This week New Mexico in Focus takes a closer look at the upcoming race for the Second Congressional District. Fred Martino of KRWG, (PBS – Las Cruces) sits down with the democratic candidate Xochitl Torres-Small, to talk about some of the big issues in the race, and why she wanted to run. Her opponent, Yvette Herrell, has not made herself available for an interview to date. The winner of the race will replace Republican Steve Pearce, who is running for Governor.

Housing prices are skyrocketing in Carlsbad, largely because of a boom in the oil and gas industry.  Special Correspondent Sarah Gustavus visited the southern city to find out how people are coping with the housing conundrum, as well as the need for everyday essentials, which businesses are having a hard time keeping in stock. This is part one of a series New Mexico in Focus produced with the Carlsbad Current Argus.

Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists discuss the contested races that will determine which party gets control of New Mexico’s House of Representatives after midterm elections.  They also debate ways to address the controversy over long-standing murals in the UNM Zimmerman Library and look at how lateral transfers to the Albuquerque Police Department are affecting other law enforcement agencies.

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.

KRWG Studio Correspondent
Fred Martino, director of content, KRWG

KRWG STUDIO GUEST
Xochitl Torres-Small (D), Second Congressional District Candidate

CORRESPONDENT
Sarah Gustavus

LINE PANELISTS
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima LLC
Michael Bird, public health consultant
Dan Foley, former House minority whip
Giovanna Rossi, president, Collective Action Strategies; host, The Well Woman Show

HOST
Gene Grant

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, 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 Sarah Gustavus with associate producer Kathy Wimmer. NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.

Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided by the McCune Charitable Foundation, the Neeper Natural History Programming Fund for KNME TV and Viewers Like You.

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