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News

How Albuquerque’s publicly funded elections work

Penelope Loyd Sment | November 17

In city elections where raising tens of thousands of dollars is common occurrence, Albuquerque participates in a program which seeks to democratize campaign fundraising. The system uses public financing to allow candidates to run for office without the financial burden typical in elections. This tool was a common feature in this year’s Nov. 4 municipal elections, with many candidates financed by the city. Mayoral candidate and incumbent Tim Keller and City Council candidates, incumbent Renée Grout from district nine, incumbent Tammy Fiebelkorn from district seven, incumbent Dan Lewis from district five, incumbent Klarissa Peña from district three, Ahren Griego and Daniel Levia from district one were all publicly financed this election.

Sports

Lobos find a way, defeating Rams 20-17

Rodney Prunty | November 17

Since 2010, the University of New Mexico Lobos football team has lost every match up with the Colorado State University Rams. That all changed on Saturday, Nov. 15, when the Lobos took down Colorado State 20-17 at University Stadium. This win not only brings about the end of the 13 game losing streak against CSU, but also marks the first winning season for UNM since 2016. It wasn’t the prettiest game for the Lobo offense, fumbling the ball away four times. Turnovers were not the offense’s only issue, as they underperformed on third down, converting five of 14 on the game. Lobo quarterback Jack Layne touched on the offensive struggles after the game.

Culture

BioPark expands Mexican grey wolf conservation effort with new facility

Addison Fulton | November 17

In the 1970s, the Mexican gray wolf was nearly hunted into extinction, with just seven remaining. So began one of the biggest success stories in wildlife conservation; now a population of nearly 300 canines survives and grows in Arizona and New Mexico. The story of the Mexican gray wolf continues on at the Albuquerque BioPark. On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Albuquerque Biopark hosted a first look at its recently completed “Mexican Wolf Conservation Facility.” The BioPark does not yet have wolves living in its conservation area; the visitation time was deliberately set between the completion of the habitat and the arrival of the animals — which are expected to move in during early 2026 — as the facility will be closed off to the public.

Culture

American Indian Student Services hosts first annual feast day

Paloma Chapa | November 17

Students gathered at the University of New Mexico’s Cornell Mall to watch Pueblo dancers and musicians and shop from Indigenous artist vendors during American Indian Student Services’ first annual feast day on Thursday, Nov. 13. The feast day was hosted by American Indian Student Services and featured dancers from the pueblos of Ohkay Owingeh and Zuni, and artists from the Navajo Nation and Pueblos of Acoma, Kewa and Cochiti, among others. AISS Director Andrew Yazzie said the event was a moment to celebrate Indigenous culture on campus and offer a feast day for students who might not be able to travel home for different events.

Culture

‘Paint Night’ brings calm and color to students

Addison Fulton | November 17

Laughter and acrylics filled the cafeteria of the University of New Mexico Student Union Building on Friday, Nov. 14, as students unwound and expressed themselves with free art supplies and full creative license. During “Paint Night,” students received a free canvas, brushes and paint to fuel their imagination. The evening also featured a raffle for four prizes: a $50 Amazon gift card, another $50 gift card to “Art Attack,” a local business where people paint their own ceramic art, a pair of Beats headphones, and a 200-piece art supply kit. One student and attendee, Aaliyah Zamora, painted a planet against a blue and pink pastel background of fluffy clouds and white stars. She said this is the second “Paint Night” she attended, and heard about it through the SUB’s Instagram page.

Opinion

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Politicians are Adults, Softball is Over

November 17

Dear Jaden McKelvey-Francis, some readers of the Daily Lobo had the unfortunate pleasure of reading your recent interviews with mayoral candidates in this very paper. I am amazed that a university journal with the opportunity to hold a politician's feet to the fire used this opportunity to exacerbate climate change by wasting good paper on pointless articles. The questions asked of these city candidates read like a speed dating card, not anything resembling journalism. Many of these people have been responsible for our daily institutions for years, and their records and interests should be in serious consideration to the voters. These politicians are adults, enough with softball interviews. Because my university's paper is clearly struggling to come up with good questions for those running for office, I thought I’d help out leading up to this runoff election;

Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week

Alex Joe | November 14

There are winners and there are losers. Not every loser is the same, as these players' performances were key in costing their teams this week. These players are favorably known as bobbleheads. “You can’t win ‘em all” is a phrase these pro sports players definitely had to hear after some terrible performances this week. Here are the players whose play this week earned them the title of bobblehead. Pittsburgh Steelers: quarterback Aaron Rodgers There were a few players to pick from NFL week 10, but ultimately, the future hall-of-famer gets the nod for a bizarre performance on Sunday night football.

Sports

Lobos end home-stand with a win over UC Riverside

Marley Herndon | November 14

The University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team ended their first homestand of the season with a win over the University of California, Riverside Highlanders. The Lobos capped off the opening homestand with a win, and move to 3-0 on the season. UNM won 82-68 after a second-half explosion. The game began in a peculiar way, with UC Riverside forward BJ Kolly committing a foul and turning the opening tip-off into a Lobo inbound. This set the tone for how physical this game would be, as the Highlanders committed 10 fouls in the first half.

Sports

Lobos bench leads to victory over New Orleans

Wyatt S. Padilla | November 14

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the University of New Mexico’s women’s basketball team was playing to a crowd that included field trippers from metro area schools, and the Lobos were putting on a lesson of offensive firepower against the University of New Orleans Privateers. This lesson included appearances from every single Lobo player, with Destinee Hooks leading UNM with 18 points over their 99-65 blowout win over the Privateers. Hooks put on a show for the young crowd, as she had 18 points, shooting 58% on the night, grabbing four rebounds and one block. Coming off the bench, Nayli Padilla tied her career high of 15 points, which she hit just three days prior against North Carolina A&T. Padilla is proving herself to be a key offensive threat for the Lobos off the bench.

Sports

Lobos win over Aggies in offensive comeback

Wyatt S. Padilla | November 10

On Sunday, Nov. 9, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team hosted the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Aggies. The Lobos were forced to rely on defensive pressure as the Aggies were a tough bug to swat away. New Mexico’s offense had its moments, allowing the Lobos to stay in pace or jump ahead, but overall could be disjointed, as they were forced to work for their 71-64 win. That is not to say the flow of the game was serene; it was more like hitting every light on Central Ave., as 44 fouls were called, half of which were on UNM. Lobo guard Destinee Hooks led UNM in scoring, as the junior had 20 points, shooting 46% on the night, drawing three steals and gaining four boards.

News

UNM LEAF launches campaign after release of UNM Sustainability Strategic Plan

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | November 10

The University of New Mexico released its first comprehensive Sustainability Strategic Plan on Oct. 28, and with it came a launch of campaigns from students organizing with UNM Leaders for Environmental Action and Foresight. UNM sophomore and Director of Projects for UNM LEAF Caitlyn Bizzell said she and other members, along with more student groups, participated in the creation of the Sustainability Strategic Plan. In a statement to the Daily Lobo, UNM Office of Sustainability Director Anne Jackle praised student involvement in the plan.

News

Keller, White head to mayoral runoff election

Jaden McKelvey-Francis | November 10

Election Day has come and gone, but voters will soon have to return to the polls to cast their ballots for a second time this year. The Albuquerque mayoral race is headed to a runoff election between incumbent Mayor Tim Keller and former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. The election will be held, with early voting taking place from Dec. 1 through 6. In the regular election, Keller won first place with 36% of the vote, and White came in second with 31%; a runoff is triggered if no candidate passes the 50% margin needed to win.

News

UNM launches first comprehensive Sustainability Strategic Plan

Jaden McKelvey-Francis | November 10

After over a year of preparation and planning, the University of New Mexico announced its first comprehensive Sustainability Strategic Plan to organize the University’s sustainability goals into two main areas, on Oct. 29. The plan's two focuses are transforming campus operations and building sustainability engagement and culture. The first section of transforming campus operations contains measurable goals and objectives to create greater sustainability on campus, and the second section focuses on building culture and community within the University. The Director of UNM’s Office of Sustainability, Anne Jakle, said the first steps in the creation of the plan were to gather a baseline of data and to learn what the University community’s priorities are.

Culture

UNM Art Museum pauses gallery exhibitions for ‘Collections Year’

Addison Fulton | November 10

The walls of the University of New Mexico Art Museum are bare now, but the space is packed with potential as collections workers catalog and curate new additions to the museum’s collection. In 2024, The University of New Mexico Art Museum announced it was the recipient of a gift of over 100 photographs from the collection of Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, collectors based in Los Angeles, California. The influx of art prompted the museum to temporarily pause gallery showings and embark on their “Collections Year” project. Collections Year is a catch-all name for an unprecedented, difficult-to-define era for the museum, Collections Manager for the UNM Art Museum Andrea Perez-Martinez said. For the first time, UNMAM has closed its galleries; however, its study rooms remain open and accessible for visitors and classes.

Sports

Lobos earn blowout victory against Mavericks

Wyatt S. Padilla | November 10

The Lobos put on a display of defense that led the Lobos to a blowout victory of 74-56 at The Pit on Saturday, Nov. 8, when the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team hosted the University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks. Forward Tomislav Buljan led the Lobos in scoring, as the freshman had 17 points, shooting six of eight on the night, drawing six fouls and converting five of seven at the free-throw line. Lobos guard Deyton Albury also chipped in 15 points and helped lead the defensive front, creating three steals while being a pest for the Mavericks. Last year, the Lobos were one of the fastest-paced teams in the country. This year, the defense has led the way for the team two games into the season, with the Lobos’ offense seeming a bit disjointed at times.

News

First segment of ABQ Rail Trail now open

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | November 10

The first segment of the Albuquerque Rail trail opened to the public on Oct. 25, welcoming visitors to the trail which connects the Sawmill District to Tiguex Park. The following weekend, the Rail Trail was filled with dogs in costume for the inaugural “Howl-a-Day of the Dog” pet parade on Nov. 1. Uncertainty of the Rail Trail’s future began after the project kicked off, when Albuquerque lost $11.5 million in federal grant money, followed by a city lawsuit against the Trump Administration on Oct. 31, arguing that the grant was withdrawn “abruptly and without significant justification,” Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Operations Manager Sarah Supple wrote in a statement to the Daily Lobo. The city will continue to invest in the Rail Trail through local and state partnerships as the legal process moves forward, with the Central Crossing segment still on track to open next year, Supple wrote.

News

Lobo food pantry feeds students during shutdown

Maria Fernandez and Jaden McKelvey-Francis | November 10

In light of federal funding for the anti-hunger Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program lapsing on Nov. 1, many people are looking for other sources to find food. For University of New Mexico students, the Lobo Food Pantry can be one of those resources. The pantry is primarily student-run and allows students with a UNM ID to take up to 10 pounds of items, including fresh produce, canned goods and hygiene items per day, the Director of UNM’s LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center, Lisa Lindquist, said. “Our biggest thing that we try to think about is we want people to feel comfortable using this space. What we see a lot are students saying, ‘Well, other people deserve it more than I do.’ And the truth is that that's just not true, that's a myth. Anybody who needs its food should come in and use it,” Lindquist said.

Culture

Mammals, migrations and maps: UNM hosts ‘Wildlife without Borders’ talk

Addison Fulton | November 10

Against the backdrop of shifting literal and social climates, a Fulbright scholar reminded listeners that “Wildlife don’t know anything about the political world.” The speaker, Jesús Fernández, was one member of the “Wildlife Without Borders: Conserving Mammals Across the U.S. Southwest and Northwestern Mexico” panel hosted by the University of New Mexico Latin American and Iberian Studies Department on Thursday, Nov. 6. The panel included four speakers — Fernández, Jason Malaney, Enrique Martínez Meyer and Cuauhcihuatl Vital García — alongside moderator and historian Samuel Truett. Fernández is a professor of taxonomy and systematics of biodiversity at Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua. He focuses primarily on the evolution and conservation of mammals and discussed the biodiversity in the transboundary region at the event.

Culture

‘Festival of Languages’ showcases multilingualism at UNM

Lexis Lovato | November 10

Individuals interested in sharing appreciation and education for multicultural communities and languages were brought together by the The Festival of Languages, which highlighted research, cultural and career presentations centered around language study made by graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and alumni. The event was part of Research and Discovery week — and was held on Friday, Nov. 7 — which is a list of scheduled events that promote the research enterprise of the University of New Mexico and the opportunities available to researchers. Presentations in the event focused on how, and where, multilingualism thrives throughout areas like healthcare, community service and education.

Culture

Elizabeth Waters Center for Dance hosts ‘Body as Archive’ event

Maria Fernandez | November 10

As part of the 2025 University of New Mexico Research and Discovery Week, on Friday, Nov. 7, the Elizabeth Waters Center hosted the “Body as Archive” exhibit and guided discussion highlighting the visual documentation of the center’s history. Led by Ninoska M’bewe Escobar, an assistant professor in the department of theater and dance, the event included a tour of the Elizabeth Waters Center to view the photos, concert posters, guest artist biographies and more hung in the hallways between the dance studios in UNM Carlisle Gym. “The event is an opportunity to expand UNM Dance's connection to other disciplinary areas on campus, to foster conversation about the significance of creative practices like dance to American culture and progress, and to expand engagement with local communities and citizens,” Escobar wrote in a statement to the Daily Lobo.