Let's Talk New Mexico

Let's Talk New Mexico 3/27, 8a: The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply shaken many of our basic systems in just a few weeks. Changes that once seemed unthinkable to many, like releasing prisoners, closing entire school districts, or disallowing evictions, have now come to pass. How are people and institutions adapting to provide necessities during this crisis? What might a post-coronavirus world look like? We want to hear from you. Email LetsTalk@kunm.org or call in live during the show at (505) 277-5866. 

Let's Talk New Mexico 3/26, 8a: Life's normal pace seems to be grinding to a halt for many New Mexicans, but some things never change. Babies are born, loved ones pass away, couples get hitched -- so what do those big, life-changing celebrations and events look like in the time of quarantine? On our next KUNM call-in show, we'll speak with folks who are navigating births, deaths, and marriages during the pandemic, and helping others do the same. And we want to hear from you! Email letstalk@kunm.org or call in during the show at (505) 277-5866. 

Let's Talk New Mexico 3/25, 8a: The coronavirus has now reached 11 counties in New Mexico, with 100 cases of COVID-19 now confirmed mostly in the Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces areas. "Non-essential" workers are now staying home. Amid all this fearful uncertainty, it's heartening to hear how communities are building new ways to care for each other. We're spending our mornings this week taking your calls about the coronavirus pandemic, and we want to hear what's happening in your home or neighborhood. How are you coping with the anxieties and sudden lifestyle changes? How are you staying busy and getting creative about keeping up with loved ones from a distance? Email LetsTalk@kunm.org or call in live during the show at 277-5866. 

Let's Talk New Mexico 3/24, 8a: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham went live before tens of thousands of New Mexicans on Monday afternoon with a new public health order in response to the coronavirus outbreak: close all "non-essential businesses," limit public outings to groups of five, and stay at home as much as possible. The order says violators "could lose licenses to operate and face civil or criminal penalties." How does this change life for you and your loved ones? What worries you most about the pandemic in your town, and what kinds of things do you want to hear from your elected leaders? We're continuing our daily call-in shows about COVID-19 in New Mexico, and we want to hear from you. Email letstalk@kunm.org anytime or call in live during the show at (505) 277-5866 or 1-877-899-5866.

Let's Talk New Mexico 3/23, 8a: The coronavirus outbreak has everyone talking and thinking about the same thing, so each morning this week, we'll be coming to you live with special call-in shows all about local responses to COVID-19. We want to hear how you're holding up. What questions or concerns do you have about the way New Mexico agencies are addressing this public health crisis? How are you staying safe and caring for your community during this time of social distancing? Email letstalk@kunm.org, tweet at us with #LetsTalkNM, or call in live during the show at (505) 277-5866. If you're outside of the ABQ Metro area, the number is 1-877-899-5866. 

  Let's Talk NM 3/12, 8a: In 2019, Albuquerque was listed as one of the top ten places for women in technology fields, with nearly 30% of tech jobs here filled by women. This week on Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll speak with women who work in science and technology -- from CNM's coding bootcamp program, to Los Alamos National Labs, to Girls Who Code clubs. What’s the outlook for women who want to get into a tech job, whether straight out of high school or as a mid-career switch?

  Let's Talk New Mexico 3/5 8a: Lobbyists spent more than $195,000 on events, meals and giveaways for state legislators during the 2019 legislative session, working out to more than $6,500 a day. Ethics advocates worry that this kind of spending influences those legislators’ decisions in the Roundhouse, and think the public has a right to know exactly what’s going on.

Let’s Talk New Mexico 2/27 8am: It’s near the end of Black History Month, and we’re going to be talking about the impact of black people on the culture of New Mexico. From historical contributions to the present day, African Americans have been fundamental in the development of the rich traditions of the state. 

  Let's Talk New Mexico 2/20 8a: The 2020 legislative session finishes up Thursday. As those final hours close in, we’ll discuss where high-profile proposals stand – like the red-flag firearm bill, and recreational cannabis – as well as the fate of some important bills that you may have not heard of.

And we want to hear from you. Which proposals were you happy to see pass? Which stalled bills frustrated you? Email LetsTalk@kunm.org, tweet using #LetsTalkNM, or call in live during the show.

NEW: We're partnering with NMPBS to livestream video of the Thursday call-in show. Watch live at New Mexico PBS or KUNM on Facebook, or listen as always on 89.9 FM or KUNM.org.

  Let's Talk New Mexico 2/13 8am: It’s Valentine’s Day and we’re going to be talking about love. From how a baker and chocolatier’s creations come from a place of affection and care, to how a spectacular annual Valentine in an Albuquerque neighborhood shows love for more than just its recipient—and even how love itself can be a radical act.

  Let's Talk New Mexico 2/6 8a: The 2020 Census begins in April, and it will determine New Mexico's congressional representation and the allocation of federal dollars for programs like Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP. This week, we’ll discuss why it's hard to get a complete count here, and what organizers are doing to reach communities that have historically been undercounted. Do you have concerns about how the federal government use your information? Do you benefit from a program that uses Census data for funding purposes? Email Letstalk@KUNM.org, tweet us at #LetsTalkNM, or call in live during the show.

  Let's Talk New Mexico 1/30 8a: State officials say 37,000 people will lose their eligibility for federal food assistance after the Trump administration starts enforcing new work requirements in April. This week, we'll discuss the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and how the new rules will change life for New Mexicans who depend on it.

  Let's Talk NM 1/23 8a: New Mexico has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness, according to a 2019 report to the US Congress. On this week's show, we’ll discuss homelessness and what our state and local governments should be doing to help.

  Let's Talk New Mexico 1/16 8a: We’re going to look back at the local news stories that affected New Mexicans last year and at how they might develop in the year ahead. And we’re going to talk about how these topics will impact the upcoming legislative session. Our guests will walk us through their picks for the most notable, important or interesting news stories they covered in 2019—from immigration to liver transplants to education—and how it made a difference to the people who live in our state.

And we want to hear from you! What New Mexico news stories stood out for you in 2019? Or what national events affected your life? Email Letstalk@KUNM.org, tweet us at #LetsTalkNM, or call in live during the show.

Let's Talk New Mexico 1/9 8a: Iran launched missiles against U.S. bases in Iraq on Tuesday, Jan. 7, after a U.S. airstrike days earlier killed top Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani. This week on our live call-in show, we're hearing local perspectives about the growing conflict between Iran and the United States. We'll also be speaking with an expert to understand the history and context of these tensions. And we want to hear from you. What do you think of the U.S. actions in Iran? Do you fear fast escalation? Did President Trump make the right call?