The Line opinion panelists begin our annual countdown of the top stories of the year. 2020 was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts in New Mexico, but there are many specific issues our special panel of working journalists is ready to examine. This week, they take on stories 10-6, including the rise of Zoom and remote working, and the impacts of COVID-19 on our schools and entire education system. They wrap up the list on next week’s show with the top 5 stories of 2020.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has also sparked renewed interest in all kinds of content, from streaming media, to books and even video games. That includes the classic works of Shakespeare. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks to UNM English Professor Marissa Greenberg about how artists and creators are breathing new life into the bard’s stories and characters. They also explore why his writings are still so vibrant all these centuries later. 

Correspondent Laura Paskus continues her coverage of the groundwater contamination at a handful of New Mexico military installations, resulting from the past use of aqueous firefighting foams which contained dangerous PFAS chemicals. Her work is part of our ongoing investigation, “Groundwater War.” Paskus explains why New Mexico’s complicated military legacy makes it harder to get the military to take action, including mapping the full extent of the contamination and the challenges of cleaning up the PFAS chemicals.  

Due to NM PBS’ Post-Christmas Pledge Period, NMiF will only broadcast Episode 1426 on Friday, Dec. 25 at 7 p.m. (KNME HD) and Sunday, Dec. 27 at 3 p.m. on NMPBS 9.1 (world). For information on next week's broadcast, airing Jan. 1-3, visit Episode 1427.

In Focus Interviews    

Reimagining Shakespeare’s Works 
Correspondent   

Gwyneth Doland

Guest
Marissa Greenberg, UNM Department of English Language and Literature

Groundwater War and New Mexico’s Military Legacy 
Correspondent   

Laura Paskus  

The Line Opinion Panel   
Dan Boyd, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Bureau Chief  
Julie Ann Grimm, Santa Fe Reporter Editor & Publisher 
Jessica Onsurez, Carlsbad Current-Argus News Director 
Andy Lyman, New Mexico Political Report 

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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