Top Stories of 2021 (#5 & #4)
December 31, 2021 – A special Line opinion table of working journalists continue our countdown of the top stories of 2021. Coming in at number 5 this year is redistricting, that once a decade process of redrawing political boundaries based on the most recent U.S. Census count. New Mexico unveiled a new process for redistricting this year, and the panelists discuss whether or not it helped take the partisanship out of the process. And, coming in at number four this year is the legalizing of recreational-use cannabis. It took another special legislative session to get the law over the finish line, but legal sales are set to begin April 1, 2022.
Host: Gene Grant
Line Opinion Panelists:
Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter
Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun News
Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Bureau
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus
Tribes prevail as redistricting plans advance in New Mexico – Las Cruces Sun News
Redistricting map divides New Mexico lawmakers even after session ends – Santa Fe New Mexican
Citizen Redistricting Committee
Marijuana had ‘unprecedented’ success in state legislatures in 2021, NORML report shows – Marijuana Moment
NM issues first cannabis cultivation license – New Mexico Political Report