By Angel Palma 

On Tuesday, April 25, fellow students and family members of recently passed Erric Lopez Jr. stood in the pouring rain outside of the administration building of Pueblo School District 60; they wanted to speak out about not being heard when it came to their mental health. 

Many past students, parents, and faculty/staff have noticed that the district has given the Pueblo community many empty words and broken promises. Tee Lopez, the mother of Erric, stated, “I did get a call from District 60 and was assured that they do have some things in progress as of now.” 

Yet, when Lopez asked for assemblies to help bring some awareness to the matter and to allow the students to learn about where to go when they feel lost or need guidance out of those suicidal thoughts, the school, and the district, offered nothing. 

The Pueblo community is angry because they feel nothing is getting done regarding any assistance regarding the student’s mental health. There is a feeling around the town that the district doesn’t care. 

Erric fell into a waterfall series of suicide attempts after hearing about a dear friend of his who had tried and failed. Unfortunately, Erric’s ‘attempt was successful.’ Multiple students had mentioned that when they tried talking about what happened to Erric and his friend, they were discouraged from speaking about the matter. There is a mutual agreement among the students that the restrictions on talking about the two boys were from the District 60 Administration Building. 

“It’s not fair that a boy who was so well loved by so many in our community had to lose his life to suicide for us to be made aware,” stated Lopez. “My baby’s life mattered! The district knew of the high rates for years and still had done nothing, until perhaps now!” 

Another issue was the lack of help within the District 60 schools. Lopez stated, “I truly believe the district has been trying to hide the amount of suicides that have happened.” In 2017 there were five to six student suicides in District 60—an 11-year-old from Haaff Elementary last year. A 16-year-old boy walked out onto his school field and killed himself, and in 2015, there was a 14-year-old girl who felt like her bullying got to be too much. 

Lopez voiced, “They need to be remembered, their names need to be said! They mattered, and they were loved. They’re just kids that are still in school, who have fallen short on help from the things they felt like they couldn’t say. All they needed was someone to talk to without the feeling of being judged by their peers or the adults in their lives.” 

The main goal of Tuesday was to go to the Pueblo School District 60 to finally have the administration listen to the community and parents of those students enrolled about the fact they felt unseen on the matter. 

A fellow parent expressed these protests, and the anger towards the district will continue. “Until the district realizes something needs to change, IT WILL CONTINUE.

The post Anger within District 60 schools first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Madison Lira

On March 13, President Joe Biden approved the Willow Project, an $8 billion exhibition proposed by ConocoPhillips that plans on extracting six hundred million barrels of oil from federal land in Alaska. The project was initially proposed and pushed toward the end of the Trump Administration but now has the support of Alaskan lawmakers and the current administration. ConocoPhillips had initially approved five drilling sites for the project, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Management knocked that down to three approved areas. 

Many conservative lawmakers support the approval of this project, including Alaskan lawmakers. However, many Democrats and environmentalists call the approval a betrayal from President Biden and want the project rejected altogether. Throughout his presidential campaign and term, Biden made it clear that fighting climate change would be a top priority, unlike the last administration. 

The U.S. Government is also backing President Biden. The U.S. Interior Department said, “In his first year, President Biden protected more lands and waters than any president since John F Kennedy. The President and the Biden-Harris administration continue to deliver on the most aggressive climate agenda in American history, including the creation of clean energy manufacturing and jobs.”

New Mexico congresswoman Deb Haaland, who initially opposed the Willow Project before becoming the U.S. Interior secretary, discussed that the administration put a lot of thought and changes into the project. “As a result, we had limited decision space, but we focused on how to reduce the project’s footprint and minimize its impacts to people and to wildlife,” said Haaland.

The federal government has placed further protections on the Arctic Ocean with the announcement of this project. They ensure essential habitats for whales, seals, polar bears, and more. The government had announced that 3 million acres of the Artic would be prohibited from future oil and gas leasing. The administration also assesses additional protections for 13 million acres within the petroleum reserve, which would be considered special, like subsistence value.  

However, the government also estimated the project could release up to 9.2 million metric tons of carbon pollution yearly to our planet-warming. Environmental groups are worried that the project could destroy habitats for native species and alter the migrating process of caribou in the Artic even with the restrictions for the project put in place. 

Native residents closest to the drilling site have also raised concerns about how this could affect their already polluted area. The City of Nuiqsut and the Native Village of Nuiqsut have voiced their concerns through letters about why the project should not go through. 

“The PFSEIS fails to provide any alternative that would protect subsistence. BLM does not, despite EPA’s recommendation, describe the monetary value of subsistence foods that may be lost due to Willow. However, 70% of households use subsistence resources for more than half their diet. Replacing these foods with store-bought food would cost every household nearly $30,000 per year. This loss of millions of dollars per year to the people of Nuiqsut doesn’t include the social and cultural costs from their loss of subsistence” from the letter to the Willow Projects’ final review. 

This project has been one of many oil initiatives challenged by many environmental groups that the Biden administration has approved. Since the drilling pause was struck down in 2021 by a federal judge, the Biden administration has opened several areas up for new drilling sites. 

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By Julian Volk

After much outcry from conservative Floridians, Florida’s Senate passed a new law on abortion on April 4, 2023.

Florida’s new bill now makes most abortions past six weeks of pregnancy illegal. They are the latest southeastern state to join the group that has banned abortions.

Before, Florida had a law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Around a month ago, Republicans in the state House of Representatives introduced this new bill banning them after six weeks.

The Republican-majority Florida Senate passed the new bill with a vote of 26-13. Republicans take over twenty-eight seats in Florida’s Senate, almost the exact number of votes in favor of the new bill. 

New-age conservatives have strived to end abortion in the United States for a few years. However, everything kicked off in mid-2022 with the overturning of the 1973 Supreme Court Case Roe v. Wade, which had protected all Americans’ right to an abortion.

However, with President Trump’s appointments of Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Cony Barret, all Republicans, to the Supreme Court, far-right conservative values began to triumph in court. The banning of abortion was one of these, with all judges mentioned above voting to overturn Roe v. Wade, along with other conservative judges, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, Jr.

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, eighteen states have voted for restrictions on abortion, including all southern states other than South Carolina and Virginia. Florida has now become the state with the tied lowest age restriction on abortion, with six weeks, without banning abortions entirely. Georgia is the other state with a ban on abortion past six weeks.

The new bill does have exceptions. Women facing life-threatening harm and victims of rape, human trafficking, and incest will all be exempt from the law.

The bill does target physicians who perform abortions and those who “actively partake in” them. Should the bill become law, those who are found to violate it will be charged with a third-degree felony in the state of Florida.

A protest over the bill occurred on the day of the Senate’s vote. Eleven people were charged with trespassing, according to Tallahassee police. Florida Democrats claim state party Chairwoman Nikki Fried and Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book were among the protesters.

“As the Democratic leader in the Florida Senate, it’s my job to lead this incredible group of eleven Democrats, other than myself, to fight against these extreme policies,” said Book. “Women will die as a consequence of this piece of policy.” Other activists in Florida claim the bill seeks to ban abortions before one may even know they are pregnant.

Kara Gross, the legislative director and senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, says the bill will disproportionately affect people in rural communities, low-income households, people of color, etc. 

With the current law, which bans abortions past 15 weeks, Florida already saw an uptick of 32% more people seeking out-of-state abortions in 2022 than in 2021. If the new law is introduced in Florida, the number is expected to almost double.

The post Florida bans abortion past six weeks first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Dylan Weaver

When it comes to March, college basketball reigns king. While lovers of their respective universities and colleges across the country come together in anticipation of the games, the month always holds the mystery of who will be crowned the winner. Per usual, the favorites are almost always the four number-one seeds, but the high seed never guarantees anything in March.

This year’s March Madness wrote a similar story instead of the recent year favorites in Kansas University or Gonzaga University taking the national championship home. It was none other than the University of Connecticut Huskies, also known as “UCONN.” 

In the capstone of this NCAA Division One season, the Huskies defeated the other shocking finalist as they overtook the San Diego State University Aztecas by a score of 76-59. While UCONN has had a history of winning, with this being their fourth national title since 2000 and their last title being in 2014, San Diego State has yet to be seen to go this far. 

In the Azteca’s history, this is the first time they have ever made it past the Sweet 16. In 15 appearances in the NCAA Division One tournament, this marks the program’s highest point ever.

Beyond these two finalists of the tournament, a sprinkle of upsets and shocking games took place. After just 22 games and not even through the first round, there were zero perfect brackets left. Some notable upsets of the tournament include what many thought to be the potential national champion in number 1 seed Purdue, but that was changed when 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson overtook them for just the second time a 16 seed has upset a one seed in the tournament’s history.

Beyond Purdue’s upset this year, the three other one-seeded teams were taken down early, as none could make it to the final four. Alabama, Houston, and Kansas all fell short as Kansas dropped in the round of 32, with Alabama and Houston falling in the Sweet 16.

One of the biggest shocks of the tournament came when the unusual team of the Florida Atlantic University Owls made an incredible run into the final four after making the school’s second appearance ever in the tournament. While the Owls may have been a number nine seed contender and boasted a 31-3 record going into the match, FAU has never been known as a basketball powerhouse, and in their regular season leading up to the tournament, no ranked teams were ever faced.

Other teams to stir up the pot in March through their play included the likes of Princeton University, upsetting two-seed Arizona and making it all the Sweet 16; Miami University (FL), navigating a formidable midwest grouping and reaching the final four and Kansas State University getting as far as the elite eight after being absent from the tournament for four years.

In terms of notable players to have participated in this tournament, much future talent was in store for the NBA as some prominent players such as Brandon Miller (Alabama), Jarace Walker (Houston), Gradey Dick (Kansas), and Anthony Black (Arkansas) all showcased their abilities in making a run for the title. Many others were present, but in a single elimination event, time is limited in how much one can show.

While fan favorites are always what draw in a crowd to watch this heavily coveted event, the bigger mystery and stakes of this event are that anyone has a chance for a title once they’ve punched their way into the tournament. UCONN’s journey was just another example of this month’s craziness and how the best team may not always go home a champion. For many, March may be a month, but it is a time like no other in the sports world.

The post A month where anything can happen first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Morgan Borrego

Now scheduled for the third Thursday of each month, Blo Back Gallery held its first Open Mic night on Feb. 16, 2023. Poets, singers, comedians and musicians gathered together, eager to show off their talents. The lineup was full, but a few couldn’t make it. Burritos and beverages were available for purchase.

The creative community is tight-knit in Pueblo, and places like Blo Back Gallery are here to support them and help them grow by creating a place for people to express themselves.

One performer, Rico Dalsimer, who did a comedy routine, said he wasn’t very nervous and felt good about his set. “This is a great venue, and I love seeing people come out and support the artistic community in Pueblo. If you’re in town, it’s a great place to come get motivated,” Dalsimer said. He also wanted to let everyone know that he has a YouTube channel called “Dirty D,” where he posts his comedy, gaming and documentary content. 

An avid local arts supporter, Marcus Martinez was passionate and excited about getting a new local venue to have an open mic. “There’s artists performing in a venue for artists,” he said.  

Doors for the open mic night opened at 6 p.m., and performances began at 6:30 p.m. and continued until 9 p.m. There was no cover charge, so people could come and go as they pleased while mingling and admiring the art that covered every wall. 

To sign up to perform at Blo Back’s next Open Mic, go to www.blobackgallery.com. Visit the Blo Back Gallery at 131 Spring St. to support local arts.

The post Blo Back Gallery’s first open mic first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Bill Redmond-Palmer

The Colorado State University Pueblo International Students Association (CISA) will proudly host the eightieth annual “International Extravaganza” event this month. Yes, you read it right – the eightieth annual event! It has a long history at CSU Pueblo, and after a pause created by COVID, CISA is excited to revive the fun and festivities. This year, the CSU Pueblo Black Student Union will cohost the International Extravaganza. Join the festivities at this free event on Friday, April 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the Massari Gym.

The event will include cultural presentations, music, dance, food, and drinks, from around the world. Some of the countries represented will include Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, France, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, China, Nepal, Japan, and the Navaho Nation. Not only is the event open to everyone, and admission is free, but the food and drinks are also free. The CSU Pueblo Black Student Union will also have a table.

“We are very excited to revive this event,” said Lilia Myers Van Pelt, CISA advisor, and Associate Director of the English Language Institute. “The purpose of the International Extravaganza is to share and educate people about the countries and cultures of some of our international students. We also want to celebrate our international students, helping to make them feel more like they belong to our university community.”

“We are also happy to have another club collaborate with us for the first time, the CSU Pueblo Black Student Union, and we greatly appreciate their contributions,” said Myers Van Pelt. Other groups and departments supporting the event include the Center for International Programs and Inclusive Excellence, the CSU Pueblo Division of Student Affairs, Friends and Family, and Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL).

“The Black Student Union is excited to have the opportunity to be part of this unique event,” said Shay Wilson, president of the CSU Pueblo Black Student Union. “We look forward to presenting something we think everyone who attends will enjoy.”

“We greatly value the important contributions that our international students make to the culture of our university,” said Bonnie Fruland, Assistant Dean of Student Support and Advocacy and the Center for International Programs and Inclusive Excellence. “It’s exciting to see the revival of this event that is so important to our university’s history and community.”

For more information, please contact Lilia Myers Van Pelt at lilia.myersvanpelt@csupueblo.edu or (719) 549-2721.

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Por Hailee Langowski. Traducción al español por Community Language Cooperative.

Pueblo, Colorado, es una ciudad llena de historias desde diversas perspectivas. Desde la creación del delicioso Pueblo chile slopper, los artistas que diseñan murales a lo largo del dique del río Arkansas, la comprensión de las operaciones del molino de rieles EVRAZ, y los aprendizajes indígenas y las enseñanzas de la lengua, cultura y tradiciones que ocurren en El Pueblo History Museum, son algunos ejemplos del espíritu enérgico que posee la ciudad de Pueblo. 

Por muy importante que sea comprometerse y participar dentro de la comunidad, nos preguntamos quién está ayudando a compartir estas historias. ¿Existe algún proyecto que apoye la narración de historias de la región de Pueblo y el sur de Colorado? La respuesta es sí, y es el Proyecto Real Storytelling. 

Real Storytelling es una narración hiperlocal basada en la comunidad. Mientras los grandes medios de comunicación cubren las noticias nacionales, es esencial abordar la participación cívica y la conexión con la comunidad que se produce con las noticias locales. Son las historias relevantes y dinámicas las que repercuten en la comunidad. 

Nuestro periódico “local”, The Pueblo Chieftain, es propiedad de una gran organización que no tiene su sede en Pueblo ni en Colorado. Las historias que aparecen en The Pueblo Chieftain han sido diseñadas, editadas y el contenido es desarrollado en Austin, Texas. Es a través de la organización de medios que las historias locales dentro de la comunidad no son cubiertas, y esto ha permitido que Pueblo, Colorado, se convierta en un “desierto de noticias.”

Según la Escuela Hussman de Periodismo y Medios de Comunicación de la UNC, un desierto informativo es “una comunidad rural o urbana con acceso limitado al tipo de noticias e información creíbles y completas que alimentan la democracia desde la base”.

En cuanto al número de telespectadores y a la calidad y cantidad de sus contenidos editoriales, UNC señaló que muchos periódicos se han convertido en fantasmas de lo que fueron. Como resultado, importantes comunidades de todo el país, especialmente las rurales y las que atraviesan dificultades económicas, corren el riesgo de perder el acceso a la información local debido a la aparición de desiertos informativos.

¿Qué está ocurriendo con las noticias locales mientras Pueblo experimenta este fenómeno de “desierto informativo”? Los debates sobre cómo replantear las noticias locales deben centrarse en las personas que ya no confían en los medios de comunicación locales ni tienen acceso a ellos (o nunca lo tuvieron), sobre todo las comunidades de color, los residentes en desiertos informativos y quienes carecen de acceso a Internet en casa.

Mientras que las noticias hiperlocales basadas en la comunidad están desapareciendo; Colorado quiere cambiar eso. Apoyado por el Colorado Media Project (CMP), Colorado News Collaborative (COLab) es un centro de recursos de media y laboratorio de ideas sin fines de lucro y de ámbito estatal que mejora el periodismo local, la participación cívica y la responsabilidad pública de todos los habitantes de Colorado. CMP y CoLab lanzaron News Voices: Colorado para trabajar junto a las comunidades, especialmente aquellas cuyas necesidades y voces han sido históricamente ignoradas o tergiversadas en los medios de comunicación, para ayudar a reparar y fortalecer las noticias locales.

CSU Pueblo SOCO Student Media forma parte del COLab y el programa de becas Advancing Equity in Local News de CMP tiene como objetivo cambiar la dinámica de poder, fomentar la confianza entre los periodistas locales y sus comunidades, y desarrollar la capacidad de las redacciones para hacer frente a las desigualdades trabajando con las comunidades para crear una plaza pública más saludable e inclusiva en Colorado. Esta subvención fue el comienzo de Real Storytelling. 

Real Storytelling es un proyecto que se centra en la perspectiva de la comunidad de Pueblo y el sur de Colorado y en comprender e investigar de verdad las historias que suceden a nivel hiperlocal. 

El Dr. Jon Pluskota, Presidente y Profesor Asociado del Departamento de Medios de Comunicación y Entretenimiento y uno de los profesores que dirigen el proyecto, mencionó que la narración de historias reales consiste en compartir las historias que no todo el mundo conoce y la relevancia de su impacto. 

“No se trata de que las noticias nacionales no afecten a las comunidades locales, sino de que ya existe una fuente para ello. ¿Quién va a llenar ese vacío de noticias locales y regionales relevantes para la gente?”, afirma. 

Mientras avanzamos con Real Storytelling, los siguientes pasos son de conexión con la comunidad. Las vivas historias que llenan la comunidad de Pueblo tienen la oportunidad y el espacio para compartir su auténtica experiencia y su voz. El objetivo es la narración de historias impulsada por la comunidad local, junto con el apoyo de los hechos y la comprobación de los hechos. 

El Proyecto Real Storytelling estará en el Día de la Tierra: Indigenous Music and Arts Festival el 22 de abril en el Museo de Historia de El Pueblo entre las 11 a.m. y las 4 p.m. Mientras El Pueblo History Museum, Storytellers of the Ancestral Red Road (SOAR), CSU Pueblo y Pueblo Levee Project organizan un festival de música y arte indígena para toda la familia con motivo del Día de la Tierra 2023, Real Storytelling también estará presente capturando las experiencias, voces e historias de la gente que enriquecen a la comunidad Pueblo durante todo el día. ¡Visítenos y cuéntenos su historia!

The post ¿Qué es el Proyecto Real Storytelling? first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Hailee Langowski. Spanish translation by Community Language Cooperative.

Pueblo, Colo., is a city filled with stories from various perspectives. From the creation of the delicious Pueblo chile slopper, artists designing murals along the levee of the Arkansas River, understanding the operations at EVRAZ rail mill, and Indigenous learnings and teachings of language, culture and traditions occurring at El Pueblo History Museum are few examples of the energetic spirit the city of Pueblo possesses. 

As important as it is to engage and participate within the community, we ask who is helping to share these stories. Is there any project that supports the storytelling of the Pueblo and Southern Colorado region? The answer is yes, and it is the Real Storytelling Project. 

Real Storytelling is community-based, hyper-local storytelling. As prominent media organizations cover national news, addressing the civic participation and community connection that happens with local news is essential. It is the relevant and dynamic stories that impact the community. 

Our “local” newspaper, The Pueblo Chieftain, is owned by a large organization not community-based in Pueblo or Colorado. The stories that appear in The Pueblo Chieftain have been designed, copy-edited and content developed in Austin, Texas. It is through the media organization that local stories within the community are not covered, and this has allowed Pueblo, Colo., to become a “news desert.”

According to the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, a news desert is “a rural or urban community with limited access to the sort of credible and comprehensive news and information that feeds democracy at the grassroots level.”

Regarding the size of their viewership and the quality and quantity of their editorial content, UNC noted that many newspapers had devolved into ghosts of what they once were. As a result, significant communities throughout the nation, particularly those rural and experiencing economic hardship, are in danger of losing access to local storytelling due to the emergence of news deserts.

What is happening to local news as Pueblo is experiencing this “news desert” phenomenon? The discussions on how to rethink local news must focus on individuals who no longer trust or have access to local media (or never did), particularly communities of color, residents of news deserts, and those without access to home internet.

While community-based, hyper-local news is disappearing; Colorado wants to change that. Supported by the Colorado Media Project (CMP), Colorado News Collaborative (COLab) is a nonprofit, statewide media resource center and ideas lab that improves local journalism, civic participation and public accountability for all Coloradans. CMP and CoLab launched News Voices: Colorado to work alongside communities, especially those whose needs and voices have historically been ignored or misrepresented in media, to help repair and strengthen local news.

CSU Pueblo SOCO Student Media is a part of the COLab and CMP’s Advancing Equity in Local News grant program aims to shift power dynamics, build trust between local journalists and their communities, and build newsroom capacity to address inequities by working with communities to create a healthier, more inclusive public square in Colorado. This grant was the beginning of Real Storytelling. 

Real Storytelling is a project focusing on the Pueblo and Southern Colo. community perspective and genuinely understanding and investigating the stories happening at the hyper-local level. 

The Chair and Associate Professor of the Dep. of Media & Entertainment and one of the faculty lead for the project, Dr. Jon Pluskota, mentioned that Real Storytelling is about sharing the stories that not every person is aware of and how their impact is relevant. 

“It’s not saying that national news doesn’t impact local communities; it’s that there’s a source for that already. Who is going to fill in that gap for local and regional news relevant to people?” he said. 

While moving forward with Real Storytelling, the following steps are community connection. The lively stories that fill the Pueblo community have an opportunity and the space to share their authentic experience and voice. The aim is local community-driven storytelling, along with the support of facts and fact-checking. 

The Real Storytelling Project will be at the Earth Day: Indigenous Music and Arts Festival on April 22nd at the El Pueblo History Museum between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. As El Pueblo History Museum, Storytellers of the Ancestral Red Road (SOAR), CSU Pueblo, and the Pueblo Levee Project will host a family-friendly Indigenous music and arts festival for Earth Day 2023, Real Storytelling will also have a presence capturing people’s experiences, voices and stories that enrich the Pueblo community throughout the day. Visit us and tell us your story!

The post What is the Real Storytelling Project? first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Cassime Joseph 

Innovators, artists and business professionals worldwide come together at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival each year to explore the most recent developments in music, media, and technology. A broad range of seminars, panels, and exhibits during the festival offered perspectives on how innovation may develop in the future. When it came to the event in 2023, which was held in Austin, Texas, it was excellent.

Robert Downey Jr.’s keynote emphasized cybersecurity and the dangers of social engineering, which was one of the most talked-about events of the festival. Downey’s lecture prompted discussions on the moral implications of technology and the necessity of transparency in its application. The potential threats involved with cybersecurity continue to rise as the globe gets more connected. Downey’s lecture served as a reminder that while technology has many advantages, concerns also need to be considered.

Another highlight of the festival was the premiere of John Wick 4, which drew crowds of fans eager to see Keanu Reeves reprise his role as the legendary assassin. The film showcased stunning action sequences and a gripping storyline, leaving fans buzzing for days afterward. The film’s popularity highlights the entertainment industry’s importance in driving technological advancements. As the demand for more immersive and engaging entertainment experiences grows, technology must continue to evolve to meet this demand.

The festival looked at the impact of technology on media in addition to the most recent technological developments. Discussions on how to utilize technology ethically and responsibly were sparked by panels on AI in the newsroom and deep fake media, which looked at the possible advantages and risks of using technology to control media. As established media sources compete with emerging forms of communication, the media sector is going through a tremendous era of change. As technology develops further, it is critical to think about how these developments will affect media and how technology will influence the direction of the sector.

The festival also showcased the potential of technology to solve real-world problems and inspire positive change. Panels focused on the use of crypto and non-fungible tokens (NFT) to promote inclusivity in the cannabis community and how AI can be used to predict future events. These sessions demonstrated the potential of technology to address pressing societal issues. As the world faces many complex challenges, the ability to harness technology to address these issues will become increasingly important.

The trade show was also a significant festival highlight, with exhibitors showcasing the latest technological advancements. One of the fascinating pieces of technology on display was Portal, which allowed individuals to sit across the room with someone from South Africa. This technology showcased the potential uses of virtual reality in the media industry and demonstrated how technology could connect people worldwide. As the world becomes increasingly connected, the possible services of virtual reality to bring people together are vast.

Attendees had a great chance to network with business leaders and investigate new possibilities at the event. It also emphasized how crucial it is to consider how technological breakthroughs will affect society and their potential ethical ramifications. It is critical as technology develops, business executives, legislators, and the general public must collaborate to guarantee technology is used morally and responsibly.

The 2023 South by Southwest festival was a huge success, exhibiting the most recent media, music and technology developments. A standout was Robert Downey Jr.’s keynote address on cybersecurity and social engineering, which sparked debates on the moral implications of technology—the festival’s other standout moments included the John Wick 4 premiere and Michael J. Fox’s presence to talk about his most recent documentary. The festival highlighted the value of considering the ethical ramifications of technical breakthroughs while demonstrating technology’s power to inspire positive change and find solutions to real-world issues. Overall, the festival was a forward-looking occasion that inspired people.

The post Future of Innovation: 2023 South by Southwest Festival first appeared on CSU-Pueblo Today.

By Michelle Wells

The annual senior art exposition takes place this Friday, April 14th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Fine Art Gallery at CSU Pueblo. Students from the School of Creativity and Practice (SOCAP) will have the opportunity to display the artwork to which they have dedicated so much time and effort.

The name of this year’s show is “Untitled,” a name generated by Emily Lucero, a Bachelor of Fine Arts student at CSU Pueblo and an assistant leader in the art exposition’s organization. Lucero said her thought process behind the title was, “The one thing that I noticed that we can all relate to and that we all have in common is that we don’t have our names out in the world yet.

“All of our work is different and unique to us, and for most of us, this will be the first time the public is seeing our work displayed. Plus, the title was simple and pretty,” said Lucero. 

Cayton Wagner, a Bachelor of Fine Arts student and a leader in planning the art exposition, talked about her optimism regarding the event’s turnout. 

“I hope a lot of people outside of our everyday community, such as our friends and family, [attend]. Not a ton of people get to come to look at the shows we hold on campus, but we’d like to make it a bigger [event],” Wagner said. 

Likewise, Brenden Vigil, a graphic designer majoring in Fine Arts, provided a unique viewpoint regarding the event’s attendance.

“From my perspective, I’ve never seen an exhibit hall as something people should see,” he says. “I’ve always seen it as something that is a part of time where you’re going to see the best within the artists that show up.

“It’s an exhibit that shows that moment in time and [to have] people come out shows we’re [on the right track] of hitting someone’s emotional standing of what they are thinking about when they see [our work],” Vigil said. 

Lucero, Wagner, and Vigil are also submitting pieces for the exposition.

When asked about their works that they were looking forward to being displayed at the exhibit, they each mentioned artworks representing who they are as artists.

“The pieces I’m looking forward to displaying are my little figurines,” Lucero said. “I worked hard on them and put details into the sculpt, and the glazing and [they] are honestly just my favorite things to make.”

Wagner explained, “I’m really looking forward to ‘print,’ the design that I’m going to display, [which is] one of my American traditional tattoo drawings in full color. I think I’m most excited for that one just because I haven’t seen it on paper,” she added. 

Vigil mentioned a significant work to him. “There’s one project I’m very proud of, and it’s the biggest piece I’m submitting.

“It’s an 18×24 of a full charcoal piece. So, I’m kind of getting back into not forgetting where I came from. I definitely dove off of the deep end once I came into my sophomore, junior, and senior side of getting into digital art, motion graphic, videography, etc. I had to kind of remind myself over the last couple of semesters don’t lose sight of where my traditional media is.”

The senior art exposition “Untitled” holds great significance to all of those participating in it. 

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