This week on New Mexico in Focus, a Russian-American living here in New Mexico is working to raise awareness and support for the innocent people fighting for their lives in Ukraine. He shares the one issue that he thinks is standing in the way of peace.

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus explains the decades-old practice of weather modification and how it could be used here in New Mexico, both in the short and long term. And, Ebony Isis Booth Introduces us to visual artist Frank Blazquez who takes us through his vision for his documentary series “Duke City Diaries.” 

The Line Opinion Panel takes up the state’s record-setting budget and debates some controversial items Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham specifically eliminated from the legislature’s spending plan. Plus, a deeper look at the Governor’s recent executive action on hydrogen as an international company announces multi-million-dollar plans for Albuquerque. And, the panel recaps the Democratic Party’s pre-primary convention, and a push to support more moderate candidates.  

New Mexico in Focus airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) Friday, March 18 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 3 p.m. on Ch. 5.4, and streaming on the PBS video app.

NMiF Segments
Russian Rallies for Ukraine  Correspondent
Ebony Isis Booth 

Guest
Grisha Gutkin, Russian-American, organized rally for Ukraine in Santa Fe 

Weather Modification 
Correspondent
Laura Paskus 

Guests
Gary Walker, seeding operations and atmospheric research 
Hannah Riseley-White, deputy director, NM Interstate Stream Commission 

Duke City Diaries 
Correspondent
Ebony Isis Booth
Guest 
Frank Blazquez, filmmaker, Duke City Diaries  

The Line opinion panel
Diana Snyder, fmr. state senator 
Laura Sanchez, attorney 
Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican 

Host
Gene Grant 

New Mexico in Focus is the 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 art 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. 

The McCune Charitable Foundation provides NMiF funding, along with viewers like you.

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