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 childcare program, including provider shortages, access gaps in rural communities, recent legislation aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability, and the biggest successes so far. How many childcare providers does New Mexico still need? Where will the money come from long-term? Are other states planning to follow New Mexico's lead? We take a closer look at whether the nation's first universal childcare program is delivering on its promise.

Curious about eligibility and how to apply? Click 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/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.

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. She shares the challenges of running a small business amid rising food costs, increasing expenses, and a changing restaurant industry. A New Mexico native, Chef Marie also reflects on how she fell in love with cooking in her mom's kitchen, the inspiration behind her authentic New Mexican comfort food, and what makes our state's cuisine so special. She also explains why this chapter isn't the end of her story. It's a candid conversation about passion, perseverance, community, and what's next for one of New Mexico's most celebrated chefs. After July 31, you can catch Chef Marie running her SRB Sangwich food truck at Marble Brewery in Albuquerque.

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

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