This week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion Panel takes on the issue of abortion rights, and how overturning Roe V. Wade could impact our state. Will restrictive laws in other states force more people to New Mexico for procedures? The Panel will answer that question while considering the impact this debate could have on midterm elections. 

Producer Kevin McDonald and the panelists also talk wildfires as the largest fire in the country burns in northern New Mexico. They share their thoughts on a federal push to expand benefits for wildland firefighters, and the wider discussion surrounding prescribed burns. 

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? 

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus sits down with a meteorologist from the National Weather Service to ask why this spring has seemed even windier than usual in New Mexico, and the impact that’s having on fire season. Laura also addresses the stresses many of us are feeling as we consider the damage already done in the earliest start to fire season we’ve seen. Professor and author Sarah Jaquette Ray explains how individuals can find some relief from climate anxiety. 

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. 

New Mexico in Focus airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 at 7 a.m., and streaming on the PBS video app. 

NMiF Segments

Understanding Extreme Winds 
Correspondent

Laura Paskus 

Guest
Scott Overpeck, warning coordination meteorologist, National Weather Service 

New Mexico Childcare Expansions 
Correspondent

Lou DiVizio 

Guest
Elizabeth Groginsky, NM Secretary of Early Childhood Education and Care 

Managing Climate Anxiety 
Correspondent

Laura Paskus 

Guest 
Sarah Jaquette Ray, professor, author of “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety” 

The Line opinion panel
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current-Argus 
Tom Garrity, Garrity Group public relations 
Cathryn McGill, founder, director, NM Black Leadership Council 

Hosts
Kevin McDonald 
Lou DiVizio 

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 program debuts Friday nights at 7 p.m. on NMPBS 5.1(KNME-HD) and appears online at New Mexico in Focus. The show rebroadcasts on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME-HD) Sundays at 7 a.m. and on NMPBS 5.4 on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

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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