New Mexico News Insiders

New Mexico is taking on forever chemicals. Sandia National Laboratories scientists Ryan Davis and Nathan Bays join Chris and Gabby this week to explain their breakthrough that dramatically speeds up PFAS testing, helping detect contaminated water faster and cheaper than ever before. It’s a step that could ultimately help the public and regulators better understand whether harmful chemicals are in water systems. Also in this episode, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney breaks down new state rules requiring products containing PFAS to be labeled in stores. What does this mean for consumers & manufacturers? What kinds of consumer products still have PFAS? Read more about rapid PFAS testing Read more about new PFAS label requirements KRQE News 13's Bela Olague reports on New Mexico's upcoming PFAS labeling requirements. 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

What happened during New Mexico's most recent legislative session? The short answer is: a lot. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Democratic House Speaker Javier Martinez joins Chris and Gabby to break down some of the biggest moments inside the Roundhouse you might have missed - from funding the state's universal childcare program, to medical malpractice reforms, the Immigrant Safety Act, and the ongoing debate over juvenile crime. Martinez also looks ahead, explaining what's next for lawmakers in a politically turbulent time, and shares what he hopes to see in New Mexico's next governor. What laws were actually passed? And what should lawmakers focus on next? 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

New Mexico has had an unusually warm start to 2026, with far less snow than we typically see. What happened this winter? And what could it mean for the months ahead? KRQE Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud joins Chris and Gabby to break down the data, comparing how this winter stacked up against previous years, and how New Mexico ski resorts fared this season. Grant also shares what an early spring could mean for wildfire season, whether it's signaling a hotter summer ahead, and the records already broken so far this year.  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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

For months, complaints about the justice system in McKinley County painted a troubling picture. Criminal cases were falling through the cracks, prosecutors left the District Attorney's Office citing a hostile work environment, and crime victims were left in limbo. KRQE investigative reporter Ann Pierret joins Chris and Gabby to explain the dysfunction she uncovered inside the office of former McKinley County District Attorney Bernadine Martin. Martin resigned just days before a historic trial before the New Mexico Supreme Court, after State Attorney General Raúl Torrez petitioned to remove her from office. Ann shares what led to this breaking point, and what evidence the public may never see, now that the unprecedented case has come to an abrupt end. What’s next for McKinley County?  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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

The global race for hypersonic weapons is accelerating, and New Mexico is becoming part of it. Castelion, a private defense startup, is investing in a new missile manufacturing facility near Rio Rancho, with an unconventional philosophy: build fast, test often. In this episode, Gabby and Chris sit down with company leaders to talk about their mission to help the U.S. close the gap with global adversaries. Castelion leaders also discuss the hundreds of engineering and construction jobs promised to New Mexico, and the environmental concerns raised by nearby residents as the project moves forward. Will taking this risk ultimately help the U.S. Military? How big a role is New Mexico playing in global defense? Learn more about Project Ranger and the plans already underway.  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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

What's really in the Epstein files? In this in-depth conversation, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury joins Chris and Gabby to discuss her reaction to the Epstein file release, including what she says she saw in the unredacted documents. The Congresswoman explains why she supports creating a Truth Commission to investigate Epstein's ties to New Mexico and examine how state laws may have allowed him to operate under the radar. Also discussed in the podcast: Her work with DOGE and federal oversight How immigration policies are impacting New Mexicans Federal funding Stansbury helped secure for local projects Is Washington too consumed by partisan battles to get meaningful work done? What could come from New Mexico's investigation into Zorro Ranch? 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

She thought she was protecting her money. Instead, a New Mexico widow lost more than $50,000 to criminals who may never be held accountable. Chris and Gabby sit down with longtime investigative reporter Larry Barker, who takes listeners inside his latest report, ‘The Cruelest Con Game of All.’ A wire fraud victim shares how scammers convinced her to drain both her checking and savings accounts, and details how the scheme unraveled. Her story serves as a warning every family should hear. Watch Larry's story 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Nearly four years after New Mexico's most destructive, government-sparked wildfire, many families are still waiting to be made whole from the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon wildfire. Chris and Gabby sit down with two lead attorneys representing victims to break down the ongoing delays in the FEMA claims process, the growing controversy surrounding the New Mexico Claims Office Director, and the calls from state leaders for him to step down. Billions were set aside in 2022 to compensate victims. So why is the process still dragging on? Does who you know matter when it comes to getting paid? And who, if anyone, is being held accountable?  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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Two years into Albuquerque's DWI dismissal scandal, the fallout is still unfolding. Chris and Gabby sit down with KRQE Investigates reporter Ann Pierret to break down her latest reporting, revealing how many accused drunk drivers reoffended after getting a free pass due to their arresting officers losing credibility in court. The KRQE Investigates team also brings listeners up to speed on where the federal investigation stands now, including shocking new court admissions from a former APD Lieutenant who described targeting drunk drivers and exploiting them for cash. When will officers face prison time? How deep can this scheme go?  They got a free pass due to the DWI scandal. Then, they got in trouble again. Watch: APD officer admits to setting up a drunk driver  Comprehensive KRQE Investigates team coverage of the DWI dismissal scandal  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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

What really happens after someone is arrested for a serious crime? Chris and Gabby sit down with Bernalillo County District Court Judge Cindy Leos for a rare, behind-the-bench look at what goes on inside Albuquerque courtrooms. Judge Leos breaks down how the justice system works, what accountability and rehabilitation can look like in practice, and challenges the idea that harsh punishment is stopping youth crime. She also explains how diversion programs like Young Adult Court can be life-changing for some. Who qualifies for the extra help? What's actually working to change criminal behavior? 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

Albuquerque's bus system is undergoing its biggest overhaul in decades. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, ABQ RIDE leaders break down what they're calling a 'once-in-a-generation plan to improve transit' in New Mexico's biggest city. The system-wide redesign is designed to enhance access, efficiency, and the overall ridership experience. Two leaders from ABQ RIDE, Deputy Director Bobby Sisneros and Principal Planner Andrew de Garmo, join Chris and Gabby to break down what's changing, which routes are being discontinued, and how the rollout will happen. How has the city responded to long-standing safety concerns? Did you know the buses are free?  Read about the plans 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

Reporting sexual assault is challenging, and holding offenders accountable can take years. This week, Chris and Gabby sit down with Haley Murphy, a Deputy District Attorney in Santa Fe's Violent Crimes/Special Victims Unit, to discuss the realities of prosecuting sex crimes in New Mexico. From breakthroughs in forensic DNA technology that help solve cold cases, to crime lab staffing shortages and backlogs that create new obstacles, we cover the full scope of challenges. What happens when someone reports a sex crime? How are cases involving children handled?  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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

The University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) is reshaping healthcare across the state in a massive expansion effort underway. UNMH is establishing new clinics, a Critical Care Tower, and requesting state assistance to fund a brand-new, $600 million School of Medicine. UNM Health System CEO Dr. Michael Richards sits down with Chris and Gabby to discuss the new healthcare facilities in the works, the statewide impact, and the major investments being made to help reverse the state's provider shortage. How did the COVID-19 pandemic expose gaps in care for New Mexicans? How much money is being invested in rebuilding a local healthcare workforce? And will this improve access to care across 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. 

AI-generated images, videos, and misinformation are everywhere. Whether you know how to spot it or not, fake images and videos are woven into social media feeds and even political campaigns. Chris and Gabby sit down with two University of New Mexico professors to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, the workforce, and society. UNM professors Melanie Moses and Sonia Gipson-Rankin bring their expertise in computer science and the law to the conversation, exploring how AI is being used in classrooms, courtrooms, and political messaging. How can people spot what's real in an increasingly synthetic online world? How are New Mexico politicians using AI? And what does this mean for the future of learning, jobs, and democracy? 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

After nearly 30 years in uniform, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina sits down with Chris and Gabby for an unfiltered exit interview. He reflects on his decision to step aside for the next mayoral administration, the long road under the Department of Justice consent decree, and navigating one of APD's biggest scandals: a widespread DWI corruption scandal. Medina opens up about the moments he says helped shape him, the regrets that still linger, and the victories he's most proud of in a candid, emotional conversation. How did he decide it was time to step back? What advice would he give the next leader of the city's biggest police department? 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. 

As 2025 comes to a close, we're unwrapping some of the stories that brought joy to New Mexico and the reporters who helped tell them. KRQE anchor-reporters Annalisa Pardo and Madison Conner take us behind the scenes of their favorite 'good news' stories of the year, the people who inspired them, and why these feel-good reports stuck with them long after the camera stopped rolling. What advice does a 66-year-old piccoloist impart to her young bandmates? And what can others learn from a homeless man who was given a second chance? Watch Annalisa's inspiring story from March Madness here. Watch Madison's uplifting report about a Duke City Ambassador here. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to your hosts 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

Chances are at this point, you've probably heard about the Governor's idea to "reimagine" the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque's International District. Now one year since that project kicked off, Chris and Gabby are sitting down with former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez, who's serving as the "state-appointed advisor" on the project. Chavez is tasked with leading the charge on the effort that could overhaul EXPO New Mexico site. He shares why he believes the current statue quo isn't working, both financially and as a major tourist draw. He also lays out current plans, the millions of dollars in funding needed for the project, and addresses the controversial idea of moving the iconic New Mexico State Fair out of EXPO. 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

New Mexico's Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) was created to protect the state's most vulnerable kids. Instead, too many children have slipped through the cracks. In this episode of New Mexico News Insiders, our KRQE colleagues Ann Pierret and Jessica Garate take us inside their hour-long news special about the agency's origins, its intended mission, and why it keeps failing families generation after generation. For decades, both Democratic and Republican leadership have made promises, but there's a continued theme of the children getting hurt or dying under CYFD's radar. Should the state's Governor continue picking a CYFD Secretary? Is staff turnover to blame for failures in the system?  Watch CYFD: A Generational Problem on the KRQE Now streaming app on your smart TV. Later available on the KRQE YouTube channel & KRQE.com 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.

In one of their final appearances before Albuquerque's mayoral runoff Election Day, Chris and Gabby host incumbent Mayor Tim Keller and former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. The two candidates answer questions about crime, their strategies for handling homeless encampments and city policing, and their sharply personal critiques of each other's records. Each candidate is given 20 minutes to discuss their plans, policy clashes, and what's at stake for the city on December 9th. Do voters believe the city is on the right track? Or will new leadership change the metro's trajectory?  Early voting in Albuquerque is December 1st-6th. Runoff Election Day is Tuesday, December 9th.  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. 

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.