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.

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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. 

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? 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

The Rio Grande is running dry in the metro once again, for the second time in 40 years. With New Mexico already in a 'water debt' under the Rio Grande Compact, what does this mean for farmers, crops, and the local drinking water supply? Chris and Gabby wade through the complexities with Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District's Chief Engineer & CEO, Jason Casuga. He explains how New Mexico is managing its water, and restrictions around water storage. How does the Rio Grande Compact play a role in the state's supply? And what does this mean for future infrastructure and livelihoods?  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.

Ruidoso, New Mexico, is reeling once again. After enduring destructive wildfires, the mountain community is facing an uphill battle of recovery after deadly flash flooding killed a man and two children. The Rio Ruidoso surged to a record-breaking 20 feet, five feet higher than last year's record, catching even prepared emergency crews off guard. Chris and Gabby speak with the Village Fire Chief Cade Hall, a lifelong Ruidoso resident, about what happened, and the heartbreak of not being able to save everyone. Chief Hall explains how the community is also bracing for more rain. With recovery setbacks, tourism threatened, and continued risks, will people rebuild? Is the village re-thinking its alert system?  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 is home to the most highly polluted body of water in the world, according to University of New Mexico researchers. PFAS, a group of toxic 'forever chemicals' linked to health problems, is showing up in water, wildlife, and everyday products. Secretary James Kenney, of the New Mexico Environment Department, joins Chris and Gabby to discuss the scope of contamination in New Mexico, the federal government's response, and what people can do to mitigate risks. How do you know if you've been exposed? Which bodies of water are considered hazardous? Are big game hunters at risk of eating contaminated meat? And what sort of health problems do PFAS cause?  Read the environmental report on PFAS in New Mexico  *Special note: We recorded this episode just days before the Holloman Air Force Base announced its choice to close public access to the area surrounding Holloman Lake, or what the Air Force calls the "Holloman Evaporation Pond." Due to concerns about PFAS contamination, the area is expected to close on August 14, 2025. You can read more about the decision on 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. 

What happens when there are zero prosecutors for a community of nearly 70,000 people? A breakdown is unfolding in Gallup, New Mexico, and the fallout has the community demanding change. This week, KRQE investigative reporter Ann Pierret joins Chris and Gabby to share her reporting on the dysfunction inside the McKinley County District Attorney's Office, including her attempts to get answers from the DA herself. She explains how a state senator's unprecedented move to defund the office is sparking political and legal turmoil, and why state officials are now stepping in. How did it get to this point? What happens next? Watch Ann's reporting on what's unfolding in Gallup at the linked stories below:  State Senator defunds District Attorney McKinley County DA hangs onto control for now DA no-shows in court, multiple cases dismissed  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 sky is not the limit in New Mexico, especially when it comes to the mission of the U.S. Space Force. This week, Chris and Gabby talk with two guests leading innovation, tech development, and national security efforts with the USSF in Albuquerque. Gabe Mounce, Director of the Tech Engagement Office with the Air Force Research Lab New Mexico, and Matthew Fetrow, Senior Scientist with the USSF, explain what the newest military branch is focused on. How are private companies teaming up with the government to launch the future of space defense? And could space tourism really take off in our lifetime? Listen to the full discussion to learn why New Mexico is becoming a key player in the space race.  Watch Gabe's TED Talk mentioned in the episode  Read more about how start-up companies are paired with USSF and DoD  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/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

We're only halfway through 2025, but it may already feel like a political lifetime for some. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Chris and Gabby sit down with KRQE Political Analyst, UNM Professor, and Professional Pollster, Gabe Sanchez, to break down the state's biggest political storylines unfolding. From crime and immigration, to the Governor's race, and a crowded field for Albuquerque Mayor - how could these battles help shape New Mexico's future? Will a stacked Mayoral race ultimately help or hurt the incumbent? Listen in to get the inside scoop on the power plays unfolding across federal, state, and local politics.  We appreciate our listeners. 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/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

There are thousands of children in the state's custody, and not enough places for all of them to sleep. The problem often results in kids sleeping in government office buildings, requiring long shifts from workers with some of the most high-needs children. How did it come to this? What's being done to fix it? KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret joins Chris and Gabby to break down what her reporting uncovered about CYFD's growing crisis, the strain on staff, and efforts to add more foster care support. Watch Ann's recent investigation  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. 

Monsoon season has arrived in New Mexico, and that means sudden, dangerous flash floods. Fast-moving water in arroyos and streets can trap people in seconds. So, how do firefighters prepare for these high-stakes rescues? And why do people keep getting caught in the same flood zones? Chris and Gabby talk with two Albuquerque firefighters about what it takes to pull off a swift water rescue, the intense training behind it, and what everyone should know to stay safe. Check out the video version of this episode to see footage from some of the swift water rescues discussed in the episode. 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.