Megan Holmen

Being aware of red flags in relationships

The phrase “red flags” refers to warning signs that occur in interpersonal relationships before it is overtly clear that the relationship is toxic, dangerous or abusive.  According to Psychology Today, red flags can be extremely subtle but some might be more obvious. Either way, red flags can be the first indicators that any interpersonal relationship — and not just romantic ones — could become emotionally, physically or sexually abusive. Most people  have experienced red flags during their lifetime, even if they don’t realize it.When they are noticed, they might only be visible to the person on the receiving end and not the people around them outside of the relationship. 

S&R: UNM Midwifery program provides reproductive health services to women

The University of New Mexico Hospital offers patient-centered reproductive healthcare to women and their partners through the UNM Midwife program. The program provides personalized care during pregnancy and basic reproductive care even when children are not part of life’s plan. “Midwives play such a vital role in women’s reproductive health,” said UNM psychology major Angela Cox. “They can provide you with basic reproductive care whether or not you plan to have children. They are more than just a nurse and very much needed to help women feel safe and protected during the most vulnerable times.” 

Early voting to be held in Albuquerque

As municipal election season approaches, multiple locations across Albuquerque will open for early voting on Oct. 19. Several of these locations are close enough to the University of New Mexico that students who are ready to vote now can head to the polls now.  Several offices are up for election this voting season including four city council districts. Districts two, four, six and eight have new candidates as well as incumbents running for reelection, with the exception of Brad Winter, an incumbent for District 4 who will not be running. Pat Davis, who is the current city council member representing UNM constituents, is running for reelection against Gina Davis.

Grecian festival brings in Albuquerque community to celebrate Greek culture

Opa! Aromatic, authentic Greek food, upbeat lyrical music, the sound of people laughing and heels clacking against the dance floor — thousands came out to the Albuquerque Grecian Festival over the weekend. The festival, located in downtown Albuquerque at the Greek Orthodox Church off of High Street, is held the first weekend of October every year. It features traditional Greek food and dance shows, a craft fair, a children’s carnival area, cooking lessons and dance lessons — all with the aim to immerse the Albuquerque community in Greek culture. Mary Anne Kay, an active member of the community and volunteer, runs a booth at the festival. Kay said she has been doing this for many years and is passionate about it.

Species in Peril: Downtown exhibit spotlights biological crisis

Inside of the 516 ARTS gallery in Downtown Albuquerque, the Species in Peril art exhibit aims to bring recognition and acknowledgement to the pressing issue of biological extinction focusing on the Rio Grande watershed. The collaborative project is centered in Albuquerque but has satellite exhibits up and down the Rio Grande watershed. Along the 1,885 mile long span of the river, thousands of species are threatened by human activity directly or indirectly. Human activity often reduces their habitats, threatening them with extinction. These species include large mammals like the American bison, which historically lived on both the river in the United States and Mexico, and the endangered silvery minnow, which used to have an expansive range but has now been reduced to just a few miles in central New Mexico.

Where to get your flu shot

The University of New Mexico Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) will be holding a flu shot clinic on Tuesday Oct. 1 and Wednesday Oct. 2 in memory of UNM student Raymond Plotkin who passed away after contracting the H1N1 virus in 2009. The event is called #takeoneforRaymond. The event is open to students, staff and faculty who are 18 years old and up, but will only continue while supplies last, according to SHAC's website. SHAC holds free flu shot days because college students are at risk of contracting the virus — and a simple flu shot can prevent this.  Students can get their free flu shots in the Student Union Building Atrium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Best milkshakes around UNM

Eating with Wolves is back and shaking things up with another review from the staff at the Daily Lobo. Editors Amanda Britt, Megan Holmen and Alanie Rael rated local restaurants in the Downtown and EDo districts on both their chocolate and speciality milkshakes. As temperatures get colder and fall approaches, Standard Diner, Holy Burger and 66 Diner all offer great options for this end of summer favorite. Each milkshake was rated on the following criteria: taste, atmosphere, service and presentation.

Global climate strike rallies Albuquerque environmentalists

Burqueños gathered in downtown Albuquerque on Sept. 20 for the 2019 Climate Strike, which was also held concurrently in cities across the world. Climate change, drawing attention from millions across the world, was the driving force behind Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller’s public announcement in a meeting earlier this week that the City of Albuquerque passed a motion “Endorsing The Declaration Of A Climate Emergency, Creating A Climate Action Plan For The City Of Albuquerque.” “We have a plan to get to 100% renewable energy within the next 6 years... This emergency is about action,” Keller said. Keller said while other governments continue to use non-renewable resources, Albuquerque will be a leader and innovator in reducing its carbon footprint.

Trump comes to New Mexico

RIO RANCHO — President Donald Trump held a campaign rally Monday in support of his 2020 presidential reelection bid, drawing a crowd of over 8,000, including protesters. It was ultimately a peaceful affair, although words flew between protesters and Trump supporters outside the Santa Ana Star Center on Sept. 16, 2019. Outside, around 200 protesters gathered in a designated “peaceful assembly” area with signs reading “Dump Trump,” “Trump Hates Green Chile and the Constitution” and “stop pretending your racism is patriotic,” among others.

Trump campaign rally in Rio Rancho tonight

President Donald Trump will travel to the Land of Enchantment this week to hold a rally in preparation for his 2020 presidential campaign. Trump will be at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho on Monday, Sept. 16, and both the City of Albuquerque and the City of Rio Rancho are preparing for the event. The rally is expected to draw thousands. All Rio Rancho city offices will be closed on Monday, and Rio Rancho public schools will similarly be shuttered for the day. The Rio Rancho Police headquarters and Municipal Court will also be closed — however, Bernalillo County offices in downtown Albuquerque will remain open until 2 p.m.

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A man serves freshly cooked Grecian food to a family.

Norway fjord, Sognefjord.

Photo by Megan Holmen, taken while traveling abroad.