This week on New Mexico in Focus, now that the 2020 U.S. Census count is complete, one of the next steps for New Mexico is redrawing congressional and legislative districts. 

Redistricting is often a political process decided under a veil of secrecy. But this year, lawmakers are debating a bill that would create a new commission to depoliticize the process and restore transparency. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks to members of the New Mexico First task force that recommended the commission as part of their work last year to reform the process. 

The Line opinion panel will also discuss the redistricting commission proposal and its potential for passage during the 2021 legislative session. The panelists take a closer look at several bills that would change New Mexico’s liquor rules and regulations. One such proposal would allow for the delivery of some pre-packaged liquor, in an effort to help bars and restaurants maintain income during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

But, given New Mexico’s troubled history with alcohol and high-profile drunk driving cases, is this really a good idea? Lastly, the panelists will delve into one lawmaker’s decision to leave his party over a vote on another high-profile bill, which would keep abortions in New Mexico from being illegal, even if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade.  

This week also marks the return of “Our Land” New Mexico’s only broadcast series dedicated to covering environmental issues in our state. Correspondent Laura Paskus explores the power of what we name places in New Mexico, and talks with U.S. Representative Deb Haaland (D) – President Biden’s pick to lead the Department of the Interior – about legislation she is proposing that hopes to make those names more culturally sensitive and inclusive.  

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.  

Segments 

Redistricting Legislation 
Correspondent
Gwyneth Doland 

Guests
Edward Chávez, NM First redistricting task force co-chair, NM Supreme Court (retired)                                
Cedric Page, NM First redistricting task force member 

Our Land: Place Names 
Correspondent
Laura Paskus 

Guest
Deb Haaland, U.S. House of Representatives (NM-CD1)                                                                            
Theresa Pasqual, archaeologist and former director of historic preservation, Pueblo of Acoma 

Line Panelists 
Laura Sanchez, attorney 
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima 
Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican  

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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