New Mexico News Insiders

National Guard Deployment In Española

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in northern New Mexico, citing a sharp rise in crime, the state's highest overdose death rate, and growing homelessness in Rio Arriba County. This week, Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia joins Chris and Gabby to explain why he's asking for help from the National Guard and the unique challenges his community faces. Garcia shares what role the Guard could play, staffing struggles within his department, and how local law enforcement is tackling the region's drug crisis. Why are overdose deaths so prevalent in this area? How will Española use $750,000 in emergency funds? Tune in for an inside look at what's really happening in northern New Mexico.

• Read the Governor's Executive Order 
• Watch Partnership with National Guard Discussed  

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

Paleontologist Links Dinosaurs From Alaska To New Mexico

It's one of the toughest places to get to, but an Albuquerque Paleontologist has made a mission out of research in the ‘Last Frontier,’ linking dinosaurs from New Mexico all the way to Alaska. Executive Director of New Mexico's Museum of Natural History and Science, Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, joins Chris and Gabby to share stories from his latest expedition, including the discovery of new dinosaur tracks, and how he’s made the connection to New Mexico’s desert. Dr. Fiorillo explains how these findings are helping to reshape what we know about prehistoric life. So how are researchers still making discoveries millions of years later? And what could this mean for future research? 

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

New Mexico Offers Free Childcare. What's The Catch?

New Mexico is making history with a bold promise: free childcare for every family, regardless of income. The initiative launches on November 1st, and families will still need to apply for assistance. But, there's a supply and demand issue right out of the gate. With limited providers, can the state deliver on its pledge? Will every daycare in the state qualify for the program? Chris and Gabby sit down with Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky to unpack how the state plans to grow its childcare workforce, the funding behind the program, and whether this model is built to last. What's the catch, if there is one? 

• Read Gov. Lujan Grisham's announcement 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/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

The Volunteers Advocating For Kids In Court

For kids in foster care, having someone to advocate for them and truly get to know them, can make all the difference in a court case. In Bernalillo County alone, hundreds of children are navigating the system, yet only about one in 10 get matched with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Jennifer Sunshine, Executive Director of NM Kids Matter, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss the urgent need for volunteers, how the CASA program works, and the impact it can have on children's lives.

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

How Is New Mexico Paying College Tuition For 55K Students?

New Mexico is investing big in higher education, covering tuition for roughly 55,000 students through programs like the Lottery and Opportunity Scholarships. But how do these programs actually work? Who benefits the most? And is this model sustainable for the future? Chris and Gabby get answers from two leaders at the state's Higher Education Department. HED Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez and Deputy Secretary Patricia Trujillo explain where funding comes from and why the state is making this investment. 

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

How Is New Mexico Attracting New Business?

How is New Mexico attracting new business? From space to film, energy and manufacturing - the state's Economic Development Department Secretary, Rob Black, pulls back the curtain on some of the business dealings behind the scenes. Black shares what's happening at Spaceport America, the future of solar manufacturing in the state, and how EDD is tackling the challenge of 'brain drain.' Is job growth happening in New Mexico? What will it take to keep college graduates and attract new ones into the state? 

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

National Championship Air Races Move To Roswell

New Mexico is well-known for the Balloon Fiesta and its State Fair, and this year it’ll be home to another major event: The National Championship Air Races. Organizers describe it as ‘NASCAR in the sky,’ and the historic event spent decades in Reno, Nevada, before development around the airport forced it to find a new home. Chris and Gabby sit down with Tony Logoteta, President & COO of the Reno Air Racing Association, to unpack how Roswell, New Mexico, was chosen from cities across the country, the potential economic boost for the state, and what aviation fans can expect from the high-speed spectacle. How many people will attend? What does this mean for New Mexico in the long term? 

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

APS Superintendent Talks School Safety, Education, & Progress

As New Mexico students head into a new school year, families want to know: Are classrooms safe? Will student outcomes improve? And is the state moving up in national education rankings? Chris and Gabby host the leader of the state’s largest school district, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. More than a year into her role, Blakey shares about lessons learned over the last year, new safety measures, and academic goals for the state's largest district. 

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

Reporting On Child Abuse In New Mexico

New Mexico continues to contend with heartbreaking cases of child abuse, and mounting criticism of the state agency meant to protect vulnerable kids. KRQE Anchor-Reporter Jessica Garate joins Chris and Gabby to unpack the challenges of reporting on child welfare and the role of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Jessica tackles the latest case of a 5-year-old girl in Silver City whose family believes she could have been saved, and addresses broader questions about state oversight. What happens when abuse or neglect is reported by a teacher, family member, or law enforcement? How is CYFD responding? And are family reunification goals sometimes putting children's safety at risk?

• Watch Jessica's story on 5-year-old Xaquie Bynum 

Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Follow your hosts on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Addressing Education With New Mexico's Lt. Governor

New Mexico has long grappled with challenges in education, from teacher retention and recruitment in rural communities, to consistently low national rankings. Lt. Governor Howie Morales, a longtime advocate for education, joins Chris and Gabby to unpack major investments in early childhood, progress made so far, and the looming threat of losing critical federal funding. Are rural programs at risk? How are the state's investments translating to better outcomes for New Mexico students?

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