New Mexico News Insiders

First The Wildfires, Then The Flooding

We spent months across spring and summer talking about the impact of wildfires in New Mexico. After record breaking blazes, many of the state's rural communities are now dealing with what they've feared: massive flooding in areas with burn scars. New Mexico's largest fire on record, the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire has left many people wondering where flood damage will emerge. In late July, we got an answer to that ominous question when a flash flood ripped through an area west of Las Vegas, NM. In its wake, three people were killed after a home was swept off its foundation.

This week on the podcast, Gabby and Chris talk more about the flood with Travis Martinez, a spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Transportation in northern New Mexico. Martinez offers his perspective on how first responders handled the deadly flash flood in San Miguel County and how the community is continuing to respond to the problem.

Still reading? Email us your feedback at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Tweet at us or send us a DM on Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Will Gas Prices Continue To Go Down?

You've probably already noticed a "dip" at the pump, as gas prices have been coming down in New Mexico over the last few weeks. But still, with fuel hovering around $4 a gallon, higher food costs, shifting interest rates, and more, just about everything seems to be costing more these days.

When might we see a change for the better? Is this the time to re-think your commute, or ask for a raise from your employer? This week on the podcast, Gabby and Chris talk about the state of the New Mexico economy and where things might be headed. University of New Mexico Professor Janie Chermak offers her take on the situation. She’s been on the faculty since 1995, and currently serves as the Department of Economics Chair, with research focusing on Natural Resources and Energy Economics.

As mentioned in the pod, here are some links to Chris' recent "breakdown" articles about the New Mexico tax rebates and economic relief payments:

July 6: Check your bank account: New Mexico now sending out July tax rebates
June 2: Haven’t gotten your first New Mexico cash rebate? Here’s why
April 6: New Mexico tax rebates: How much will you get? (Via KRQE's Curtis Segarra)

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

Jury Finally Hears Testimony About Victoria Martens’ Murder

**Content warning: This week's episode contains discussion of a graphic crime that may be unsuitable for certain ages or hard to listen to. Listener discretion is advised.

It’s been six years since one of the most heinous crimes in Albuquerque. But finally now in 2022, a jury is hearing arguments in the case against the only person to go to trial for the death of 10-year-old Victoria Martens.

This week on the podcast, we're taking a deeper look at the first week of Fabian Gonzales’ trial. Gonzales is accused of placing Victoria Martens in a situation so dangerous that it led to her death. He faces nine counts, including reckless abuse of a child resulting in death, and several evidence tampering-related charges. 

Chris and Gabby detail their respective experiences covering the case when it happened in August 2016. They also take listeners through a detailed history in the case, including the massive shift in charges in 2018. And finally, a recap of the testimony from the first week. What led to the young girl’s death on her 10th birthday? What do we know about the ‘unknown man’ who’s said to have entered her apartment that day Victoria was killed?

Some history: Police initially arrested three people in Victoria's murder. Victoria’s mom, Michelle Martens; her boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales; and his cousin, Jessica Kelley. Both Martens and Kelley took plea deals and agreed to testify against Gonzales at his trial. To date, no one is charged with Victoria’s murder. 

We want to hear from you! Got an idea? Question? Comment? Suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Tweet us at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Behind Albuquerque Police’s New Digital Investigative Team

It's no secret that communication has moved online. So too has crime. But perhaps to your surprise, it has taken the police a long time to figure out how best to address that connection. Within the last year, Albuquerque Police launched a new digital investigative unit, formally called the Digital Intelligence Team. With just three full-time, civilian investigators (as opposed to sworn police officers), the team is making significant strides in helping solve the city's continually high homicide rate. This week, Gabby and Chris have an extensive conversation with one of the people who helped create APD's new DIT: Kyle Hartsock. Deputy Commander for the Criminal Investigations Division, Hartsock describes how investigators are solving violent crimes using social media and suspects’ digital footprints.

Stay tuned until the end of this episode as Hartsock shares how he handles his own children’s use of social media and devices.

Here's a link to the recent news conference APD held, introducing the DIT to the public. Check out this link as well to a shorter story from KRQE News 13's Ariana Kraft.

We want to hear from you! Got an idea? Question? Comment? Suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Tweet us at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

How ‘Protected’ Are Abortions In New Mexico?

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, states across the country have responded in different ways. Abortion remains legal in New Mexico, but the Supreme Court decision may have opened the door to a lot of new legal challenges in the state. Are employers protected if they help women travel for an abortion? How might this impact health care access in New Mexico? Could states start suing each other over this issue? This week on the podcast, Chris and Gabby talk to an Albuquerque local labor attorney, Deena Buchanan, about where she believes the next court room battle lines will be drawn over abortion.

Here's a link to the piece Chris recently wrote about the recent background of abortion access in New Mexico. Here's a link to the full news conference from the Governor regarding her abortion executive order.

We want to hear from you! Got an idea? Question? Comment? Suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Tweet us at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

‘Miscalculations’ Led To Feds Sparking State’s Largest Wildfire

Nearly three months after the flames sparked, the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon wildfire is still burning. A recent federal report outlined how the prescribed burn, started by the U.S. Forest Service, became New Mexico’s largest wildfire. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has promised that homeowners who lost everything will be compensated fully by the federal government for what they've lost.

So what happens from here? Will the government actually follow through in paying for their losses? What needs to happen to ensure that promise? This week, Gabby is solo hosting the New Mexico News Podcast, interviewing a New Mexico Congresswoman whose district covers the burn area. A Las Vegas, NM native, U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-Santa Fe) joins the conversation to discuss her feelings on the findings of the federal wildfire report. She also discusses what needs to happen in the government’s next steps responding to the fire, and how she feels about President Biden's promise to New Mexico.

Need help addressing a loss or question related to the Hermits Peak - Calf Canyon Fire? Rep. Ledger Fernandez says people can visit her website at https://fernandez.house.gov. You can also call her office at these two phone numbers: 505-570-7558 or 505-428-4680.

We want to hear from you! Got an idea? Question? Comment? Suggestion? Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Tweet us at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Is Downtown Albuquerque On The Rise?

Downtown Albuquerque is the subject of a lot of hot takes. We're pretty sure every NMNP listener has one. Whether you love cruisin' Central or avoid it altogether, the government and private developers see downtown as an important part of Albuquerque. And with that in mind, plenty of groups are spending big money on projects there.

What are some of those projects, you ask? Glad you did, because this week's episode is all about what's going up in downtown and the greater downtown area. An expert on the subject matter, founder, writer, and editor of the Downtown Albuquerque News, Peter Rice joins the podcast this week for a frank discussion about the state of downtown ABQ. What's next for a possible soccer stadium? What's Space Valley all about? Could a new bike and pedestrian trail take shape soon? More apartments? A new hotel? And what would YOU do with 10 billion dollars for Albuquerque's downtown? We're talking about it all this week in what one could call a "Downtown Albuquerque nerdcast."

Check out the Downtown Albuquerque News at www.downtownalbuquerquenews.com and reach out to Peter at downtownabqnews@gmail.com

What's on your mind? Like something we did? Got an idea for an episode? Let us know. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

November Is Heating Up...In June

Voters just picked their candidates for the upcoming midterm election... but don't expect any kind of respite from elections. The latest round of political advertising has already begun on TV and radio, so it's a good time to brush up on the campaigns ahead. This week, Chris and Gabby are talking about the November races that are already shaping up, including the race for the offices of the New Mexico Governor and Attorney General. We're also look at both the state and federal House. What can we expect for politics inside the Roundhouse? Will the state’s federal delegation change again? UNM Professor and Political Science Analyst, Gabe Sanchez, provides analysis and perspective about the simmering and soon to boil November election.

What's on your mind? Like something we did? Got an idea for an episode? Let us know. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

The Intraparty Fight: It’s Primary Election Day

Tuesday, June 7th is Primary Election Day in New Mexico, and voters are heading to the polls to choose which candidates they want to represent their political party. Some big decisions could shake things up in the state, particularly in the race for Governor and the state’s Attorney General’s Office. Who will win supremacy within their party? Why has there been so much in-party sniping on the campaign trail? This week on the podcast, Chris and Gabby break down some of the key races to keep an eye on, with analysis from UNM Political Science Professor, Tim Krebs.

KRQE.com will have a full slate on live election coverage. Once results start rolling in after poll close at 7 p.m. Chris will be live streaming with Curtis Segarra to talk about the election outcomes. Gabby will be out in the field among other KRQE reports. Results will also play out on KRQE News 13 at 6 and 9 on Fox New Mexico and 10 p.m. on KRQE News 13 CBS. Looking for even more background on the big races? KRQE also previously aired a GOP primary candidates special and an Attorney General Democratic Primary debate.

What's on your mind? Like something we did? Got an idea for an episode? Let us know. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM.  For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Can Targeting Shoplifters Stop Violent Crime?

If you've shopped in the Albuquerque-metro area anytime in the last few years, you've probably noticed at least a few security changes at most big box stores. Whether its more security guards, police officers or even camera trailers with flashing blue and red lights, a lot of New Mexico's supermarkets, pharmacies and other stores have increasingly been targets for brazen shoplifting. In the summer of 2021, the New Mexico Attorney General's Office announced it would target this issue, calling it "organized retail crime," while dispelling the idea that the suspects are "just petty thieves."

So is that new approach making shopping safer? Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret joins Gabby and Chris on the podcast to discuss her recent KRQE News 13 Investigation, featuring a ride-along with agents from the AG’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department. 

What's on your mind? Like something we did? Got an idea for an episode? Let us know. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM.  For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.