New Mexico News Insiders

Justice On Hold: A Funding Crisis In Federal Court

A funding crisis is going on behind the scenes in federal courtrooms across the country. It's one that was intensified by the recent federal shutdown, and especially felt in New Mexico, where tribal clients make up a significant portion of indigent defendants in federal court. More than 50 attorneys who went without paychecks for months, announced in November that they can no longer take new cases, leaving violent crime prosecutions and immigration cases at risk of grinding to a halt. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Chris and Gabby host CJA Counsel Representative Ryan Villa to break down what the CJA panel is, how the funding dried up, and what this means for the local justice system, criminal cases, and federal immigration priorities going forward.

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. 

What Happens In New Mexico When Washington Stops?

Despite the federal government reopening, New Mexico will still feel the sting of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Federal dollars and government jobs keep much of the state running, so when Washington shuts down, the effects are often immediate and far-reaching. UNM finance professor Reilly White joins Chris and Gabby to walk through the trickle-down economics in New Mexico, whether the state stepping in to cover SNAP benefits avoided a crisis, and what the last 43 days reveal about the state's dependence on the federal government.  

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.

What The Weather's Telling Us

When it comes to New Mexico weather, there's no such thing as ‘normal.’ While communities are still reeling from wildfire devastation, this year saw powerful monsoon storms that devastated the Village of Ruidoso, a record amount of dust storm warnings and tornadoes, as well as stretches where the Rio Grande ran dry. Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud joins Chris and Gabby to break down the biggest weather moments of 2025, what they mean for the state's climate future, and what we can expect heading into winter.

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. 

Are Small-Town Newspapers Making A Comeback?

Can small-town newspapers make a comeback? In Albuquerque, hyper-local outlets like Downtown Albuquerque News and Nob Hill News are proving there's still an appetite for neighborhood reporting. As traditional news media adapt to changing habits of how people get their information, independent journalists are filling in some of the gaps in local "news deserts." Nob Hill News publisher Lindsay Wood joins Chris and Gabby to talk about the process behind the small-town theory of journalism, and why she believes reader-funded newsletters are key to community engagement. 

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. 

High Levels Of Toxic PFAS Found In Blood

Could you be exposed to toxic pollution, and does it trace back to the U.S. military? The New Mexico Environment Department is trying to find out. Newly released data shows nearly everyone tested who lives or works near Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, has elevated levels of toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" in their blood. New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney and Dr. Eric Chapman join Chris and Gabby to break down what this means for people living near the polluted area, and what the state is doing to help. Is the federal government doing enough to clean up the toxic mess? What health risks are people facing?

• PFAS exposure at Holloman Lake survey

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.

Hear From The 2025 Albuquerque Mayoral Candidates

Six candidates are vying to lead Albuquerque for the next four years. Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller is seeking a third term, facing five challengers: small business owner Mayling Armijo, retired firefighter Eddie Varela, former U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Alex Uballez, City Councilor Louie Sanchez, and former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. Chris and Gabby sit down with each candidate, giving them equal time to answer the same questions on crime, homelessness, the economy, immigration, and the future of Albuquerque.

Election Day is November 4th, and early voting is underway. If no candidate earns more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will move to a December runoff. What issues matter most to voters? In this non-partisan election, how much are party lines shaping voters' decisions?

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 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.