Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Greg Jackson, The Line

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes flight in just over a week. The event is one of the highlights of the year and a huge tourism draw for the state. But this year, the Fiesta will include some new additions like undercover officers and metal detectors. Host Gene Grant went live on Facebook this week with Balloon Fiesta officials to talk about the changes and what spectators need to know. We’ll share some of the key takeaways, and then The Line opinion panelists weigh in on what it will take for the increased security efforts to be a success.

Correspondent Russell Contreras sits down with one of the key figures in New Mexico’s rise to prominence in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world: Greg Jackson. One of the founders of The Jackson Wink Academy, Jackson has helped train the likes of title winners Jon “Bones” Jones and Holly Holm. The two talk about why MMA is so popular in our state, as well as how Jackson is working to improve his community outside the octagon.

Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel also spend time discussing a new report that outlines the true extent of the state’s behavioral health crisis, and what state leaders are doing to bridge the gap between patients and providers. They also offer insight on the impact to New Mexico’s congressional delegation now that the U.S. House of Representatives has decided to open an impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

Host: Gene Grant  

Correspondent:
Russell Contreras

Guests:
Greg Jackson, mixed martial arts trainer, Jackson Wink MMA Training Academy
Allen Tetreault, public safety director, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Line Panelists:
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima
Michael Bird, Public Health Consultant
Jeffrey Candelaria, Konnection Now & KKOB radio
Laura Sanchez-Rivét, Affirm