This week on New Mexico in Focus, host Gene Grant sits down with the CEO of Spaceport America to discuss the future of commercial space flight in New Mexico now that Virgin Galactic has concrete plans to complete its move to the Southern New Mexico facility. 

As Albuquerque rolls out its annual wine festival this weekend, NMiF photojournalist Robert McDermott travels to Sheehan Winery in the South Valley to ask some questions about the economics of the wine industry in New Mexico. 

Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists discuss the perception by many Burqueños that the city is a dangerous place in which to live, and debate Bernalillo County District Attorney Raúl Torrez’s proposed constitutional amendment that would make it easier to detain certain defendants pending trial. The Line panelists also look at the benefits of an extended school year for some APS students, and examine ways to diversify New Mexico’s economy.  

New Mexico PBS’ one-hour public affairs show New Mexico in Focus 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.

Host
Gene Grant 

Correspondent
Robert McDermott 

Guests
Dan Hicks, CEO, Spaceport America 
Sean Sheehan, Sheehan Winery 

Line Panelists
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR 
Sophie Martin, attorney 
Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law 
Rachel Sams, editor, Albuquerque Business First 

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.

NMiF 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 Matt Grubs, with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer. The NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.

Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided by the McCune Charitable Foundation and viewers like you.

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