Redistricting Decisions, Hospitals at the Brink, and Fentanyl’s Impact on Crime

This week on New Mexico in Focus, The New Mexico Legislature is hard at work leading up to the holidays, making important decisions about Redistricting and the spending of more than a billion dollars in federal COVID relief funds. The Line opinion panel offers thoughts and insights on all the Roundhouse action. The panelists also discuss recent reporting in the Albuquerque Journal about the growing drug epidemic in New Mexico and its impact on violent crime.

Correspondent Gwyneth Doland also tackles the Redistricting process, which has created plenty of drama in Santa Fe, as usual, and despite a new non-partisan process. Much of that drama has focused on negotiations with Tribal communities, which came to a historic consensus on redrawing political boundaries. But, some of those suggestions have apparently fallen on deaf ears renewing calls for representation equity in the process.

The holidays are a time for gathering together with friends and family and enjoying tasty treats. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales brings those two things together in this week’s show, when she heads into the kitchen with Dine baker Liz Howdy. This accomplished baker cooks up a holiday favorite and talks about how her work as a cake maker helps her express herself and her culture.

Host: Gene Grant

The Line opinion panel: 
Dede Feldman, former state senator
Laura Sanchez, attorney
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations

Segments:

Redistricting Reaction
Correspondent: Gwenyth Doland
Guests:
Kathleen Burke, project coordinator, Fair Districts for New Mexico
Casey Douma, All Pueblo Council of Governors; Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee

Indigenous Baking
Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales
Guest: Liz Howdy – Baker