The Navajo Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States, both geographically and by population. The Navajo have been hit hard by COVID-19, with more than 25,000 positive cases and more than 800 deaths. Jonathan Nez, president of the Navajo Nation, has been fighting the pandemic with curfews and lockdowns and has aggressively ramped up vaccination efforts. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with President Nez about plans for the new year. 

Dr. Tracie Collins, the secretary-designate of New Mexico’s Dept. of Health, and a group of medical experts from Presbyterian, Lovelace and UNM hospitals held press conferences this week to explain the roll-out of vaccinations so far. They also talked about moving into the next phase of vaccinations for older New Mexicans and those with underlying conditions. New Mexico in Focus includes part of that discussion. 

Gene Grant and The Line opinion panelists preview the two-month session of the New Mexico Legislature that is set to start next week. COVID protocols will dictate the process of holding a full session during this pervasive pandemic, and while finalizing and approving a balanced budget is a number one priority, there are many other bills that will be on the docket. The Line also looks at how the COVID vaccine is being delivered – and how the message of its importance is being communicated.  For their final topic, the Line panelists voice their opinions on how New Mexico’s conservative leaders have responded to violent rhetoric from President Donald Trump.

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 

Fighting COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation 

Correspondent

  • Antonia Gonzales 

Guest  

  • President Jonathan Nez, Navajo Nation  

Health Secretary, Medical Experts on COVID Vaccinations 

Guests   

  • Dr. Tracie Collins, New Mexico Department of Health secretary-designate  
  • Dr. Denise Gonzales, medical director, Presbyterian Medical Group 
  • Dr. Vesta Sandoval, chief medical officer, Lovelace Health System 
  • Dr. David Pitcher, executive physician, UNM Health Sciences 

The Line Opinion Panel     

  • Merritt Allen, Vox Optima  
  • Cathryn McGill, NM Black Leadership Council   
  • Dan McKay, capitol bureau reporter, Albuquerque Journal  
  • Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes     

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.

Get updates, watch and follow New Mexico PBS on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more.