Top Stories of 2019: #5 and #4 | The Line

January 3, 2020 – Gene Grant and a special all-journalist Line panel continue to count down the top stories of 2019. Part art, part science, the list is based on impact and amount of time spent discussing it throughout the year. After decades spent debating the creation of an ethics commission, New Mexico voters made it so, and lawmakers spent much of the rest of the year prescribing how the new commission will go about its business. Similarly, the year’s fourth biggest story looked forward to potentially legalizing recreational cannabis. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed a task force to explore how the state’s medical cannabis program – which she ushered into existence as health secretary – would interact with legal recreational use. The Line’s journalists look ahead to the chances of legalization making it through the Legislature in 2020.

Line Panelists:
Gwyneth Doland, adjunct professor, UNM Communication & Journalism Dept.
Andy Lyman, reporter, New Mexico Political Report
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus
Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican

For More Information:
Producers to Determine Cannabis Security Specifics – New Mexico Political Report

Public Role Urged for Ethics Commission – The Albuquerque Journal