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NM Governor’s Abortion Action, Middle Rio Grande Water Update & The Journey of African American Homesteaders in New Mexico

This week on New Mexico in Focus, background on two controversial decisions from the highest court in the land. That’s as Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expands protections for people seeking abortions here in New Mexico. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with an ACLU attorney about what that means from a legal perspective.  

Our Land Executive Producer Laura Paskus talks with the chief engineer of the Rio Grande Conservancy District about ongoing drought, despite monsoon rains. Host Gene Grant explores the stories behind a mobile art exhibit, sharing the history of African American homesteaders who settled in New Mexico in the 19th Century.  Senior Producer Lou DiVizio speaks with New Mexico’s Secretary of Early Childhood Education and Care about recent expansions in childcare subsidies. And, an expert lookahead at the second round of tax rebate checks coming from the state.  

Host: Gene Grant

Segments:
Legal Perspective on Roe V. Wade Reversal & NM Executive Action 
Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland 
Guest: Ellie Rushforth, ACLU NM reproductive rights counsel 

Middle Rio Grande Water Update 
Correspondent: Laura Paskus 
Guest: Jason Casuga, CEO/chief engineer, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District 

Facing the Rising Sun: The Journey of African American Homesteaders in NM 
Correspondent: Gene Grant 
Guests:
Rita Powdrell, director, African American Museum & Cultural Center of NM 
Thomas Williams, documentarian 
Marilyn Pettes Hill, third generation homesteader 
Eric Yakley, technologist – Facing the Rising Sun 

NM Childcare Expansions 
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guest: Elizabeth Groginsky, NM Secretary of Early Childhood Education and Care 

Tax Rebate Impacts 
Correspondent: Gene Grant 
Guest: Dr. James Peach, New Mexico State University Economics Professor Emeritus