Reports of missing mail collection boxes around the country have prompted an Albuquerque-based software designer to help develop an application that uses communities to keep track of where mailboxes are and are not across the United States. NMIF correspondent Megan Kamerick talked to Russ Biggs about how the web app works and how people can help. 

In the mountains above Santa Fe, the Medio Fire has been burning since Aug. 17, threatening the Rio Nambe, Rio Capulin, and Rio en Medio watersheds. Firefighters have made headway on the fire, which is burning outside the normal range of New Mexico’s fire season, at the same time they’re grappling with the need to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. Correspondent Laura Paskus talks with Buck Wickham, operations section chief for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, and Terrance Gallegos, deputy fire staff officer for the Santa Fe National Forest. 

Evictions based on a temporary inability to pay rent are in no one’s best interest. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, many people find themselves unemployed and unable to pay full rent when it’s due. For some, that can lead to an eviction notice, which can lead to worse housing conditions or homelessness. Correspondent Megan Kamerick talks with a property owner/manager and a tenants’ rights advocate about resolving tenant/landlord issues and preventing evictions. 

Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel discuss the Republican and Democratic National Conventions and look at how convention themes influence local campaigns. The Line panelists also look at new public health orders for restaurant owners across New Mexico. 

New Mexico in Focus is involved, informed, in-depth media airing weekly on New Mexico PBS. The program debuts Friday nights at 7 p.m. on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME-HD) and appears online shortly thereafter. The show rebroadcasts on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME-HD) Sundays at 7 a.m. and on NMPBS 9.1 (WORLD) on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.    

In Focus Interviews

Keeping Track of USPS Boxes 

Correspondent
Megan Kamerick 

Guest
Russ Biggs, software developer

Fire Threatens Watersheds 

Correspondent 
Laura Paskus 

Guests   
Buck Wickham, operations section chief, Southwest Area Incident Management Team 
Terrance Gallegos, deputy fire staff officer, Santa Fe National Forest 

Evictions 

Correspondent 
Megan Kamerick 

Guests
Chuck Sheldon, CEO and president, T&C Management Company; former president, Apartment Association of New Mexico 
Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law’s Economic Justice Clinic

The Line Opinion Panel    

Panelists
Lonna Atkesson, UNM political science professor   
Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal 
Laura Sanchez, attorney 

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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