Grief & Social Media; ABQ Abortion Vote; Southwest Airlines & Amtrak services in NM

This week, on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, how is social media changing the way we process grief and tragedy? Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with Gail Rubin, author of the book and website “A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning For Those Who Don’t Plan To Die,” and Ann Beyke, an Albuquerque-based pet loss counselor, about how Facebook and Twitter are changing our approach to death and loss.

The Line Opinion Panel looks at the proposed ban on late-term abortions in Albuquerque. Early voting has been heavy so far, but the fate of the proposal remains in question, even if it does get approved by voters.

The group also dissects the announcement by Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico that it will take over the Lovelace Health Plan and what it means.

What will be the potential impacts on New Mexico if Southwest Airlines cuts back on flights here and Amtrak service declines or is eliminated? Traffic is already down at the Albuquerque International Sunport, and the limited number of direct flights has ramifications on economic development.

GUEST:
Ann Beyke, Pet Loss Counselor
Gail Rubin, author of “A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning For Those Who Don’t Plan To Die”

LINE PANELIST:
Dan Foley, former NM House Republican whip

LINE GUEST PANELISTS:
Lonna Atkeson, UNM Political Science Professor
Jeri Clausing, Associated Press
Steve Terrell, Santa Fe New Mexican

CORRESPONDENT: Gwyneth Doland

HOST/COMMENTATOR: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.

Episode 720 for air November 15, 2013