New Mexico News Insiders

New Mexico is well-known for the Balloon Fiesta and its State Fair, and this year it’ll be home to another major event: The National Championship Air Races. Organizers describe it as ‘NASCAR in the sky,’ and the historic event spent decades in Reno, Nevada, before development around the airport forced it to find a new home. Chris and Gabby sit down with Tony Logoteta, President & COO of the Reno Air Racing Association, to unpack how Roswell, New Mexico, was chosen from cities across the country, the potential economic boost for the state, and what aviation fans can expect from the high-speed spectacle. How many people will attend? What does this mean for New Mexico in the long term? Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

As New Mexico students head into a new school year, families want to know: Are classrooms safe? Will student outcomes improve? And is the state moving up in national education rankings? Chris and Gabby host the leader of the state’s largest school district, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. More than a year into her role, Blakey shares about lessons learned over the last year, new safety measures, and academic goals for the state's largest district. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

New Mexico continues to contend with heartbreaking cases of child abuse, and mounting criticism of the state agency meant to protect vulnerable kids. KRQE Anchor-Reporter Jessica Garate joins Chris and Gabby to unpack the challenges of reporting on child welfare and the role of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Jessica tackles the latest case of a 5-year-old girl in Silver City whose family believes she could have been saved, and addresses broader questions about state oversight. What happens when abuse or neglect is reported by a teacher, family member, or law enforcement? How is CYFD responding? And are family reunification goals sometimes putting children's safety at risk? Watch Jessica's story on 5-year-old Xaquie Bynum Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Follow your hosts on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

New Mexico has long grappled with challenges in education, from teacher retention and recruitment in rural communities, to consistently low national rankings. Lt. Governor Howie Morales, a longtime advocate for education, joins Chris and Gabby to unpack major investments in early childhood, progress made so far, and the looming threat of losing critical federal funding. Are rural programs at risk? How are the state's investments translating to better outcomes for New Mexico students? Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

The Rio Grande is running dry in the metro once again, for the second time in 40 years. With New Mexico already in a 'water debt' under the Rio Grande Compact, what does this mean for farmers, crops, and the local drinking water supply? Chris and Gabby wade through the complexities with Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District's Chief Engineer & CEO, Jason Casuga. He explains how New Mexico is managing its water, and restrictions around water storage. How does the Rio Grande Compact play a role in the state's supply? And what does this mean for future infrastructure and livelihoods? Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

Ruidoso, New Mexico, is reeling once again. After enduring destructive wildfires, the mountain community is facing an uphill battle of recovery after deadly flash flooding killed a man and two children. The Rio Ruidoso surged to a record-breaking 20 feet, five feet higher than last year's record, catching even prepared emergency crews off guard. Chris and Gabby speak with the Village Fire Chief Cade Hall, a lifelong Ruidoso resident, about what happened, and the heartbreak of not being able to save everyone. Chief Hall explains how the community is also bracing for more rain. With recovery setbacks, tourism threatened, and continued risks, will people rebuild? Is the village re-thinking its alert system? Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

New Mexico is home to the most highly polluted body of water in the world, according to University of New Mexico researchers. PFAS, a group of toxic 'forever chemicals' linked to health problems, is showing up in water, wildlife, and everyday products. Secretary James Kenney, of the New Mexico Environment Department, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss the scope of contamination in New Mexico, the federal government's response, and what people can do to mitigate risks. How do you know if you've been exposed? Which bodies of water are considered hazardous? Are big game hunters at risk of eating contaminated meat? And what sort of health problems do PFAS cause? environmental report on PFAS *Special note: We recorded this episode just days before the Holloman Air Force Base announced its choice to close public access to the area surrounding Holloman Lake, or what the Air Force calls the "Holloman Evaporation Pond." Due to concerns about PFAS contamination, the area is expected to close on August 14, 2025. You can read more about the decision on KRQE.com. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

What happens when there are zero prosecutors for a community of nearly 70,000 people? A breakdown is unfolding in Gallup, New Mexico, and the fallout has the community demanding change. This week, KRQE investigative reporter Ann Pierret joins Chris and Gabby to share her reporting on the dysfunction inside the McKinley County District Attorney's Office, including her attempts to get answers from the DA herself. She explains how a state senator's unprecedented move to defund the office is sparking political and legal turmoil, and why state officials are now stepping in. How did it get to this point? What happens next? Watch Ann's reporting on what's unfolding in Gallup at the linked stories below: State Senator defunds District AttorneyMcKinley County DA hangs onto control for nowDA no-shows in court, multiple cases dismissed Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

The sky is not the limit in New Mexico, especially when it comes to the mission of the U.S. Space Force. This week, Chris and Gabby talk with two guests leading innovation, tech development, and national security efforts with the USSF in Albuquerque. Gabe Mounce, Director of the Tech Engagement Office with the Air Force Research Lab New Mexico, and Matthew Fetrow, Senior Scientist with the USSF, explain what the newest military branch is focused on. How are private companies teaming up with the government to launch the future of space defense? And could space tourism really take off in our lifetime? Listen to the full discussion to learn why New Mexico is becoming a key player in the space race. Gabe's TED TalkRead more Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

We're only halfway through 2025, but it may already feel like a political lifetime for some. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Chris and Gabby sit down with KRQE Political Analyst, UNM Professor, and Professional Pollster, Gabe Sanchez, to break down the state's biggest political storylines unfolding. From crime and immigration, to the Governor's race, and a crowded field for Albuquerque Mayor - how could these battles help shape New Mexico's future? Will a stacked Mayoral race ultimately help or hurt the incumbent? Listen in to get the inside scoop on the power plays unfolding across federal, state, and local politics. We appreciate our listeners. If you’ve got an idea, send it to your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

There are thousands of children in the state's custody, and not enough places for all of them to sleep. The problem often results in kids sleeping in government office buildings, requiring long shifts from workers with some of the most high-needs children. How did it come to this? What's being done to fix it? KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret joins Chris and Gabby to break down what her reporting uncovered about CYFD's growing crisis, the strain on staff, and efforts to add more foster care support. Watch Ann's recent investigation Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

Monsoon season has arrived in New Mexico, and that means sudden, dangerous flash floods. Fast-moving water in arroyos and streets can trap people in seconds. So, how do firefighters prepare for these high-stakes rescues? And why do people keep getting caught in the same flood zones? Chris and Gabby talk with two Albuquerque firefighters about what it takes to pull off a swift water rescue, the intense training behind it, and what everyone should know to stay safe. Check out the video version of this episode to see footage from some of the swift water rescues discussed in the episode. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

Lawmakers agree the system isn't working, especially when it comes to how courts handle people with mental illness. A new law promises major reforms and millions in investment toward behavioral health in New Mexico. But what will actually change, and when? This week, Chris and Gabby talk with two insiders tasked with leading reform efforts about what this law means for judges, treatment access, and the long road ahead. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

The National Guard is deploying in Albuquerque, aiming to help tackle the city's crime problem by freeing up more police officers. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared an emergency through an Executive Order in April, after receiving a letter from Albuquerque's Police Chief, who requested additional resources to combat what he described as a crime problem that "continues to be an emergency" in the city. APD says integrating Guardsmen and women will allow officers to be more present in high-crime areas, particularly along Central Avenue. But how will this work? What will the National Guard be doing or not doing? Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General overseeing New Mexico's National Guard, joins Chris and Gabby to explain everything you need to know. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

For years, New Mexicans have heard promises of "revitalization" and "redevelopment" in downtown Albuquerque—but is it actually happening? This week, Chris and Gabby sit down with Terry Brunner, Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, to pull back the curtain on how government is working with the private sector to incentivize development. Brunner details housing plans, local business buy-in for increased security, and some long-game, multimillion-dollar projects like the 'Rail Trail.' What is it exactly? And when could people see the Rail Trail in real life? Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

When someone is deemed 'incompetent' to stand trial, how does New Mexico's criminal justice system respond? It's the subject of a recent Larry Barker investigation that looked at cases involving hundreds of arrests, only for the offenders to be released back onto the streets. People who are mentally ill are committing crimes across the state, getting arrested, and their cases are dismissed without any repercussions or assistance. Barker, along with University of New Mexico Criminal Law Professor Joshua Kastenberg, join Chris and Gabby this week to discuss the complexities of cases like this, and why the justice system isn't set up to help the incompetent suspects or their victims. Free rides on the New Mexico justice train Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

The leader of the federal agency that investigated the DWI corruption scandal has left his position as Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Albuquerque. Now, former SAC Raul Bujanda sat down with KRQE's Anchor, Dean Staley, for an exit interview that covered crime, guns, and the state's biggest police corruption scandal. Bujanda discusses his time with the FBI, youth violence, and speaks candidly about teens' access to guns. What does the former FBI leader believe is the main driver of crime in New Mexico? Will more cops be charged in the corruption scheme? Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

Would higher taxes on alcohol reduce alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico? University of New Mexico researchers say yes. But the state hasn’t changed the way it taxes alcohol for decades. This week, Brady Horn, UNM Economics Professor and one of the researchers behind the study, along with Democratic Senator Antonio 'Moe' Maestas, join Chris and Gabby to explain the goal of the alcohol tax research, the state funding behind it, and why it's such a controversial issue in the legislature. What's the best way to tax alcohol in the first place? Could higher taxes impact the local economy in a good or bad way? Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it over to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. On social media, you can find as at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. You can watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesdays at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

New Mexico's flagship university has gone through a lot of changes lately in the athletics department. This week, Fernando Lovo, the Lobo's new VP and Director of Athletics, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss some of the big decisions he's had to make out of the gate - including hiring both a new head football and men's basketball coach. Lovo also discusses how UNM is dealing with major shifts in NCAA policy, including student athletes' use of "name, image, and likeness" (NIL), and the transfer portal. Will the new coaches stick with the Lobos for the long haul? How is Lovo and the department navigating the new college athletics landscape? We appreciate our listeners. Send your feedback or story ideas to hosts chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on X (Twitter), Facebook, & Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts. Also, check out the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Our show also airs on television! Tune into Fox New Mexico on Wednesdays at 10:35 p.m. MST.

Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque is the fifth largest base in the United States Air Force, and one of the 'crown jewels' of national security. This week, two guests from KAFB join Chris and Gabby to explain some of the critical missions happening on base, the economic impact the 52,000-acre base has in New Mexico, and the upcoming chance the public will have to get up close and personal to the aircraft. Kirtland AFB will host its first air show in six years in May. What should people expect to see? And what makes Albuquerque such a unique training environment for pilots? We appreciate our listeners. Send your feedback or story ideas to hosts chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on X (Twitter), Facebook, & Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts. Also, check out the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Our show also airs on television! Tune into Fox New Mexico on Wednesdays at 10:35 p.m. MST.