New Mexico News Podcast

How Albuquerque Police Are Reorganizing Messy Investigations

Gone are the days of officers dropping off hand-written documents and police reports into a bin for prosecutors to sort through. New Mexico’s biggest city is adopting the use of a new homegrown database software called ‘Case Catcher.’ The program is aimed at helping investigators build better cases and stay organized. 

How organized an investigation is - matters a lot, especially in a high-stakes case like a murder trial, for instance. And for years, metro-area criminal justice professionals have shared stories about cases being dismissed or impacted by problems with evidence, or what's called discovery in the court system. This week, Chris and Gabby host return guest and Albuquerque Police Deputy Commander, Kyle Hartsock to talk about how Case Catcher aims to keep problems from happening. 

How does Case Catcher work? Why did it take so long to get online? And who took the lead in this project? The answer might surprise you.

You can always let us know what you think, we'd love to hear it. Send your feedback or story ideas us via email - chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

How Did Alec Baldwin’s Criminal Case Get So Messy?

New Mexico prosecutors recently dropped an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in relation to the fatal 2021 "Rust" movie set shooting near Santa Fe. Attorneys cited 'new facts' that demand further investigation in their case dismissal.

While prosecutors can still refile charges, the sudden shift comes after months of reports about procedural challenges to the prosecution. The Santa Fe District Attorney's Office has faced issues, including the timing of charges and changes to who is going to prosecute the case.

This week on the podcast, a longtime criminal defense attorney and legal expert, Ahmad Assed, returns to the show. Assed helps us break down the complications of the case and what thinks is next. 

How did this case get so messy? Will prosecutors re-file charges against Alec Baldwin? If you missed our initial episode on the Rust case, you can catch it here on KRQE.com/podcasts, or scroll down to the episode titled, "Will Alec Baldwin Face A Trial In New Mexico?"

Got some thoughts about the show or people you'd like to hear from? Send feedback or story ideas to your hosts  chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

New Mexico Schools Invest In AI Gun-Detection

In 2023, student safety is among the biggest concerns that school administrators have about their campuses. Each school year, we continue to hear stories about students bringing guns and other weapons on to school campuses. Not every incident leads to someone getting hurt, but regardless, the issue always raises concerns about what more can be done to stop violent situations from unfolding.

At least one New Mexico school district is now making an investment to try to help address campus safety through technology. In southeast New Mexico, Clovis Municipal Schools is investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technology that's designed to help identify guns seen on campus through existing surveillance cameras.

This week on the podcast, Chris and Gabby welcome two guests to discuss the technology. First, the Director of Operations for Clovis Schools, Loren Hill joins the conversation to talk about the district’s decision to add AI to its toolbox. In the second half of the show, hear from Tim Sulzer, chief technology officer and co-founder of ZeroEyes, the company that makes the technology. Sulzer shares more about how the tech works and what it can do for first responders in an emergency. 

We appreciate hearing from our listeners. Send feedback or story ideas to your hosts  chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Will United Build A Stadium At Balloon Fiesta Park?

It’s been a burning question since 2021 when voters turned down a $50 million bond to build a soccer stadium near downtown Albuquerque. Where else might New Mexico United build a venue for their young and popular team? In recent weeks, United's owner Peter Trevisani leaked a big hint: the stadium could go in a place that rhymes with ‘Lagoon Siesta Park.’

So how should we take this news? Will the franchise build a stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park? What more needs to be done before the steel and rebar start going up? This week, Chris and Gabby get the low-down from the team’s owner and president/CEO, Peter Trevisani. He shares his vision for what a stadium would look like, why Balloon Fiesta Park, how it'll get paid for, and his idea on what the possible venue could mean for the city and state.

We also dig into the past with Trevisani, regarding the 2021 bond. Why does he think voters turned down the bond question? What has he learned from the experience?  Those questions and more are all on this week's extended interview.

Do you have thoughts about the show or people you'd like to hear from? Send feedback or story ideas to your hosts  chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

 

What New Laws Will Hit New Mexico In 2023?

We're now about one month removed from the end of the latest New Mexico legislative session. Despite it being 60 days long (double the length of last year's session), it seems like this was a "fast and furious" legislative session (see what we did there?)

This week on the podcast, Chris and Gabby host KRQE.com's Digital Data Investigative Reporter Curtis Segarra for a deeper break down of the big bills that passed, and the ones that didn’t make it through. Curtis penned well over 100 stories about happens inside the New Mexico Roundhouse this session, all of which are available for view now on KRQE.com.

Was this a big session for crime? What happened with all of those tax rebates that the Governor talked about? Listen in for an extended conversation about the big topics and some of the other bills affecting the environment, voting rights, school lunches and more.

Finally, here's a write up on some of the big bills the Governor vetoed this session.

Like the show? Let us know. Send feedback or story ideas to your hosts  chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

 

A Warning From An IRS Criminal Investigator

Perhaps you've filed your taxes already? Or maybe you're waiting until the last minute? Regardless of your choice, the fact remains that you probably have to file something with the government. This week on the podcast, we're taking a closer look at the process behind tax law enforcement with the IRS. A special agent and public information officer for the IRS' Criminal Investigation Division, Brian Watson joins the podcast.

What are some of the most common tax scams and problems hitting filers in 2023? Are there any new questions from the IRS that you should you watch out for? (Hint: They want to know about your crypto.) Should you be worried about getting audited, or if the federal government will come after you if you make a mistake? Who really took down Al Capone? These questions and more are discussed in this week's extended interview.

We love hearing from listeners! Send feedback or story ideas to your hosts  chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Water Is ’Everyone’s Issue’ In New Mexico

Every year, New Mexicans may see a different sight of the Rio Grande River, depending on how much rain or snow the state gets. And every year, water shortages, restrictions, and conservation efforts occur in the background.

Will the river run dry? How much water does New Mexico owe to Texas under the Rio Grande Compact? How have the state's water woes impacted farmers and ranchers? 

Whether you're in the ag industry, you like plants, or enjoy walks along the Bosque - you won't want to miss this week's conversation with Jason Casuga, CEO of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) about efforts to keep the valley green. 

We love hearing from listeners! Send feedback or story ideas to your hosts  chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Tackling The Teacher Shortage

The teacher shortage is a perennial topic when it comes to education in New Mexico. Over the years, lawmakers and other officials have put stock in loads of different efforts aimed at addressing the shortage, from increasing pay to starting new recruiting programs.

But what makes a good teacher? And why do some teachers leave the profession so quickly? Can something be done differently to fix that? A recent NMSU report indicated the state's teacher vacancies were down by 34% in New Mexico from the year prior, but the state still has a lot of work to do. This week on the podcast, Chris and Gabby are joined by Alan Mather, President of the Golden Apple Foundation in New Mexico. Mather discusses the organization's boots-on-the-ground "Scholars Program," which is aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers to work in the New Mexico communities they're from.

The Scholars Program is now open for applicants. If you know an aspiring teacher who's in high school, university, or community college, you can also refer candidates to the program. For more information, visit the program's website at this link.

Send us a note, a line, or an idea. Reach us via email at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

New Attorney General Plans For An Overhaul

New Mexico has a new Attorney General. In November, voters picked Democrat Raúl Torrez to lead the state's top prosecutorial office. Now in his third month on the job, Torrez recently sat down with Chris and Gabby to talk about how he plans to reshape the New Mexico AG’s office. His plans include adding staff and new divisions, including a Civil Rights Division for the state. Torrez explains what that division could do, including holding New Mexico's beleaguered Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) accountable. 

We also discuss the recent legislative session and whether or not Torrez thinks lawmakers have passed any meaningful crime bills in 2023. What's the AG's main goal this year? Will he continue the prior AG's work addressing Organized Retail Crime?

Send us a note, a line or an idea. Reach us via email at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

 

Evacuee Returns To Ukraine A Year Since Invasion

More than one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, the war continues to impact New Mexicans. From evacuating her mother from a war-torn country and making several trips back to help, this week Chris and Gabby check in with Diana Horak. She’s a Ukrainian-born, Albuquerque mother of two who’s been involved with helping her home country since day one. And one year since her elderly mother was evacuated, Horak describes the tough decision to return her mom home to Kyiv. 

Listen through the end to hear Diana’s message to her Albuquerque neighbors, and head to our post about this episode on KRQE.com to see the video of her mother’s return to Ukraine and the love of her life. 

We welcome your episode ideas and feedback. Holler at us via email at  chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.