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.

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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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.