New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

On this episode of New Mexico in Focus the Podcast, host Lou DiVizio explains the impact of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe V. Wade. He also speaks with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver about the election certification saga in Otero County, and what it could mean heading into November. The Line Opinion Panel discusses a new poll showing a closer-than-expected race for Governor. And, Paula Garcia, the executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association explains the struggles her community is facing during consecutive natural disasters.  Host: Lou DiVizio Line Host:  Gene Grant Line Panelists: Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations Andy Lyman, NM Political Report Laura Sanchez, attorney Guests: Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary of State Paula Garcia, executive director, NM Acequia Association For More Information: Cowboys For Trump Founder Sentenced to 14 Days - Reuters Otero County Votes 2-1 to Approve Primary Results – Source NM Building Anger in Rural New Mexico Erupts in Election Crisis – Associated Press Poll: Gov. Lujan Grisham with Narrow Lead at Start of General Election – NM Political Report Lujan Grisham Attacks Ronchetti Over Lack of Experience – Santa Fe New Mexican New Ads Target Governor’s Discretionary Fund – Albuquerque Journal Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Fire Burned Area Emergency Response Information Interactive Flood and Debris Flow Map NM Acequia Association --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

The Line Opinion Panel dives into the chaos in Otero County where commissioners have been sued and ordered to certify primary election results. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has also referred those commissioners to the Attorney General for potential criminal and civil violations of the state’s election code. The panel also assesses a bipartisan plan to address gun violence that largely relies on the expansion of red flag laws, which already exist here in New Mexico. That plan includes necessary funding to enforce those laws but falls short of demands from gun control advocates. The plan is also sparking backlash among gun owners who say red flag laws are a constitutional infringement. Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus talks with Carolyn Donnelly about the ins and outs of managing our New Mexico dams and reservoirs. Donnelly is the water operations supervisor for the Albuquerque Area Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Line Host: Gene Grant Correspondent: Laura Paskus, Our Land Executive Producer Guest: Carolyn Donnelly, Water Operations Supervisor, Albuquerque Area Office, U.S. Bureau of Recalamation Line Opinion Panelists: Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico Julie Ann Grimm, editor & publisher, Santa Fe Reporter For More Information: Some NM House Incumbents Fail to Secure Nominations - KUNM Sanchez Defeats Montoya For District 40 Nod – Santa Fe New Mexican County’s Refusal to Certify Vote Hints at Election Chaos – Associated Press Bipartisan Senate Group Reached Agreement on Gun Reforms - Yahoo Tentative Senate Gun Deal Has Surprises, Loose Ends – Santa Fe New Mexican Senate Gun Deal Likely to Face Pushback from GOP – The Hill --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

The Line Opinion Panel reacts to President Biden’s weekend visit to our state. The panel discusses the President’s pledge to cover all the costs associated with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, and who will be left behind with the current reimbursement strategy. Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus talks with two reporters about their experiences covering the largest wildfire in state history and how you can apply for aid money if you’ve been impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. More than 20 years ago, in 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partner agencies released Mexican wolves into the wild for the first time since the wolves had been driven to extinction in the United States in the 1970s. Today, a population of wolves lives in the Gila National Forest and across the border in Arizona. The program isn’t without its challenges, and this year, the Black Fire ignited in the Gila National Forest during denning season, where it’s affecting four wolf packs. Maggie Dwire, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Deputy Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator, talks with Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus about the Mexican Wolf and recovery efforts. Line Host: Gene Grant Line Opinion Panelists: Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico Julie Ann Grimm, editor & publisher, Santa Fe Reporter Our Land Executive Producer: Laura Paskus Guests: Maggie Dwire, assistant wolf recovery coordinator, Mexican Wolf Program, US Fish & Wildlife Service Patrick Lohmann, reporter, Source NM Adria Malcolm, freelance photojournalist For More Information: Biden: Whatever it Takes, as Long as it Takes – Santa Fe New Mexican Biden Ramps up Federal Help for NM Wildfire Fight – Associated Press Locals Find a Bit of Hope in President’s Promises – Santa Fe New Mexican Wildfire Victims Living on Land Grants Will Not Qualify For Federal Aid - KUNM Recovery Area Map Black Fire Maps & Information Apply For Assistance- FEMA Adria Malcolm – Freelance Photojournalist Patrick Lohmann – Source New Mexico --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus explores the harsh realities of shrinking water supplies here in Central New Mexico. Jason Casuga from the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District explains why we’re just days away from the water available to farmers going dry and what the MRGCD is doing to mitigate the ongoing drought. The Line Opinion Panel discusses the lingering threat of flooding in parts of the state, in the wake of this summer’s devastating wildfire season. Our Panelists also talk about the opportunity ahead for President Biden as he prepares to visit New Mexico to address wildfire damage. Plus, host Gene Grant has an in depth conversation with former Albuquerque Journal columnist Joline Gutierrez Krueger, who recently retired.  Line Host: Gene Grant Line Opinion Panelists: Dede Feldman, former New Mexico State Senator Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM & president, Mulryan-Nash Advertising Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guest: Jason M. Casuga, CEO/chief engineer, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District For More Information: Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District VIDEO: Cochiti Canyon Flood, Dixon Apple Orchard - YouTube 2011 Flood Footage – AfterWildfireNM.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

New 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. That includes Mark Ronchetti’s win as the Republican Nominee for Governor and Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez’s victory as Democratic Nominee for Attorney General. The Line Panel also looks ahead to the general election. Panelists explore Republican Nominee for Governor Mark Ronchetti’s chances at unseating Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in November. Plus, what turnout numbers from the primary could indicate about voter enthusiasm. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio also discusses the outcome of this week’s Primary Election, with Mario Jimenez of Common Cause New Mexico. The two talk about the impact of new election changes like same day voter registration and expanded use of absentee ballots. They also discuss the influence of money in this year’s midterm elections. Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Mario Jimenez, campaign director, Common Cause New Mexico Line Host: Gene Grant Line Opinion Panelists: Dede Feldman, former New Mexico State Senator Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM & president, Mulryan-Nash Advertising For More Information: Amid Light Turnout, NM Voters Pick Their Nominees – Albuquerque Journal National Pacs Spend Big Ahead of NM Primary - SourceNM Ronchetti to Face Lujan Grisham after Breezing Through Primary – SF New Mexican Common Cause New Mexico NM Secretary of State Voter Information Portal Bernalillo County DA Torrez to Face Gallup Attorney for AG – Albuquerque Journal Two Incumbents Trail in U.S. House Races – Albuquerque Journal --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

The Line Opinion Panel discusses the troubling news that both the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fires began as prescribed burns conducted by the U.S. Forest Service. The Panel also touches on new concerns over the burn scar left by the fire. Experts say it could lead to disastrous flash flooding once monsoon season comes around. The Line Opinion Panel also discusses the economic implications of a potential interstate that would cut through New Mexico. The international trade route would stretch from Laredo, Texas, connecting to I-25 in Raton, New Mexico. In Clovis, N.M., Art Schaap of Highland Dairy has had to euthanize more than 3,500 dairy cows contaminated with toxic chemicals from Cannon Air Force Base. New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney talks about the pollution—and about the cow carcasses, which must be treated as “hazardous waste” because of the high levels of PFAS that remain in them. Warning: graphic content. Line Host: Gene Grant Line Opinion Panelists: Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun-News Sophie Martin, attorney Diane Snyder, former NM State Senator Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guest: James Kenney, secretary, New Mexico Environment Department For More Information: The Struggle for PFAS Pollution Accountability Art Schaap's Dairy Dilemma Former Cannon Firefighter Kevin Ferrara Talks PFAS Contamination Groundwater War: Reporters on the Challenges of Covering PFAS Forest Officials: Dormant Prescribed Burn Caused Calf Canyon Fire – Santa Fe New Mexican NM Wildfire Burn Scar has Forest Officials Worried – Western Slopes Now NM May Get New Interstate Highway - KRCC --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

The Line Opinion Panel offers ideas for action after another deadly school shooting in the United States. The Panel debates suggestions on making schools safer, and what could be done to make it harder for would-be shooters to get ahold of deadly assault weapons. Plus, Producer Lou DiVizio sits down with an education expert to discuss solutions put forward in his latest book, “Preventing School Violence: A User’s Guide.” Author Franklin Schargel explains how his research on bullying and American gun culture illuminates a unique issue in this country. Line Host: Gene Grant Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Franklin Schargel, former teacher & author, “Preventing School Violence: A User’s Guide” Line Opinion Panelists: Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun-News Sophie Martin, attorney Diane Snyder, former NM State Senator For More Information: Preventing School Violence: A User’s Guide Albuquerque Community Members Call for Change After Texas Shooting - KRQE NM Democrats Seek New Gun Restrictions – Associated Press After Texas Shooting, Schools Around U.S. Boost Security – Santa Fe New Mexican Albuquerque Community Members Call for Change After Texas Shooting - KRQE NM Democrats Seek New Gun Restrictions – Associated Press --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales sits down with the FBI’s top agent in New Mexico and a Navajo criminal investigator to find out if a new Navajo language initiative is working, and to understand some of the other obstacles when it comes to investigating crimes on tribal lands. The Line Opinion Panel dives into the key races in the primary election and dissects the recent barrage of attack ads. Former weatherman Mark Ronchetti and State Representative Rebecca Dow are airing targeted ads, both claiming to be more closely aligned to Donald Trump than their opponent. The Panel explores the effectiveness of those tactics, and the heated race for the democratic nomination for Attorney General. Plus, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver joins Producer Lou DiVizio to discuss the Primary Election and what new wrinkles voters can expect when they head to the polls.  Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales Lou DiVizio Guests: Raul Bujanda, FBI, special agent in charge, New Mexico Malcolm Leslie, captain, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary Of State The Line Host: Gene Grant Line Opinion Panelists: Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican For More Information: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Taskforce FBI Tips Ronchetti Enjoys Big Lead Over GOP Rivals – Albuquerque Journal GOP Gubernatorial Debate Heats Up in Final Minutes – Santa Fe New Mexican GOP Attack Ads Heat Up as Primary Nears – The Paper New Mexico Secretary of State --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Sen. Martin Heinrich talks with correspondent Laura Paskus about New Mexico’s wildfire season, what the future might hold, and the need to professionalize the country’s federal wildland firefighting workforce. In the Gila National Forest, the Black Fire ignited on May 13—and has already grown into the state’s third largest wildfire in history. Fire behavior analyst Arthur Gonzales, with the Southwest Incident Management Team #5 talks about the conditions fueling the giant fire. "I started this business in 1995, and I’ve seen a lot of large fires,” he tells correspondent Laura Paskus. “But it is surprising, Laura. It’s surprising. And it should surprise everybody. These are unprecedented conditions.” Gonzales also talks about the fire’s footprint, the varying levels of fire severity within the perimeter, and what people might expect to happen in the Gila this summer. The Line Opinion Panel reacts to the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to pause all prescribed burns for at least 90 days. And, a conversation about how we can learn to better manage forests to prevent major catastrophes like the Hermit’s Peak Fire. They also explore the possibilities for native tribes after two New Mexico Pueblos reached an agreement with the state to produce and sell recreational cannabis products. Plus, a larger conversation about potential for cannabis legalization at the national level. Correspondent: Laura Paskus The Line Host: Gene Grant Line Opinion Panelists: Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law Dan Foley, former New Mexico state representative Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican Guests: Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator, New Mexico Arthur Gonzales, US Forest Service, fire behavior analyst For More Information: Heinrich Urges Administration to Establish Pay Rate for Federal Wildland Firefighters – Los Alamos Daily Post With Climate Change Fueling Wildfires, Changes Needed – New Mexico Political Report National Interagency Fire Center US Forest Service Pauses Prescribed Burns – SF Reporter LANL Developing Software to Better Manage Prescribed Burns – Santa Fe New Mexican Two NM Tribes Closer to Recreational Cannabis Sales – KOB Two Pueblos Reach Cannabis Tax Agreement – Marijuana Retail Report --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

The Line Opinion Panel reviews the state’s new draft plan to address the Yazzie Martinez lawsuit. Among other things, that plan sets new goals for graduation rates, along with math and science proficiency. Panelists discuss whether the plan goes far enough to bridge the gaps in education access highlighted in the 2018 lawsuit. New information from a legislative economist shows the state could be in for even more surplus revenue than expected. Our Panel brainstorms how the money could be most effectively used, and how our reliance on oil and gas revenue impacts the state’s shift towards renewable energy. Host: Kevin McDonald Line Opinion Panelists: Merritt Allen, Vox Optima public relations Laura Sanchez, attorney Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal For More Information: NM Releases Draft Plan to Address Education Lawsuit – Associated Press NM Releases Long-Awaited Draft Plan For Education Lawsuit – SF New Mexican NM PED Website New Mexico Secretary of State --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Using public data from the U.S. Forest Service, Steve Bassett, Director of Planning and Spatial Analysis with The Nature Conservancy, has been creating perimeter maps each morning, showing the progression of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in northern New Mexico.  “With the skills that I have and the desperation I was feeling, I went out and grabbed that data and did something with it to get some more information out and into the public hands,” he says. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, he also talks about what he is learning along the way. Andrew Curley is a professor at the University of Arizona’s School of Geography, Development & Environment. His research focuses on the “everyday incorporation of Indigenous nations into colonial economies” including fossil fuel development in the U.S. Southwest and creation of the Central Arizona Project off the Colorado River. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, he talks about how the Colorado River’s crisis far predates climate change and challenges the narrative of climate apocalypse. The Line Opinion panel discusses the now record-setting wildfire burning near Las Vegas. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham wants the federal government to cover all the costs for all our fires, but is that a realistic request? And, the new restrictions at National Forests around the state. Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guest: Steve Bassett, Dir. Planning and Spatial Analysis with The Nature Conservancy Andrew Curley, University of Arizona, School of Geography, Development & Environment Line Opinion Panelists: Merritt Allen, Vox Optima public relations Laura Sanchez, attorney Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal For More Information: The Nature Conservancy – New Mexico Steve Bassett - Twitter Contested Water Settlements Inflamed the Navajo Nation’s Health Crisis – High Country News Infrastructures as colonial beachheads: The Central Arizona Project and the taking of Navajo resources – Andrew Curley “Our Winters’ Rights”: Challenging Colonial Water Laws – Andrew Curley Calf Canyon Hermit’s Peak Fire Now Largest in NM History - Albuquerque Journal Three NM National Forests Close Thursday Due To Extreme Fire Danger - KOAT San Miguel Temporarily Bans Fireworks – Las Vegas Optic --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

The Line Opinion Panel discusses the issue of abortion rights, and how overturning Roe V. Wade could impact New Mexico. Will restrictive laws in other states force more people here for procedures? The Panel will answer that question while considering the impact this debate could have on midterm elections. Virgin Galactic is announcing a delay in its plans to begin commercial space flights. Will the delay have a tangible impact at the taxpayer-funded Spaceport America? Producer Lou DiVizio catches up with New Mexico’s Secretary of Childhood Education and Care to talk about new childcare expansions now available for tens of thousands of New Mexican families. Host: Kevin McDonald Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest: Elizabeth Groginsky, NM Secretary of Early Childhood Education and Care Line Opinion Panelists: Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current-Argus Tom Garrity, Garrity Group public relations Cathryn McGill, founder, director, NM Black Leadership Council For More Information: Oklahoma’s 6-week Ban a Precursor of What’s to Come for NM – NM Political Report Rallies & Outrage Over Supreme Court Draft Decision – NM Political Report Downtown Albuquerque Rally Against Possible Supreme Court Overturn - KOAT Virgin Galactic Delays Commercial Service from Spaceport – Las Cruces Sun-News Virgin Galactic Delays Commercial Launch, again – Albuquerque Journal Childcare Assistance – New Mexico Department of Childhood Education and Care --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

New Mexicans know all about gusty spring winds. But what we’re experiencing this year is different. Meteorologist Scott Overpeck, with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, explains the winds we’ve been experiencing through April and May—and offers a look ahead. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, Overpeck talks about this year’s conditions and explains why these winds are so dangerous for communities and firefighters. The Line also talks wildfires as the largest fire in the country burns in northern New Mexico. Panelists share their thoughts on a federal push to expand benefits for wildland firefighters, and the wider discussion surrounding prescribed burns. Sarah Jaquette Ray’s 2020 book, “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet,” is more useful than ever, providing insight and guidance to dealing with climate anxiety. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, Ray talks about the importance of collective work in climate justice advocacy (and in all our lives), how to not feel powerless in the face of gigantic challenges, and the importance of “slow hope” in a world where everything seems to be moving too fast. Host/Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guests: Scott Overpeck, warning coordination meteorologist, National Weather Service Sarah Jaquette Ray, professor, author of “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety” Line Opinion Panelists: Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current-Argus Tom Garrity, Garrity Group public relations Cathryn McGill, founder, director, NM Black Leadership Council For More Information: Full Interview – NM PBS Evacuation Information – NM Dept. Of Homeland Security and Management Strong Winds Batter New Mexico Complicating Wildfire Fight – Associated Press Strong Winds Batter New Mexico Complicating Wildfire Fight – Associated Press Massive Wildfire Grows, but Toas Safe for Now – Associated Press Biden Approves Presidential Disaster Declaration for NM Wildfires – SF Reporter A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety – University of California Press --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

First up this week, as we talk about at the beginning of the show, this will be another dangerous weekend for wildfires in New Mexico. We want to share some valuable resources with you so we can all stay as safe as possible: KRQE Fire Evacuations: What You Need to Know Sandoval County Fire Alerts Ready, Set, Go System  And, information on assistance, for those who have already suffered losses from the ongoing wildfires.  Now to our episode this week... a reflection on a historic small-town paper, the Rio Grande Sun. The paper had carried the Trapp family name for more than a half-century, until the recent decision to sell. Gene 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 catches up 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 for the rest of their careers. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland then looks ahead to the new direction of the paper, during an interview with the new editor and publisher Richard Connor. Historical context is scattered throughout this week’s show, with excerpts from the Ben Daitz documentary “The Sun Never Sets,” which followed the paper and its workers during the early days of the internet. That documentary originally aired on NMPBS in 2013. Guests: Robert Trapp, former owner, editor & publisher, Rio Grande Sun Julia Goldberg, reporter, Santa Fe Reporter Tabitha Clay, reporter, The Paper Mike Kaemper, former editor, Rio Grande Sun Richard L. Connor, publisher & editor, Rio Grande Sun For More Information: Rio Grande Sun – website ‘Rio Grande Sun’ sold to investors – Santa Fe New Mexican We’re Done Afflicting the Comfortable – Rio Grande Sun Editorial (Robert Trapp) Local Investment Group Buys Rio Grande Sun – Rio Grande Sun --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Campaign finance is being thrust into the spotlight in the Democratic race for attorney general. Our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the potential conflicts of interest that could arise from certain donations, while taking history into account. A court decision has allowed oil and gas leasing to resume on public lands. That’s as the Interior Department releases a scathing report on the state of the federal oil and gas program. Our Line Opinion Panelists give their thoughts on the change, and the remaining ban on extraction in and around Chaco Canyon. Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus talks with journalist Wufei Yu about his coverage in High Country News. His work has focused on Asian American history and communities in New Mexico and around the West. Line Opinion Panelists: Dede Feldman, former NM state senator Edmund Perea, attorney and public safety consultant Diane Snyder, former NM state senator For More Information: Out-of-State Law Firms Make Donations to AG Candidate Colón – Santa Fe New Mexican Judge Clears Way For NM GOP Redistricting Challenge – Associated Press Republican Bigwig Hopes to Reshape Democratic Legislature – Santa Fe New Mexican BLM Opens Lands Back Up to Oil & Gas Leases – Source NM Pause on Chaco Leases Remains the Right Call – Santa Fe New Mexican --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for a state of emergency over wildfires burning around New Mexico. The Governor and state forest officials are asking for more resources from the federal government, including more personnel to help handle the early start to fire season. The Line Opinion Panel discusses our current predicament, and explores other ways to deal with this crisis. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales speaks with two members of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition for their reaction to Pope Francis’ apology to Canada over abuse at residential boarding schools. Where does New Mexico fit into this equation? The U.S. Army has reached a settlement of $1.5M that will go towards restoring environmental and community damages at Fort Wingate. Environment reporter Laura Paskus talks with New Mexico’s Natural Resources Trustee about what plans are in place to restore the area surrounding the former munitions depot near Gallup. Correspondents: Antonia Gonzales Laura Paskus Guests: Joannie Romero, Pueblo of Cochiti, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition Samuel Torres, Mexica/Nahua, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition Maggie Hart Stebbins, NM Natural Resources Trustee Line Opinion Panelists: Dede Feldman, former NM state senator Edmund Perea, attorney and public safety consultant Diane Snyder, former NM state senator For More Information: The Longest Season: An Our Land Wildfire Special – NM PBS (Video) Governor Asks for More Federal Resources – Albuquerque Journal NM Fires Still Burning, But Legacy of Anguish Begins – Santa Fe New Mexican Emergency Declaration for Multiple Wildfires in New Mexico – Associated Press National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition – Website The Pope Apologizes for Abuse of Indigenous Children in Canada - NPR Army Agrees to Pay $1.5M For Fort Wingate Pollution – Santa Fe New Mexican --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Facing the Rising Sun: The Journey of African American Homesteaders in New Mexico, Vision, Belief, and Sovereign Ownership is a new exhibit at the Albuquerque Museum, on display through July 10, 2022. Host Gene Grant talks to some of the team that put this exhibit together on how the idea came about, the largely unknown history, and the way they used technology to bring these oral histories to life.  Facing the Rising Sun is a partnership between the African American Museum & Cultural Center of New Mexico (AAMCCNM) and the City of Albuquerque Department of Arts and Culture, with design and fabrication by Electric Playhouse. Correspondent: Gene Grant Guests: Rita Powdrell Marilyn Pettes Hill Eric Yakley Thomas Williams  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message