New Mexico News Insiders

For years, New Mexico has been the backdrop for thousands of movies and TV shows, attracting filmmakers while generating millions for the state's economy. But this summer, many local crew members are feeling a slowdown as productions have become harder to find. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, KRQE's own film buff, Anchor-Reporter Chad Brummett joins Chris and Gabby to unpack what's happening behind the scenes of ...

When New Mexico became the first state in the nation to offer free childcare for families regardless of income, it made national headlines and sparked a major question: How will this work? Since the program's launch on November 1, 2025, thousands of families have enrolled, but the rollout hasn't been without its challenges. ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky joins Chris and Gabby to discuss the state of New Mexico's universal chil...

Chef Marie Yniguez has become one of New Mexico's most recognizable chefs, earning national attention through appearances on Chopped, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and recognition as a James Beard Award semifinalist. But behind the success is a reality local restaurant owners know all too well.

Chef Marie joins Chris and Gabby for a heart-to-heart about her decision to close her downtown Albuquerque restaurant, My Moms, on July 31st...

High school is changing in Albuquerque. New Mexico's biggest school district, Albuquerque Public Schools, is expanding its Academies of Albuquerque initiative, which blends traditional academics with hands-on learning and career pathways in fields like STEM, health science, culinary arts, and skilled trades. As public schools face declining enrollment and growing competition from charter and private schools, districts are looking f...

What were officers saying when they thought no one was listening? Newly unsealed federal search warrants offer one of the clearest looks yet into the DWI corruption scheme that has shaken public trust in law enforcement across New Mexico. Former FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda joins Chris and Gabby to break down what investigators heard in wiretapped phone calls, how federal agents used various pieces of evidence to build ...

New Mexico's 2026 Midterm Election is taking shape, and the race for Governor is only part of the story. KRQE Political Analyst & UNM Political Science Professor Gabe Sanchez joins Chris McKee to break down the June primary results and what they reveal about the battles ahead in November. From voter turnout and record-breaking campaign spending, to the key statewide races that could reshape New Mexico politics, Gabe offers an i...

The New World screwworm (NWS) was eradicated from the United States 60 years ago. So how did this flesh-eating parasite return? In early June, New Mexico confirmed its first case of NWS in a dog in the southeastern part of the state, raising concerns for ranchers, veterinarians, pet owners, and health officials. While experts stress there's no reason to panic, USDA officials say awareness and early detection are critical to prevent...

For years, Raul Bujanda led some of New Mexico's highest-profile federal investigations as the FBI's top official in Albuquerque. Now, he's stepping into a newly revived role at City Hall, responsible for overseeing the city's public safety system. Chris and Gabby sit down with Albuquerque's new Executive Director of Public Safety to discuss why he made the move, what he learned from a career in federal law enforcement, and how he ...

Albuquerque has a new police chief hired from within the ranks. Chief Cecily Barker is the first woman to lead the department in APD's history, and has been a member of the department for 22 years. Chris and Gabby sit down with Chief Barker for an in-depth conversation about her approach to leadership, the future of policing in Albuquerque, and what people can expect under her command. She reflects on APD's decade under federal DOJ...

What does it take to run New Mexico's prison system? Chris and Gabby sit down with New Mexico Corrections Department Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero to discuss the realities of overseeing the state's eight prison facilities. Tafoya Lucero offers an inside look at the challenges facing corrections today, including staff shortages, contraband smuggling, inmate healthcare, and reflects on what it was like to navigate prison operations ...

After eight years leading the University of New Mexico, outgoing UNM President Garnett Stokes sits down with Chris and Gabby for an in-depth exit interview reflecting on the highs, lows, and defining moments of her tenure. The 23rd President and first woman in UNM history to hold the position, Stokes discusses the challenges of leading the Lobos through periods of change, the accomplishments she's most proud of, and what she believ...

New Mexico's race for governor is taking shape, and this election could look very different from past primaries. In this special primary election episode, Chris and Gabby sit down with the three Republican candidates running to become New Mexico's next governor: former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, small-business owner Doug Turner, and CEO of the cannabis company Ultra Health, Duke Rodriguez. Each candidate is given equal time to an...

As Route 66 approaches its centennial, Albuquerque is investing heavily in art, culture, and the future of Central Avenue. Chris and Gabby sit down with Shelle Sanchez, Arts & Culture Director for the City of Albuquerque, to talk about the city's vision for the Route 66 celebration. Sanchez also shares what the city learned from a recent creative economy impact study, and the millions of dollars in investments designed to resha...

New Mexico's race for governor is heating up. Two Democrats and three Republicans are vying for their parties' nomination to earn a spot on the November ballot. In this special primary election episode, Democratic candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman sit down for in-depth conversations about the issues shaping the campaign. Haaland, the former Congresswoman and U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and Bregman, the Bernalillo County Di...

A New Mexico jury has delivered a landmark verdict against Meta, finding the company knowingly put children and teens at risk, while misleading users about the safety of its platforms. Chris and Gabby break down the trial with on-the-ground reporting from KRQE's Bela Olague, explaining what jurors heard during the six-week trial and why it mattered. Then, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez joins the conversation to unpack the ...

A year-long investigation into New Mexico's child welfare system is raising serious concerns about the agency tasked with protecting children. Why is the state’s Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) in crisis? Attorney General for New Mexico, Raúl Torrez, joins Chris and Gabby to unpack the findings of a sweeping report, revealing systemic failures and often deadly consequences for vulnerable children across the st...

Gas prices are climbing past $4 a gallon in parts of New Mexico. Even in one of the nation's top oil-producing states, locals are feeling the squeeze. Chris and Gabby sit down with Reilly White, Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning at the University of New Mexico, to break down how global conflict with Iran is driving local costs, and the long-term impact of an oil shock like this. Even if prices drop soon, White explains the ...

After a breakout year for Lobo football, Head Football Coach Jason Eck sits down with Chris and Gabby for a candid conversation about what comes next, and why fighting complacency might be his biggest challenge yet. He shares details about what sold him on staying at the University of New Mexico, moving his family of seven to Albuquerque, and working to build a program that can sustain winning. Eck also opens up about the mindset d...

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 e...