Leila Chapa

The history of paleontology in New Mexico

New Mexico, once a place of flood plains and swamps, has been home to many dinosaur discoveries. This is largely due to the state’s geographical history, according to three experts. One dinosaur was identified in January as a new subspecies of Tyrannosaurus that predates the T. Rex by up to 7 million years. The discovery of T. mcraeensis resulted from a study of a jaw and partial skull fossil that were found in the 1980s-90s by boaters and museum staff in southern New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

UNM students and alumni receive sanctions following pro-Palestine demonstration

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.

Heavy rains, burn scars cause flash floods in Ruidoso area

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.

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

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.

Greg Hurst is an influential part of the NM United family

Before he was the club’s top goal-scorer, Greg Hurst had a journey representing many clubs. In 2023, he committed to representing the black and yellow. Born and raised in Stirling, Scotland, Hurst grew up playing soccer with his family, starting at an early age. “Soccer has always been something that’s been in my family. My brother played, my dad played, so just out in the backyard playing with my brother and my dad, I fell in love with it. At that point and from then on, I figured that’s what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, hopefully,” Hurst said.

Seven arrested as police dismantle UNM Palestine solidarity encampment

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.

State representatives call for solidarity with UNM pro-Palestine encampment

Two New Mexico representatives sent letters to University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes in solidarity with the pro-Palestine Duck Pond encampment, the longest standing protest in UNM history, on Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8. Stokes visited the encampment on Thursday, May 9. In their letters, Representative Eleanor Chávez and Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero expressed concerns about New Mexico State Police using excessive force on protesters who occupied the Student Union Building April 29-30. They also asked Stokes to meet and work with the students who drafted the Israel divestment resolution.

Mt. Olive Baptist Church has served Albuquerque’s Black community since before New Mexico’s statehood 

When Tabytha Watson moved to New Mexico from Texas in 1898, the state did not have a Baptist church. To fill that need, Watson began organizing prayer days and Sunday school classes in her Albuquerque home located on Fourth St. and Copper Ave., according to Historic Fairview Cemetery. However, her ministry didn’t end there. One year later, Watson sought expansion and led the formation of the Mount Olive Baptist Church. Together with her church members, Watson raised enough funds to purchase a $135 lot on Lead Ave. Soon after, services moved from Watson’s home to the new building in Downtown Albuquerque, according to Historic Fairview Cemetery. Today, Mt. Olive is recognized as the first Black Baptist Church to open its doors in New Mexico.

VIDEO STORY: Pro-Palestine rally amidst protestor trials held during New Student Orientation

Protesters held a rally and march in support of Palestine at the UNM Bookstore during New Student Orientation on Thursday, June 27. The rally took place amidst the trials of protesters who were arrested during the April 29-30 occupation of the Student Union Building Read more here

VIDEO STORY: Albuquerque Pride Parade

VIDEO STORY: Pro-Palestine protesters march at second New Student Orientation

VIDEO STORY: "Rally for Rafah" held during UNM New Student Orientation

VIDEO STORY: Pro-Palestine Protesters speak at final Regents meeting of the semester.

VIDEO STORY: UNM and state police dismantle UNM Palestine solidarity encampment

Read full story here

Pro-Palestine protestors speak with President Stokes in Scholes Hall

UNM students and community members protest outside President Garnett Stokes’ office in Scholes Hall on Monday, May 6. Protesters taped photos of Palestinians who were killed in Gaza on the wall, as well as speaking with Stokes personally.

VIDEO STORY: Grad workers picket for higher wages

The United Graduate Workers of UNM picket for higher wages on the UNM campus on Wednesday, May 1.

Pro-Palestine protestors occupy the SUB

UNM community protests and camps in solidarity with other college campuses for Palestine