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REVIEW: ‘Wicked’ — A festivating film adaptation

Addison Fulton | January 13

I expected to hate it. In November 2024, Universal Pictures released a new film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked,” starring drama actress Cynthia Erivo and pop star Ariana Grande. I thought this was another case of cash-grabbing, stunt-casting and dragging the name of something that I’ve loved since elementary school through the mud. Blessedly, I was completely wrong. The film looks stellar, to begin with. Everything from the costumes to the sets to the CGI animals is full of life. The color pallet is dreamy and vibrant.

News

REVIEW: Not the coup of the century — ‘Mufasa’ better, not great

Addison Fulton | January 13

In December 2024, Disney released “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a live-action/photo-realistic CGI prequel to “The Lion King” that follows the origin story of Mufasa, Simba’s father and the first Lion King. The story is framed as a tale that Rafiki, the eclectic mandrill, tells to Kiara, Simba’s daughter. Mufasa — voiced by Aaron Pierre — is a young lion who loses his parents in a flash flood. He nearly drowns but is saved by Taka — voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr. — a young lion prince who will eventually become Scar. Taka takes in Mufasa as a brother, despite his father’s hatred for strays. Mufasa is raised by the lionesses, learning to track, hunt and fight. Then, the pride is massacred by a pride of white lions led by Kiros, voiced by Mads Mikkelsen.

Sports

Women’s basketball: Lobos take care of business against Wyoming Cowgirls

Rodney Prunty | January 13

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team had a Mountain West showdown against the University of Wyoming Cowgirls. Each team came into the game on a three-game winning streak. It was exciting down to the final buzzer, as the Lobos secured a 73-67 victory.

News

About 85 students in Coronado Hall to be relocated for spring 2025

Maria Fernandez and Elizabeth Secor | December 11

By Dec. 14, about 85 students in the 200 wings of Coronado Hall will be relocated for the entirety of the spring 2025 semester due to construction to update the bathrooms on each floor to a pod-style layout, according to an email from University of New Mexico Resident Life and Student Housing. Once the construction project’s timeline was confirmed, RLSH provided Coronado Hall residents who had to relocate “as much advance notice as possible,” according to Megan Chibanga, director of Resident Life and Student Housing at UNM.

Culture

Guild Cinema December preview

Elijah Ritch | December 11

Here are some of the noteworthy films screening at Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema this month. From Dec. 17-19, the Guild will present a double feature of films by renowned French animator René Laloux. His seminal 1973 masterpiece “Fantastic Planet” will be presented alongside a new restoration of the original version of his 1982 film “The Time Masters.” A wild sci-fi vision from the future, “Fantastic Planet” is set on a planet where humans, called Oms, are the pets of giant blue humanoids called Draags. The film has been a midnight movie staple for 50 years — thanks to its outlandish psychedelic animation and bold countercultural message as an allegory of the evils of authoritarian governments.

News

UNM Palestine solidarity encampment protesters reflect after final dismissed charges

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | December 11

Last month, the final criminal charges were dismissed against protesters who were arrested during the April occupation of the University of New Mexico Student Union Building in support of Palestine. Months after the event, protesters are reflecting on its impact. UNM alum and community organizer Siihasin Hope was the only protester who had damages attached to their criminal trespass charge. Hope’s attorney’s office confirmed via email on Nov. 13 that all their charges were dismissed with prejudice.

News

UNM Bookstore to begin charging flat rate for textbooks

Jaden McKelvey-Francis | December 11

Starting in the fall 2025 semester, the University of New Mexico Bookstore will implement a model that will charge undergraduate students the same flat rate for all textbooks, regardless of degree type or the number of credits they are taking. According to a UNM Bookstore proposal presentation shared with the Daily Lobo, all students will be automatically opted into the new textbook model — called the Equitable Access model — but can choose to opt out.

News

New Mexico certifies election results

Shin Thant Hlaing | December 11

On Nov. 27, the results of the 2024 election were certified in New Mexico, according to Source New Mexico. Below is a look at the final results for various races. Presidential Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris won New Mexico's five electoral votes. She surpassed Republican President-elect Donald Trump with 52% of the votes, or about 55,000 more votes — a 6% lead over Trump, according to the New Mexico Secretary of State website.

News

UNM researchers explore efficient synchronization

Arly Garcia | December 10

Biology and technology converged in research published in October by a team in the University of New Mexico’s mechanical engineering department. Researchers found potential pathways for technological systems to increase efficiency. UNM Professor Francesco Sorrentino and doctoral student Amir Nazerian partnered with researchers at the United States Naval Research Laboratory and the University of Genoa to investigate synchronization efficiency. Synchronization is the process of coordinating multiple parts to operate in unison or in sequence. Something is efficient when it achieves the desired result without wasting resources. Living systems naturally optimize efficiency, Sorrentino said.

News

REVIEW: PEEKABOO, ‘GNX’

Rodney Prunty | December 9

During the summer, rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar had everyone saying “They not like us,” but for the winter season, he has everyone screaming “Mustard.” On Nov. 22, Lamar released “GNX,” his first album since “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,” which came out in 2022. The album features a total of 12 songs. This album did not see much promotion, and it seemed to come out of nowhere. The only indication that it would drop occurred when Lamar posted a teaser for the album on Instagram a few minutes before it was released.

News

Family of Matthew ‘Solo’ Garcia speaks at city council meeting

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | December 9

During an Albuquerque City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 2, the family of Matthew “Solo” Garcia was joined by community members and activists to request accountability from the Albuquerque Police Department after officers fatally shot Garcia while he was handcuffed in the back of a police car during a code enforcement on Oct. 18. About two weeks before the meeting, Albuquerque Police Department Commander Kyle Hartsock revealed in a public briefing the names of the two officers who shot Matthew Garcia: Precious Cadena and Zachary Earles. A total of 11 shots were fired, 10 of which struck Garcia, Hartsock said during the briefing.

Sports

Men’s basketball: Aggies stun Lobos

Rodney Prunty | December 9

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Rio Grande Rivalry was put on the forefront as the New Mexico State University Aggies traveled up from Las Cruces to face the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team at The Pit, resulting in an 89-83 loss for the Lobos. The game was sold out as fans flooded in to see how it would unfold. The Lobos came into the game after their win against San Jose State, while the Aggies came in on a five-game losing streak. The Lobos started the game looking sharp; the offense looked the most consistent it had looked all year. Center Nelly Junior Joseph got his night started fast as he was dominating down low early on.

Sports

Women’s basketball: Lobos slip up in second half against Aggies

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | December 9

The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team faced off at The Pit against its rival, the New Mexico State University Aggies, on Friday, Dec. 6. They fell to the Aggies 81-71. The Lobos move to 5-4 in the season, unable to rack up some wins before facing conference rivals starting at the end of the month. The tone for the night was set very early. It was a back-and-forth battle between both teams until the fourth quarter, when the Lobos couldn't keep up with the Aggies.

Sports

UNM football team to see mass exodus

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | December 9

The University of New Mexico football team has been plagued by sudden roster changes since the start of this month, with two staff members — including Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall — and at least 11 players announcing their upcoming departures. Mendenhall, along with offensive coordinator Jason Beck, quarterback Devon Dampier, wide receiver Luke Wysong, safety Bryson Taylor, running back Eli Sanders, edge Max Lantzsch, running back Javen Jacobs, cornerback Noah Avinger, tight end Everett Hunter, offensive lineman Wallace Unamba, tight end Trace Bruckler and wide receiver Caleb Medford have all announced this week that they do not plan on returning next season.

Culture

The history of graduation traditions at UNM and beyond

Elijah Ritch | December 9

In American society, graduation has become a momentous signifier of the end of one period in life and the beginning of another. Whether this be from high school, college or any place else, the event of graduation has brought about an entire culture of traditions. With the University of New Mexico’s graduation ceremonies beginning on Dec. 11, here’s a look at the origin of some graduation customs. The tradition of wearing a cap and gown while graduating can be traced back to the 12th century, though at that time they were primarily worn to keep grads warm, according to the University of Illinois Chicago. The designs of typical graduation gowns were determined by the Intercollegiate Code of 1895, which the majority of universities follow to this day, according to UIC.

Culture

Keynote commencement speakers to note

Addison Fulton | December 9

Starting Thursday, Dec. 12, the University of New Mexico will host its commencements for students graduating during the fall semester. The two ceremonies will each feature a keynote speaker: entrepreneur Doug Campbell and St. Vincent Regional Medical Center CEO and President Lillian Montoya. Campbell is the keynote speaker for the undergraduate ceremony. Campbell, a UNM alum, has a background in engineering and now works as an entrepreneur. Campbell is a self-described “start-up veteran,” having founded and worked with several tech start-ups such as Solid Power, which makes solid-state rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, according to his website.

News

Four UNM Departments to host departmental convocations

Nate Bernard | December 9

Throughout the week of Monday, Dec. 9, graduating students at the University of New Mexico will celebrate their accomplishments. About 1,600 students from the Albuquerque campus will receive their degrees, according to UNM Newsroom. In addition to the main commencement ceremonies held on Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13 at The Pit, some UNM departments are holding convocation ceremonies for their graduating students. Convocations are generally smaller and give departments the opportunity to celebrate graduates in a more personal atmosphere, according to the UNM Departmental Convocations website.

News

Western New Mexico wolf sanctuary fundraises to absorb Colorado sanctuary

Maria Fernandez | December 9

Hidden among the grassy hills of western New Mexico in a community called Candy Kitchen is the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, a nonprofit that houses wolves, wolfdogs, New Guinea singing dogs, foxes and coyotes. Founded in 1991 as The Candy Kitchen Wolf and Wolfdog Rescue Ranch, Wild Spirit is now in the process of absorbing the Indigo Mountain Nature Center, a nonprofit wolf and wildlife sanctuary based in Lake George, Colorado. Wild Spirit has grown to become one of the largest canid sanctuaries in North America, according to Executive Director Brittany McDonald. It provides sanctuary for animals from across the country and uses their stories to educate the public, McDonald wrote in a statement to the Daily Lobo.

News

United Graduate Workers petition for chosen name recognition and neutral gender markers

Marcela Johnson | December 6

The University of New Mexico United Graduate Workers launched a petition on Nov. 20 that calls for UNM to update systems to accurately reflect chosen names and gender markers for their users. According to the petition, components of the University system, including email accounts and the course registration website, are denying the ability for transgender students and workers to use their preferred name. This contradicts UNM’s Policy 2720, which prohibits discrimination based on gender and gender identity, the petition reads.

Sports

Fernando Lovo named as next UNM Athletics director and vice president

Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh | December 4

On Nov. 24, the University of New Mexico announced the appointment of Fernando “Fern” Lovo as the next vice president and director of athletics starting Sunday, Dec. 1. Lovo comes to UNM after serving as executive senior associate athletics director for operations at the University of Texas Austin. He has also worked for Ohio State University and in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Lovo said he got his start as an equipment manager for the University of Florida’s football team.