NMiF discusses toxic chemicals find in Clovis and state's failing public pension program

This week on New Mexico in Focus, “Our Land” correspondent Laura Paskus follows up on a story she broke last weekend. She talks to leaders at the New Mexico Environment Department about the low levels of PFAS toxic chemicals that have been found in some intake wells in the eastern New Mexico city of Clovis.

It’s back to the state’s capital with correspondent Gwyneth Doland and the Your New Mexico Government Project to check in on the progress of plans to reform the state’s failing public employee pension program. The Your New Mexico Government Project is a collaboration with KUNM Radio and the Santa Fe Reporter.

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales also traveled to the Roundhouse to speak with tribal leaders on American Indian Day, Feb. 7. The day was focused on environmental protection for the next generation. The leaders talked about creating opportunities for young people and the importance of cultural preservation for the future of New Mexico tribes.

Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel debate Senate Bill 5, the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act as it advances through the legislature. This emotionally charged “red flag” bill has passionate supporters and opponents. The Line panelists also look at proposed changes within CYFD, the Children, Youth and Families Department. For their last topic, the Line looks at a pilot program in Santa Fe Public Schools that addresses the longstanding problem of student truancy.

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.    

Correspondents  

  • Gwyneth Doland 
  • Antonia Gonzales
  • Laura Paskus

Field Guests

PFAS

  • Sec. James Kenney, NM Environment Department
  • Rebecca Roose, Water Protection Division Director, NM Environment Department

Legislature

  • Rep. Phelps Anderson, (R)
  • Rep. Christine Chandler, (D)
  • Sec. Bill McCamley, Workforce Solutions Department

American Indian Day

  • President Gabe Aguilar, Mescalero Apache Tribe
  • Lt. Governor Carleton Bowekaty, Zuni Pueblo
  • Rep. Derrick Lente, NM House District 65

Line Panelists

  • Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
  • Edmund E. Perea, attorney and public safety expert
  • Sophie Martin, attorney
  • Giovanna Rossi, Collective Action Strategies and “The Well Woman Show” (KUNM)

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.

Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided by the McCune Charitable Foundation and viewers like you.

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