New Mexico News Insiders

Albuquerque Police Using Genealogy To Identify Murder Victims

Albuquerque police detectives are using genealogy to solve decades-old cold case crimes. In this latest example, APD and the FBI identified the victims from two cold case homicides using genealogy and DNA research. Despite signs of foul play when their skeletal remains were discovered years ago, the women were only known as 'Jane Doe' until now. Kyle Hartsock, Commander of APD's Criminal Investigation Division, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss how law enforcement is leveraging this technology, a grassroots DNA database, and federal grant funds to solve crimes that have been unsolvable until now.

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 podcast on our YouTube channel. 

We're also now broadcasting the podcast on television! Tune in to an abbreviated version of New Mexico News Insiders on Fox New Mexico every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m.

New Mexico's Black Market Cannabis Problem

While state leaders have celebrated New Mexico's "billion dollar" cannabis industry, more than two years into recreational sales, there's growing concern about the regulatory apparatus tasked with monitoring thousands of licensed cannabis facilities. A recent Larry Barker investigation exposed how New Mexico's Cannabis Control Division has only inspected roughly half of the state's more than 3,000 licensed facilities. Barker's investigation also revealed how some of those operations are openly violating the state's cannabis rules and regulations.

This week on New Mexico News Insiders, Investigative Reporter Larry Barker sits down with Chris McKee and Gabrielle Burkhart to discuss the results of his cannabis industry investigation. Leader of the largest licensed cannabis operator in the state, Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez also shares his perspective on the impact the lack of regulation is having on New Mexico and the state's cannabis industry.

Click here to watch Larry Barker's full investigation, titled, 'The New Mexico Cannabis Cowboys: Modern-day Desperados.'

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 this podcast on our YouTube channel.

We're also now broadcasting the podcast on TV! Tune in to an abbreviated version of New Mexico News Insiders on Fox New Mexico every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m.

Heinrich & Domenici Face Off In 2024 Senate Race

In the run-up to the November election, one of two New Mexico Senate seats is on the ballot. Democratic incumbent Senator Martin Heinrich is seeking another term, facing Republican challenger, Nella Domenici, daughter of the late Pete Domenici. Listeners will hear both candidates share their ideas about policy and changes they'd like to work on for New Mexico. Topics range from the economy, education challenges, and abortion policy, to drug and crime problems.

Click here to watch KRQE's Election Special featuring full interviews with Sen. Martin Heinrich and Nella Domenici

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 podcast on our YouTube channel.

A Closing Chapter In Mysterious Muslim Murders

It's a case that rattled New Mexico's Muslim community after three men were shot and killed seemingly at random in the summer of 2022. Investigators at the time wouldn’t call it a ‘hate crime’ before a suspect was identified. Today, with Muhammad Syed behind bars for the murders, the motive remains a mystery. Syed was convicted earlier this year in one of the murders, then recently took a plea deal in the remaining two killings. This week, Gabby and Chris break down the case that thrust Albuquerque into the national spotlight with KRQE News 13 reporter, Natalie Wadas, and prominent defense attorney, Ahmad Assed. 

• Watch KRQE investigation about the two other murders Syed was investigated for. 
• Link to KRQE report on Syed's recent plea deal.

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 podcast on our YouTube channel.

How New Mexico's Top Cop Is Addressing Crime

Chief Troy Weisler is more than a year in on the job of leading the New Mexico State Police. The NMSP employs around 700 sworn officers across 12 different districts in New Mexico. As a 22-year veteran of one of the state's largest police departments, Chief Weisler shares his perspective with Chris and Gabby on the state's crime problem, and how his department is uniquely positioned to help address it. The Chief also details his thoughts on the lack of traffic enforcement across the state and what he hopes to do with the department under his leadership. 

How is the New Mexico State Police helping to address violent crime? Will there be more officers pulling speeders over on your morning commute? 

Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear from you. Send your ideas to 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 versions of the podcast on our YouTube channel.

We're also now broadcasting the podcast on air! Tune in to an abbreviated version of New Mexico News Insiders on Fox New Mexico every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m.

Albuquerque Mayor Talks Crime, Homelessness, Economy

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller recently delivered his ‘State of the City’ address, calling it ‘A Future Worth Fighting For.’ What does he mean by that, exactly? This week, Mayor Keller joins Gabby and Chris for an in-depth discussion about crime, homelessness, the economy, and more. Keller says the metro’s biggest problem leads back to Fentanyl. He also admits the city’s housing voucher program isn’t working and needs an overhaul. Plus with construction timelines getting pushed back, will Keller be around for a third term? What should the city be focusing on the most?

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 podcast on our YouTube channel. 

Local Impacts of SCOTUS Decision On Homeless Encampments

It's a new era that American cities, counties, and states are now facing in how they can address homelessness in law and ordinance. A June ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Grants Pass vs. Johnson cleared the way for cities nationwide to enforce bans on people sleeping outside in public places. The ruling generally gives local governments more latitude to address homeless encampments in public places. What does this mean for New Mexico? How are local leaders reacting to this Supreme Court decision? 

This week on the podcast, Gabby and Chris are joined by returning guest, Professor Joshua Kastenberg of the UNM School of Law. Kastenberg provides an analysis of the SCOTUS decision and offers perspective on how larger cities are dealing with the issue. 

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 podcast on our YouTube channel.

Why 2024 Is A ‘Bumper Crop’ Year For New Mexico Chile

New Mexico’s Chile farmers are reporting a ‘bumper crop’ year for the state’s beloved crop as the aroma of green Chile roasting season fills the air. Ben Etcheverry, President of the New Mexico Chile Association, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss how nature played a vital part in this year’s harvest. He also addresses industry concerns like inflation, shrinking margins for local farmers, and the state’s legacy of Chile woven into New Mexico culture. Etcheverry also explains how technology is helping the agriculture industry. 

Read the report we mentioned about dwindling acres harvested for Chile here.

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 podcast on our YouTube channel.

'Food, Hygiene, Safety' Violations Found During Surprise Check-Ins Of Senior Care Facilities

New Mexico Health authorities shared some alarming results from surprise visits to several long-term care facilities. Elderly residents shared concerns through a survey about staff shortages, unappetizing food, hygiene issues, and lack of physical activities. In one case, staff at a senior care facility lost track of an elderly resident during a surprise visit from the state. So what’s being done about it? New Mexico's Department of Health Secretary, Patrick Allen, joins Gabby to discuss how the survey worked, and what the state is doing with the results. 

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 podcast on our YouTube channel.

How Grief Is Impacting New Mexico's Youth

In New Mexico, an estimated one out of seven children experience the death of a parent or sibling before graduating high school. National rankings also list the state high in violent crime and low in education. So how is grief impacting young students and families? This week on the podcast, Mickey Kivitz, the new Director of Education for the Grief Center, joins Gabby to discuss new efforts to reach grieving families in rural New Mexico and offer resources. He shares tips for talking to children about tough subjects, and the importance of peer connection. 

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 podcast on our YouTube channel.