This week on New Mexico in Focus, correspondent Megan Kamerick talks with author Ashley Biggers, who has written extensively about travel in New Mexico. Her latest book, “Eco-Travel New Mexico,” highlights hotels and restaurants that operate on sustainable principles.

The program airs Friday, Jan. 5 on New Mexico PBS, KNME 5.1 and repeats Sunday, Jan. 7 at 7 a.m. The program is also broadcast on New Mexico PBS, KNMD 9.1 Saturday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. with a repeat on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m.

Also on the program are encore broadcast of three memorable segments:

Producer Sarah Gustavus’ visit to the Navajo Nation for a look at the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs on the reservation. This focus on economic resilience in rural and underserved communities was part of the State of Change Project, in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network.

Correspondent Russell Contreras’ interview with current Corrales resident and former U.S. Senator Fred Harris about his experiences as a member of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, aka the “Kerner Commission.” The Commission’s report, which came out in 1968, examined poverty and race in America. 

And correspondent Antonia Gonzales and producer Sarah Gustavus’ trip to the Navajo Nation for the series “Reconnecting with a Healthy Lifestyle,” where they explored what’s being done to fight diabetes and obesity by reducing consumption of soda and sugary beverages and look at one school’s innovative way to get filtered water to more people on the Navajo Nation.

CORRESPONDENTS 

Russell Contreras
Antonia Gonzales
Sarah Gustavus
Megan Kamerick

STUDIO GUESTS  

Ashley Biggers, author of Eco-Travel New Mexico
Fred Harris, former U.S. Senator

New Mexico in Focus is New Mexico PBS’ prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. Hosted by Gene Grant, New Mexico in Focus takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, health, education and arts 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 Sarah Gustavus with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer. NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.

Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided in part by the McCune Charitable Foundation.

Involved, informed, in-depth media: watch New Mexico in Focus again online shortly thereafter.

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