Multimedia

Andrew Callaghan broadens journalistic endeavors

Some say journalism is a dying industry; local newspapers often only have a fraction of the staff needed and broadcast journalists are suddenly largely multi-hyphenates. Mainstream channels like CNN and FOX don’t necessarily appeal to younger audiences and show hyperpolarized depictions of the news. The answer to these issues, according to Andrew Callaghan of Channel 5 Action News, is independent, civilian journalism. “The best way to consume media is (through) firsthand clips,” Callaghan said. “You saw that in 2020 the George Floyd video was more powerful than any news anchor bit could have been. (It) reached more people … Just make sure you're not consuming, you know, propaganda and misinformation; just try to be aware.”

AAPI Resource Center officially open

  April 28 marked a historic event for the University of New Mexico’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community with the official opening of the Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center (colloquially pronounced as ay-perk). The ribbon-cutting ceremony boasted a large turnout of students, community members and notable guests. Although AAPIRC has been open for some time now, this marks one of the first large public events in the space with socializing and lots of tasty food. Farah Nousheen, the Associate Director of AAPIRC, led the ceremony, opening it with a series of warm welcomes.

New Mexico ablaze, wildfire season begins

  Destruction continues throughout the state as the combined Calf Canyon and Hermit’s Peak fires are currently the largest wildfire in the United States, having burned down 103,908 acres of land as of Sunday, May 1. Across New Mexico, there are currently 49 active wildfires as of Sunday, May 1 caused by severe to exceptional drought conditions, a leading cause of the wildfires that have been ablaze since early April, impacting communities and workers across the state working to keep everyone informed and safe. Intense wind conditions and years of drought have rapidly increased the speed at which the fires have grown, according to KOAT. 

Isotopes split series to Sacramento River Cats 3-3

  The Albuquerque Isotopes split their home series against the Sacramento River Cats 3-3. The series went from Tuesday, April 26 to Sunday, May 1. The Isotopes are now 10-14 and fourth in the Pacific Coast League East. After a tight 7-9 loss on Tuesday, Albuquerque won the Wednesday and Thursday contests 6-3 and 13-2 respectively. The Isotopes were then thrown a curveball on Friday when third baseman Elehuris Montero, one of the team’s best hitters, was pulled up to the Isotopes’ major league affiliate, the Colorado Rockies, to replace Kris Bryant. Missing a key part of their offense, the Isotopes dropped the Friday game 12-8.

Isotopes player Montero called up to major leagues

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on May 1. Elehuris Montero, previously an infielder and designated hitter for the Albuquerque Isotopes, was called up to play for the Colorado Rockies, taking the place of injured Rockies’ infielder Kris Bryant, on Friday, April 29. Montero is listed as available off the bench and is expected to make his major league debut this weekend during the Rockies’ three-game series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. Montero was a long-standing top prospect for the Rockies. In his time with the Isotopes, he proved to be an astounding hitter for the team, batting a personal record 28 homers in the 2021 season between his time with the Hartford Yard Goats and the Isotopes.

Environmental journalist paves way for truth, diversity in work

Walking along the river or basking in the New Mexico sun you can probably find Laura Paskus, a journalist who’s devoted decades of her life to reporting on the environment in New Mexico. Not only committed to exposing the scientific views of these topics, Paskus wants people to connect to their landscapes and communities. Paskus flourishes outside and loves “learning about the world around us.” Currently working as a correspondent and producer for New Mexico PBS, Paskus explores a variety of environmental-related work on the air. From studio interviews to field pieces, Paskus said the goal is to help people “understand things like climate change or community resilience.” 

REVIEW: ‘The Northman’ takes viewers to Valhalla and back

  As I took my seat in a dimly lit theater on Friday, April 22, I thought my anticipation for acclaimed writer and director Robert Eggers’ latest work couldn’t be any higher. After having to sit through a series of previews that was almost entirely made up of sequels, though, an unflinching, brutal and thoroughly original $90 million Viking spectacle sounded like just the right type of medicine for my blockbuster blues. Of course, that isn’t to say that the only thing going for this film was its refreshing originality; given my utter adoration for Eggers’ past work with “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse” in tandem with an absolute beast of a cast (most of which have appeared in Eggers’ previous work)

Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department seeks donations for incoming surge of kittens

  ‘Tis the season to care for cats and canines, and the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is holding a “puppy and kitten shower” through April 30 to accrue much needed supplies to accommodate for the nearly 2,000 kittens and 400 puppies they expect to take in during the warm months. In previous years, “kitten season,” the time of year in which the shelter gets their vast majority of incoming orphaned or abandoned kittens, has only extended through summer months. But increasingly warm winters have greatly widened the window during which these animals are reproductively active. 

‘Not Yet and Yet’ showcases graduate art, emphasizes process

  For second-year Master of Fine Arts students, the juried graduate exhibition “Not Yet and Yet” has been more than just an opportunity to showcase their work at a museum; the exhibition, which opened on March 11 and consists of MFA and Graduate Art Association artwork, ushered students back into an in-person art world. Since they began their study at UNM amid quarantine in fall 2020, remote critiques and the inability to interface with their peers’ art directly made things difficult, according to GAA member and artist in the show Eleonora Edreva.  “Some things are physical and you want to be there; you want to see it. Having the opportunity to show work together in person has been really wonderful. 

Local independent bookstore bound to collections and community

  As Independent Bookstore Day on April 30 draws near, Albuquerque mainstay Page 1 Books is hoping to bring in some like-minded lexophiles for a celebration of small business and great reads. As the store is still practicing masking requirements, they will be commemorating Independent Bookstore Day with a COVID-safe celebration. Store manager Ian Carrilllo said independent bookstore day is a welcome way for community members to show support for these stores which help the community to thrive. “It’s a reminder that we exist and independent bookstores are a vital part of the community,” Carrillo said.

LETTER: New Mexico’s postpartum Medicaid expansion supports parents and newborns

  On top of the extraordinary mental and physical changes one faces after having a baby, one thing that shouldn’t have to change is one’s health care coverage. Fortunately, new mothers who qualify now have a full year of postpartum Medicaid coverage in New Mexico so they can focus on what really matters: taking care of their babies and their own health concerns. After all, nothing is more foundational for our next generation than the well-being of mothers and infants. Before this past legislative session, people who enrolled in Medicaid for pregnancy- and birth-related care received just two months of postpartum Medicaid coverage.   

5 and Why: 5 reasons incoming freshmen are excited to attend UNM

High school senior Florence Garcia is currently preparing for her freshman year at the University of New Mexico this fall, filling out housing forms, planning her schedule and visiting campus on a tour with her mother. She’s excited for college and has a variety of things she’s looking forward to in college. Social exploration Garcia anticipates meeting new people and is excited to navigate a new social setting. She hopes to find a new group of friends she works well with and with whom she shares similar interests.

Marginalized communities in Albuquerque, Santa Fe fight environmental racism

 Areas with people of color, low-income residents and immigrants have historically been forced to endure environmental racism around the U.S., but New Mexico locals are fighting against it. Santa Fe’s south side and Albuquerque’s South Valley continue in their efforts against unjust environmental decisions that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. In Santa Fe’s south side, Associated Asphalt and Materials received a permit from the New Mexico Environment Department last summer to consolidate its two plants — located on both sides of Highway 599, north of Airport Road — to only the west side of the highway. 

UNM Sustainability Expo promotes clean, green local resources

  Sustainability was the topic of discussion at the 12th annual University of New Mexico Sustainability Expo on Thursday, April 21. Fresh farm products, other food and goods for sale drew crowds in as live music drifted across Cornell Mall. At the event hosted by UNM’s Sustainability Studies department, local farmer’s markets and gardens provided students with different resources and tips to promote a more sustainable lifestyle and live demonstrations taught attendees about the ecosystem in New Mexico. “The event provides the University community with an opportunity to support local and sustainable small businesses,” ABQ Stew, a UNM Sustainability Studies blog, reported.

NM United loses to San Antonio FC 1-0, stands at 2-2-2

New Mexico United lost to San Antonio FC 1-0 Saturday, April 23 at Isotopes Park. The last time the two teams met up was Oct. 20, 2021, where United was able to beat them 4-2. NM United is now 2-2-2 and in eighth place in the United Soccer League Western Conference. United ended the game with 11 attempts at the goal while San Antonio had 13 attempts. United started with the ball at the beginning of the match. Both teams were kicking around the ball, not making much progress until United’s Justin Portillo kicked San Antonio’s Connor Maloney in the face. The incident seemed to spark something within the teams as they finally started going at it and playing hard.

Isotopes pitcher Ryan Feltner emphasizes teamwork in baseball

  Ryan Feltner, pitcher for the Albuquerque Isotopes, has returned to the minor leagues after a plentiful season with the Colorado Rockies. Anticipating a good season despite its shaky start, Feltner and his team are putting team relationships at the forefront this year. Formerly the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for Ohio, Feltner was drafted in 2015 by the Toronto Blue Jays but elected to attend Ohio State University. Feltner was later drafted from Ohio State in 2018 by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round. Since then, Feltner has worked his way up through the Rockies’ minor league affiliates. Feltner said he carries a deep appreciation for team bonds wherever he plays.

Comics April 18, 2022

Former UNM staff member dedicates life to nonprofit work

  After 25 years of groundbreaking work at the University of New Mexico and United Way, recently retired Chief Operations Officer for Student Affairs Kim Kloeppel was recognized with the UNM Zia award, an award that recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves through their service to the University or greater community. Kloeppel’s weighty list of accomplishments include serving as interim dean of students for three years, leading renovations of Smith Plaza, creating the Lobo Food Pantry and starting the UNM Random Acts of Kindness initiative, now known as BeKind UNM, a group which promotes kindness and respect on campus and in the greater Albuquerque community. 

New Mexico Wild calls for audit of inactive wells

  The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, a group that advocates for the conservation of wild land, issued a letter on March 17 that called on the Bureau of Land Management to conduct a formal audit of inactive wells on federal land. “What we're looking for with the audit is for BLM to actually do a full analysis of how many (of) what we call orphaned or abandoned wells really do exist on BLM lands in New Mexico,” NM Wild staff attorney Logan Glasenapp said. Glasenapp said the group wrote the letter asking for the audit right now because the acting state director for the Bureau of Land Management, Melanie Barnes, has a background in biology as opposed to a background in the fossil fuel industry, as prior directors have had. 

REVIEW: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ is worth a few sickles

  This review contains spoilers “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” exceeded my very low expectations but only marginally. The film was enjoyable but could have been a lot better, especially in comparison to its predecessors. While I could never really dislike a movie that dives back into the Wizarding World (I’ve adored the Harry Potter franchise since I was little), author J.K. Rowling is less than likeable and has opinions on matters outside her series are starkly different from mine.  The first five minutes of the movie surprisingly hooked me and managed to leave me teary-eyed. It began with the assembly of a team in a fashion akin to that of a heist movie.