NMiF reviews Epstein Commission Report, federal housing law

This week, New Mexico in Focus headed to Santa Fe as New Mexico's Epstein Truth Commission released its interim report on Zorro Ranch. Hear from the lawmakers who put it together, as well as a survivor of Jeffery Epstein who testified before the House committee.

The 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a package of four bills meant to address a nationwide housing crisis, became law last month. Isidoro Hernandez, executive *director of Housing New Mexico, and Elizabeth Elia, an attorney with the New Mexico Center for Housing Law, sit down with Nash to discuss how the new law could change things in our state.

With a 2-1 vote, the state's Public Regulation Commission approved the sale of New Mexico Gas Company to Bernhard Capital Partners, a Louisiana-based private equity group. Nash breaks down the details of the acquisition and the pushback.

Scientists at New Mexico State University have created an alternative to blood to fuel mosquito research. Ph.D. candidate Anjali Kari speaks with Nash about the development of "SkitoSnack," and how it could help researchers around the globe mitigate the risks of the disease-carrying insects.

NMiF airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) on Friday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 9 at 7 a.m. and streaming on the PBS video app. Involved, informed, in-depth media: watch New Mexico in Focus again online shortly thereafter.

Host
Nash Jones

NMiF Segments
Epstein Truth Commission Releases Interim Report
Correspondent
Nash Jones

Guests
Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, chair, New Mexico Truth Commission
Rep. Marianna Anaya, D-Albuquerque, member, New Mexico Truth Commission
Rachel Benavidez, survivor

How a New Federal Housing Law Could Help NM
Correspondent
Nash Jones

Guests
Elizabeth Elia, attorney, New Mexico Center for Housing Law
Isidoro Hernandez, executive director, Housing New Mexico

PRC Approves Private Equity Purchase of NM Gas Co.
Correspondent
Nash Jones

New Regulations on Mobile, Manufactured Homes
Correspondent
Nash Jones

Guests
Elizabeth Elia, attorney, New Mexico Center for Housing Law
Isidoro Hernandez, executive director, Housing New Mexico

NMSU Researcher Creates New Food for Mosquitos
Correspondent
Nash Jones

Guest
Anjali Karki, biology Ph.D. candidate, New Mexico State University

New Mexico in Focus is the New Mexico PBS prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. NMiF takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, educational, and art issues, exploring them in depth with a critical eye to provide context beyond the "news of the moment."

NMPBS Executive Producer, Public Affairs is Jeff Proctor. New Mexico in Focus's senior producer for public affairs is Lou DiVizio. Host and producer of New Mexico in Focus is Nash Jones. The producer is Antonio Sanchez, and the multimedia journalist is Cailley Chella.

Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided by the McCune Charitable Foundation and Viewers Like You. Funding for the Your New Mexico Government Project comes from the Thornburg Foundation and New Mexico Local News Fund. Funding for Our Land: New Mexico's Environmental Past, Present & Future is provided in part by the Neeper Natural History Programming.