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 for new ways to keep students engaged and prepare them for life after graduation. Kenneth Salazar, Associate Superintendent of High Schools at APS, joins Chris and Gabby to explain how the program works, what's changing in year two, and why APS believes this is the future of high school education. Is career-focused learning giving students a head start, or asking them to choose a path too soon? How is industry connecting with New Mexico students at a younger age? 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

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 their case, and what the conversations revealed about the culture inside the DWI unit. From casual discussions about criminal activity to excuses for missing court appearances, the wiretaps provide a rare behind-the-scenes view of a corruption investigation that's led to 13 guilty pleas so far. How did the case come together? What will it take to restore public confidence in law enforcement moving forward?

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/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 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 in-depth look at the candidates, challenges they face, and the trends that could decide Election Day. How will Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull approach the general election? Can Republicans break through in statewide races? And what should voters watch in the contests for U.S. Senate and New Mexico's congressional seats?

**Editor's Note: at 33 minutes in to this audio podcast, Sanchez misspoke, using the word "proponent," when he intended to say "opponent" in respects to Congressional District 2 candidate Gabe Vasquez's views on President Trump and the administration's stance on issues like immigration. 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

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 preventing the pest from spreading and potentially devastating livestock. Chris and Gabby sit down with two experts to discuss how the state prepared for the threat, what symptoms animal owners should watch for, and why the livestock industry is paying close attention. Learn more about the science behind eradication efforts that once eliminated screwworm from the U.S.

How could the screwworm impact the ag industry? What should you watch for? We break down what New Mexicans need to know.

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

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 plans to coordinate Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Albuquerque Community Safety, and the Albuquerque Police Department -- an agency that was the subject of a major FBI corruption investigation during his tenure. Bujanda shares his perspective on tackling crime, addressing youth access to firearms, and balancing accountability with reform. What's his vision for the future of public safety in Albuquerque?

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

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 reform, evolving use-of-force policies, officer accountability, and the ongoing challenge of rebuilding public trust after the DWI corruption scandal that shook the department. As APD enters a new chapter, Chief Barker offers a candid look at the pressures and priorities of leading New Mexico's largest police force. What makes her stand out from prior leadership at APD? 

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

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 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares why rehabilitation and reentry have become major priorities for the department, including expanded educational, vocational, and workforce programs designed to prepare inmates for life after release. With roughly 96% of people in New Mexico's prisons eventually returning to their communities, she explains why she believes successful reentry is critical to public safety and reducing recidivism.

The conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people, policies, and decisions shaping New Mexico's correctional system.

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

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 believes should be the top priorities for the university's next leader. From student success and campus safety to athletics, funding, and the future of higher education in New Mexico, the conversation offers a candid look at the legacy she leaves behind. 

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/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 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 answer questions about healthcare, the economy, education, crime, CYFD, and their vision for the state's future as they compete for a spot on the November ballot. With more than half of voters in a KRQE-Emerson poll stating they are undecided in this race, what makes the candidates stand out? 

This is the first primary election in New Mexico history where registered independents and 'decline to state' voters can cast a ballot in the June 2nd primary election, adding a new dynamic to one of the state's most closely watched races. How will this impact voter turnout?

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico. 

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 reshape how locals and visitors experience Albuquerque.

Also discussed: the city's role in preserving and operating the historic KiMo Theatre; major investments at the ABQ BioPark; challenges and successes with the new International District Library; and how public art fits into Albuquerque's long-term identity and growth.

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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.