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.

Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. 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.