearms is in place.

The Line Opinion Panel also reacts to the new COVID-19 restrictions, including a vaccine requirement for all visitors, and the new gun ban at the Capitol ahead of next year's crucial session.

And, a New Mexico Pastor is at the center of a national discussion on the influence of religion in politics. The Line panel addresses the Pastor’s endorsement of an Albuquerque City Council Candidate, and the possible legal fallout.

Guest:

Chris Nordstrum, communications director, State Senate Majority

Line Opinion Panelists:

Cathy McGill, NM Black Leadership Council

Sophie Martin, attorney

Dan Foley, former House Minority Whip

For More Information:

Visiting New Mexico’s Capitol? Bring vaccine proof, not guns – U.S. News and World Report

Vaccines, masks required in the Roundhouse during upcoming legislative sessions – New Mexico Political Report

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required to visit New Mexico state Capitol – unless you’re a lawmaker – Las Cruces Sun News

Video shows pastor backing City Council candidate from pulpit – Albuquerque Journal

Albuquerque city council candidate responds to Legacy Church endorsement – KOAT TV

Bishops OK Communion document, avoid direct rebuff to Biden – St. Louis Post Dispatch