This week on New Mexico in Focus, city officials and business owners weigh in on the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project (ART). Correspondent Megan Kamerick sits down with two city leaders to talk about funding, support for businesses along the route, and what’s ahead. And two local business owners located on Central Avenue give first-hand accounts of their experiences as construction is taking place right outside their doors.
The show regularly airs Fridays at 7 p.m. and repeats Sundays at 7 a.m. on Channel 5.1 and Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on Channel 9.1, except during Pledge Drives.
Additionally this week, Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists debate several top stories in the news, including some of the 141 bills that Gov. Martinez vetoed this year, and how scammers skimmed more than $400,000 from Albuquerque’s coffers. They also discuss the Hunger-Free Student’s Bill of Rights Act, signed into law last week, that aims to end “lunch shaming” practices across New Mexico. An excerpt from a conversation with Sen. Michael Padilla, the bill’s sponsor, will also be shown in this week’s episode.
Studio Guests
- Gary Oppedahl, director, Economic Development Department, City of Albuquerque
- Dayna Crawford, ART project manager
- Gabriel Amador, Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria
- Collin Troy, The Octopus and the Fox
- Sen. Michael Padilla, D – Bernalillo
Line Panelists
- Janice Arnold-Jones, former state representative
- Andy Lyman, NM Political Report
- Sophie Martin, attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
- Dan McKay, reporter for the Albuquerque Journal
Correspondents
- Sarah Gustavus
- Megan Kamerick
New Mexico in Focus is New Mexico PBS’ prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. Hosted by Gene Grant, New Mexico in Focus takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, health, education and arts issues and explores them in-depth, with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment."
The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Sarah Gustavus with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer. NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.
Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided in part by the McCune Charitable Foundation.
Involved, informed, in-depth media: watch New Mexico in Focus again online shortly thereafter.
Get updates, watch and follow New Mexico PBS on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & more.