Lobos Basketball Tournament

Culture

Grow the Growers program supports farmers in the South Valley

Rebecca Hobart | July 15

Grow the Growers is a program in Albuquerque that provides farm training and business development education for emerging farmers, even amid the current historic drought. This program seeks to strengthen the food sector in the South Valley, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Historically, the South Valley has experienced a lot of environmental injustice, so it’s really important to keep the land that’s been in agriculture here in agriculture for the well-being of the ecosystem and community,” Alicia Robinson-Walsh, a manager for La Cosecha Community Supported Agriculture, said.

News

UNM announces monetary incentive program for students, employees to get vaccinated

Matthew Salcido | July 15

On Thursday, the University of New Mexico announced a reward-based incentive program to encourage students and employees to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations in order to “Vax the Pack.” After uploading proof of vaccination, students will receive $100 via bursar account, and main and branch campus employees will be entered into a drawing for one of 50 $1,000 prizes. This money is available through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Students must be registered for the upcoming fall semester to qualify. “We want all Lobos feeling as safe and supported as we possibly can,” President Garnett Stokes wrote in a campus communications email on Thursday.

Culture

National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation receives $30,000 grant

Emma Trevino | July 13

On Tuesday, the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation announced that they had received a $30,000 grant back in March from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) to help support their Circo Latino program. Circo Latino is an educational class for children and teenagers ages 7 to 18 to learn about the circus arts. The program has equitable tuition payments from participants, and this grant allows the department to create scholarships for those who can’t normally afford tuition. “Spanish-language and Latin American culture are taught alongside juggling, stilt-walking, clowning, movement, aerial, mask-making, leadership, environmental stewardship, compassion, empathy, community vibrancy and healthy lifestyles,” the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs press release states.

Sports

NM United edges Charleston Battery 2-1 in teams’ first matchup

Gino Gutierrez | July 13

New Mexico United defeated Charleston Battery with a score of 2-1 Monday night at Isotopes Stadium. This was the first time that United has faced Charleston and only the second match that they have ever played against an Eastern Conference team. This edition of “Monday Night Fútbol” at Isotopes park began tentatively as the teams got familiar with each other. The clubs exchanged minor advances, but not much action went beyond the midfield line. The first real scoring opportunity came from NM United in the 7th minute, but Charleston was able to deflect the ball out of play before it reached the goaltender.

Culture

OPINION: The new “Gossip Girl” makes no sense

Emma Trevino | July 11

Last Thursday, the first episode of HBO Max’s “Gossip Girl” reboot premiered and it was … weird. While the hierarchical energy of its predecessor was evident, this new iteration lacked the charm and intrigue that gave the original version from 2007 its massive success. The new series revolves around a group of friends that rule Constance Billard School for Girls, the same school that Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodson ruled 14 years ago. The highly exclusive private institution is riddled with money, drugs and frantic power grabs from anyone and everyone.

Sports

NM United snatches win at home game against Colorado Springs

Gino Gutierrez | July 10

After about an hour of weather delay, the New Mexico United bested the Colorado Springs Switchbacks with a score of 3-1 on Friday at Isotopes Park. The two squads spent the opening minutes of the match feeling each other out. After NM United missed three early scoring opportunities, the first goal of the match came off of a free kick by Sergio Rivas late in the 16th minute that put NM United up 1-0. The match quickly became contentious, and both teams received yellow cards in the first half.

News

EDITORIAL: Student journalists condemn local harassment in journalism industry

Daily Lobo Editorial Board | July 8

As young journalists, we look to more seasoned reporters as role models who help guide us through a demanding and complicated field, discuss impenetrable questions of ethics, educate us about what being a healthy journalist means and at times, literally lead us through tear gas and riot shields. The type of role models we do not need are those that physically harass sources and diminish the credibility of journalism, as Larry Barker did last week. On June 30, Barker, a KRQE reporter and veteran New Mexico journalist, cornered and accosted Nora Sackett, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s press secretary, at the Albuquerque Convention Center with his pointed finger inches from her masked face.

Opinion

OPINION: Systemic racism continues to prevail in U.S. Olympics

Maddie Pukite | July 6

Sha’Carri Richardson, the fastest woman in America, has faced injustice in her month-long suspension at the Olympic Games due to cannabis use, causing her to miss the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics on July 30. By enforcing this suspension, which started on June 28, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is supporting racist policies and displaying a lack of grace and compassion towards those participating. The test was administered by the U.S Anti-Doping Agency to ensure a level playing field without drug use. However, it is important to note that cannabis is not considered a performance-enhancing drug by The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness; therefore, it should not be a reason to penalize athletes.

Culture

5 and Why: 5 best things to do over summer break

Megan Gleason | July 6

Lounging in the shade of the Duck Pond on a sunny Monday afternoon were two UNM students, Rose Hurlow and Margaret Glasgow, who agreed to let Daily Lobo readers in on their idea of the best five things to do over summer break. As a second-year master’s student and a Ph.D. candidate respectively, both agreed that this summer is a time for relaxation. Listed below are their top five favorite activities this summer break. River Surfing River surfing is an exciting way to explore different parts of the state, and Glasgow said they both enjoy surfing in New Mexico and Colorado. “It’s the desert and you can go surfing, which is kind of awesome,” Glasgow said.

Culture

OPINION: Dessert in the desert: Top 5 frozen treat destinations to beat ABQ’s heat

Annya Loya | July 5

College students continue to drift lazily through summer break as the heat waves keep rolling in. As Albuquerque’s temperature heads back into the 90s this week, along with lowered COVID-19 restrictions, it’s time to enjoy a sweet treat. Here are the top 5 ice cream and frozen yogurt spots you can find in the city. 5. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt If you’re looking for something cold but ice cream isn’t the right fit for you, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is the way to go. This spot is among the best frozen yogurt places in Albuquerque, with over 70 flavors of delicious froyo. Far more refreshing and healthy than ice cream, frozen yogurt is a must-have this summer.

Sports

Bill Dotson, former UNM wrestling coach, passes away at 81

Emma Trevino | July 5

Bill Dotson passed away on Saturday at the age of 81 surrounded by family and friends. Dotson is survived by his wife Linda and his children Charlie, Chad, Scott and Stephanie. As coach of the University of New Mexico’s wrestling team from 1980-1999, Dotson trained five UNM athletes that competed at the Division I level. Although the program was cut by UNM in April of 1999, Dotson was a powerful influence during his tenure as coach. According to Dotson’s son Charlie, Dotson was a good man who liked to laugh. “He was a man’s man, he was UFC before there was UFC or before UFC was the UFC

Opinion

OPINION: Five remarkable Lobo Olympians of the past

Matthew Salcido | July 1

Every two years, the Olympics gives nations around the world the opportunity to showcase their best athletes, and Lobos from the University of New Mexico have had more than a few chances to shine. Here’s a look at five notable Lobo Olympians from over the years. Cathy Carr Cathy Carr, the only athlete on this list to have an individual medal, holds the distinction of being the first athlete from the University of New Mexico to win an Olympic gold medal in 1972. At the age of 18, Carr won not one, but two gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in swimming— the first, in the 100 breaststroke and the second, in the 4x100 medley relay.

News

OPINION: Public schools maintain tight grip on student speech despite recent ruling

Liam Debonis | July 1

Protection of the First Amendment in high school has long been debated, and the Supreme Court often rules against the protections of the student. This just solidifies the feeling of powerlessness so many teenagers feel by eroding what should be their fundamental rights to free speech and free expression. Facing such a maelstrom, small victories should be celebrated wherever they may come. Last month, one such victory arrived with the news of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Brandi Levy, a Pennsylvania high school girl whose words — specifically, “fuck school, fuck softball, fuck cheer, fuck everything” — were reaffirmed as protected under the First Amendment.

News

UA-UNM’s first contract with University admin begins July 1

Maddie Pukite and Zoe Perls | June 29

On July 1, the landmark contract between the United Academics of the University of New Mexico (UA-UNM) and UNM will go into effect, marking the first active bargaining agreement between the Union and the school’s administration over terms and conditions of employment. Both UA-UNM and UNM’s bargaining unit have signed the agreement, and the Union is in the process of finalizing the contract language. The contract, ratified on June 11, is split into two units for faculty: Unit 1, which covers different levels of professors, lecturers and instructors, and Unit 2, which accounts for temporary part-time instructors, adjuncts and term teaching faculty.

Culture

LOBO PRIDE: UNM Alumna Larissa Romero continues fight for inclusion at UNM

Rebecca Hobart | June 29

As a former resident advisor of the University of New Mexico’s Gender Neutral and Allies Living Learning Community (LLC), recent graduate Larissa Romero has encouraged and empowered LGBTQ+ students on campus both while attending and after graduating from the University. After finding herself in life, Romero wants others to be able to do the same. “She’s such a loving and caring person and just wants everyone to feel comfortable and confident being their true, authentic self no matter what sexual orientation,” Romero’s close friend, Natalie Carson, said. Romero worked to facilitate essential discussions on queer experiences as a resident advisor in the dorms, according to Carson. This motivation to start conversations didn’t stop at graduation, though.

Culture

Locally-produced pilot by UNM alumna showcases exclusively New Mexican cast and crew

Matthew Salcido | June 29

“Capitol Barbie,” a locally-produced pilot written, directed and produced by UNM alumna Riley Del Rey, premiered on Sunday at the Guild Cinema in Albuquerque. Boasting an entirely New Mexican cast and crew, it is based on Del Rey’s alleged experiences working as a transgender Latina congressional intern for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a former U.S. house representative. The fictional pilot, labeled as an episode based on a true story, follows a new congressional intern, Dolly Golightly, as she navigates the realities of working in Washington, D.C., facing constant reprimands over her dress and relationships with fellow Latinx interns. When an unwanted advance by a congressman reveals that Dolly is transgender, her boss, Representative Melissa Lopez-Gaffney, terminates her.

Culture

LOBO PRIDE: Shane Hall’s queer liberation from a small New Mexican town

Rebecca Hobart | June 27

With a deep love for the queer community and its rich history, University of New Mexico student Shane Hall celebrates pride by embracing queer individuals and broaching conversations on LGBTQ+ equality, gender and friendship. Raised in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, Hall’s love for his community at UNM rose from the humble beginnings of being queer in a small town. “For Pride month this year, I’m going to hang out with a few friends, have a good time, have a little bit of a party and drive around and just be gay,” Hall said.

Sports

Current and former Lobos advance at U.S. Olympic Trials

Matthew Salcido | June 24

University of New Mexico alumna Courtney Frerichs won a spot on the U.S. Olympic Track and Field team in the 3000m steeplechase and current Lobo student Abdirizak Ibrahim advanced to the semifinals for the men’s 1500m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on Thursday night. Frerichs, who graduated from UNM in 2016, finished in second place in the finals for the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9 minutes, 11.79 seconds, securing herself a spot at the Tokyo Olympics. Frerichs earned a spot in the final round after finishing in fifth place of the first round last Sunday.

Culture

UNM Committee on Naming plans to suggest specialized panel for racist building names

Gabriel Saiz | June 24

In over a year-long effort by the University of New Mexico to reconsider its racist building names, the next potential step forward is the formation of an academic team to write a formal report recommending the names to either be removed or not. The UNM Committee on Naming, which normally researches the honorees behind proposed building names, plans to suggest before August that President Garnett Stokes create the specialized panel to review and possibly recommend the renaming of campus buildings bearing the names of Spanish conquistadors.

Culture

Femme and nonbinary-led skate group starts weekly skating sessions at UNM

Avery Rogers | June 23

On Tuesday, a group of femme-identifying and nonbinary individuals gathered for their first summer skate session at the University of New Mexico, starting a regular event that will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Smith Plaza. Organizer Ashley Varela said those forming and joining their skate group are “making space” for themselves and “creating more than just one look for skating.” The event was meant to encourage those intimidated by the traditionally male-dominated sport to learn to skate without pressure through the use of community and inclusive practices, according to the organizers.