New Mexico News Insiders

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, th...

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-Ran...

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 s...

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...

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 effo...

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 familie...

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 t...

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...

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, wheth...

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...

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...

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...

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, givin...

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 sha...

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 trac...

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...

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 nee...

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 Depu...

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...

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 R...

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...

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 w...

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?...

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 m...

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 Ca...