New Mexico News Insiders

Retailers Share Intelligence To Stop Criminals

"Intelligence" gathering isn't just for the government anymore. Increasingly, retailers are joining in on the trend of keeping a database of pictures, videos and information tied to alleged crimes inside their private stores. That investment is now happening in New Mexico.

In late August, the New Mexico Attorney General's Office announced a new partnership between law enforcement, retail stores and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Paid for by the Chamber, retailers are now using a database run by a company called Auror, which tracks incidents of retail crime. The idea is help public law enforcement agencies better investigate and prosecute cases of retail crime.

The New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas (D) says retail criminals are now making more money by ripping off stores compared to running drugs and stealing cars. This week on the podcast, we're talking to Balderas about how this new database works.

Who has access to information about suspected criminals? How is the data being used? In a candid conversation, Balderas also gives his perspectives on the legislative changes he’s pushing for at the top. 

Here's a link to KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret's original story about the AG's retail crime operation. Here's a link for more information on how businesses can sign up to take part in the new database.

We love listener feedback! Leave us a review, and email the hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com with your story ideas or feedback. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

 

Balloon Fiesta’s 50th Anniversary

Two major milestones are on the podcast this week – the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebrates its 50th anniversary, while Chris and Gabby celebrate one year since the launch of the New Mexico News Podcast. To help mark the occasion, returning guest Tom Garrity joins the discussion to highlight what new things people should expect from this year’s fiesta. A longtime spokesperson for the Balloon Fiesta, Garrity explains everything from world record-setting attempts, a return of international travelers, to fiesta’s impact on the state’s economy. 

What’s new this year? Will there be a pre-pandemic level return in attendance? Where are the best cinnamon rolls in New Mexico? (Chris really wants to know.)

We mentioned a few elements in the show that we wanted to link to:

• Here's a link to the story KRQE Investigates' Ann Pierret did last year about balloon landing sites in Albuquerque.
• A look at the new "sky box" feature at Fiesta.
• A link to the event schedule for the Fiesta.
• And a video replay via Balloon Fiesta's YouTube account of the new aerial drone show. 

We need your words, too. Leave us a review on whatever podcast player you listen to us from! Also, you can email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com with your story ideas or feedback. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

”One Pill Can Kill” - New Mexico’s Fentanyl Crisis

When law enforcement talks about crime these days, there’s often one drug that’s mentioned over and over again. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s been used to treat patients with severe pain, but it’s also illegally manufactured, sold, and trafficked into the U.S. on a massive scale. The drug is highly addictive and deadly, as highlighted by federal drug enforcement's recent and ongoing "one pill can kill" campaign.

The FBI recently made the largest Fentanyl bust in the bureau’s history in Albuquerque. But just how bad is the drug? Why is it so concerning? And what exactly do parents need to know about this drug?

Chris and Gabby talk to Carlos Briano with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) El Paso division about the problem and more. What are agents seeing at the border? How should parents talk to their kids about fentanyl?

Please leave us a review on whatever podcast player you listen to us from! Also, you can email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com with your story ideas or feedback. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Albuquerque’s Mayor On Homelessness

It is one of the biggest issues facing New Mexico's largest city. Thousands of people are living on the streets and depending on where you live, you might have a widely different view on how to deal with it.

This week on the podcast, Chris and Gabby take a deep dive into Albuquerque's problem with homelessness, speaking with the man guiding policy and plans: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.

In a 40 minute conversation, Keller shares his thoughts on the so-called "Safe Outdoor Spaces" or city-sanctioned homeless camps; the massive new Gateway Center homeless shelter; and what's the deal with the numerous encampments that still exist throughout the city.

What would be pivotal in changing the city's situation for the better? When will the Gateway Center open? And how many people will it serve? These questions and more are answered in this week's episode.

We feel that listener feedback is fundamental. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Green Chile Production Hits Low-Point In History

New Mexico chile is part of the fabric of the state, a source of pride and joy. However, local chile farmers have been dealt a tough hand in recent years. Between the pandemic, labor shortages, drought, and shifting economics, some growers are changing the way they do business. Is the state’s chile industry in jeopardy? KRQE News 13's Investigative Data Reporter Curtis Segarra visited some multigenerational chile farmers across the state to find answers. He joins Chris and Gabby this week to discuss the perseverance behind the scenes to keep the state’s favorite fiery food on your plate.

Curtis published his findings in a recent article on KRQE.com: Is chile a dying industry in New Mexico?

Got a question, comment, or suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

An Entire City Is Running Out Of Water

First the pandemic, then massive wildfires, dangerous flooding – and now a dwindling water supply. Residents in northern New Mexico haven’t had much time between crises to recover. Ranchers have cut down on herds due to fire damage and water shortages, while homeowners and local businesses are doing what they can to conserve. Adding salt to the wound, the area is seeing one of the best monsoon seasons in years, but the city can’t use most of the water due to contamination from a government-sparked wildfire. 

What happens when an entire community’s water supply is threatened? Is the federal government delivering on its promise to do whatever it takes to help? 

This week, Chris and Gabby talk to Las Vegas Mayor Louie Trujillo about what it’s been like leading a community through continued crisis, and what’s still ahead. 

Got a question, comment, or suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

How Social Workers Are Responding to Crises in Albuquerque

You may have heard about the City of Albuquerque’s unarmed civilian response team. Albuquerque Community Safety, or ACS, has a team of behavioral health responders who respond to mental health crises, homelessness calls, and wellness checks across the city. Nearly a year into the program now, is ACS making a difference? Chris and Gabby talk to ACS Executive Director, Mariela Ruiz Angel about the department’s challenges and its progress. 

How is this data tracked? Will ACS have an impact on homelessness in the city, and police use-of-force incidents? 

KRQE Investigates rode along with ACS responders back in May - check out that story here. ACS also keeps all of its data online, and it's usually updated monthly. For a closer look, visit the ACS Transparency page on CABQ.gov

Got a question, comment, or suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Albuquerque Closes Infamous Homeless Encampment

After making a promise in late July, Albuquerque city officials finally closed arguably the most infamous city park. Right next to Third Street in the shadow of I-40, Coronado Park used to be a typical city park with a dog park and a skate park, too. But in recent years, the park turned into a homeless camp and an increasingly violent place, where drugs were rampant and as many as five homicides took place. 

So what’s next for Coronado Park? Where will the people who’ve refused services go? We're tackling those questions this week with special guest Peter Rice, founder, owner and editor of the Downtown Albuquerque News. Rice helps dig deeper into the park's history and the potential impact of the park's closure on the greater issue of "how to tackle homelessness."

We know you like to listen, but maybe you also like to write? Got a question, comment or suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Murders of Muslim Men Terrorize Albuquerque

Albuquerque was thrust into the national spotlight nearly two weeks ago when police officials announced a suspected connection in the murders of three Muslim men. A little more than 24 hours after that announcement, a fourth Muslim man was shot to death. 

By August 9, a suspect was in custody. Muhammed Syed has been charged with the July 26 murder of Aftab Hussein, 41 and the August 1 murder of Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, 27. Syed is also considered the suspect in the November 2021 murder of Mohammad Zahir Ahmadi and the August 5 murder of Naeem Hussain.

A leader in Albuquerque's Muslim community, Ahmad Assad joins the podcast this week. President of the Islamic Center of New Mexico, Assed played a central role in coordinating between the community and investigators while the search for a suspect played out. Assed talks more about the victims, his initial theory on what he thought was behind the killings, and the community's response after the suspect's arrest.

We'd love to hear your feedback. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Tweet at us or send us a DM on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

A Guilty Verdict In The Only Trial For Victoria Martens’ Murder

After three weeks of testimony and just a few hours of deliberation, a jury found Fabian Gonzales, 37, guilty of all nine counts in the only trial tied to the 2016 murder of 10-year-old Victoria Martens. Gonzales, who barely knew Victoria and her mom Michelle now faces decades in prison for one of New Mexico's most notorious murder cases.

To be clear: Gonzales was not on trial for murder. He was convicted of reckless child abuse resulting in death, seven evidence tampering charges, and one count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. 

While the verdict may offer some answers, there's are still a lot of questions in the case at large and a lot to unpack about how prosecutors earned a conviction. This week, we're taking an extended look at some of the key testimony in the case and summarizing the arguments jurors heard. What’s next for Gonzales? And what's ahead for the two other defendants charged in the crime?

We appreciate you listening and honestly want to hear your feedback. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Tweet at us or send us a DM on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.a