New Mexico News Insiders

Where Did Winter Go? New Mexico's Record Warm Start To 2026

New Mexico has had an unusually warm start to 2026, with far less snow than we typically see. What happened this winter? And what could it mean for the months ahead? KRQE Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud joins Chris and Gabby to break down the data, comparing how this winter stacked up against previous years, and how New Mexico ski resorts fared this season. Grant also shares what an early spring could mean for wildfire season, whether it's signaling a hotter summer ahead, and the records already broken so far this year. 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

The McKinley County DA Meltdown

For months, complaints about the justice system in McKinley County painted a troubling picture. Criminal cases were falling through the cracks, prosecutors left the District Attorney's Office citing a hostile work environment, and crime victims were left in limbo. KRQE investigative reporter Ann Pierret joins Chris and Gabby to explain the dysfunction she uncovered inside the office of former McKinley County District Attorney Bernadine Martin. Martin resigned just days before a historic trial before the New Mexico Supreme Court, after State Attorney General Raúl Torrez petitioned to remove her from office. Ann shares what led to this breaking point, and what evidence the public may never see, now that the unprecedented case has come to an abrupt end. What’s next for McKinley County? 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Build Fast, Test Often: Hypersonic Missile Investment In New Mexico

The global race for hypersonic weapons is accelerating, and New Mexico is becoming part of it. Castelion, a private defense startup, is investing in a new missile manufacturing facility near Rio Rancho, with an unconventional philosophy: build fast, test often. In this episode, Gabby and Chris sit down with company leaders to talk about their mission to help the U.S. close the gap with global adversaries. Castelion leaders also discuss the hundreds of engineering and construction jobs promised to New Mexico, and the environmental concerns raised by nearby residents as the project moves forward. Will taking this risk ultimately help the U.S. Military? How big a role is New Mexico playing in global defense? Learn more about Project Ranger and the plans already underway. 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Inside The Epstein Files With Rep. Melanie Stansbury

What's really in the Epstein files? In this in-depth conversation, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury joins Chris and Gabby to discuss her reaction to the Epstein file release, including what she says she saw in the unredacted documents. The Congresswoman explains why she supports creating a Truth Commission to investigate Epstein's ties to New Mexico and examine how state laws may have allowed him to operate under the radar.

Also discussed in the podcast:

• Her work with DOGE and federal oversight
• How immigration policies are impacting New Mexicans
• Federal funding Stansbury helped secure for local projects
• Is Washington too consumed by partisan battles to get meaningful work done?
• What could come from New Mexico's investigation into Zorro Ranch?

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

The Cruelest Con Game: A Victim’s Warning

She thought she was protecting her money. Instead, a New Mexico widow lost more than $50,000 to criminals who may never be held accountable. Chris and Gabby sit down with longtime investigative reporter Larry Barker, who takes listeners inside his latest report, ‘The Cruelest Con Game of All.’ A wire fraud victim shares how scammers convinced her to drain both her checking and savings accounts, and details how the scheme unraveled. Her story serves as a warning every family should hear.

• Watch Larry's story here

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Burned Twice: Why Wildfire Victims Are Still Waiting

Nearly four years after New Mexico's most destructive, government-sparked wildfire, many families are still waiting to be made whole from the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon wildfire. Chris and Gabby sit down with two lead attorneys representing victims to break down the ongoing delays in the FEMA claims process, the growing controversy surrounding the New Mexico Claims Office Director, and the calls from state leaders for him to step down.

Billions were set aside in 2022 to compensate victims. So why is the process still dragging on? Does who you know matter when it comes to getting paid? And who, if anyone, is being held accountable? 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Tracking The Fallout Of New Mexico's DWI Scandal

Two years into Albuquerque's DWI dismissal scandal, the fallout is still unfolding. Chris and Gabby sit down with KRQE Investigates reporter Ann Pierret to break down her latest reporting, revealing how many accused drunk drivers reoffended after getting a free pass due to their arresting officers losing credibility in court. The KRQE Investigates team also brings listeners up to speed on where the federal investigation stands now, including shocking new court admissions from a former APD Lieutenant who described targeting drunk drivers and exploiting them for cash. When will officers face prison time? How deep can this scheme go? 

• They got a free pass due to the DWI scandal. Then, they got in trouble again.
• Watch: APD officer admits to setting up a drunk driver 
• Comprehensive KRQE Investigates team coverage of the DWI dismissal scandal 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Behind The Bench: Albuquerque Judge Breaks Down Courtroom Myths

What really happens after someone is arrested for a serious crime? Chris and Gabby sit down with Bernalillo County District Court Judge Cindy Leos for a rare, behind-the-bench look at what goes on inside Albuquerque courtrooms. Judge Leos breaks down how the justice system works, what accountability and rehabilitation can look like in practice, and challenges the idea that harsh punishment is stopping youth crime. She also explains how diversion programs like Young Adult Court can be life-changing for some. Who qualifies for the extra help? What's actually working to change criminal behavior?

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Why Transit Thinks You Should Ride The Bus

Albuquerque's bus system is undergoing its biggest overhaul in decades. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, ABQ RIDE leaders break down what they're calling a 'once-in-a-generation plan to improve transit' in New Mexico's biggest city. The system-wide redesign is designed to enhance access, efficiency, and the overall ridership experience. Two leaders from ABQ RIDE, Deputy Director Bobby Sisneros and Principal Planner Andrew de Garmo, join Chris and Gabby to break down what's changing, which routes are being discontinued, and how the rollout will happen. How has the city responded to long-standing safety concerns? Did you know the buses are free? 

• Read about the plans here

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

The Challenges of Prosecuting Sexual Assault in New Mexico

Reporting sexual assault is challenging, and holding offenders accountable can take years. This week, Chris and Gabby sit down with Haley Murphy, a Deputy District Attorney in Santa Fe's Violent Crimes/Special Victims Unit, to discuss the realities of prosecuting sex crimes in New Mexico. From breakthroughs in forensic DNA technology that help solve cold cases, to crime lab staffing shortages and backlogs that create new obstacles, we cover the full scope of challenges. What happens when someone reports a sex crime? How are cases involving children handled? 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.