New Mexico News Insiders

DWI Advocate Reacts To Corruption Scheme

It's one of the biggest public corruption scandals in New Mexico, involving money, a defense attorney's office, and drunk driving cases. We've now seen some of the key players in the 'DWI Enterprise' take federal plea deals, admitting the scheme to profit off of DWI dismissals goes back decades. This week, Linda Atkinson, Executive Director of the DWI Resource Center, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss the initial plea deals, and share why she's paid such close attention to DWI court cases over the years. How big of an issue is drunk driving in New Mexico? How does this corruption scandal impact faith in the state's judicial system? 

• Click here for KRQE's continuing coverage of the DWI dismissal scandal 

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. 

Albuquerque’s Investment In Healthcare For The Homeless

The City of Albuquerque is making a significant investment in the Gateway Center along Gibson, which aims to be a one-stop shop for services. One of the main resources inside the facility, known as 'Medical Respite' will provide primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care for people living on the streets. Rachel Biggs, Chief Strategy Officer for the program, and Kate Morton, Chief Clinical Officer, join Chris and Gabby to explain how the facility will work, who it will serve, and the overall promise to the community. How big of an impact will it make? Is medical staffing a struggle? 

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. 

What's Behind The Dip In Fentanyl Overdose Deaths?

The Fentanyl crisis has changed law enforcement's approach to tackling drugs and education. This week, Carlos Briano, Spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Agency El Paso Division, which covers New Mexico, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss the DEA's mission on the streets, and in schools. What's behind the recent Fentanyl overdose death decline? How are kids learning about drugs in schools? Briano expands on a newly adopted school curriculum by Albuquerque Public Schools, created in collaboration with Discovery Education and the DEA. Plus, hear about the unique challenges New Mexico and Texas are facing when it comes to drug crimes. 

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. 

New Mexico’s U.S. Attorney Sheds Light On ‘Secretive’ Job

New Mexico's Top federal law enforcement officer peels back the curtain on what's historically been a pretty secretive job. The state's U.S. Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes ranging from murder, organized crime, and issues in Indian Country, to investigating and prosecuting public corruption. This week, New Mexico's U.S. Attorney, Alexander Uballez, shares some of his proudest moments serving in this role, cases that have made an impact, and the path he'd like the office to continue during President Trump's administration. He also responds to the latest charges in the DWI dismissal scandal. What’s next for that case? 

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. 

Highs, Lows, & Leadership Changes For Lobo Athletics

From an impressive turn-around to losing its head football coach, and now legal challenges amid the basketball team - there have been significant highs and lows for the University of New Mexico's Lobo Athletic Department over the last few months. This week Chris and Gabby sit down with KRQE Sports gurus Van Tate and Jared Chester to drill into the season of Lobo sports. How will the new Athletic Director, Fernando Lovo, fare under the circumstances? What's next for Lobo football under a new head coach? And what do the basketball team and its fans make of the lawsuit filed against its head coach? 

Also discussed, are the impacts of the NIL on college athletics. Van and Jared also share their perspective of covering the Lobos, and how these dynamics have impacted the team turnarounds. 

• Watch Gabby's investigative report and interview with Shane Douma-Sanchez
• Watch KRQE reporting on the lawsuit filed against UNM

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. 

What's The Future Of Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds?

What could become of the Expo New Mexico State Fairgrounds? Near the end of 2024, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a 'Request for Proposal,' or RFP, seeking ideas for a master plan to redevelop 236 acres of state-owned land in the central part of Albuquerque. This week, Chris & Gabby break down what this could mean for the area near the International District with freshman District 6 City Counselor, Nichole Rogers. The governor's announcement is coupled with half a million dollars in state funding and ideas for potential housing development, entertainment venues, and possibly moving the State Fair out of Expo. What do the neighbors want? And what are the next steps? 

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. 

Albuquerque Mayor Talks Crime, Homelessness, Goals for 2025

From crime, homelessness, economic investments, and a new presidential administration - there are several potential changes in the pipeline for 2025. This week, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller joins Chris and Gabby to discuss some major events from 2024 and what's ahead for the new year. Keller is officially in the final year of his second term and will run for a third term. What's his thinking behind another mayoral term? And what should Albuquerque be focused on the most in 2025? 

Tune into the full discussion to hear his response to the big news topics including the DWI-APD corruption scandal, an RFP for Expo New Mexico, and continued challenges in the International District.

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.

A Look Back At 2024 & What’s Ahead For 2025

From historic wildfires and flooding, to one of the most watched criminal trials of the year, 2024 has been another big news year for New Mexico. This week on KRQE's News 13's New Mexico News Insiders, Chris and Gabby are taking a look back at some of the most impactful stories of 2024 with KRQE's evening anchors, Jessica Garate, and Dean Staley.

This year, we've put together a roundtable discussion, analyzing four big New Mexico news topics in 2024 and how they'll take shape in 2025. Dean Staley kicks off the discussion with how warming seasons and natural disasters have affected New Mexico. Las Vegas saw more than 30 inches of snow in November, Roswell experienced record flooding in an October storm, while areas near Willard were buried in rain and hail in June.

Gabby continues the conversation, leading discussion around the ongoing federal investigation into Albuquerque Police's DWI Unit scandal. Will officers face criminal charges for the alleged public corruption scheme?

We're also dalking about the ongoing struggles with the state's Children, Youth and Families Department. It's a topic Jessica Garate has highlighted through several stories in 2024, including a story about the state's child-parent reunification policy.

Chris wraps up the discussion with a brief look into New Mexico's development story and the major projects promising an economic "shot in the arm" that have or haven't taken shape in 2024. Will Maxeon's promised solar manufacturing plant, or Ebon Solar's project take shape in Mesa del Sol in 2025?

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. 

Reflecting On Some Good News In 2024

Happy Holidays from New Mexico News Insiders! This week, we're back for another look at some of the best "good news" stories from 2024. KRQE Anchor-Reporters Jessica Garate and Annalisa Pardo join Chris and Gabby to talk about a few special stories they put together this year, which are airing in KRQE's annual "Good News" newscast special.

Annalisa takes us behind the scenes of a newer federal court program aimed to help people transition from incarceration to successful citizens. Jessica highlights a special wish come true for an 8-year-old girl whose family has kept the positivity flowing during hardship. 

• Watch Annalisa's story about the "RIO" federal court program. 
• Watch Jessica's story about Phoebe's wish coming true. 

Got something to say? Send your feedback or podcast 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! For an abbreviated broadcast version of Insiders, tune into our show on Fox New Mexico every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST. 

What Did New Mexico Look Like Pre-Dinosaurs?

Ever wonder what New Mexico looked like before dinosaurs roamed the earth? Local paleontologists have been studying fossils and renovating a new space at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science to bring visitors a first-hand look at the prehistoric southwest. This week, the museum’s Curator of Paleontology, Dr. Spencer Lucas, joins Chris and Gabby to talk about their latest exhibit “Ancient Life,” painting a picture of some never-before-seen collections and creatures that’ll soon be on display. 

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.