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C&J debates undergoing accreditation

Kyle Land | January 24

Heads of the University of New Mexico Communication & Journalism department are uncertain whether or not they will go forward with being re-accredited by an outside organization due to the cost and demanding requirements. The department first received accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) in 1955. The ACEJMC’s task is to accredit professional journalism and mass communication programs at universities and colleges across the country, according to the council’s website. Departments and programs are not required to go through the accreditation process.

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Tense debate dominates ASUNM meeting

Justin Garcia | January 24

A long and confrontational debate arose in the Associated Students of University of New Mexico’s first full senate meeting of the semester. The debate regarded a $650 line item of an over $3,000 appropriation for LoboTHON after it was announced that ASUNM will be operating with an $99,852 budget. Last semester, ASUNM appropriated roughly $30,000. LoboTHON was eventually awarded $3,189 for costs associated with the group’s yearly dance marathon and travel fees for a conference in July. LoboTHON is a student organisation that raises money for the UNM Children's Hospital.

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UNM professors work to save New Mexico's water

Megan Holmen | January 24

In a recent University of New Mexico community outreach project, “New Mexico Water: What our Next Leaders Need to Know,” UNM professors called upon recent Governor-Elect Michelle Lujan Grisham to protect New Mexico’s water. Recommendations from the project include: increased involvement in water issues by Lujan Grisham, assuring appropriate regulatory programs from federal agencies, addressing climate change and providing financial assistance to small communities to meet water needs. Bruce Thomson, one of the organizers of the conference that produced the project and a research professor in the Civil Engineering Department at UNM, said each year UNM holds a water conference and the most recent one focused on recommendations for the new governor.

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Photo Story: Opening Day of the New Mexico Legislature

Danielle Prokop and Anthony Jackson | January 23

Opening day of the New Mexico State Legislature saw packed hallways, handshakes and lots of kids. The November election brought Democrats control of the governorship and greater control of the House of Representatives. Before opening day, almost 500 bills were pre-filed. Some of those bills are making a second appearance thanks in part to a veto or pocket veto from former-Governor Susana Martinez.

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Hemp legalization may boost New Mexican economy

Andrew Gunn | January 22

After a multiple decade-long hiatus from New Mexico’s agricultural fields, industrial hemp is growing anew in state soil. On Dec. 11, 2018, the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve the Hemp Cultivation Rule, making it legal once again for New Mexican farmers to cultivate the controversial, but lucrative, crop. Hemp, one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa species without the high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component that causes the “high” when cannabis is consumed recreationally or medicinally. Hemp’s return to the state comes after a nearly 100-year absence, according to Agricultural and Environmental Services Division Director Brad Lewis.

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Albuquerque Women's March holds third annual event

Megan Holmen | January 22

Burqueños gathered at Civic Plaza for the 2019 Albuquerque’s Women’s March on Jan. 20. People from all communities and walks of life came together for a common cause — women’s rights. The rally featured keynote speakers including: Samia Assad the Albuquerque Women’s March chair, U.S. Congresswoman Deb Haaland, Public Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, a variety of University of New Mexico professors and other speakers. The Albuquerque Women’s March is held in conjunction with other marches held in cities across the nation, including the national Women’s March in Washington D.C. This was the third year of the march and was dubbed the “Women’s Wave.”

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Local museum hosts viewing for blood moon

Luisa Pennington | January 22

On Jan. 20, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science opened its doors after-hours for a special viewing of the supermoon total eclipse. Starting at 8:30 p.m., more than 1,000 museum visitors were welcomed into the museum’s campus to view the phenomenon until 11:30 p.m. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon moves into the Earth’s shadow. When this happens a dark red interior color is reflected. They don’t happen often because normally the moon moves slightly over or under the shadow when it’s on the far side of the Earth from the sun, according to The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. At 8:34 p.m. the Partial Eclipse began and guests began to arrive. Crowds began to form on the museum grounds and and on the observatory deck. To get a closer look at the supermoon, telescopes were provided by the museum and Albuquerque Astronomical Society for visitors to enjoy.

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New Mexico worst in the nation for child well-being

Justin Garcia | January 22

New Mexico continues to be ranked last in the country in child-well being, according to a report released Tuesday written by New Mexico Voices for Children. For the second time in five years, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count program ranked New Mexico 50th for child well-being. The Kids Count also ranked New Mexico 49th in economic well-being, 50th in education and 48th in health. The report cited what it called the austerity policies of the past decade for the low rankings. “With a brand-new governor,” the report reads, “this is the perfect time to change our course – to turn from austerity onto a road to opportunity.“ In nearly all cases, Hispanic and Native American children were more likely to be experiencing hardships compared to non-Hispanic whites.

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Lujan Grisham kicks off 54th NM Legislature

Danielle Prokop and Anthony Jackson | January 17

The marble halls of the Roundhouse were buzzing Tuesday, the first day of the 54th New Mexico Legislature, as thousands from around the state convened for opening-day festivities. Family members, lobbyists, constituents, journalists and activists came for the swearing-in of legislators, and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s much-anticipated State of the State Address. People jammed the halls hours before noon as security guards searched bags and pockets before allowing people to sit in the House gallery.

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Here's who might be UNM's next Student Regent

Kyle Land | January 17

The process for selecting a new Student Regent differs from the process of selecting of any other person for the Board, with both the Associated Students of UNM and the Graduate and Professional Student Association producing nominees for the position. UNM President Garnett Stokes then interviews the candidates and sends the list to the Governor’s Office. Lujan Grisham will then pick one student as her official nominee, which acquires approval by the Senate.

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CJ Department cancels required class for semester

Makayla Grijalva | January 17

Video Journalism, CJ 360, was cut from the course schedule due to low enrollment. David Weiss, Communications and Journalism department chair, said only four students had registered for the course prior to its cancellation. Weiss said in order for the College of Arts and Sciences to keep a course scheduled there must be a minimum of at least 15 students to register for the class. However, sometimes exceptions can be made if enrollment is close to that amount.

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ASUNM holds first meetings of the semester

Justin Garcia | January 17

As students settle back into normal class routines, senators of the Associated Students of the University of New Mexico held their first round of committee meetings for the Spring 2019 semester. Before the meeting, Vice President Emily Wilks appointed new leaders to ASUNM’s three committees. Sen. Holly Gallegos was appointed chair the Finance Committee, Sen. Mohammed Assad to the Steering & Rules Committee and Sen. Emerald Goranson to chair the Outreach & Appointments Committee.

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UNM alumni open bookstore in Nob HIll

Megan Holmen | January 17

A brand new books-without-batteries bookstore has opened in the Nob Hill area. Family owned, Organic Books recently opened its doors in a part of town that hasn’t had a bookstore in decades. The Brewer family owns and operates the shop. Seth Brewer, who graduated from the University of New Mexico last spring, said the idea for the store’s name came from the value of reading physical paper books and not just picking up a tablet or a phone to consume literature.

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Regents remain a hot topic in government

Danielle Prokop | January 17

It’s no secret that one of the more pressing issues facing New Mexico is education. In higher education specifically, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has an unprecedented number of university governing positions to fill. At the University of New Mexico, she will have to replace five of seven regents whose terms have expired.

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UNM opens semester with Welcome Back Day

Megan Holmen | January 17

Welcome Back Day is a long standing UNM tradition where students can learn more about departments, Greek life, student services and even jobs. On Jan. 16, students gathered in the Student Union Building atrium for complimentary drinks, snacks, free glam and a plethora of different information.

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Mayor Keller gives first State of the City Address

Anthony Jackson and Justin Garcia | January 14

As the opening riff to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” thundered throughout the room, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller walked to the lectern, giving his first State of the City Address. Keller lauded what he said were many accomplishments of his administration, including improved crime rates, police reforms and an improved economic outlook. “We woke up a few years ago to a city that had gradually slipped behind, worked our way to the top of the bad rankings and bottom of the good,” Keller said. He cited Albuquerque’s 2018 crime statistics which saw a nearly 30 percent decrease in auto burglaries, a 30 percent decrease in auto theft, and an almost 20 percent decrease in commercial and residential burglary. Homicide and robbery saw about a 10 percent decrease according to a 2018 report compiled by the City of Albuquerque.

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UNM Athletics hires risk management firm

Danielle Prokop | January 14

Beebe runs a firm offering services for universities to analyze policies and procedures. The firm also provides training, assessment and consulting services to deal with alleged discrimination, retaliation, bullying, sexual misconduct, hazing, NCAA violations, academic fraud and financial impropriety.

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How the NM Legislature might affect UNM

Madison Spratto | January 14

The first session for the 54th New Mexico Legislature will have its opening day Jan. 15, beginning at noon.

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ASUNM offers lobbying training for students ahead of UNM Day

Anthony Jackson | January 14

University of New Mexico students will receive lobbying training in an effort to protect a component of the Lottery Scholarship for the upcoming 2019 UNM Day at the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe. All students are welcome to receive a one day training session on Jan. 17 or Jan. 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Student Union Building in the Fiesta room. The event, hosted by the Governmental Affairs branch of the Associated Students of UNM, expects upwards of 30 students to go to the Roundhouse on Jan. 28, said Libertie Green, the executive director of governmental affairs.

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Albuquerque gives resident chance to recycle Christmas trees

Megan Holmen | January 12

Residents living in the Albuquerque area have the opportunity to recycle their live christmas trees now through Jan. 13 through the City of Albuquerque, Solid Waste Management, Parks and Recreation and Power New Mexico’s “Treecycling” program. The program is free and residents have three metro area locations to choose where they drop off their tree for recycling.