Election Night Reaction, Gun Ban at the State Capitol & Student Action on Fossil Fuels and Climate Change

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.

Host: Gene Grant 

The Line opinion panel: 
Dan Foley, former House Minority Whip
Michael Bird, former President, American Public Health Association
Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican

Segments: 
Mayor Tim Keller, Election Reflections
Correspondent: Gene Grant
Guest(s):
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
Guest(s):
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