This week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion panelists assess the fast-moving special session that’s sending $500-$1,500 to most New Mexican taxpayers. Plus, an economics professor from New Mexico State University explains whether these payments are the most efficient way to address the long-term impacts of inflation. 

The Panel looks back on the first week of legal recreational cannabis sales in the state, from the logistical issues it presented to the protentional economic positives it unveiled. The panelists also discuss the return of no-payment evictions in Bernalillo County.

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus is watching New Mexico's water closely this week. She checks in with a Bernalillo County water official to see how the repeal of Albuquerque’s plastic ban bag could affect water quality in the city. 

Plus, there's a forecast for how much moisture communities around the state can expect from snowmelt and precipitation this spring, as we all prepare for another dry summer.

New Mexico in Focus airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 7 a.m., and streaming on the PBS video app.

NMiF Segments
Assessing the Efficiency of Cash Relief Payments
Correspondent - Gene Grant
Guest - Dr. James Peach, economics professor, NMSU

Plastic Bags & Storm Water
Correspondent - Laura Paskus
Guest - Kali Bronson, stormwater program compliance manager, Bernalillo County

Spring Water Forecast
Correspondent - Laura Paskus
Guest - Angus Goodbody, forecast hydrologist, USDA-NRCS

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 www.newmexicoinfocus.org. 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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