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Culture

New Year, New FAFSA

Arly Garcia | January 15

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has recently undergone several significant changes – the most since the introduction of the Common Financial Aid Form in the Reagan era, according to the U.S. Department of Education website. This redesign was created via the FAFSA Simplification Act and Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act. Ria Shultz, the Assistant Director of the University of New Mexico Center for Financial Capability, said that these laws should make the FAFSA easier to access, leave users with fewer questions and provide better clarity on what information students need to provide.

News

South Valley wildlife refuge receives over $250,000

BillyJack Davidson | January 15

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) awarded the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge $256,962 this past December for a project called “Bosque Bridges.” The project aims to connect Valle De Oro’s perimeter trail and the Paseo del Bosque bike path together, giving people a new way to experience the bosque. The money for Valle De Oro’s project is granted by the ORD of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD). Of over 100 applications, Bosque Bridges was one of 12 different projects falling under the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant initiative by the ORD, according to the Los Alamos Daily Post.

News

Legislators propose amendments to New Mexico red flag law

Lily Alexander | January 15

Two New Mexico legislators are proposing amendments to a state law that allows district courts to issue yearlong orders to prohibit individuals from possessing, purchasing or receiving firearms if they are found to pose a threat of injury to themselves or others. The Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act was enacted in 2020. The proposed amendments would specifically allow law enforcement and health care professionals to report potentially harmful behavior and expedite the order-issuing process.

Sports

Men's Basketball: Lobos make a statement win

BillyJack Davidson | January 15

The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team took on No. 19 San Diego State University this past Saturday, Jan. 13 and earned a statement win – defeating the Aztecs 88-70. The team came in after a 83-73 loss against the University of Las Vegas, but rallied hard for fans. The Pit saw a record breaking 15,437 fans pack the seats – the most since 2009. The Lobos improved to 14-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play. The team remains undefeated in their nine home games. The game was a hard one from the beginning. San Diego State fell to a record of 14-3. This was the first time the Lobos faced the Aztecs since their March Madness title run last season.

Opinion

Editorial: Trump must be held to the law, but the Court must do so with extreme care

Maddie Pukite | January 12

This upcoming February, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case that will decide if Trump is ineligible to remain on the ballot given his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection, as reported by the Colorado Newsline. The conservative build-up of the court – a third of the Justices being appointed by Donald Trump – and the weight of the question will require a critical opinion to remove Trump from the ballot, but it is imperative that they do so. When the Supreme Court decides a case, they interpret the Constitution and set precedents that will be used to determine the outcome of future court cases. This case calls Section 3 of the 14th Amendment into question – a section that has never been interpreted by the Supreme Court before, according to AP.

Opinion

Review: Falling for the “Anatomy of a Fall”

Mel Treat | January 10

As awards season kicks off, there’s one movie I’m hoping gets its flowers. “Anatomy of a Fall,” directed by Justine Triet, is a nuanced tale of morality, victimhood and human connection, all wrapped up in a courtroom drama. The film follows Sandra (Sandra Hüller) as she’s put on trial following her husband’s death from a mysterious fall. Their blind son Daniel, (Milo Machado Graner), is a key witness in the case who fights between loyalty to his mother and his duty as a witness. The dichotomy between the courtroom and home scenes are brilliant. We see the motherly, vulnerable side of Sandra alongside her colder, more serious side. Her chemistry with her lawyer and friend Vincent (Swann Arlaud) is electric. Anytime the two share a scene, the affection they have for one another is palpable.

Opinion

Review: The Iron Claw might be the feel-bad movie of the year, but it’s worth the heartache

Sadie Hopkins | January 8

In a cinematic climate that celebrates biopics as the few films that can reach commercial success, it is refreshing to see a biopic produced with passion and good intentions toward the subjects in question. u201cThe Iron Clawu201d follows the Von Erich family u2013 a clan of wrestlers rumored to have been u201ccursed,u201d due to their history of tragic happenings. As a long-time wrestling fan, I couldnu2019t have been more thrilled to hear that A24 planned to produce this film, and it was worth the wait.

News

Biking collectives ride in support of Palestine

Maddie Pukite | January 8

With Palestinian flags attached to bikes and watermelon bandanas, a few dozen cyclists gathered in Robinson Park in support of a cease-fire in Gaza on Saturday, Jan. 6. The group rode five miles to stand in solidarity with Palestine and to fundraise for the Gaza Sunbirds and the Middle East Children's Alliance. The Gaza Sunbirds are a para-athletic cycling team that, since the war with Israel, has transitioned from cycling to providing aid and distributing resources to their community. Tannia Esparza, a co-organizer, said the ride in Albuquerque was in response to a call by Native Women Ride for people across the nation to ride in solidarity with the Gaza Sunbirds.

Sports

Men’s basketball: living legends show for New Mexico’s birthday game

BillyJack Davidson | January 8

This past Saturday, Jan. 6, the University of New Mexico men’s basketball defeated the Wyoming Cowboys 77-60. The game took place on the 112th anniversary of New Mexico’s statehood and living legends came to celebrate it with fans. Former Lobo and Los Angeles Laker Michael Cooper and former Laker Shaquille O’Neal were present in The Pit supporting the Lobos in their gold and red jerseys. The Pit felt electric even before the game started and kept growing as the game went on. The first half started off strong with Nelly Junior Joseph (#23) stealing a pass and securing the first points of the game. From then on, the Lobos explosiveness, led by Jaelen House (#10), brought a strong offense and defense presence.

Culture

Get away with Getaway Adventures

Elizabeth Secor | January 8

Getaway Adventures – a program offered through the University of New Mexico Outdoor Adventure Center – provides students with the opportunity to further their learning through group trips around New Mexico and the country. Charles Gwinn, the OAC Operations Specialist, is in charge of the Getaway Adventures program and said he strives to create a multi-layered experience. “These experiences allow students an affordable path to be active outdoors, learn a new skill, expand cultural knowledge and build community,” Gwinn said.

Sports

JT Toppin claims his Lobo fame

Francesca Cicconetti | January 8

JT Toppin has been named the Mountain West's Freshman of the Week four times this season and was recently ranked at #12 in Andy Katz’s top freshmen. However, he said basketball wasn’t always his sport of choice. He started playing football but after watching basketball with his grandparents, he decided to switch it up. From Dallas, Texas, freshman forward for the Lobo basketball team, Toppin, has been making his mark at The Pit. With his ability to produce on both ends of the court, Toppin has a talent that is helping push the Lobos basketball ahead this season. Toppin has continued to excel on the court and work to make a name for himself. With 17 points and 11 rebounds at No. 13 Colorado State on Tuesday, Jan. 2, Toppin is the second Lobo freshman to get a double-double against a ranked opponent.

News

HRC 100 for LGBTQ+ inclusivity reflects policies not experience

Lily Alexander | January 8

Albuquerque received a score of 100 on LGBTQ+ inclusivity in laws, policies and services from the Human Rights Campaign, however the rating does not entirely reflect the experiences of Queer people in Albuquerque. The annual HRC Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard evaluates non-discrimination laws, city employers, city services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. It equally accounts for inclusivity related to sexual orientation and gender identity. For the second year, the HRC gave Albuquerque maximum points in each category for 2023.

Culture

Detroit brings passion for storytelling to APS

Maddie Pukite | December 13

With a love for storytelling, Detroit Kallunki is graduating with an English degree this December. Kallunki began reporting for the Lobo about a year ago and along the way found a love for talking to others and helping share stories. “I really like conducting interviews, communicating with people and helping people share experiences that have shaped them, and what's important to them,” Kallunki said. As an English major, their understanding and love for storytelling boils down to the words being written on a page, and the extra time for consideration it allows.

Sports

The Bronco Mendenhall era begins

Francesca Cicconetti | December 11

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, The University of New Mexico announced Bronco Mendenhall as the new head football coach. Mendenhall signed a five-year contract, making him the 33rd head coach for the Lobos. This is not Mendenhall’s first time in Albuquerque, as he was the defensive coordinator and associate head coach for the Lobos under Head Coach Rocky Long from 1998-2002. Mendenhall has been coaching college football for 32 years and has been a head coach for 17. Out of his years as a head coach, his teams were bowl eligible 16 out of 17 seasons and snagged seven bowl victories.

Culture

Baca captures love and loss behind the camera

Karina Bolaños | December 11

The Daily Lobo’s outgoing photo editor, Jessica Baca, has always had a passion for photography. So much so that her family would keep disposable cameras out of her hands because she would use them up in minutes. In awe of everything around her, she would shoot anything and everything she could. Baca is set to graduate from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in photography. During her college career, she said she was often urged to apply to the Lobo, but it wasn't until Film & Digital Arts Professor Roberto Rosales encouraged her that she stumbled upon the newspaper. She has worked at the Lobo since October 2022 and has served as the photo editor since May 2023. Shortly after, she also began to work for the Albuquerque Journal.

Culture

Sarah Maurice strives to give back using her passion for engineering

Lauren Lifke | December 11

After seven semesters, Computer Engineering student Sarah Maurice graduates this month from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree, an internship at Intel and enough credits to earn her master’s degree by 2024. “Engineering gives me the opportunity to give back to the community and to help in a way that I can make a positive impact,” Maurice said. Maurice’s interest in engineering stems from her goal to use biomedical engineering to increase accessibility to prosthetics after handling the insurance and cost of her own following the loss of her leg in 2010.

Culture

The Graduation Project empowers returning students to continue their education

Detroit Kallunki | December 11

The Graduation Project is a program at the University of New Mexico dedicated to bringing senior students back to complete their degrees. Students who qualify for the Graduate Project are returning to complete their first bachelor’s degree after at least a semester break. Graduation Project Director Corine Gonzales said the project looks to provide support and assistance for students looking to return and complete their program. “Our mission is to help bring back students who are very close to completing their degree … We also follow through and provide onboarding assistance and transition experience to help them come back and complete their degree,” Gonzales said.

Culture

Miyawni Curtis contains multitudes

Lily Alexander | December 11

Miyawni Curtis did not always want to be a journalist. But after her high school teachers encouraged her to continue to invest in her writing, she selected it as her major at the University of New Mexico. Curtis graduates with a degree in Multimedia Journalism after a year and a half spent at the University. During this time, she worked as a reporter and news editor for the Daily Lobo, wrote for Source New Mexico and participated in an internship at KSFR – northern New Mexico’s independent public radio station. While at the Daily Lobo, Curtis wrote news, culture and a few sports stories. Her favorite articles to write are human interest stories involving giving people justice and making sure their stories are heard, she said.

Culture

What to know and where to go for Graduation

Kat Gomez | December 11

The University of New Mexico’s 2023 fall grads are set to graduate on Friday, Dec. 15 at the University Commencement at The Pit starting at 6 p.m. On average, a commencement ceremony lasts for about two to three hours as each student is given their own time to shine at the convocation. While UNM holds an overall commencement ceremony, various departments within campus hold their own ceremonies as well.

Opinion

Review: O’Keeffe and Moore create a cohesive exhibit

Sadie Hopkins | December 8

Starting in September, The Albuquerque Art Museum has highlighted artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore. Although these artists did not work together, the similarities in their work create a cohesive and visually fascinating experience that locals and visitors alike will enjoy. The museum – in addition to their permanently housed works – frequently builds temporary exhibits to highlight artists, eras or movements in fine art. The rotating exhibits create a refreshing and unique experience for every visit, especially those that offer guests something other than the permanent fine art installations.