Shin Thant Hlaing - The Daily Lobo

News

UNM considering increasing paid parental leave for staff

Shin Thant Hlaing | March 9

A resolution to extend the paid parental leave period from four to 12 weeks paid was passed by the Staff Council, a body representing University of New Mexico Staff. On Friday, March 6, the University Policy Office released a policy update for internal review that would increase allotted paid leave for UNM staff to eight weeks. According to the policy update, UNM is looking to offer eight weeks of paid leave for staff. It will take approximately two weeks to hear if it will be officially adopted after the initial 30-day comment period. It is also possible for the updated policy to go into a second round of internal review, or become available for public comment.

News

REVIEW: ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ a required watch for non-moms, caretakers

Shin Thant Hlaing | February 23

“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” is an Oscar-nominated dramedy or tragic comedy, but I feel the urge to classify it as “realistic horror.” The realistic horror of the film thrives on suffocating the protagonist, not in a literal sense, but by brilliantly illuminating the ways responsibility can feel crushing. Through exploring themes of parenthood and escapism, the movie becomes a must-watch for those who seek to explore the struggles of child-rearing. Directed and written by Mary Bronstein, the film follows Linda, a therapist played by Rose Byrne, who is not isolated in the conventional sense, but rendered helpless by a minimal income, an absent husband and an ailing child. There are no meaningful sources of “help,” and Linda finds herself feeling past capacity.

Sports

Sprinter and student Kahari Wilbon perseveres toward goals

Shin Thant Hlaing | February 16

Coming off back-to-back personal bests for 400 meters and entering seventh place on the University of New Mexico’s all time indoor track list, Kahari Wilbon has had a running start to the year. As a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, his studies and athletic endeavors cross-pollinate, allowing him to achieve successes in both, Wilbon said. “The principles that come within marketing are perseverance, being able to do more than one thing and keep yourself oriented while multi-tasking and making sure you have a strategic and proven plan to make sure you are the most successful you can be,” Wilbon said.

Culture

UNM Japanese bean scattering brings Spring and good fortune

Shin Thant Hlaing | February 9

In an event bringing both spring and good luck for the upcoming year, Japanese traditions were brought to the University of New Mexico through a bean scattering event open to all. The Monday, Feb. 2, event featured a presentation, followed by an origami box making workshop, tossing soybeans at participant volunteers donning ‘oni,’ or demon masks, and eating roasted soybeans corresponding to their age. The UNM Language Learning Center event featured a presentation by Mami McCrew, UNM Department of Language, Cultures, and Literatures Professor, on the Setsubun festival itself. Setsubun, meaning “seasonal division,” is usually celebrated on the last day of winter or before the start of spring, according to Uwajimaya.

News

ASUNM President announces transportation, AI initiatives

Shin Thant Hlaing | February 2

The Associated Students at the University of New Mexico kicked off the spring semester with a number of announcements from ASUNM President Andrew Norton on executive priorities at the first full senate meeting of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Many of the initiatives involved student transportation, both for those with and without a personal vehicle. Among these initiatives were the creation of a student parking committee, an “alternative parking system” and an increase in funding for parking and the potential for a partnership with Uber. The Uber partnership would be focused on providing free or reduced fares for students using the app within a 10-mile radius of the campus.

News

Student government previews legislative priorities

Shin Thant Hlaing | January 26

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, students and staff from the University of New Mexico will participate in “UNM Day,” an annual event at the state legislature meant to increase the University’s lobbying presence at the capitol. This year, the legislative priorities of the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico are the “Basic Needs Fund,” an upcoming bill meant to address non-academic barriers to education access, and a Capital Outlay request to improve parking security for T-Lot and P-Lot.

News

City councilor, UNM Researchers collaborate on food security research

Shin Thant Hlaing | October 13

How long would it take you to access fresh food? How much money for gas would be added to the cost of your groceries? How much time would you spend walking, or on buses? For residents of Albuquerque’s International District the answer is unfortunately simple: too long. But now, that could change for the better. On Oct. 2, a collaboration between district six City Councilor Nicole Rogers and researchers from the University of New Mexico based in the Sustainability Studies Department was announced.

News

New Instagram Map feature draws backlash from attorneys general, legislators and users

Shin Thant Hlaing | August 25

On Aug. 13, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr co-led a letter to Instagram regarding its new live location sharing maps feature. Among Torrez and Carr, 35 other attorneys general signed onto this letter, which claimed the feature raised “public safety and data privacy concerns — particularly for vulnerable users, including children and survivors of domestic violence,” the letter reads. This feature was intended to be a “lightweight” way to connect with each other and is automatically turned off unless users choose to opt in, according to Meta. The feature allows users to share their location with people they follow back. Users can also hide their location from certain people or hide their location when they are in certain places.

News

REVIEW: New music from Marina is introspective yet flashy

Shin Thant Hlaing | July 30

After ten years of waiting, Marina fans have finally gotten what they asked for — the release of the 12th track written for “FROOT,” Marina’s third album — on its tenth anniversary. This release follows a new album by Marina, titled “Princess of Power,” on June 6. Marina — formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds — is most widely known for songs like “Prima Donna Girl,” “How to be a Heart Breaker” and “Bublegum Bitch,” popularizing overtly campy, quirky and over-the-top music and aesthetics.

News

Harvest Market soon to come to International District

Shin Thant Hlaing | July 21

Construction for an outdoor grower’s market coming to the International District has broken ground this summer with hopes of revitalizing the area. The project will be allocated approximately $1 million to support the market, which would feature vendors of produce and art. The funding for the project comes from City Councilor Nicole Rogers’ Government Obligation bond for 2025. A Government Obligation Bond is $1.5 million that a City Councilor has the ability to spend on a project of their choice.