The Line: Top Stories of 2018 (Numbers 5 & 4)

December 21, 2018 – This week, Host Gene Grant and our special Line panel of local journalists continue our countdown of the top stories of 2018. Coming in at number 5 is the scrutiny around the state’s criminal justice system. The panelists discuss the struggle around new bail reforms, the recently revealed mistakes made in the Victoria Martens murder case, and renewed concerns about the oversight of private prisons in New Mexico. And, they also offer insight on the 4th biggest story of 2018, the struggles facing some higher education institutions in our state. UNM has had a particularly tough year, with declining enrollment, disarray and budget struggles in the Athletics Department that lead to the cutting of several sports programs including men’s soccer, and revelations about pay inequities. All this comes at a pivotal time for the university and new president Garnett Stokes. NMSU also changed leadership this year, with the surprise departure of former Governor Gary Carruthers, and the even more surprising plan to replace his position.

 

Line Panelists:
Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican
Mary Hudetz, reporter, Associated Press
Andy Lyman, reporter, New Mexico Political Report
Jeff Proctor, reporter, Santa Fe Reporter and New Mexico in Depth

 

For Further Reading:

Regent’s Bitter Medicine Could Have Used Sweetener (Editorial)

UNM Athletics CFO Robinson Lasts a Year, Resigns

NMSU Chancellor, President Unveil New Structure, Concede University is ‘In the Red’