Daily l obo
Education Department launches investigation into UNM for ‘race-exclusionary practices’
Investigation will have a ‘huge chilling effect,’ education law attorney says
By Lily Alexander & Nate Bernard @llilyalexander & @natebernard14
This article was originally published on March 24.
On March 14, the U.S. Education Department Office for Civil Rights announced investigations into 45 universities across the country, including the University of New Mexico, for allegedly engaging in “race-exclusionary practices” in their graduate programs.
In its announcement, the department alleged that the universities violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by partnering with a nonprofit that supports historically underrepresented candidates in obtaining Ph.D.s. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal funding.
The Education Department also initiated investigations into six universities for allegedly awarding race-based scholarships, and one university for allegedly having a program that “segregates students on the basis of race.”
The investigations follow a Feb. 14 Education Department Office for Civil Rights memo that directed educational institutions to end race-based programs or risk losing federal funding.
In a statement to the Daily Lobo, UNM Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Cinnamon Blair wrote that the University prohibits unlawful discrimination and will cooperate with the OCR.
It is unclear whether UNM has a partnership with The PhD Project — the nonprofit named in the investigation announcement — and if so, to what extent.
But the Education Department’s investigation can go beyond any potential connection between the two, according to Yolanda Gallegos, an education law attorney who works in New Mexico and nationwide. It does not just have to focus on The PhD Project, she said, and could look into other programs that seek to help minority students.
Gallegos said she believes that UNM, as a Hispanic-serving institution, should be more concerned about the investigation than other universities on the Education Department’s list. The premise of HSIs, historically Black colleges and universities, and tribal colleges and universities is that the United States suffers from systemic racism, she said — but President Donald Trump’s administration’s position is that systemic racism does not exist.
Systemic racism is a form of racism that is deeply embedded in systems, laws, policies and entrenched practices and beliefs, according to an ar-
REVIEW: ‘This
ticle published in the journal “Health Affairs.” Systemic racism creates, condones and perpetuates widespread unfair treatment and oppression of people of color, according to the article.
“When you take away the premise of the present existence of systemic racism, then that means that there is no need for special programs to cater to particular minority groups,” Gallegos said.
As of March 23, the investigations remain ongoing, and no universities have lost federal funding as a direct result of them.
However, the Education Department and other federal departments announced March 7 the cancellation of $400 million in federal grants for Columbia University after launching a different Title VI investigation. This investigation alleged that Columbia — and 59 other universities — failed to protect Jewish students, according to an Education Department press release.
“It’s going to have a huge chilling effect,” Gallegos said. “If you go after one of the most prestigious, powerful universities in the country — Columbia University — and you can scare Columbia, then you can certainly scare the University of New Mexico.”
The Education Department has never before revoked a college’s federal funding over Title VI violations, according to Inside Higher Ed.
In 2024, UNM received $383 mil-
lion from direct and indirect federal funding, Blair told the Daily Lobo last month.
Letters sent by the Office of Civil Rights to the universities under investigation set a March 31 deadline for information about their relationships with The PhD Project, according to The Associated Press. The investigations could take weeks, months or years, Gallegos said.
“The OCR is using the civil rights laws as a means of taking over,” Gallegos said. “It’s using the law not as
a shield to protect students who are being discriminated against. It’s really using it as a sword to bring higher education to its knees.”
Lily Alexander is the former editorin-chief of the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo. com or on X @llilyalexander
Nate Bernard is the news editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @natebernard14
Cathedral of Learning’ — documentary ‘Zimmerman@75: The Campus Heart’ celebrates UNM library
By Addison Fulton @dailylobo
In 2013, Aracely ‘Arcie’ Chapa filmed a documentary about the history of the University of New Mexico’s primary library. Twelve years later, I wanted to revisit this somewhat unknown but deeply heartfelt, fascinating 30-minute documentary.
The original UNM library existed on the first floor of Hodgins Hall, but the need for books and space
quickly outgrew the area. In 1926, a smaller library building was built, but the University quickly outgrew that as well. Zimmerman, which would be UNM’s first proper library, had its groundbreaking in 1936, and it remains as UNM’s largest and center-most library.
In 1904, 34 years before Zimmerman was opened, then-University President William Tight redid Hodgins Hall in the Spanish Pueblo Revival architectural style, taking the opportunity to redesign the building after the roof
became unstable. Hodgins had originally been built in the Grecian style that dominates college architecture in the eastern parts of the United States. Tight, however, felt that style did not reflect UNM. He received pushback, and it wouldn’t be until the 1930s that his architectural dream for UNM would be realized.
In 1933, UNM used the funds it received from Theodore Roosevelt’s New Deal to hire John Gaw Meem — an expert in the Spanish Pueblo style — as campus architect and begin
work on three new buildings: Scholes Hall, the Student Union Building and Zimmerman Library.
Meem was born in Brazil, educated in Virginia and lived in New York until he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Like many diagnosed with tuberculosis did, he moved to New Mexico.
Meem sought to make Zimmerman Library New Mexican, inside and out, taking inspiration from the area’s cultural history and natural resources. Some of the divots in the exterior wall of Zimmerman are deliberate, having been created by gently pummeling the walls to create texture and softness. The interior of the building is full of intricate, too-easily ignored carvings, many of which were made by indigenous students and craftsmen.
“In the era of valuing engineering, there’s so much of this building that simply wouldn’t be permitted,” Andrew Connors, curator of art at the Albuquerque Museum said in the documentary. “The budget would be squeezed out at the last minute.”
The documentary also touched on the “Three Peoples” mural, which was removed because of its somewhat racist undertones creating a hostile study environment.
Interestingly, University leaders and scholars in the 2013 documentary advocated for the mural’s continued display, despite the already brewing controversy seven years before its removal. They cited an importance of
confronting the more painful parts of New Mexico’s history, as well as celebrating the good. That includes the treatment of indigenous and Hispanic people by white people, which the murals depicted. Nevertheless, the murals were removed in 2020.
Things have changed further for Zimmerman since the documentary was made. Most recently, the University added Nap Pods to Zimmerman to allow students to rest. The library celebrated the pods’ ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 15.
For new students coming to UNM and seeking to learn more about their campus, I highly recommend the documentary. It’s almost like a little teaser trailer for the architecture and culture of the university that’s now yours.
However, I recommend the documentary even more strongly to students who have been here for a while. It’s easy to get bitter after years and years of walking in and out of the same buildings day after day and week after week. Reconnecting with the history of the University, however, can spark new appreciation for how all of this got here. Zimmerman Library is not just a place to cram for finals and get frustrated with slow wifi — it’s a part of the history of New Mexico.
Addison Fulton is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Courtesy photo / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
The main entrance of Zimmerman Library facing Smith Plaza on March 11. Axel Smith / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
Preview of a few of UNM’s most popular events
By Lexis Lovato @lovatolexis
Students can look forward to some of the most renowned events returning this fall, such as the Red Rally, Friday Night Live and Silent Lights.
Each of these events are sponsored by the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico — the undergraduate student government of UNM.
Friday Night Live is held in the Student Union Building at the beginning of August during the week before fall courses begin. Free food is offered alongside activities like photo booths, henna tattooing, laser tag and more.
This event is a part of a “Welcome Back” series, which welcome students to the new school year and encourage them to make new friends at the University.
The Red Rally is another popular event for the fall semester. Students
gather at Johnson Field to socialize, listen to live music and most importantly; burn a giant Aggie sculpture as the sun sets.
Setting flame to the Aggie is meant to set a victorious tone for a new year
in rivalry with New Mexico State University. The Aggie typically stands at 25 feet tall and is assembled by students throughout the two weeks prior to the event.
UNM’s Red Rally is one of the
first, and largest, events to take place during the fall semester.
Students are encouraged to show their Lobo pride by wearing cherry red for good luck.
Silent Lights is one of the most popular events organized by ASUNM alongside University Communication and Marketing.
Students gather to listen to music through headphones that can be tuned to stations run by several DJs across three various stages. The event is held every September in front of Zimmerman Library, usually occurring during the evening from 8pm-11pm. Students are allowed to bring 1 non-student guest to Silent Nights.
Typically, UNM expects between 2,500 and 3,500 guests to attend. Because of the limited headphone availability, the event has a cap on how many people can participate at a time. Students should plan on arriving early or should expect a slight wait time before entering.
Fiestas, an event held during the spring semester, is another great example of the kind of events UNM offers to students during the school year. Fiestas is a music concert that is free to students — plus two non-student guests per student — and features local and global music performers.
Fiestas has hosted artists such as B.o.B., YungGravy, Binki, Jason Huber, Cheat Codes, Indigo Waves and plenty more throughout the years. There is usually a big crowd at Fiestas because of the free entry and the opportunity to see different artists every year.
Incoming freshman students can expect to look forward to these traditions during each year they are enrolled at UNM.
Lexis Lovato is a freelance reporter with the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @lovatolexis
UNM cybersecurity team responds to Western New Mexico hacking
By Maria Fernandez @dailylobo
On April 13, Western New Mexico University’s website and digital system experienced a cyberattack, leading to a two-week disruption in web-based services, including Canvas, the WNMU website and the University’s email system.
In the following weeks, news sources including Searchlight New Mexico and Source New Mexico began reporting that a group of foreign
hackers, who identified themselves as “Qilin” in messages displayed on University computers, had taken WNMU’s web services hostage, crippling the University’s ability to process payroll, internet access on campus and jeopardizing sensitive employee information.
As of May 16, WNMU’s website is accessible to the public again and includes a message from the University about the event.
“On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Western New Mexico University detected unusual activity in its IT environment. WNMU promptly
initiated its incident response plan and implemented protective protocols,” reads the announcement from WNMU. “Which included isolating certain systems from the internet. Because of these protective protocols, access to certain WNMU systems and services, including the university’s website, were disrupted.”
According to University of New Mexico IT Information Security and Privacy Officer Jeff Gassaway, the UNM IT team wasn’t immediately aware of the WNMU hacking. Hackers often attack through phishing or infil-
trating systems with critical or highrisk vulnerabilities, Gassaway wrote in a statement to the Daily Lobo.
In a phishing scam, a seemingly well-known source sends an email for confidential information that is then used to gain access to a system, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email, according to the UNM Information Security and Privacy Office.
“Attackers that gain access to an active user’s credentials, for example name, pass phrase, or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) information
can access a system with the role of the person whose credentials they obtain. In addition to that, direct initial account access, attackers can phish other users using the compromised credentials, and/ or connect to other systems, further escalating any intrusion,” Gassaway wrote. “Clearly, this kind of attack is a risk that impacts any kind of institution.”
Vulnerable systems that are not patched or otherwise mitigated in a timely fashion are also a target, since
see Cybersecurity page 7
The crowd at the Silent Lights silent disco in front of Zimmerman Library at UNM on September 2024.
Aaron Beltran / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
By Nate Bernard & Elliott Wood
@natebernard14 & @dailylobo
When we first sat down to watch Andor, we were skeptical. The Star Wars universe has been watered down as of late by Disney’s assembly line of turn-your-brain-off content and we were unsure if Star Wars would ever recover. When Disney announced that they would be creating a show centering around one Cassian Andor, we said, “Who?”
But, after watching the complete show, we are delighted to say that “Andor” is a must-see and one of Star Wars’ best.
The aforementioned “Who?” and the show’s namesake is Cassian Andor — played by Diego Luna — a Rebellion fighter who features heavily as a protagonist in the original Star Wars spin-off film “Rogue One.”
The show follows his origin as an orphaned scavenger and smuggler to being drafted into the growing Rebellion movement.
The tone of the second season,
which aired its finale on May 13, continues in the footsteps of “Rogue One.” It zooms out from well-known characters and focuses on telling the story of The Rebellion taking on the might of an intergalactic regime through the eyes of a select few who lived and died as members of the cause. It flows so well that, if you watch the film right after the final episode of season two, Cassian’s theatrical introduction and the general position of The Rebellion click right into place.
The show boasts an incredibly talented and diverse supporting cast (including the aliens) of Adria Arjona, Denise Gough, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reily and more.
Gough, one of the main antagonists of the show, playing an Imperial Security Bureau agent — the Empire’s version of an FBI/CIA — stands apart with her fantastic portrayal of the banality of evil within a bureaucracy. In preparing for the role, Gough emulated how female psychopaths use others to commit terrible acts, Gough said in Star Wars Andor Season 2 Declassified.
While the show is grounded in the Star Wars universe, this isn’t your typ-
ical Star Wars. There isn’t a lightsaber in sight, and the show is all the better for it. There’s hardly any mention of the Force, and when the characters do speak about it, it’s with skepticism and reservation about its true nature.
“Andor” showrunner and a screenwriter Tony Gilroy discussed how “Andor’s” source material, “Rogue One” writes with apparent indifference towards a Star Wars universe any bigger than Cassian Andor, his Rebellion compatriots and his Empire pursuers. The show consolidates the narrative into one cohesive story — a feature often missing from other projects.
Other Star Wars offshoots like “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “Ahsoka” were impressive storytelling feats in their own right, but they leaned on existing characters much more heavily than “Rogue One” and “Andor,” especially when it came to attracting viewers.
Instead, “Andor” investigates themes of fascism, colonialism and revolution — often basing the material on real-life history such as the Russian Revolution, Haitian Revolution and others, Gilroy said in an
show
NPR interview. This follows suit with the vision George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, had for the original trilogy of movies, with Lucas modeling the protagonists after the guerrilla Viet Cong fighters of the Vietnam
War, as Lucas explained in a segment of James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction.
“Andor” does not deal in moral bisee ‘Andor’ page 10
Go Lobos!
Diego Luna in “Andor.” Courtesy of IMDB.
Courtesy photo / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
LOBO SPORTS
OPINION: The 5 greatest Lobo women’s basketball players
By Jaden McKelvey-Francis @jadenmckelvey
Since the University of New Mexico’s women’s basketball team was officially established in 1974 — 75 years after the founding of the men’s basketball team — and began playing sanctioned games against other collegiate teams, there have been many outstanding players appearing in The Pit. However, these five are the best of the best.
Vianè Cumber, is an honorable mention for this list. The Sandia High School graduate played all four years, from 2021-25 of her collegiate career at UNM and over that career became the all-time leader in threepointers made at the University.
5. Dionne Marsh
4. Jaisa Nunn
The former star center and current graduate assistant for the team was known for her efficiency and rebounding prowess. She broke out in her last two seasons at UNM, averaging 17 and 17.5 points per game in her junior and senior seasons. Nunn also averaged 8.9 rebounds for her career and 10.2 rebounds in her junior season. She played from 2015-19.
3. Cherise Beynon
The 6’1” forward played from 2004-08. She averaged over 13 points per game every one of her four seasons with the Lobos and 14.8 points per game for her career. She managed to make the NCAA tournament every year she was on the roster — part of a seven-year streak where the team made the tournament each year.
Beynon played from 2014-18 and was one of the best guards the Lobos have seen. She averaged 4.7 assists per game, averaging 6.8 assists in her last season, and leading the conference. She could put the ball in the basket, as she averaged 13.5 points per game.
2. Abby Garchek
Garcheck had the second-best scoring season in Lobo history in 1997-98. She averaged 20.2 points per game while also leading the women’s team to their first NCAA tournament appearance that same year. Besides being a pure scorer, she also averaged 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals over her Lobo career.
She was briefly signed to the WNBA, with the Detroit Shock, in 2002 before being cut.
1. Jordan Adams-Smith
The best Lobo women’s basketball player, Adams-Smith, led the Lobos to their only appearance in the third round of the NCAA tournament, in either men’s or women’s basketball history. She played from 1999-2003 with her best season being her senior season, where she averaged 16.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.
She holds the most blocks in all UNM basketball history, with 344 in her career. She was 18th overall in the 2003 WNBA draft, selected by the
UNM football team to see mass exodus
Head coach and eleven players among those leaving the Lobo den
By Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh @kubiakizabella
This article was originally published on Dec. 9, 2024.
The University of New Mexico football team has been plagued by sudden roster changes since the start of this month, with two staff members — including Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall — and at least 11 players announcing their upcoming departures.
Mendenhall, along with offensive coordinator Jason Beck, quarterback Devon Dampier, wide receiver Luke Wysong, safety Bryson Taylor,
running back Eli Sanders, edge Max Lantzsch, running back Javen Jacobs, cornerback Noah Avinger, tight end Everett Hunter, offensive lineman Wallace Unamba, tight end Trace Bruckler and wide receiver Caleb Medford all announced last week that they do not plan on returning next season.
Mendenhall accepted a head coaching position at Utah State University after just one year with the Lobos, according to ESPN.
The Albuquerque Journal broke the news of Mendenhall’s departure on Thursday, Dec. 5. At a press conference the day before, Mendenhall said he had not been contacted by
another Mountain West school.
“I have only been speculated to have been contacted by (Utah State),” Mendenhall said at the press conference.
The former Brigham Young University coach has a history with Utah, having led the Cougars to a 99-43 record under his tenure with title and bowl appearances, according to USU. Mendenhall was hired at UNM in December 2023, returning to Albuquerque after serving as the Lobos’ defensive coordinator from 1998-2002.
In May, Mendenhall signed a five-year $6 million deal that made him the highest-paid football coach in UNM history, according
to the Albuquerque Journal.
UNM is entitled to $2 million for the early termination of his contract, according to KRQE, which Utah State could potentially cover.
This season, Mendenhall opened 0-4 before beating New Mexico State University 50-40, sparking hope among fans. The Lobos later clawed their way to victory against a ranked opponent, only to lose to Hawaii 30-38 at the end of November, eliminating UNM from bowl eligibility.
On Friday, Dec. 6, the University of Utah announced on X that UNM Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck will also leave the Lobos, accepting the same position in Utah.
As for the team’s roster, the Lobos are saying goodbye to UNM’s record-setting quarterback Devon Dampier, who announced on Dec. 5 that he would enter the transfer portal in the offseason.
“After much consideration and conversations with my family and those closest to me, I have decided to enter the transfer portal,” Dampier wrote.
Dampier thrived under Mendenhall’s staff, breaking several UNM records in his first year as UNM’s starter.
According to ESPN, Dampier threw for 2,768 yards this season, which was the fifth most of any quarterback in the program’s history. Dampier saw an incredible season rushing as well, with 1,166 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground.
The retention woes don’t end there. The team suffered another blow on Dec. 6 with the announcement that wide receiver Luke Wysong would also enter the transfer portal.
Wysong was one of the Lobos’ of-
fensive weapons, leading the team with 69 receptions and 840 yards this season, according to ESPN.
Wysong also took to social media to express his gratitude for his time with the Lobos.
“I am forever grateful for everything that it’s taught me,” Wysong wrote on Instagram. “I will be entering the transfer portal to strive and reach my highest potential.”
There may be more trouble for the Lobos. On Dec. 6, running back Eli Sanders, edge Max Lantzsch and safety Bryson Taylor announced on social media that they would enter the transfer portal. On Dec. 7, tight end Everett Hunter, wide receiver Caleb Medford and running back Javen Jacobs made the same announcement. On Sunday, Dec. 8, tight end Trace Bruckler announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.
On Dec. 6, Athletic Director Fernando Lovo released a statement about Mendenhall’s departure.
“I shared with Bronco my disappointment, as for several weeks, President Stokes, the athletic administration and then I have engaged with Bronco and his representatives,” Lovo said. “Our search for a new head coach is already underway, and there is already significant interest from elite coaches who want to be a part of the Lobo family.”
With gaping holes left in the football team’s roster, the Lobos will load up this offseason and prepare for next season with a lookout for new staff and athletes.
Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobocom or on X @kubiakizabella
Lobos running back Eli Sanders before the game against Air Force at University Stadium on Oct. 12.
UNM’s Dionne Marsh cuts down a part of the net after the Lobos won the 2008 MWC tournament.
Courtesy photo / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
Minnesota Lynx, one of the few UNM players to ever make the league. Over her WNBA career, she played ten games and averaged 3.3 points.
Jaden McKelvey-Francis is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on X @jadenmckelvey
OPINION: Why Breaking Bad is a representation of Albuquerque culture, from the perspective of a UNM Student
By Lexis Lovato @lovatolexis
Perhaps the most infamous tourist attractions in Albuquerque are those related to the filming locations of the crime-drama tv series, “Breaking Bad.”
“Breaking Bad” is a fictional tv series about an Albuquerque High School science teacher named Walter White who begins cooking and distributing meth with a former student, Jesse Pinkman to support his family after White was diagnosed with lung cancer.
White runs into complicated choices as his business grows, and eventually becomes addicted to the act of committing crime and getting away with it.
Director Vince Gilligan recalls the first idea of Walter White coming from a conversation between him and a friend from college. The two talked about not being able to find
work after graduation, and joked about buying an RV and cooking meth in it themselves.
In a 2023 interview with Far Out Magazine, Gilligan explained that the idea of a “bland” character slowly turning into a “bad guy” intrigued him.
Gillligan enhanced the unique culture of Albuquerque because of the authentically personal characters and cinematography found in the “Breaking Bad” universe. He does this by immersing himself in the city to capture the environment of Albuquerque.
During a 2018 conference with the University of New Mexico Honors College, Gilligan spoke about “Breaking Bad,” saying that it is only when you go into the streets of Albuquerque, “You really see all the unique character and culture this city has to offer.”
Characters on the show might often remind you of someone that you interacted with at work, the store or just passing by. Businesses you’ve
driven by throughout your whole life may even be some of the most frequent locations in the series.
Whether you’ve passed by these places throughout your life without thinking anything of them, or if you’ve endeavored on your own self-guided tour of the locations, the legacy of Breaking Bad is prevalent across Albuquerque culture.
Breaking Bad resonates differently with every resident of New Mexico, but it is undeniable that the depiction of the Albuquerque lifestyle is more often spot on than not.
Maybe you’ve gotten the question, “Isn’t that where Breaking Bad happened?” after you’ve told someone you live in Albuquerque.
People associate the series with the city of Albuquerque because the culture is always prevalent, but it never takes focus away from the one of a kind story about the White family, even years after the end of the series.
Whether you watch the show to
see how your own city is portrayed on-screen, or if the drama of the White family is what reels you back for more episodes, Breaking Bad is a great show to watch to understand more about Albuquerque culture.
Lexis Lovato is a freelance reporter with the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @lovatolexis
The Eric Olen era begins for men’s basketball
By Jaden McKelvey-Francis @jadenmckelvey
Aaron Paul as Jesse Eisenberg in Breaking Bad in a scene in front of the John B. Robert Dam on Juan Tabo. Courtesy of IMDB.
Courtesy photo / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
UNMPD begins using bodycams
By Lily Alexander & Lauren Lifke
@llilyalexander & @lauren_lifke
This article was originally published on April 7.
In March, the University of New Mexico Police Department began using body cameras.
This comes over a year after the Daily Lobo reported that UNMPD did not use body cameras because of a loophole in a state statute. A bill during this year’s legislative session aimed to close that loophole, but it did not make it past the Senate.
UNM announced that the police department would obtain the cameras in August 2024. So far, the cameras have worked well, according to Lt. Tim Delgado, who is in charge of UNMPD’s body camera program.
“The officers are good with it, and it’s helped a lot on calls, with arrests, complaints — because it shows the whole picture,” Delgado said. “It’s a very clear picture — audio and video.”
The department does not have an official policy for the devices yet. The policy that Delgado developed is in the approval process, which involves the Office of University Counsel and Human Resources, according to Delgado. When it is finalized, it will appear in UNMPD’s
Standard Operating Procedures manual, which is accessible online.
Currently, UNMPD operates the cameras under a partial policy, which outlines when officers should and shouldn’t use them, according to Delgado.
“For the most part, they know how to use them. We haven’t had an issue with them,” Delgado said.
Officers should activate the cameras during nearly every interaction they have with the public, according to Delgado. They often do not tell people that the cameras are on, he said.
“Anytime you have contact with
NM public media risks losing millions in federal funding following executive order
By Leila Chapa & Paloma Chapa
@lchapa06 & @paloma_chapa88
This article was originally published on May 12.
On May 1, President Donald Trump issued an executive order
instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a publicly funded nonprofit that supports public broadcasting, to cease federal funding for National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting Service due to the networks not presenting a “fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens,” the order reads.
The CPB distributes taxpayer money to member stations of PBS and NPR, according to its website. This includes Albuquerque-based PBS member station KNME, as well as NPR affiliate KUNM.
Over the next two years, KUNM has the potential to lose $500,000, and NMPBS has the potential to lose $3,400,000, according to a May
1 statement to KUNM listeners from General Manager Richard Towne.
KNME, the local PBS member station, has not received any communication about the funding cuts other than PBS and CPB advising on the fact that there is an executive order, according to New Mexico PBS General Manager and CEO Franz Joachim.
The executive order did not cite a specific instance of a biased portrayal of current events, despite claiming that the reporting has a biased and partisan nature.
In an April 2024 essay published by The Free Press, former NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner
see NMNPR page 10
Tim Delgado, University of New Mexico Police Department lieutenant, poses for a portrait in his office at the UNM Police Station on Thursday, April 3.
Leila Chapa / Daily Lobo / @leilachapa06
attackers may be able to access those systems directly using a known exploit, bypassing system controls such as user names and passphrases, according to Gassaway.
UNM Libraries systems faced a cyberattack in July 2024, which resulted in no compromised student or employee data, but required that parts of the network associated with UNM Libraries were taken offline for two weeks.
Gaining access to one system can act as leverage to quickly attack other systems as well, according to Gassaway.
UNM has safeguards in place to prevent cyberattacks on University systems, including usernames and passphrases, and MFA for administration and maintenance activities that can only be performed through a specially authorized account, according to Gassaway.
“We require at least annual security
and privacy awareness training for all employees,” Gassaway wrote. “We also have internal phishing campaigns that help our community better recognize and report phishing emails. There are also role-based specific trainings for individuals who have access to sensitive data, systems, etc.”
While he wrote it is best practice not to reveal all actual safeguards that are implemented, he added that firewalls and intrusion detection and
prevention processes and tools are used, with staff to monitor and perform regular maintenance.
There are also administrative and management controls over higher-risk activities which undergo peer review before being authorized for implementation, according to Gassaway.
“UNM has a robust information security incident response plan and procedures in place for managing incidents that occur, so that we can quickly
identify, contain, remediate and restore systems to service,” Gassaway wrote. “Appropriate communication is a key element of UNM’s incident response plan, and something we collaborate closely on with the relevant UNM departments.”
Maria Fernandez is a beat reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
HAPS The Entertainment Guide
Monday
Ancora Cafe and Bakery
Tabletop & Trading Card Games
6 AM - 8:30 PM, 148 Quincy St NE
Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe
Chai Happy Hour 3-5pm
8am-8pm; 2201 Silver Avenue SE
Big Ass Cookies
Order delicious sweets online!w @bigasscookiesllcw oterolane@yahoo.com 505-550-9478
Birthright of Albuquerque
Providing love, support, and hope to woman both before and after childbirth. birthright.org/albuquerque
New Volunteers Always Welcome 10AM-1PM; 3228 Candelaria Rd NE Dogtopia Dog Boarding, Daycare, and Spa Services!
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
3301 Coors Blvd NW dogtopia.com/albuquerque-west
Happy Cat Hotel & Spa
Book a Room or Spa Today!
8:30 am to 5:30 pm
3900 San Mateo Blvd NE happycathotel.com/albuquerquenm
JC’s New York Pizza Dept.
Buy Pizza, Wings and more with LoboCash through Grubhub
11AM - 10PM; 215 Central Ave, NW (505) 766-6973
Joy Junction Thrift Shoppe
Open 9 AM-7 AM
11030 Menaul BIvd NE
Quirky Used Books & More
Books, Puzzles, Stickers, Mugs, Etc.
11 AM - 6 PM | 120 Jefferson St NE
Sunshine Theater
Buy your tickets today! Check out sunshinetheaterlive.com for more showings!
Test With Truman
Be Empowered. Know Your Status. Walk in HIV Testing: 8am-noon 801 Encino Pl NE
The Human Bean
Coffee | Tea | Delicious Treats Much More!
BOGO Monday ONLY, 12 PM–4 PM
Find a location near you!
You Matter Counseling Services You Are Important. You Matter. Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy
8am - 7pm; 3809 Atrisco Dr NW
Tuesday
Ancora Cafe and Bakery
Taco Tuesday
Open Decks 5:30 - 8:30 PM
6 AM - 8:30 PM, 148 Quincy St NE
Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe Chai Happy Hour 3-5pm
8am-8pm; 2201 Silver Avenue SE
Big Ass Cookies
Order delicious sweets online! @bigasscookiesllc oterolane@yahoo.com 505-550-9478
Birthright of Albuquerque
Providing love, support, and hope to woman both before and after childbirth.
birthright.org/albuquerque
New Volunteers Always Welcome
10AM-1PM; 3228 Candelaria Rd NE
Dogtopia
Dog Boarding, Daycare, and Spa Services! 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM 3301 Coors Blvd NW
dogtopia.com/albuquerque-west
Happy Cat Hotel & Spa
Book a Room or Spa Today! 8:30 am to 5:30 pm 3900 San Mateo Blvd NE happycathotel.com/albuquerquenm
JC’s New York Pizza Dept.
Buy Pizza, Wings and more with LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 10PM; 215 Central Ave, NW (505) 766-6973
Joy Junction Thrift Shoppe
Open 9 AM-7 AM 11030 Menaul BIvd NE
Quirky Used Books & More
More than 16,000 Used Books 11 AM - 6 PM | 120 Jefferson St NE
Sunshine Theater Buy your tickets today!
Check out sunshinetheaterlive.com for more showings!
Test With Truman Be Empowered. Know Your Status. Walk in HIV Testing: 1-5 pm 801 Encino Pl NE
The Human Bean Coffee | Tea | Delicious Treats Much More!
BOGO Tuesday ONLY, 12 PM–4 PM Find a location near you! You Matter Counseling Services You Are Important. You Matter. Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy 8am - 7pm; 3809 Atrisco Dr NW
Duke City Herbs & Bake Shop Herbs – Novelty & More! 10 AM - 7 PM | 4012 Central Ave SE 505-750-0158 | dukecityherbs@gmail.com
Wednesday
Ancora Cafe and Bakery Karaoke & Family Game Night: Music & Legos 5 - 8:30 PM 6 AM - 8:30 PM, 148 Quincy St NE
Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe Chai Happy Hour 3-5pm 8am-8pm; 2201 Silver Avenue SE
Big Ass Cookies Order delicious sweets online! @bigasscookiesllc oterolane@yahoo.com 505-550-9478
Birthright of Albuquerque
Providing love, support, and hope to woman both before and after childbirth. birthright.org/albuquerque New Volunteers Always Welcome 10AM-1PM; 3228 Candelaria Rd NE
HAPS
Test With Truman Be Empowered. Know Your Status.
Walk in HIV Testing: 5-7 pm 801 Encino Pl NE
The Human Bean Coffee | Tea | Delicious Treats Much More!
Find a location near you!
Tri-M Productions
Buy your tickets for Into The Woods! trimsantafe.org (505)670-6723 trimsantafe@gmail.com You Matter Counseling Services
You Are Important. You Matter. Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy
8am - 7pm; 3809 Atrisco Dr NW Duke City Herbs & Bake Shop
Herbs – Novelty & More!
10 AM - 7 PM | 4012 Central Ave SE 505-750-0158 | dukecityherbs@gmail.com
Friday
Ancora Cafe and Bakery Comedy Night
6 AM - 8:30 PM, 148 Quincy St NE Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe
Chai Happy Hour 3-5pm Big Ass Cookies
Order delicious sweets online! @bigasscookiesllc oterolane@yahoo.com 505-550-9478
Birthright of Albuquerque
Every Friday: 12PM–3PM
Plus Mom’s Support Group on First Friday of the month (10AM–12PM)
3228 Candelaria Rd NE
Dogtopia
Dog Boarding, Daycare, and Spa Services!
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
3301 Coors Blvd NW dogtopia.com/albuquerque-west
Happy Cat Hotel & Spa
Book a Room or Spa Today!
8:30 am to 5:30 pm
3900 San Mateo Blvd NE happycathotel.com/albuquerquenm
JC’s New York Pizza Dept.
Buy Pizza, Wings and more with LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 10PM; 215 Central Ave, NW (505) 766-6973
Joy Junction Thrift Shoppe
Open 9 AM-7 AM 11030 Menaul BIvd NE
Quirky Used Books & More
More than 16,000 Used Books
11 AM - 6 PM | 120 Jefferson St NE
Sunshine Theater
Check out sunshinetheaterlive.com for more showings!
Test With Truman Be Empowered. Know Your Status. 801 Encino Pl NE
The Human Bean
Coffee | Tea | Delicious Treats Much More!
Find a location near you!
Tri-M Productions
Buy your tickets for Into The Woods! trimsantafe.org (505)670-6723 trimsantafe@gmail.com
You Matter Counseling Services
You Are Important. You Matter. Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy
8am - 7pm; 3809 Atrisco Dr NW Duke City Herbs & Bake Shop
Herbs – Novelty & More!
10 AM - 7 PM | 4012 Central Ave SE 505-750-0158 | dukecityherbs@gmail.com
Saturday
Ancora Cafe and Bakery
UFC Fight 2 - 8 PM 6 AM - 8:30 PM, 148 Quincy St NE
Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe
Chai Happy Hour 3-5pm 8am-8pm; 2201 Silver Avenue SE
Big Ass Cookies
Order delicious sweets online! @bigasscookiesllc oterolane@yahoo.com 505-550-9478
Dogtopia Dog Boarding, Daycare, and
JC’s New York
The Entertainment Guide
Dept. Buy Pizza, Wings and more
LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 12PM; 215 Central Ave NW (505) 766-6973
Joy Junction Thrift Shoppe Open 9 AM-7 AM 11030 Menaul BIvd NE
Quirky Used Books & More Books, Puzzles, Stickers, Mugs, Etc. 11 AM - 6 PM | 120 Jefferson St NE
Sunshine Theater
Buy your tickets today! Check out sunshinetheaterlive.com for more showings!
Test With Truman
Be Empowered. Know Your Status. Walk in HIV Testing 8am-noon | 801 Encino Pl NE
The Human Bean Coffee | Tea | Delicious Treats Much More! Find a location near you!
Tri-M Productions
Buy your tickets for Into The Woods! trimsantafe.org (505)670-6723 trimsantafe@gmail.com
You Matter Counseling Services You Are Important. You Matter. Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy
8am - 6pm; 3809 Atrisco Dr NW
Duke City Herbs & Bake Shop
Herbs – Novelty & More! 11 AM - 4:20 PM 4012 Central Ave SE 505-750-0158 | dukecityherbs@gmail.com
Sunday
Ancora Cafe and Bakery Community venue dedicated to recovery, wellness & peer support
Hours: 8AM - 4PM, 148 Quincy St NE
Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe Chai Happy Hour 3-5pm Sunday: 10am-8pm 2201 Silver Avenue SE Big Ass Cookies
Order delicious sweets online! @bigasscookiesllc oterolane@yahoo.com 505-550-9478
Dogtopia
Boarding Drop-Off and Pick-Up Only 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 3301 Coors Blvd NW dogtopia.com/albuquerque-west
Happy Cat Hotel & Spa Book a Room or Spa Today! 8:30 am to 5:30 pm 3900 San Mateo Blvd NE happycathotel.com/albuquerquenm
JC’s New York Pizza Dept. Buy Pizza, Wings and more with LoboCash through Grubhub 11AM - 10PM; 215 Central Ave, NW (505) 766-6973
Joy Junction Thrift Shoppe Open 9 AM-7 AM 11030 Menaul BIvd NE
Sunshine Theater
Buy your tickets today! Check out sunshinetheaterlive.com for more showings!
Test With Truman Be Empowered. Know Your Status. 801 Encino Pl NE
The Human Bean Coffee | Tea | Delicious Treats Much More! Find a location near you!
Tri-M Productions
Buy your tickets for Into The Woods! trimsantafe.org | (505)670-6723 trimsantafe@gmail.com
You Matter Counseling Services You Are Important. You Matter. Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy 8am - 5pm 3809 Atrisco Dr NW
PHOTO STORY: Cuddle-A-Canine cuteness
Andor from page 3
naries, instead showing a picture of the galaxy full of intricacies and ambiguities. Cassian Andor himself is a rebel fighter who seeks freedom, but is also a drifter, a thief and a killer. The depiction of morally ambiguous freedom fighters is not just a fresh, better story, but one that seems human.
Gilroy said in an interview with SFX Magazine that he’s “not a fan” of Star Wars, according to GameRant. While Gilroy is not a Star Wars fan, he is a storytelling fan. “Andor” avoids Star Wars cliches and opts for genuine narratives. Due to Gilroy’s service to storytelling, the show is
Bodycams from page 6
anybody, you have to have it on for the most part,” Delgado said.
There are some exceptions, such as when officers have casual conversations with the public, participate in briefings or enter hospital rooms.
In a November 2023 interview with the Daily Lobo, then-New Mexico American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Peter Simonson said body cameras benefit both the community and officers themselves.
“It’s been a critical way for the department to get a deep understanding of how officers are actually abiding by internal policies,” Simonson said.
UNMPD’s body camera policy will outline a process that occurs if an officer does not properly activate their camera, Delgado said. This will involve a report or written memorandum to the officer’s immediate supervisor, he said. The supervisor will then decide what to do.
“What they’re really looking for is if it’s ongoing,” Delgado said. “Someone’s gonna mess up once in a while,
NMNPR from page 6
friendly to both Star Wars fanatics and passive observers.
In a galaxy oversaturated with nostalgia and cheap fan service, “Andor” stands apart as a grounded, character-filled political thriller that happens to be set in the Star Wars universe. The result is a show that feels closer to prestige television than franchise filler, with sharp writing, complex characters and an unflinching, realistic look at the cost of rebellion.
“Andor” proves that in a world of space wizards and death stars, the most powerful weapon is still
but if there’s a pattern of it, they’re gonna look at that really hard.”
State law holds that officers who do not comply with their department’s body camera policies may be presumed to have acted in bad faith, and may be deemed liable for negligent or intentional spoliation of evidence.
Delgado said that officer training on how to use the body cameras is an ongoing process. Axon — the body camera company UNMPD signed a five-year contract with — offered initial training.
Beyond the cameras, Axon provides UNMPD with a cloud-based storage system for the footage. This footage is never deleted, Delgado said, unless a camera is falsely activated.
UNMPD will no longer use audio recorders. The department does not have dashcams, but an officer’s body camera must stay on if a member of the public is in their car, according to Delgado.
In August 2024, UNM Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Cinnamon Blair told the Daily Lobo
a well-told story. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual viewer, Andor is worth your time and maybe even your hope; after all, that’s what rebellions are built on.
Nate Bernard is the news editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @natebernard14
Elliott Wood is a beat reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. They can be reached at news@dailylobo. com or on X @dailylobo
that the body camera implementation would cost the University $344,000 from its general operating funds for the first year.
UNM decided to obtain the cameras following reporting by the Daily Lobo and KOB. UNM administration renewed the conversation following last spring’s pro-Palestine protests, Blair told the Daily Lobo in August.
“I don’t know if it was a catalyst in and of itself, but I would say it was a contributing factor,” Blair said. “In retrospect, that could have aided us in having a more comprehensive picture of what went on.”
Lily Alexander is the former editorin-chief of the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo. com or on X @llilyalexander
Lauren Lifke is the managing editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at managingeditor@dailylobo.com or on X @lauren_lifke
claimed that NPR has always had “a liberal bent,” but has become increasingly so, resulting in losing “America’s trust.”
The executive order would prevent KUNM from spending on NPR programming, according to Towne’s statement.
priate use of federal funds,” Joachim said. “What is the government for, if not to help distribute lifesaving and changing information?”
The essay led NPR leaders to announce monthly internal reviews of the newsrooms’ coverage, according to NPR.
Towne wrote that KUNM does not receive money from the University of New Mexico or the state. KUNM receives other funding from contributing listeners and fundraising.
Joachim said if public television goes away, several emergency services and emergency alerts around the nation will go away.
Towne wrote that the month of May will be “dangerous” for KUNM, NMPBS, “all public radio and television stations in New Mexico” and the country.
The CPB is suing the Trump Administration over the executive order, which intends to fire five CPB board members, according to NPR.
This funding isn’t replaceable in any other way for NMPBS, Joachim said.
”An increase in donations, while we expect and are grateful for it, does not solve all the problems,” Joachim said.
Towne said KUNM receives $270,000 from the CPB, which gives it broadcasting rights to the NPR program. This includes shows such as “Morning Edition” and “All things Considered,” along with local news.
Unlike commercial television stations, PBS stations operate under the Universal Service Mandate, which mandates that PBS provide free public communication to all Americans regardless of location or income.
In Harding County, for example, there are only a few hundred residents, and NMPBS is available to them, Joachim said.
“It isn’t a matter of: ‘Do we have members there? Can we sell a commercial there?’” Joachim said. “There are people there who need access to a free over the air broadcast service, and that’s why public television was created.”
Joachim said public television also carries the emergency alerts that people receive on their cell phones.
“I think it is absolutely an appro-
Both NMPBS and KUNM are directing listeners and viewers to visit the Protect my Public Media website, a platform for people to voice their concerns to Congress about public media.
“Our job, our mission, our reason for being is to be in places in New Mexico because there are people there, not because there’s a return on investment or a profit to be made,” Joachim said.
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo. com or on X @lchapa06
Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo. com or on X @paloma_chapa88
Nelly Jean, a therapy dog from Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers, bonds with students during the Cuddle A Canine event at Zimmerman Library on Thursday, April 3.
JayDee, a therapy dog from Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers, bonds with students during the Cuddle A Canine event at Zimmerman Library on Thursday, April 3.
Maria Fernandez / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
Maria Fernandez / Daily Lobo / @dailylobo
This article was originally published on April 9.
DAILY LOBO C ampus Calendar of Events Calendar
CURRENT EXHIBITS
There Is Another Sky
John Sommers Gallery MSC 04 2560 Through May 22, 2025
5:30pm
journaling support group for anyone who has a loved one with cancer, a loved one who
and/or a loved one who
House/ Open Table Connections Dinner and Dialogue
5:00 – 7:30pm Following a free community meal, Open Table Connection will offer a variety of ways for students to learn about, connect with, and live out their faith. Text studies, theological dialogue, spiritual practices, prayer, worship, Holy Communion, and service opportunities LGBTQAI+ Affirming.
MFA Graduate Exhibition from Confluence Low-Residency Program.
New Tableau: Experiments in Photography 516 Central Ave SW Through May 31, 2025
This exhibit explores how contemporary artists are returning to the photographic medium’s experimental beginnings within the context of modernity. From thermal cameras to alternative darkroom techniques, these artists embrace subtraction, abstraction, amalgamation, unorthodox imaging, and non-traditional practices to explore new frontiers.
Cat-Shaped Heart Mama’s Girls Cafe 915 Yale Blvd, SE
Through May 31, 2025
Emi Oaks presents.
Interference
Bingo 2112 2nd St. Sw
Through June 8, 2025
Sara Bennett-Davidson presents.
“Extant Erosions”
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Through June 16, 2025
MFA thesis by Emma Ressel.
Legacy of Hip Hop: A Sonic Exploration Through July 1, 2025
Honors College Forum, Spectra Gallery
Students in the Legacy of Hip Hop course designed an original album cover and produced a song, exploring the deep connections between visual art and music in hip-hop culture. Visitors can experience the full impact of these creations through a series of headphones, placed next to each album cover, allowing them to listen to the unique sounds that inspired the visual art.
Fritz Scholder: 1974-1984
2500 Central SE, use Stanford entrance
Through August 21, 2025
Showcasing 20 rarely seen lithographs created by the late American artist Fritz Scholder. Spanning a decade of his printmaking practice from 1974 to 1984. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Voces del Pueblo: Artists of the Levantamiento Chicano National Hispanic Cultural Center
An exhibition seven years in the making featuring a group of Mexican artists who where among some of the earliest generation of Chicana and Chicano activists in
the state.
Pelton & Jonson: The Transcendent 1930s
Ongoing exhibit
Raymond Jonson Gallery
Paintings, drawings, and archival materials from the UNM Art Museum collection to illustrate the aesthetic achievements and personal connections between American painters Agnes Pelton (1881-1961) and Raymond Jonson (1891-1982).
Ancestors
Permanent Exhibit
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
Ancestors will lead you through those aspects of modern humanity that makes us unique and successful tracing the path of evolution through the past four million years.
People of the Southwest
Permanent Exhibit
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
The exhibition celebrates the cultural history of the Southwest, especially the close relationship southwestern people have had with the land around them.
“Nothing Left for Me”: Federal Policy and the Photography of Milton Snow in Diné Bikéyah
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
This exhibition foregrounds Diné perspectives on the intersecting and ongoing legacies of both photography and American colonialism.
Illustrated by Hannah Cerne
DAILY LOBO CLASSIFIEDS
