This week on New Mexico in Focus, historic turnout across New Mexico led to some eye-opening results on election night. Gene Grant breaks down the key races for voters around the state including two wins for progressive, incumbent Mayors and a potential power shift in our largest city.

Mayor Tim Keller reflects on his campaign, his plans for the future in Albuquerque and a failed bond proposal to build a soccer stadium in the city’s downtown area. What’s next for New Mexico United, the team behind the proposal, as the city continues its push to grow the professional soccer franchise?

The Line opinion panel gives its final thoughts on Tuesday’s election results as well as perspective on a decision from the legislative services committee to ban guns at the state capitol. Finally, panelists discuss the FDA and CDC’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children age 5-11. What impact might it have on rising transmission rates in New Mexico, and will there be any hesitation on the part of parents?

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus follows up with Hydrogeologist Phillip Rust, discussing a growing shortage of ground water in the East Mountains. That shortage hasn’t stopped development in the area. Rust explains the issues this could cause in the short and long term.

Paskus also speaks with students at the University of New Mexico calling for an investigation into the University’s foundation investments in fossil fuels. She takes us to their protest rally and explains the changes they’re demanding from UNM.

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with Zuni Pueblo Artist Mallery Quetawki, who helped create an artistic tribute seen around the world on Google’s homepage this week. Quetawki explains the influence of the late We:Wa, a potter and fiber artist whose work has represented the Zuni people for decades and the impact a platform like google can make in presenting native art on such a large scale.

New Mexico in Focus airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) Friday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 7 at 7 a.m., and streaming on the PBS video app.  

NMiF Segments

Mayor Tim Keller, Election Reflections
Correspondent
Gene Grant
Guests
Tim Keller, Albuquerque Mayor                                                                                                                                                                                 
Elizabeth J. Kistin, Albuquerque First Lady

East Mountain Water Shortages
Correspondent

Laura Paskus

Guest
Phillip Rust, hydrogeologist, Bernalillo County

UNM Divestment Protests

Correspondent
Laura Paskus

Guests
Emily Phan, UNM Student
Paula Noriega, UNM Student
Sofia Jenkins-Nieto, UNM LEAF (Leaders for Environmental Action and Foresight) 
Raven Alcott, Pueblo of San Ildefonso, UNM student

We:Wa Google Doodle
Correspondent

Antonia Gonzales

Guest
Mallery Quetawki, Zuni Pueblo Artist

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. Get updates, watch and follow New Mexico PBS on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and more.