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New Mexico in Focus Season 19 Episodes

34 Episodes 2025 - 2026

Episode 1

The State of Local Media in 2025

Fri, Jul 4, 2025

This week is our annual Fourth of July 'State of Local Media' special. We'll meet the new leaders of New Mexico's largest newspaper and public radio station. We ask a publisher for 9 local outlets about the challenges his company has encountered. We meet the 505omatic news collective. Staff from small public radio stations talk about the looming federal funding cuts.

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Episode 2

Medical Mushrooms & CYFD Reforms Become State Law

Fri, Jul 11, 2025

This week, we break down a handful of new state laws. Two reporters who have covered the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department break down the new changes for the department. Two advocates and a medical expert talk about the state's medical psilocybin program. Three officials from the Higher Education Department tell us about the new loan forgiveness and scholarship programs.

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Episode 3

How Trumps Spending Bill Could Reshape NM

Fri, Jul 18, 2025

This week, we discuss key changes coming with President Trump's tax and spending bill. A Republican state senator praises the bill and urges state leaders to fill funding gaps. An environmental attorney talks oil and gas deregulation. Downwinders are now covered in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. We visit a local farm to learn about the significance of Indigenous food sovereignty.

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Episode 4

Recovery in Ruidoso; Public Broadcasting Funds Cut

Fri, Jul 25, 2025

This week, two local opinion columnists debate federal funding cuts for public broadcasting. We hear from residents and officials in Ruidoso just days after deadly flooding hit the area. We head to the location of the world's first nuclear explosion, as a new sign recognizes the bomb's human toll, 80 years later. Archbishop John C. Wester talks about nuclear proliferation.

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Episode 5

Immigration Enforcement and Advocacy in NM

Fri, Aug 1, 2025

This week, we look at immigration in New Mexico. A volunteer group meets with asylum seekers locked inside a private prison in Cibola County. A state senator and former DACA recipient tells us how her experience informs her work. An Albuquerque city councilor calls for the city to cooperate with ICE. Community leaders working for and alongside immigrants who live and work here speak out.

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Episode 6

Housing Gaps and Pollution in NM After Fed Shifts

Fri, Aug 8, 2025

This week, we focus on two pressing issues in our state: housing and pollution. A state official and the Sierra Club break down recent climate change decisions from Trump's Environmental Protection Agency. An investigative reporter discusses her new book on forever chemicals. Two local nonprofit leaders tell us how a Trump executive order will restrict housing access.

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Episode 7

Deadline for Education Fixes Looms; Biz on the Rez

Fri, Aug 15, 2025

This week, we head to Mescalero, where state public education officials got feedback on their failures to educate vulnerable students. NM Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez talks immigration and Trump administration changes. Indigenously Positive highlights a nonprofit that helps Native entrepreneurs. A journalist discusses her new book on Indigenous land rights in Hawai'i.

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Episode 8

Trump Medicaid Cuts; Wastewater Use Could Expand

Fri, Aug 22, 2025

This week, NM Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez talks about President Trump's multi-billion-dollar cuts to Medicaid. A former state senator and an expert on the state's finances dissect how these changes will hurt New Mexico's rural health care system. The state Environment secretary is asked about his department's sudden embrace of expanding the use of oil and gas wastewater.

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Episode 9

Election Map Controversy; NM Rivers Still Drying

Fri, Aug 29, 2025

This week, we hear from a state legislator who stepped down from the New Mexico Redistricting Task Force, citing Republican gerrymandering in other states. Three remaining task force members respond to those resignations. We visit the water-starved Rio Grande in Albuquerque and the Elephant Butte Reservoir. Lt. Gov. Howie Morales stops by the studio as his time in Santa Fe winds down.

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Episode 10

First Look at ABQ Mayoral Race

Fri, Sep 5, 2025

This week, we ask Albuquerque mayoral candidates Daniel Chavez and Eddie Varela about crime, housing and Albuquerque's sanctuary city status. A former city councilor talks about the barriers political candidates like them face in accessing public financing. Also, David Abbey discusses his decades-long work crafting the state's budget and his new book, "Forty Years in the New Mexico Roundhouse."

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Episode 11

Santa Fe, ABQ Mayor Races; Ranked Voting Primer

Fri, Sep 12, 2025

This week, we return to Albuquerque's mayoral election with two interviews: incumbent Tim Keller and former New Mexico U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. Reporter Cailley Chella takes us to Santa Fe, where she spoke with three of the city's eight candidates vying for the mayor's office in the City Different. County Clerk Katharine Clark explains Santa Fe's ranked-choice voting system.

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Episode 12

Two ABQ Mayoral Hopefuls; NMiF Heads to the Fair

Fri, Sep 19, 2025

This week, we conclude our series of interviews with candidates for Albuquerque mayor with political newcomer Mayling Armijo and City Councilor Louie Sanchez. Then, Host Nash Jones chats with New Mexico State Fair patrons and vendors about Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's idea to move the fair from its longtime home and gets an update on that proposal. And our Indigenously Positive series returns.

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Episode 13

COVID Vax Confusion; Suicide Prevention Month

Fri, Sep 26, 2025

This week, we speak with the state Health Department's chief medical officer to clear up confusion around COVID vaccine access after changes from federal health agencies. Two Albuquerque Journal reporters explain the massive artificial intelligence data center coming to Southern New Mexico. We explore the statewide uptick in suicides last year - and lift up suggestions for community care.

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Episode 14

NM Lawmakers Pass Funding Bills in Special Session

Fri, Oct 3, 2025

This week, we report from the special legislative session at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, where lawmakers quickly passed a series of funding and other bills meant to shore up health care, public media and COVID vaccine access in the wake of massive cuts from the Trump administration. We also sit down with a Santa Fe mayoral candidate to hear her pitch for the job.

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Episode 15

Gov Breaks Down Special Session; SF Mayor's Race

Fri, Oct 10, 2025

This week, we feature an exclusive interview with Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who reflects on what state government accomplished - and what it didn't - during the recently concluded special legislative session. Lujan Grisham also looks ahead to the 30-day, regular session that begins in January. Plus, we sit down with two top-tier candidates in the Santa Fe mayor's race.

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Episode 16

Race for SF Mayor; 2022 Police Shooting Revisited

Fri, Oct 17, 2025

This week, we conclude our coverage of the race for Santa Fe mayor. As early voting ramps up, Host Nash Jones gets to know two of the top-tier candidates running to replace outgoing two-term Mayor Alan Webber: City Councilor Michael Garcia and County Commissioner Justin Greene. Plus, we revisit a 2022 fatal police shooting that could help shape police accountability in the state going forward.

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Episode 17

Amy Goodman on Journalism; Indigenously Positive

Fri, Oct 24, 2025

This week, Host Nash Jones sits down with a journalism icon they've long admired: Amy Goodman. The longtime host and executive producer of Democracy Now. was in Santa Fe for an event and spoke with Nash about the possibilities for journalism as a force for positive change. Plus, we spotlight the New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline's first anniversary, and Indigenously Positive returns to the show.

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Episode 18

NM Search and Rescue; Election Day Looms

Fri, Oct 31, 2025

This week, we head to the Cibola National Forest to show you how the almost entirely volunteer-driven New Mexico Search and Rescue shifts from the frenetic hours of looking for a live subject to the search for clues months later. Reporter Cailley Chella digs into how an online rumor about McCall's Pumpkin Farm got started, then spread. And we conclude our Albuquerque mayoral election coverage.

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Episode 19

New Mayor in Santa Fe; ABQ Holds Breath for Runoff

Fri, Nov 7, 2025

This week, we tackle the results from a jam-packed local Election Day - with a primary focus on Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Host Nash Jones assembles a team of journalists from KUNM, the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Daily Lobo to join longtime political analyst Eric Griego in breaking down who won, who lost and what comes next. Plus, Nash chats with former NMiF host Gene Grant about his new job.

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Episode 20

Just-in-Case Special Session; Shutdown Ends

Fri, Nov 14, 2025

This week, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., talks about the end of the nation's longest-ever government shutdown. State lawmakers race to the Roundhouse for a just-in-case special session to preserve SNAP benefits for New Mexicans. We catch up with the latest plans to redevelop the state fairgrounds, and we hear from the state engineer about the 50-year water plan.

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Episode 23

Special Election Near; IHS Doctors Censored

Fri, Dec 5, 2025

This week, we look ahead to next week's runoff elections in Albuquerque. We break down some key policy differences between Mayor Tim Keller and his opponent, Darren White. Reporter Mary Hudetz reveals how the federal Indian Health Service is censoring doctors on vaccine messaging. The state broadband director describes internet expansion efforts.

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Episode 24

Tim Keller Wins Third Mayoral Term in Albuquerque

Fri, Dec 12, 2025

This week, we sit down with two former city councilors to explore Tim Keller's successful run for an unprecedented third consecutive term as Albuquerque mayor. We'll also hear from Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara about his changing approach to property valuations. And reporter Cailley Chella takes us to Chaco Canyon, where long-sought protections for the sacred site are hanging by a thread.

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Episode 25

Restoring NM Rivers; UNM Signs Check for Coach Eck

Fri, Dec 19, 2025

This week, two environmental experts tell us why they are pushing state officials to invest more heavily in river restoration. The University of New Mexico's football coach, Jason Eck, has secured a lucrative contract extension. A first-of-its-kind mapping project tracks where local news outlets are and are not in New Mexico. A group of student documentarians explore veganism in Mexican cuisine.

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Episode 26

2025 Rewind: Ruidoso Floods; Healing a Burn Scar

Fri, Dec 26, 2025

This week, we take you out of the studio for a look at our favorite field pieces of the year. We head back to the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon burn scar to witness replanting efforts, to meet survivors of the floods in Ruidoso, to learn about search and rescue missions in the Cibola National Forest, to hear calls for educational equity in Mescalero and to the creation of a medical mushroom program.

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Episode 27

2025 Rewind: Mayoral Elections; APD Oversight Ends

Fri, Jan 2, 2026

This week, we revisit big headlines from 2025. We break down the mayoral elections in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Federal oversight of the Albuquerque Police Department ends. A volunteer group meets with asylum seekers locked inside a private prison. Federal funding is cut for public broadcasting. A new sign placed at the site of the world's first nuclear explosion recognizes the bomb's human toll.

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Episode 28

Brewhouse Bruises; Speaker Martínez on Session

Fri, Jan 9, 2026

This week, we check in on newly enacted state and federal laws and spending. State House Speaker Javier Martínez previews the upcoming legislative session. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller begins his third consecutive term. New Mexicans reflect on the fifth anniversary of Jan. 6. A reporter and a blogger discuss our state's brewery scene following the closure of Bosque Brewing.

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Episode 29

Previewing the 2026 Legislative Session

Fri, Jan 16, 2026

This week, three seasoned statehouse reporters look ahead to the upcoming legislative session. Oil and gas reporter Jerry Redfern previews his coverage of the fossil fuel industry at the Roundhouse. House Speaker Javier Martinez updates a few bills lawmakers passed last year and how they're faring today. We lay out the long list of candidates who have filed to run for governor.

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Episode 30

The 2026 Legislative Session Begins

Fri, Jan 23, 2026

This week, we head to Santa Fe for the start of this year's 30-day legislative session. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham gave her final State of the State address. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth and Republican Sen. Nicole Tobiassen share their legislative priorities. Reporter Jerry Redfern interviews the head of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association.

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Episode 31

NM Lawmakers Push Bills on ICE, Climate Goals

Fri, Jan 30, 2026

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Episode 32

Medical Malpractice Debate; FEMA Payout Questioned

Fri, Feb 6, 2026

This week, we hear from supporters, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and opponents of a proposed change to the state's medical malpractice laws. A payout to a FEMA director is questioned. A district attorney threatens to arrest federal immigration officers. An elected official and education specialist describe the state's "structured literacy" program. Activists take pilgrimage to Santa Fe.

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Episode 33

Budget Balancing Act; Healthy Soil and Water in NM

Fri, Feb 13, 2026

This week, Senate Finance Committee members talk to us about the state budget. Two experts let us know about a grant program that helps improve soil conditions across the state. State officials work to take charge of water quality as the Trump administration guts the Clean Water Act. The local Sierra Club director talks about the failed Clear Horizons Act.

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Episode 34

Final Week at the Roundhouse 2026

Fri, Feb 20, 2026

This week, we head to Santa Fe as the regular 30-day legislative session comes to a close. A panel of experts breaks down what did and didn't happen at the Roundhouse. Democratic and Republican House leaders talk partisan politics in New Mexico. We see a day in the life of a young mother, highlighting what the state's newly funded universal child care program could mean for parents like her.

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Episode 35

Climate Bill Fails; Indigenously Positive Returns

Fri, Feb 27, 2026

This week, state Sen. Mimi Stewart reflects on why her climate bill failed. A new study finds a disproportionate number of Black women are victims of homicide. City Councilor Nichole Rogers speaks about the National Guard's Albuquerque assignment. Indigenously Positive returns with a look at a school science program that teaches through Native practices and traditions.

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Episode 36

New ABQ, BernCo Leaders' Goals; Epstein Commission

Fri, Mar 6, 2026

This week, Albuquerque City Council President Klarissa Peña and Bernalillo County Commission Chair Adriann Barboa discuss key issues affecting the state's largest metro, and what city-county collaboration could look like. State Rep. Andrea Romero, chair of the newly created Epstein Truth Commission, explains her goals - and now to accomplish them.

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