Let's Talk New Mexico

New Mexico has a diverse population with almost 46,000 students participating in Bilingual programs. The goal is to ensure all students learn English as well as their native language and meet academic standards. However, a legislative report says schools may not be hitting those marks.

James Beard Foundation recognizes greatness in the culinary world. This year six New Mexico chefs are semifinalists in the “Best of the Southwest” category and another four local establishments are semifinalists in national categories like “best new restaurant,” “outstanding bakery,” and “outstanding bar.” The winners will be announced April 3rd.

March marks the annual celebration of Women’s History Month. This year it’s centered on women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Many New Mexican women paved the way for women today to make their voices heard and make their own history.

Most Americans have little to no savings so even a small emergency can have catastrophic results. Pilot programs in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces are among those nationwide seeking to help some low income families by providing a modest monthly stipend. It’s called a Guaranteed Basic Income. What do you think about giving people money directly?

A recent series by KFF Health News and the New York Times found that roughly 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day until 2030. Most expect to live into their 80s and 90s as the price tag for long-term care explodes, outpacing inflation and reaching a half-trillion dollars a year. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll speak with one of the reporters who published this series, and we’ll hear from state officials and others on resources available here.

This year’s legislative session has officially come to an end and when it comes to child welfare the session was uneventful. There were several pieces of legislation proposing many solutions, but little saw movement or were deemed not germane. On this week’s Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss what’s next for child welfare in New Mexico.

Gun violence has more than doubled in New Mexico since 2014. Deaths of children in 2023 led to the Governor’s contentious public health order to keep guns out of many public places. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss gun safety, access, and the proposed new legislation making its way through the legislature.

New Mexico ranks last in the nation in child literacy, with almost 80% of children not proficient in reading by fourth grade. Governor Michelle Lujhan Grisham is pushing lawmakers to make greater investments in literacy.

New Mexico is once again seeing record revenues as lawmakers meet in Santa Fe to create a budget. That’s in large part due to booming oil and gas production. The state is the second-largest oil producer in the country and among the top 10 in natural gas production. But a number of bills in the legislative session would make big changes if they pass.

It’s time for another short legislative session focused on the state budget as New Mexico is seeing historically high revenue, mostly from oil and gas development. Where do you think lawmakers and the governor should be focusing our financial resources?

It’s that time of year when we think of resetting, making plans, maybe even some New Year’s resolutions. But at least one poll found that the average resolution lasts just over three months. So how do we make changes and plans that work for us, that will last past those first heady weeks of a new calendar? This week we'll talk with coaches and trainers about tips for finding what works.

As we wrap up 2023, we will take a look back at the last 12 months with a group of journalists discussing issues like abortion access, education policies, housing affordability and homelessness, climate change, redistricting, and health care.

The outdoor economy is booming in the West, and though New Mexico is a little behind our neighboring states, we are on the same trail. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss the impacts of a growing outdoor recreation sector, from economics to inclusion and equity.

Earlier this month, the state of New Mexico decided on next steps away from fossil fuels for transportation by approving regulations prioritizing more low-emissions vehicles on the road – including electric vehicles. But, concerns of infrastructure equity for EVs still remain for a state that remains largely rural.

Let’s Talk New Mexico 11/16 8am: Even in New Mexico, we might be thinking about pumpkin flavored everything when fall weather hits, but we’re also lusting after anything with chile, pecan or squash – or maybe a combination of all of them? Have you found creative ways to incorporate local foods into traditional fall dishes?

Your city council likely has more impact on your life than any other government entity, however, survey data shows 3/4s of Americans do not attend public meetings and fewer than 1 in 5 have reached out to local governments in the last year. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we’ll discuss city councils and we’ll check in on how the recent elections have impacted city councils ideologically, demographically, and functionally.

New Mexico schools have been hit hard by chronic absenteeism with about 39% of our students missing 10% or more of school days. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss resources available to address chronic absenteeism and the gaps still needing to be filled.

It’s election time and several candidates will be vying for three seats on the Albuquerque Public Schools Board. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll be asking the candidates their thoughts on the current state of education and what their contributions to the board would be.

When we think of city growth we might think of a growing population, new housing developments, how sustainable it might be, or even things like increased traffic. On the next Let's Talk New Mexico we'll discuss how our cities are responding and what kind of change can we expect in the coming years.