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‘A purloined possession’: The history of the Smith Family Totem Pole

Marcela Johnson | July 22

The Smith Family Totem Pole, located at the Hibben Center on the University of New Mexico campus, has not always been represented or respected as the sacred item that it is. In 1941, then-assistant anthropology professor Frank Hibben took the pole from the Smith family of the Tlowitsis Nation in British Columbia, but said that he had bought it for two cases of whiskey, according to the UNM Department of Anthropology. Hibben took the pole after he was told he could not have it, according to Lea McChesney, curator of ethnology at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.

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79 years since Trinity: The chain-reaction isn’t over

Shin Thant Hlaing | July 17

The shockwaves from the Trinity Test detonation 79 years ago are still felt by the world today. The present-day effects of the test in New Mexico include disproportionate disease and death for those who live near the test site, with no recognition or compensation from the United States government, according to Source New Mexico. Additional effects include “brain drain” – which occurs when educated or professional people leave an area for better conditions – and financial drain from civilian causes, according to Greg Mello, the executive director of the Los Alamos Study Group, an organization that pursues nuclear disarmament and environmental protection.

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UNM to implement new Title IX regulations

Lily Alexander | July 17

New Title IX regulations require the University of New Mexico to make changes to the way it addresses sex discrimination and sexual misconduct by August 1. The regulations – released by the U.S. Department of Education on April 19 – broaden the University’s jurisdiction to respond to Title IX complaints; expand mandated reporting of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct; and clarify language and definitions around sexual harassment, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex stereotypes. The regulations also increase protections for pregnant individuals at UNM. Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 that protects people from sex-based discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

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UNM students and alumni receive sanctions following pro-Palestine demonstration

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | July 12

One University of New Mexico alumni and two students received different sanctions from the University following a June 6 pro-Palestine protest that took place during New Student Orientation. Over the course of the summer, pro-Palestine protesters have held three demonstrations during NSO. Protesters have rallied and marched on campus, displayed painted fabric banners and distributed flyers to incoming students about their goals — including divestment from Israel and dropping the criminal charges against protesters arrested during the April 29-30 Student Union Building occupation.

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Heavy rains, burn scars cause flash floods in Ruidoso area

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | July 10

On Tuesday, July 9, heavy rains caused flash flooding near Ruidoso, New Mexico, which led to evacuation orders, road closures and gas leaks. This followed floods through the end of June, and the South Fork and Salt fires that were over 80% contained as of a July 4 New Mexico Fire Information update. The area was under a flash flood emergency at 1:45 p.m., and a flash flood warning until 6 p.m., according to the Albuquerque National Weather Service. “Please do not try to protect your property or gather your belongings. Get out and move to higher ground immediately,” the Village of Ruidoso posted to X.

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Study shows pollutants may contribute to low birth weight in New Mexico

Addison Fulton | July 3

One of New Mexico’s biggest economic industries may also be endangering its youngest residents. The oil and gas industry contributes over $2 billion to the New Mexican economy, according to the Carlsbad Department of Development. However, those industries are significant contributors of “health-damaging air pollutant emissions,” according to PSE Healthy Energy. Oil and gas may also contribute to low birth weights among New Mexican infants, a new University of New Mexico study published in the "Journal of Environmental Management" shows.

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What Biden’s debate performance means for New Mexicans

Addison Fulton and Nate Bernard | July 3

On Thursday, June 27, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in the first debate of a tense presidential race. The ripple effects of Biden’s performance in the debate could impact New Mexicans and local political races. Biden underperformed compared to Trump, voters say: 67% of those who watched the debate said they believed Trump performed better, according to a CNN poll. This is an uptick compared to the 2020 debates, when 39% of voters believed Trump won. Biden seemed unfocused and unenergetic through much of the debate, offering a “shaky performance,” according to the Washington Post.

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UNM invests in funds with shares in Israeli companies

Lily Alexander and Nate Bernard | July 1

The University of New Mexico invests in at least two mutual funds that own shares in Israeli companies, according to a list of investments within the funds obtained by the Daily Lobo through a public records request. UNM also holds bonds in a weapons manufacturer that supplies the Israel Defense Forces — the national military of Israel. This information comes amidst calls by pro-Palestine activists for UNM to divest from companies based in Israel or companies that indirectly aid the Israeli military. The mutual funds — Axiom International Small Cap Equity Fund and BlackRock ACWI ex USA Index — together own shares in 15 companies based in Israel, including defense company Elbit Systems Ltd.

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South Fork and Salt fires burn 40 square miles in south-central New Mexico

Addison Fulton | June 26

The South Fork and Salt fires have burned nearly 40 square miles in south-central New Mexico near Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation as of Tuesday, June 25. Ruidoso residents were allowed to return on Monday, June 24, as 29 people remained unaccounted for, Mayor Lynn Crawford said during a local radio program that day. The South Fork Fire was 54% contained and the Salt Fire was 38% contained as of June 25, according to New Mexico Fire Information. Over 1,000 personnel are assisting.

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Pro-Palestine protesters arrested during April SUB occupation begin trials (updated)

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | June 26

On Monday, June 17, the pro-Palestine protesters who were arrested during the April 29-30 occupation of the Student Union Building began their virtual bench trials at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. All 16 University of New Mexico students and community members who were arrested during the SUB occupation were charged with criminal trespass and wrongful use of public property — with the exception of UNM alumni and former Kiva Club vice president Siihasin Hope, who was additionally charged with criminal trespass involving damage. The UNM Dean of Students Office said the SUB sustained $40,000 in damages during its occupation, according to a letter written by the office and distributed to protesters. According to a post by the UNM Palestine Solidarity Camp Instagram, liability for these damages has been placed on Hope.

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Heat advisories issued throughout New Mexico as monsoon season begins

Shin Thant Hlaing | June 22

Heat advisory warnings have been issued in several parts of New Mexico as a heat wave bakes the Southwest United States. Albuquerque reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit on June 13 – the third time the city has hit 100 degrees so far in June, according to the National Weather Service. Monsoon season, marked by a change in wind direction that brings more rain and storms to the Southwest, began Saturday, June 15 and will last through September 30. This year’s monsoon season will be hotter than average, according to KRQE.

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UNM researchers discover new species, answer Darwinian question

Marcela Johnson | June 17

Previously considered all one species, the giant hummingbird group is actually made up of two distinct species, according to a study published last month. The study, published in the journal “PNAS” in collaboration with the University of New Mexico and the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), answered centuries-old questions about giant hummingbirds. In 1834, naturalist Charles Darwin wrote about not knowing where the birds went after they bred, according to lead researcher Jessie Williamson. “This has been a question that has been outstanding in the literature for a very, very long time,” Williamson said. “Darwin was the first person to actually note it in a publication.”

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F-35 fighter jet crashes near Sunport

Nate Bernard | June 12

An F-35 Lightning II fighter jet crashed near the Albuquerque Sunport shortly after takeoff on May 28. The aircraft’s pilot ejected from the jet shortly before its crash and sustained serious injuries, but was hospitalized and is in stable condition, according to Aerotime Hub. The aircraft was on the way to Edwards Air Force Base located in Southern California, according to CBS News. A supervisor of air operations for a cargo handler at the Sunport, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, witnessed the crash.

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New Mexico uncommitted vote doubles since last democratic primary

Lily Alexander and Nate Bernard | June 7

On Tuesday, June 4, in the New Mexico primary elections, 10% of registered democrats voted “uncommitted” for their chosen presidential candidate. This was about double the number of those who voted uncommitted in the 2020 primary elections. The elections coincided with a national movement to vote uncommitted due to President Joe Biden’s administration’s policies on Israel, according to Rhi Mauldin, a volunteer at the campaign Vote Uncommitted New Mexico. This movement contributed significantly to the rise in uncommitted voters this election, Mauldin said.

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A guide to the New Mexico presidential and House of Representatives primary elections

Nate Bernard | June 3

On June 4, New Mexico will hold its primary elections during which voters will be able to choose their preferred party candidate for United States president and New Mexico U.S. representative, as well as state Senate and representative seats. New Mexico has a closed primary, meaning voters can only vote within the party they are registered as. Voters who are not affiliated with the major parties – the Democratic Party, Republican Party and Libertarian Party – will not be able to vote in the primary election. To change party affiliation, a voter must complete a new voter registration form and submit it to the county clerk, Secretary of State’s Office or online.

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“Rally for Rafah” held during New Student Orientation

Nate Bernard and Paloma Chapa | June 3

University of New Mexico students, alumni and community members held a pro-Palestine rally on UNM main campus during the first session of First-Year Summer 2024 New Student Orientation on Thursday, May 30. The rally followed a May 26 attack by the Israeli army on Rafah, where at least 45 people sheltering in tents located in a “safe area” were killed, according to Al Jazeera. During the rally, UNM alumni and former College Democrats President Rakin Faruk spoke about the circulation of videos that show the attack on Rafah. “We have become so desensitized to these videos on our phones but the Palestinians that are suffering this brutality are not desensitized to what they're facing every day,” Faruk said.

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Pro-Palestine protesters speak at last Regents meeting of the semester

Paloma Chapa | May 19

Board of Regents meeting of the semester, calling for the university to cut financial ties with Israel and criticizing the police response to the recent demonstrations on campus. At 10 a.m., protesters rallied at Zimmerman Plaza then marched to the Student Union Building. They filled the ballroom where the meeting took place, holding signs and Palestinian flags. Nearly 100 people signed up for public comment, according to Ernesto Longa, a professor at UNM School of Law. The BOR limited public comment to 30 minutes – allotting 15 minutes to “each side,” Longa said.

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Seven arrested as police dismantle UNM Palestine solidarity encampment

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | May 16

On the morning of Wednesday, May 15, University of New Mexico police arrested seven people – two of them students – while dismantling the UNM Palestine solidarity encampment at the Duck Pond. New Mexico State Police dressed in riot gear participated. The arrests followed a University-wide email from President Garnett Stokes on Tuesday, May 14, demanding the encampment be taken down by 5 p.m. that day. At 5 a.m. on May 15, UNM staff delivered notices signed by Stokes to protesters who remained at the site, ordering them to vacate the premises within the hour.

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Solidarity encampment demands divestment from Israel

Nate Bernard | May 13

The University of New Mexico Palestine solidarity encampment, since its formation at the Duck Pond on April 22, has supported the employment of a divestment resolution from Israel. The resolution seeks to begin the process of disclosing investments the University has that support Israel. It also aims to halt those investments, which would cut economic ties between UNM and Israel – a process known as divestment. The resolution was submitted to Board of Regents (BOR) Chair Kim Rael by the UNM Divestment Coalition, which consists of UNM College Democrats, Law Students Against Imperialism and 37 other student organizations and advocacy groups not affiliated with UNM. It follows the Israel-Hamas War, during which at least 35,000 Palestinians have been killed as of May 12, according to Al Jazeera.

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The SUB’s history with anti-war protest

Lily Alexander and Nate Bernard | May 13

On May 8, 1970, after three days of occupying the Student Union Building in protest of the Vietnam War, 131 University of New Mexico students were arrested. Fifty-four years later, 16 protesters were arrested after they occupied the SUB in solidarity with Palestine amidst the war in Gaza. The Vietnam War protests at UNM followed United States President Richard Nixon’s order to invade Cambodia on April 31, 1970, according to a UNM timeline. UNM President Ferrel Heady sent a telegram to Nixon disapproving of the invasion, according to a Daily Lobo article from May 6, 1970.