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New Mexico LGBTQ+ advocates prepare for Trump presidency

Lily Alexander | November 25

As former President Donald Trump prepares to take office, LGBTQ+ advocates in New Mexico are preparing for the administration’s potential impact on Queer and transgender rights in the state. New Mexico is considered one of the most protected states in the country for LGBTQ+ people, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico. The state’s Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Act was updated during the 2023 legislative session, extending its scope and expanding definitions.

Culture

Artist collects bad photos of the moon

Addison Fulton | November 25

In August 2022, astrophotographers Andrew McCarthy and Connor Matherne posted to Instagram what is widely considered to be the best photo of the moon ever taken. On Nov. 1, 2024, artist Ariel C. Wilson displayed a collection of some of the worst. In her exhibit at the Sanitary Tortilla Factory in Albuquerque, Wilson showcases crowdsourced “bad photos of the moon” — low-quality images of the moon taken on cell phones by ordinary citizens. The gallery’s website explains that the exhibit is meant to explore the blur between professional and amateur artists, as well as investigate human relationships with photography, permanence and the moon.

Culture

Exodus Ensemble breaks the fourth wall

Addison Fulton and Nate Bernard | November 25

From Nov. 6 to Nov. 24, Santa Fe-based theatrical group Exodus Ensemble went on tour in Albuquerque with its interactive, immersive sci-fi theatrical production, “ZERO.” The Exodus Ensemble, which typically specializes in immersive theater with a focus on audience interaction, held its shows at the Downtown venue Chatter. ZERO follows four characters — or players — who have been placed into a game by a sentient, murderous, humanoid artificial intelligence named Daisy. Only one will make it out. At the beginning of the show, audience members pick a player to support, then compete in simple mini-games to win points to help their character be the one to survive.

Culture

Wheels Museum hosts reading on ‘The Horse of the Sidewalk’

Addison Fulton | November 25

On Saturday, Nov. 23 the Wheels Museum hosted a talk with author Baker H. Morrow about his most recent anthology, “The Horse on the Sidewalk.” The anthology discusses Albuquerque’s place as a post-World War II “boomtown.” “You get the facts and figures, so many miles of roads, so many new houses, so many subdivisions,” Morrow said. “But one thing that struck me, having spent a fair amount of time when I was a kid out there, was what life was like for the kids themselves.”

Sports

Men’s basketball: Physical game leads to a victory over Grambling State

Rodney Prunty | November 25

The University of New Mexico men's basketball team faced off against the Grambling State University Tigers on Thursday, Nov. 21. From the start of the game, both teams displayed a physical play style, indicating it would be a long night. In the end, the Lobos proved they could be aggressive and outplay their opponents at the same time, walking away with an 80-58 win. When the first half started, Grambling State was all over UNM, making it clear that the Tigers were not going to make it easy for the Lobos. Grambling State jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead, being physical on both defense and offense. The Lobos, however, were not looking to lose the game, and they immediately matched the energy that Grambling State brought.

Culture

Los Poblanos hosts lecture on migratory birds

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | November 25

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, Laura Banks, president of the nonprofit Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico, spoke about migratory birds to a nearly full audience at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. Banks told the Daily Lobo that during this time of year, the most visible birds in New Mexico are sandhill cranes, Canada geese, waterfowl and different species of ducks. Migratory birds almost double their body weight during migration season to store fat, which they use as fuel while flying, according to Banks.

Sports

Women’s basketball: Lobos crush South Carolina State in 80-38 victory

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 25

The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team dominated the South Carolina State University Bulldogs with an 80-38 win at The Pit on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Head Coach Mike Bradbury said he is proud of the team for their victory. “I thought we were much better in the second half,” Bradbury said, adding that the Lobos “are going to have a much better year than they did last year.”

News

REVIEW: Jacques Audiard’s ‘Emilia Pérez’ is misguided yet entertaining

Elijah Ritch | November 25

A genre-defying epic, the film is a crime/comedy/romance/musical that tells the story of a Mexican defense attorney named Rita — played by Zoe Saldaña — who is contacted by Juan Del Monte, a drug lord — played by Karla Sofía Gascón — who needs help covertly obtaining gender-affirming surgery. The latest from renowned French director Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez” made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where the film took home the Jury Prize, which is essentially the festival’s third-place award. Its four leading actresses — Saldaña, Gascón, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz — collectively received the Best Actress award.

News

ASUNM Senate elects Rutherford next president pro tempore

Elliott Wood | November 25

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico met not just to deliberate 10 appropriations and three bills — all of which eventually passed — but also to celebrate the semester and elect a new president pro tempore. In his opening address, Vice President Mutazz Jaber congratulated the senators on their individual and committee accomplishments. This semester, the Finance Committee awarded over $420,000 to student groups across UNM through appropriations, outgoing President Pro Tempore Hope Montoya said.

News

REVIEW: Soccer Mommy breaks and mends hearts with ‘Evergreen’

Elijah Ritch | November 22

On Oct. 25, American singer-songwriter Soccer Mommy’s new album “Evergreen” was released. A striking departure from her previous work, “Evergreen” finds Soccer Mommy, aka Sophie Allison, retreating into nature during a period of grief. On the record, the new mindset she has after reckoning with this loss is clear. There’s a distinct sense of ease to the songs — she’s unencumbered by the trivial worries of modern life. Her music sounds looser and more relaxed than ever before.

News

Cloned parents of endangered ferrets give birth to offspring

Arly Garcia | November 22

On Nov. 1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the first-ever birth of black-footed ferrets to a cloned parent — marking the first time a cloned U.S. endangered species has produced offspring. The ferret babies — aka kits — named Red Cloud and Sibert were born to their cloned mother, Antonia, and their father, Urchin, earlier this year, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Cloning refers to processes used to create an identical genetic copy of a biological entity, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute.

News

Protesters gather and march after Trump’s reelection

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | November 18

On Nov. 11, community members and activists rallied in Downtown Albuquerque and marched against fascism following former president Donald Trump’s reelection. Fascism is a “far-right, authoritarian political philosophy that exalts nation and race above the individual,” according to The Associated Press. Fascist governments are associated with having a dictatorial leader, according to Merriam-Webster. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump’s former chief of staff called Trump a far-right authoritarian who falls into the general definition of fascist.

Sports

Women’s basketball: Defense shows out in blowout win against Western New Mexico

Rodney Prunty | November 18

Defense was the order of the day for the Lobos on Friday, Nov. 15. Their strong effort was a huge part of their 85-56 win against the Western New Mexico University Mustangs. The Lobos finished the game with 13 steals and six blocks. Head Coach Mike Bradbury said he was very satisfied with his team's defensive performance during the night. “We were good in transition and it was good to see,” Bradbury said. “It led to some easy baskets.”

News

How does lobbying work at UNM?

Lily Alexander and Nate Bernard | November 18

The University of New Mexico, like many other educational institutions across the country, lobbies the local and federal government to advance its interests. Lobbying is the attempt to influence a legislative decision or an official action by a state official or state agency, board or commission, according to the New Mexico Office of the Secretary of State. UNM employs five lobbyists, including two contract lobbyists, who are hired to work on a certain issue for a certain period of time, according to Mike Puelle, chief government relations officer and lobbyist at UNM.

Sports

Volleyball: Lobos ground Air Force for third conference win

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 18

he University of New Mexico’s volleyball team won in four sets against the Air Force Academy Falcons on Tuesday, Nov. 12, keeping a tournament appearance alive. Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said he’s excited for the team and its ability to fight after winning three games in a row thus far. “I’m stoked for the team, you know? They’re playing hard,” Newman-Gonchar said. “They know it’s one of those weeks where it’s ‘sleep, drive, sleep, drive.’” On Nov. 9, the Lobos faced the Utah State University Aggies at home and won in an exhausting five-set victory. They continued their path to victory against the Falcons.

Sports

Football: Lobos claw to a nail-biting 38-35 victory over ranked Washington State

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 18

The University of New Mexico football team came up big against nationally ranked No. 19/18 Washington State University Cougars on Saturday, Nov. 16, securing a tight 38-35 victory. The Lobos left Saturday night sporting a 5-6 record — 3-3 in conference play. A scene from a movie unfolded at University Stadium. From end zone to end zone, fans wearing cherry and silver blanketed the field, howling for a Lobo victory against a nationally ranked team. The last time the Lobos beat a ranked opponent was 2003, and the last time they beat a ranked opponent at home was 1994, according to a Lobo Athletics Instagram post.

News

REVIEW: ‘The Crow’ — dream the crow black dream

Marcela Johnson | November 18

Thirty years later, “The Crow,” released in 1994 and directed by Alex Proyas, still holds up. From the moody atmosphere to the perfect soundtrack, I highly recommend it for anyone’s autumn rotation. Based on a comic book by James O’Barr, “The Crow” follows rocker Eric Draven as he comes back to life on the one-year anniversary of his death to avenge his and his fiance’s death. The movie deals with some harsh topics but is unfortunately still relevant 30 years later. For example, Shelly Webster, Draven’s fiance, is killed and assaulted because she dared to speak out against forced evictions.

Culture

Explora hosts night full of fungi and fermentations

Paloma Chapa | November 18

On Friday, Nov. 15, during Explora’s Adult Night, local fungi and fermentation vendors gave visitors a taste of mushrooms, mold and fermented foods. Visitors could taste kombucha and koji, enjoy local beer and wine, and take home a sample of fermented vegetables while also enjoying the science activities Explora offers. Explora partnered with the Fermentation and Fungi Fest to bring several vendors, including Enchanted Farms Mushrooms, Ecologica, New Mexico Ferments and Sheehan Winery to the “fermentastic” night.

Culture

Nuclear Museum honors Native American Heritage Month

John P. Hefti | November 18

Until the end of November, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History will display a banner exhibit highlighting the scientific contributions and achievements of Native Americans. The exhibit was debuted on Nov. 1 in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Located directly across from the entrance, the exhibit displays a total of seven banners featuring Native American astronauts, physicists, mathematicians, doctors and politicians. Bernadette Robin, a spokesperson for the museum, said Native American representation in the sciences is the most important thing the museum wants visitors to get out of the experience.

Sports

Volleyball: Lobos wrangle the Broncos in tight four-set victory

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | November 18

The University of New Mexico’s volleyball team won in four sets against the Boise State University Broncos in the Senior Night game on Thursday, Nov. 14. This victory solidified an incredible comeback for UNM from their previous nine-loss nightmare just weeks prior. Now the Lobos move to 6-10 in conference play and 13-13 overall to stay alive in the hunt for a tournament appearance. There was a large fan turnout for the seniors. Before the game started, Lobo seniors were recognized on the court with plaques, flowers and the ear-ringing cheers of the crowd.