Paloma Chapa

Los Poblanos hosts lecture on migratory birds

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, Laura Banks, president of the nonprofit Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico, spoke about migratory birds to a nearly full audience at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. Banks told the Daily Lobo that during this time of year, the most visible birds in New Mexico are sandhill cranes, Canada geese, waterfowl and different species of ducks. Migratory birds almost double their body weight during migration season to store fat, which they use as fuel while flying, according to Banks.

Protesters gather and march after Trump’s reelection

On Nov. 11, community members and activists rallied in Downtown Albuquerque and marched against fascism following former president Donald Trump’s reelection. Fascism is a “far-right, authoritarian political philosophy that exalts nation and race above the individual,” according to The Associated Press. Fascist governments are associated with having a dictatorial leader, according to Merriam-Webster. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump’s former chief of staff called Trump a far-right authoritarian who falls into the general definition of fascist.

Explora hosts night full of fungi and fermentations

On Friday, Nov. 15, during Explora’s Adult Night, local fungi and fermentation vendors gave visitors a taste of mushrooms, mold and fermented foods. Visitors could taste kombucha and koji, enjoy local beer and wine, and take home a sample of fermented vegetables while also enjoying the science activities Explora offers. Explora partnered with the Fermentation and Fungi Fest to bring several vendors, including Enchanted Farms Mushrooms, Ecologica, New Mexico Ferments and Sheehan Winery to the “fermentastic” night.

Winter storm leaves thousands of New Mexicans without power, trees damaged

On Thursday, Nov. 7, a winter storm caused 50,000 people to lose power throughout the northern half of New Mexico. Impacted areas included Albuquerque, Valencia County, Santa Fe County and Sandoval County, according to Public Service Company of New Mexico spokesperson Jeff Buell. The University of New Mexico and Albuquerque Public Schools were closed on Nov. 7 due to the snow. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared two statewide emergecies Nov. 7, providing $1.5 million to state agencies that were responding to the impacts of the storm, according to a press release.

New Mexico Election Day recap

Former President Donald Trump won the presidential election on Wednesday, Nov. 6, after winning enough electoral college votes. Vice President Kamala Harris won New Mexico by about 50,000 votes, according to The Associated Press. Republicans also took control of the United States Senate. Control of the U.S. House of Representatives had not been called by 8 a.m. Wednesday. Here’s how the U.S. Senate and congressional races went in New Mexico.

Protesters march against Trump's Albuquerque visit

On Thursday, Oct. 31, protesters marched at CSI Aviation in Albuquerque, where former President Donald Trump was making a campaign stop. The protest was organized by the Albuquerque Party for Socialism and Liberation in rejection of Trump’s visit to New Mexico. It focused on criticizing Trump’s stance on immigration, uplifting the working class and ending the war in Gaza. The group of about 40 protesters marched down Clark Carr Road toward where Trump was speaking, until a line of Albuquerque Police Department officers blocked off the road. Protesters chanted and rallied there before marching back.

Officers on leave after fatally shooting a man in handcuffs

On Oct. 18, an Albuquerque Police Department officer fatally shot 39-year-old Matthew “Solo” Garcia while he was handcuffed in the back of a police car outside the Tewa Lodge, according to body camera footage shared by the Albuquerque Journal. Garcia’s father, Fred Garcia, told the Daily Lobo that he spoke with his son the day before the incident. “I got to tell him I love him one last time, but I wish it would have never been just one more time,” he said. “I would have given anything for it to be forever.”

Pro-Palestine speakers question new public comment rules for Regents meetings

On Thursday, Oct. 17, the University of New Mexico Board of Regents held its second open session of the semester on South Campus, after which protesters chalked the sidewalks and delayed two officials from driving off the premises. Prior to the meeting, some people who had signed up to speak at public comment received rejection emails from the Regents office. The emails informed them that public comment was allowed from seven speakers per topic, and that the seven slots were already filled.

New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District: Gabe Vasquez

Incumbent Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D) is running for reelection against former Rep. Yvette Herrell for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District — which encompasses most of southern New Mexico, including the United States-Mexico border. Vasquez is a former Las Cruces city councilor. Vasquez is running for his second term in Congress this year after defeating former congresswoman Yvette Herrell by just over 1,200 votes during the 2022 midterm election, according to Source NM.

Bond question one: Senior Citizens Facilities

The Senior Citizens Facilities Bond Issue on the New Mexico ballot will issue $30.75 million to upgrade facilities for senior citizens if it passes. Funds would go to the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department to upgrade senior citizen facilities across the state. Upgrades would include meals, building renovations, equipment installation and transportation services, according to House Bill 308.

VIDEO STORY: Albuquerque community marches against Trump's reelection

VIDEO STORY: Protesters march and rally against Trump's Albuquerque visit

VIDEO STORY: Family of Matthew "Solo" Garcia joins march against police violence

VIDEO STORY: What issues matter to students in the 2024 election?

VIDEO STORY: UNM students hold walkout for Palestine

VIDEO STORY: Pro-Palestine protesters form blockade, raise Palestinian flag ahead of Oct. 7

VIDEO STORY: Rally held at UNM bookstore in support of Palestine and Lebanon

VIDEO STORY: 2024 New Mexico Climate Strike

VIDEO STORY: El Centro de la Raza welcomes back students with annual 'Raza Junta' event

VIDEO STORY: Regents meeting held at UNM Valencia campus