THE PAISANO
38,000 go unpaid amidst government shutdown
San Antonio City Manager, UT San Antonio President claim minimal short-term impact
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
After Congress failed to pass a stopgap funding bill, the U.S. government shut down. The shutdown went into effect with the start of Fiscal Year 2026 at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1. San Antonio city leadership and UT San Antonio leadership are unaware of what effect a long-term shutdown may have on the community. However, they suspect that the short-term impact will be negligible.
“The short-term impact is nothing to us,” City Manager Erik Walsh said in a press conference addressing the impacts of the shutdown. “We will anticipate that in the short term, as Washington, D.C. continues to deal with
“The short-term impact is nothing to us.”
this issue, operations and programs will continue.
“If we go past two to three months, we’ll start to see some impacts. I can’t guess what may or may not happen over the next three months in Washington DC. We’ll continue to monitor that and then keep the mayor and the council updated on any potential impacts as they develop.”
While the federal government is shut down, federal workers will not be paid. Essential employees will still be required to show up to work, and nonessential employees may be furloughed or temporarily discharged; however, they are entitled to back pay for work completed during the shutdown.
As of August 2025, there are over 38,000 federal employees in San Antonio. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones highlighted how local federal employees will be affected.
“I think it’s also very important many of our federal workers are themselves veterans,” Jones said. “As we look at some of the DOGE cuts already that have happened in our community that are
impacting the services to our veterans, this is another impact to our civil servants, which disproportionately, I think, affects our veterans.
“We’re looking at all of that and making sure that we are best supporting the federal workforce in and out of
services, we expect reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to continue as an essential function; however, we are monitoring closely.” A webpage containing frequently asked questions
Mayor discusses FY 26 investments, next steps for SA
Jones addresses infrastructure progress, job opportunities coming to Alamo City
By Marisela Cruz News Editor
Concluding her first 100 days in office and approving the FY 26 budget for San Antonio, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones comments on next steps. A city survey was sent out to record what residents want the city budget to invest in before the city council decided where to allocate the funds. Affordable housing was the top choice, with 38.8% of residents choosing it as a top priority.
Jones highlighted investments in infrastructure and job opportunities as important goals to achieve to support community needs. Explaining how costs are rising, Jones details that the city council is trying to mitigate the affordability issue.
“The council is committed to making sure we’re doing
everything we can to help address housing affordability challenges in our community. I think we all recognize we wanted to go much further. And we’re not only thinking about the budget, but also the great interest in another affordable housing bond,” said Jones.
The next fiscal year bond is expected to be much smaller than the previous year’s. Jones explains that it looks like it will come out to be around $500 million.
“$500 million doesn’t go as far as it used to just even a year ago, right? So I think it’s going to be important moving forward that we’re balancing our interest in expanding affordable housing in our community, while also making sure that we’re investing in things like infrastructure and downtown revitalization efforts,” Jones explains.
When commenting on what infrastructure projects are
being funded by the FY 26 capital delivery department, Jones explains that there are still projects in need of completion that already exist.
“Recognizing that we need to go faster on some of the major projects. We still have some outstanding projects from previous bonds, 2017, 2022 and so I think that we need to manage those a little bit differently,” said Jones.
Of the 182 projects funded by the 2017 bond, 89% of the projects are completed. Compared to the 188 projects from the 2022 bond, only 13% are completed, with 16.54% off schedule.
“Delayed projects, not only are they frustrating, whether they are delayed, it’s the small businesses that are impacted by those delays. Managing the delivery of those major projects, and communicating with all the stakeholders, is really important,” explained Jones.
Regarding the recent awareness of San Antonio being ranked as the third most impoverished metro area in the U.S., Jones explains her message to the city council members and their duties for serving the city.
“I laid out in the memo that I shared when I assigned people to their council committees, I said, ‘Everybody’s job, regardless of what your actual job is. Everybody’s job is to think of their work in terms of two goals, which is one, reducing poverty, and two, making our community as economically competitive as possible,’” explained Jones.
Jones emphasizes short-term opportunities and longterm opportunities to reduce poverty in San Antonio. How that starts is with investing in accessible education and an aggressive approach to bringing good jobs to San Antonio, as Jones explained during an interview with the Paisano.
“I will certainly do my part to highlight San Antonio and try to recruit businesses to come here, especially those that are going to be good paying jobs. This is a concern of mine as we go into 2027,” said Jones.
At Jones’ previous town hall meeting on Sept. 4, she brought up the Taiwanese electrical manufacturing association to generate more jobs for the San Antonio area. Jones reiterates her recruitment efforts when explaining job opportunities brought to the city.
“So just a couple of weeks ago, I recruited a Taiwanese delegation to come to San Antonio: The Taiwanese Electrical and Manufacturing Association. They were focused on identifying partners, specifically on electrical vehicles and UAVs. So I was able to recruit them to come here.”
No other partnerships regarding job opportunities have been mentioned by Jones so far. Jones’ next town hall meeting with Councilman Marc Whyte will be Oct. 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Northside Service Center.
Mayor Jones answers residents questions after town hall meeting at the Southside Lions Senior Center on Sept. 4.
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
H-1B Visa Program: Trump’s $100,000 paywall
By Emma Cavanaugh Contributor
The H-1B visa program authorizes the temporary, non-immigrant employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the U.S. The duration of an H-1B visa classification is three years, but may be extended up to six. Moving forward, President Donald Trump’s administration will impose a $100,000 fee on employers per petition. Previously, that fee would be 20 to 50 times lower, depending on the circumstance.
A proclamation announced by Trump claimed that H-1B visas have “been deliberately exploited to replace, rather than supplement, American workers with lower-paid, lower-skilled labor.” Notably, the H-1B visa is specifically for those with a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and in some cases, a master’s or doctorate degree.
Additionally, the program has a specific enforcement that foreigners are paid the same amount as existing U.S. workers. Per the requirement, if an entity participates in the H-1B program, it must maintain a Labor Condition Application. This requirement was created to prevent employers from undercutting U.S. workers by paying foreign workers less.
Over 70% of H-1B visa holders are Indian citizens. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s new fee, stating it will likely have
“humanitarian consequences” as many families were disrupted by the sudden change.
The American Immigration Council claims that the presidential proclamation is based on a false premise. Employers who comply with the set requirements for hiring workers with the H-1B program cannot lower wages or take opportunities away from comparable U.S. workers. This 100,000 fee harms U.S. competitiveness.
Tech companies in Silicon Valley rely on a steady stream of start-ups to move forward with technological advancements. With the new policy, this could change the current workflow.
“The policy change disrupts the pipeline of top tech talent coming into the United States and compromises its edge in the global A.I. race,” Red Glass Ventures Managing Partner Bilal Zuberi said.
From 1990 to 2010, H-1B holders caused 30-50% of all productivity growth in the U.S. economy, meaning most Americans depend on these workers.
Foreign workers invest their wages in the U.S. economy, which in turn increases consumer demand new jobs. With implemented fee for international employees, this trend could change in the coming future.
US military no longer celebrating heritage months
By Audrey Villar Staff Writer
The U.S. Military is no longer celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this year, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in an announcement titled, “Identity Months Dead at DoD,” released in January. Since this announcement, no official military resources have been used for cultural celebrations, ending long-held traditions. This included the previous Black History Month, Women’s History Month and Pride Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month officially began on Sept. 15, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but it will not be celebrated by the U.S. military. Last year, United States Army South and the Joint Base San Antonio held an event for the cultural month at Fort Sam Houston. This year, no government assets will go toward similar celebrations, leaving military members to celebrate among themselves.
Daniel Gonzales, a United States Marine Corps veteran and senior at UT San Antonio, spoke on his reaction towards finding out the military no longer celebrates heritage months.
“Being Hispanic, we are very proud people as it is, so we’re going to celebrate ourselves, whether the government says we can or can’t, or whether the government wants to acknowledge it or not,” Gonzales said. All other military operations will continue as usual, just without the cultural celebration.
In addition to the events coming to an end, culture-recognizing “military
State of the City Week of 10/7
By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
County cannot process 52K voter registration backlog
Third-party responsible ceases operation
By Johnpaul Buwule Staff Writer
With less than 25 days until election day, Bexar County’s voter registration backlog has grown from 45,000 to over 50,000. The over-a-month-long delay is now being processed by the county, with expectations that the backlog will not impede the election.
The Bexar County third-party vendor VOTEC — responsible for processing voter applications — announced in August that it will cease operations. Just last year, VOTEC put Texas clients on notice that they would be administering a 35% surcharge for services to keep the company afloat. Now, the California-based VR company, which is one of three companies approved to manage voter registration data in Texas, is shutting down.
or armed forces” commercials have also ceased. Gonzales noted that the Armed Forces Network used to broadcast commercials honoring military personnel from cultures corresponding with the given month. With that coming to a close, openly displaying heritage on military installations is now questioned.
“On base, sometimes people who were talking Spanish to each other, while in uniform, it kind of became a question sometimes, like, is that allowed,” Gonzales commented.
The Department of Defense states on its website that “installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos,” emphasizing celebrating achievement over culture.
“At the end of the day, the only thing that really mattered was your uniform and doing the job and making sure you could cover the person to the left and right of you. That’s really all that matters. It’s about the mission,” Gonzales said.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations will continue in the City of San Antonio until
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics cover the arrest of Suzanne Simpson’s sister to the San Antonio Botanical Garden return of Illuminate.
Suzanne Simpson’s sister arrested Teresa Clark, sister of Simpson, was arrested on Oct. 2, by the Texas Department of Public Safety. She was taken into custody for an incident that occurred on Dec. 12, 2024. Clark has been accused of harassing four members of Brad Simpson’s family through the use of phone calls and text messages. According to an affidavit, in these messages, Clark accused the family of killing her sister and warned them they “do not know who they are messing with.” Oct. 6 will mark one year since the disappearance of S. Simpson.
This announcement caused Bexar County to swiftly pivot to the state’s Texas Election Administration Management System as a replacement for processing voter registration applications. This software is typically used in smaller counties and has struggled to process the large quantity of voter applications in Bexar County.
Because TEAMS lacks the essential tools for processing and holding large applications, Bexar County’s 1.25 million registered voters cannot be stored. Texas has since upgraded TEAMS; however, this upgrade will not be available to counties until July, which is not in time for the Nov. 4 election.
“The state does not have all of our street indexes or our files. We cannot effectively process and put the voter in the correct precinct, which gives them their districts and who they are to vote for, their representatives,” Bexar County Elections Department Manager La Tonia Burton said.
Bexar County is working to remedy this backlog. The county has hired nine new workers to upload data into TEAMS, and the Bexar County Court approved a $1.5 million budget plan to switch to a Floridabased system as an additional safeguard. However, the Florida-based vendor will not be hired in time for early voting, which is set for Oct. 20.
Despite the large backlog, Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew remains optimistic that voter registration applications will be processed before Oct. 20.
“I’m 100% confident that everybody
will be processed and every eligible voter will be in the system come the first day of early voting,” Carew said.
Bexar County has been working closely with the Secretary of State to process the 52,000 voter backlog, with the county sharing over 60,000 street addresses to ensure they are captured in the new TEAMS software. In addition to sharing data, a temporary team was assembled to process applications, hoping that 75% of the registration would be completed by the end of Oct. 5.
The November ballot will consist of 17 state amendments and two county propositions. The first proposition would raise taxes on hotel rooms and car rentals to fund the Spurs Arena, and the second proposes renovation to the Frost Bank and surrounding areas using the same tax raise. Early voting begins Oct. 20, giving Bexar County less than two weeks to process the backlog.
By Henry Holmes Staff Writer
Nonprofit organization helps connect police and young people Against All Odds Rise is a nonprofit dedicated to serving communities by connecting young people with local law enforcement.
“[Young people] don’t have to go based on social media or what they’re hearing from other people. They can go directly to the source and actually speak to officers,” founder of Against All Odds Rise Emery Johnson said.
The organization will be holding an event from 1-3 p.m. on Oct. 10 at LYND, located at 4499 Pond Hill Rd.
San Antonio Botanical Garden brings back Illuminate Illuminate, presented by H-E-B, is returning to the San Antonio Botanical Garden this November. The three-month event will feature hand-crafted lanterns designed in collaboration with the largest Chinese lantern festival producer, Tianyu Arts and Culture. There will be multiple themed nights — such as Sensory-Friendly Night, Family Night, Ugly Sweater Night and a New Year’s Eve party. The event will occur from Nov. 11 to Jan. 11, 2026.
Marisela Cruz/The Paisano
OPINION
Texas colleges follow state’s anti-trans agenda
Editorial
FTwo Texas colleges restrict classroom discussion on transgender identity
or the first time in Texas higher education history, public state institutions have placed restrictions on classroom discussion about gender identities. Late last month, Angelo State University banned classroom dialogue on transgender and gender identities, while the Texas Tech University System placed limitations on classroom instruction of these subjects.
These restrictions have been placed amid current concerns regarding free speech and academic freedom in Texas colleges. Angelo State officials have given instructions to their professors not to discuss transgender and nonbinary identities in their courses, according to faculty. Professors who spoke anonymously to the Texas Tribune — out of a valid fear of termination — have claimed a written policy does not exist, and Brittney Miller, a spokesperson for the school, has declined to provide
details about the bans or share a policy.
Jason Pierce, Chair of the History Department at ASU, has said in an email to faculty that “LGB information and content is acceptable,” and that “It is only transgender that is forbidden.” Pierce has also stated in emails to his department faculty that ASU will not “back up or defend” professors who discuss these topics in the classroom.
It is insolent for ASU to threaten its educators while providing no written policy or rulebook for these restrictions.
The state continues its attempts to dishonor and dismantle the transgender community and place guardrails on diversity, equity and inclusion education, while ASU backs itself with irrelevant bills and orders. Miller has only shared that the university is following President Donald Trump’s executive order to
Discrediting lawyers
Commentary
By Luna Infante Opinion Editor
Texas is pushing to be the first state to no longer use the American Bar Association to oversee its law schools. According to an order issued on Sept. 26, the Texas Supreme Court aims to determine which law school can be accredited, instead of the ABA. The ABA has set the standards for law school accreditation and aspiring lawyers for decades, founded on a “commitment to set the legal and ethical foundation for the American nation,” according to its website. ABA-approved law schools are institutions and programs that follow the organization’s standards and confer the Juris Doctor degree and the Master of Laws degree.
The removal of the ABA destroys the state’s credibility in the field and its law schools’ reputations. Most states require graduation from ABA-approved schools before individuals can take the bar exam. The exam was created for law licensure, determining if applicants hold an “acceptable education credential,” according to the ABA. The Texas Supreme Court addressed the bar exam in the order, stating that the ABA “should no longer have the final say on whether a law school’s graduates are eligible to sit for the Texas bar exam and become licensed to practice law.” Law school graduates must pass the bar exam to become practicing lawyers. This traditional, logical and educationally honorable process is being compromised by the state, with no explanation as to why.
The ABA does, however, have diversity requirements under attack by President Donald Trump’s administration, which threatened to pull its accrediting power earlier this year. Through Standard 206, the ABA required law schools to commit
to diversity and inclusion for faculty and student populations. In a Feb. 28 letter to the organization, Attorney General Pam Bondi said this policy must be repealed immediately. This caused the ABA to temporarily suspend enforcing this rule, considering updates to ensure inclusion in its schools.
One can wonder how the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policy may affect its honorable standing in the eyes of discriminatory, conservative states such as Texas. Or perhaps, the Texas Supreme Court does not value the opinion of national academic programs and would rather, in its “big fish” nature, act as the only one with the power to name something as reputable and respected.
In April, the Texas Supreme Court said it would review the ABA requirement, but no reasoning was provided. Now, the court has no plans to replace accreditation, stating in the order that it “may consider, in the future, returning to greater reliance on a multi-state accrediting entity other than the ABA should a suitable entity become available.” In an April interview with Bloomberg Law, Texas Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Blacklock said that the ABA “does not seem to be the kind of organization that all lawyers, regardless of their viewpoint, can be proud to be a part of.”
In the order, the court has asked members of the public to submit comments on this change by Dec. 1 for changes to take place by January 2026. The Texas Supreme Court should not remove the ABA for law school oversight; the organization’s longstanding prestige has not formed from tradition, but from commitment to ethics, academia and proper law instruction. The ABA’s absence in the state would put state lawyers’ honor at risk and tank its law schools’ reputations.
recognize birth-assigned genders, Gov. Greg Abbott’s letter to “reject woke gender ideologies” and House Bill 229, which requires binary definitions of gender for “governmental information.” However, no federal law has a clear definition sex and identity. Abbott’s letter does not create law, and HB 229 does not mention higher education. While some may argue these are loopholes, there is no defined “nogo” line for the mention of gender identity in classrooms, making these classroom bans yet another attack on the First Amendment.
The Texas Tech University System has followed a similar path, vaguely ordering its five universities to limit classroom dialogue about transgender and nonbinary identities. Little instruction has been given regarding these
limits; however, in an uncanny similarity, Texas Tech Chancellor Tedd Mitchell said that faculty — while acting as instructors — must follow the aforementioned executive order, Abbot’s letter and HB 229. Ironically, Mitchell’s language kindly points out how these orders and laws are not enforceable by law: “While recognizing the First Amendment rights of employees in their personal capacity, faculty must comply with these laws in the instruction of students, within the course and scope of their employment.”
As the nation’s First Amendment rights continue to be threatened and its entities collapse under the pressure, Texas happily threatens its people’s rights on its own accord. ASU and Texas Tech are carelessly attacking their faculty and students’ academic freedom and further stigmatizing their transgender communities. These restrictions have killed two birds with one stone, pushing Texas’ anti-trans and anti-free speech agenda.
‘Showbiz’ shows
Commentary
By Audrey Villar Staff Writer
In the wake of many free speech violations committed by the U.S. government, a group of celebrities banded together to revive the Committee for the First Amendment last week. Led by Jane Fonda, the collective aims to “defend free expression against government repression, industry complicity, and intimidation,” according to its website. While it is upsetting that the committee is in demand once again, its comeback is necessary as the U.S. re-enters an era of verbal oppression.
The original committee was formed as a response to the McCarthyism epidemic, a wave of red-scare accusations based on speculation. The group opposed the wrongful persecution of democracy.
Previous members included Fonda’s father, Henry Fonda, as well as Lucille Ball, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra among others, who took a stand against the blacklisting of Hollywood actors suspected of communist associations.
The U.S. is again attacking free speech, regressing to the point that Hollywood must stand up and guard national freedoms once again. The censorship of any media and education going against President Donald Trump’s politics has clearly violated Americans’ First Amendment rights. For example, Jimmy Kimmel was temporarily taken off the air for his comments on slain political commentator Charlie Kirk and right-wingers. Harvard’s federal funding was withheld in an attempt to make the institution change its procedures to align with Republican ideologies. Educators like Melissa McCoul have been fired for including gender-inclusive teachings in their classes. Trump’s administration
up
is priming the country to be perfectly aligned with MAGA ideologies, silencing opposition in a dictator-like fashion. The state should not have the power to suppress free speech, but this oppression will continue if nothing is done to stop it. The responsibility should fall on politicians, but celebrities have stepped up instead to use their platforms for good. Fonda wrote in her plea to fellow Hollywood members to join the group, “This is the most frightening moment of my life.” The 87-year-old emphasized the importance of solidarity, and her letter led over 550 celebrities to join the cause. Even the drama-filled Hollywood community was able to band together against the larger threat: tyranny.
The committee will stand up for its beliefs in a loud, non-violent way. Civil disobedience will pave the way for free speech, the same way it did in the 1940s. The committee’s need for revival reflects the beginning of a dark era in the U.S., but it stands as a beacon of hope for constitutional rights. People must stand united during this time. Influence should be taken from the committee, as everyone in support of American liberties should be “loud and purposeful,” as the committee’s website says.
US government descends into shutdown
Commentary
By Lina Arraour Contributor
The radical left has shut down the government — or so claim the messages plastered on government websites, echoed in the White House’s voicemail and sent from hacked Department of Education email addresses. These statements cross the clear line drawn by the Hatch Act, which forbids partisan politics by federal officers on duty.
Last Wednesday, the Senate failed to reach an agreement regarding federal funding, plunging the government into a shutdown.
Republicans held a 53-47 Senate majority but needed seven Democrats to meet the chamber’s 60-vote threshold for spending bills. While Republicans continue to bait Democrats by refusing debate until the government reopens, the left-leaning party refuses to proceed without extensions for healthcare funding and assurances that President Donald Trump will no longer ignore the financial
obligations of the laws he signed into order.
As officials fight on the Senate floor, the shutdown has resulted in the furlough of 750,000 federal workers. Essential personnel — including Border Patrol agents and airline employees — are now working without pay, and Financial oversight has come to a halt.
In the midst of this chaos, the Trump administration’s version of assurance comes through a campaign of AIgenerated videos and pictures mocking the Democratic Party — or, as he labeled it, “The party of hate, evil and Satan.” He continued by freezing New York’s $18 billion legislation for public transportation and cutting $8 billion in conservation efforts across 16 Democratic states. Then, he allegedly refused to meet with Democratic leaders in the Oval Office for a discussion.
Even members of his own party, like Senator Thom
party; it represents nurses, students, veterans and parents — citizens of a democracy that increasingly feels like a shutdown is not just a pause in government spending. It is the latest act in a long-running illusion: a government more committed to fighting its own people than serving them. The doors of the federal offices may be locked, but the machinery
point vs. counterpoint: political violence
Political violence is necessary
Commentary
By Aidan Gonzalez Contributor
According to an NPR survey, at least one out of every three Americans believes violence is necessary to get the country back on track. With President Donald Trump’s administration running the government, constitutional rights, like free speech, are being threatened. The country is spiraling downwards toward a complete collapse or a potential civil war. Liberties are being attacked, and one historically proven way to fight back is with an insurgency.
The U.S. was founded on the principle that the government should not
“He continues to divide this country, and it will lead to a tipping point.”
infringe on the rights and liberties of American citizens.
The country is in a state where people may feel they need to fight for freedom and to avoid letting corrupt leaders control their rights. When the government refuses to listen to peaceful protests, the people have a duty to take the next step in fighting back. Constituents can push back through uprisings in the form of political unrest and civil disobedience.
Loud social unrest has worked before, and it will work again. Within the U.S., a revolution was necessary to break free from the British Empire and its oppressive ways. Abolitionism helped bring attention to how unjust and cruel slavery was. In Nepal, a nationwide social media ban sparked widespread
public demonstrations and strong opposition to the government. Citizens demanded greater freedom and accountability from their leaders. These uprisings created brighter futures for oppressed communities.
Trump is supposed to unite the country; however, he continues to blame only one ideological side — the left — for everything that has gone wrong during his time in office. He continues to divide this country, and it will lead to
Punching holes in democracy
Commentary
By Johnpaul Buwule Staff Writer
America’s divide is growing, and political violence is only worsening it. From 2023 to 2024, politicians experienced a 10% increase in threats and harassment, and, in an NPR Survey, the support for political violence rose by 11% in 2025. The brutal assassination of Democratic Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, the shooting in the Texas Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center and the assassination of Charlie are chilling recent examples of political violence.
to be. Although political violence should not be the first resort, action against the government is necessary in this climate. It is every citizen’s duty to ensure their rights are not being infringed upon. The nation must realize that the road to systematic change is a rocky one.
Americans have witnessed these attacks with antipathy for their political counterparts, fanning the flames of a polarized political climate.
While political violence only accounts for a small percentage of violent crime, its impact is widespread because of its symbolic nature. This is what makes political violence so pervasive: its
Political violence can only become a necessity when individuals have exhausted every effort to achieve change with a government that does not recognize their humanity — not when the public disagrees politically.
Extremist violence is on the rise, acting as a clear and present threat to the viability of the great American experiment — a democratic republic.
Democracy relies on a public that is willing to take up its grievances in the public sphere; political violence erodes that ability. Violent extremism minimizes meaningful democratic forms of public engagement, from voting to community organization. The subversion
of these peaceful avenues replaces tranquility with weapons and strife to achieve political ends. When violence is normalized and supported, democracies falter. The product of violence is fear, and fear discourages Americans from participating and engaging with political institutions.
After President Donald Trump falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen, the CEO of Dominion Voting Systems, Eric Coomer, went into hiding because of angry supporters doxing and placing a million-dollar bounty for him. These are the consequences of violent extremism: fear, mixed with amplified hatred, leading to the paralysis of Americans. Political violence also uniquely affects minorities.
Princeton University’s “Bridging Divides Initiative” explains that the rise in extremist violence disproportionately affects African Americans, Jewish people, Arab people, Muslims and the LGBTQ community. Hateful rhetoric manifests in the form of violence, and vulnerable groups get caught in the crosshairs. In the Texas Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center shooting, the victims were immigrants. No matter the political affiliation or end goal, support for violence disproportionately affects marginalized groups.
While extremist acts pervade the media and more people begin to view it as a necessity, 70% of Americans remain opposed to political violence, as NPR finds. Violence is a lethal force for a democracy, but it does need to remain as one. By actively engaging in U.S. democracy, for instance, joining community organizations, voting and participating in peaceful, disruptive protests, Americans can restore trust and faith in the government, subverting the necessity for political violence.
Goodall’s life work through empathy
Commentary
By Natalia Vasquez Felgueres
Contributor
Jane Goodall, the pioneering primatologist and conservationist, passed away on Oct. 1 at the age of 91. Goodall’s passing is not just a loss to the science community but a reminder of how empathy shapes the future. Her legacy proves that the most transformative breakthroughs in science are not born from detachment but from compassion and humanity. Born in England in 1934, Goodall spent her days outdoors. She enjoyed watching birds and squirrels in her backyard, perched on the branches of her favorite tree. When she was not observing nature, she was getting lost in books, like “Tarzan” and “Dr. Dolittle.”
These stories fueled a dream of visiting Africa that would carry Goodall to Tanzania at 26. She would spend the next six decades at the Gombe Stream, observing and reshaping the world’s understanding of wild chimpanzees.
At a time of rigid scientific dehumanization, Goodall’s work was hugely radical — breaking molds with her deep-rooted compassion for wildlife. Many peers dismissed her attentiveness
as “unscientific,” accusing her of anthropomorphizing chimpanzees, yet it was her refusal to strip away empathy that opened
the door to groundbreaking discoveries: chimpanzees use tools, feel emotion and share more in common with humans than science once admitted.
In a 2002 essay for Time, Goodall warned, “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.”
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She carried this message into her lifelong advocacy, where reverence to both intellect and kindness shaped her call for humanity’s coexistence with the natural world. She paved paths for scientists and activists alike, gently nudging them to meet in a converging road — a methodical and empathetic regard for the future.
As the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, she devoted her later years to environmental and humanitarian work. Goodall established the youth-led Roots & Shoots program to inspire “compassionate citizens” into action and embarked on worldwide speaking tours, urging audiences to recognize the connection between biodiversity and human survival.
A true champion of hope, Goodall was a blueprint of conviction and quiet bravery — leaving a legacy that made science human again. She proved that empathy and intellect are not opposites, but partners in truthseeking.
In the words of the New York Times, “There will always only be one Jane Goodall.”
To honor her legacy, readers can support the Jane Goodall Institute or local organizations that protect wildlife and ecosystems.
The Editorial is the official opinion of The Paisano editorial board. Commentaries are the opinion of the individual writer.
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TARTS & LIFE
Feelin’ Feminist Thought
Her recent book, “Feelin: Creative Practice, Pleasure, and Black Feminist Thought,” argues that Black women’s creative production is feminist knowledge, shaped by what she attributes as “feelin.”
Judd’s poetry and essays have appeared in journals, including “Feminist Studies,” “Women’s Studies Quarterly,” “Torch,” “Mythium” and “Meridians.” Her article “Sapphire as Praxis: Toward a Methodology of Anger” won the 2019 Claire G. Moses Award for Most Theoretically Innovative Article in “Feminist Studies.” Her first poetry collection, “Patient,” which confronts the history of medical experimentation on Black women, earned the Black Lawrence Press Hudson Book Prize.
The evening opened with a single yet powerful line: “I’m a marked woman. If I did not exist, I would have to be invented and duplicated.”
Judd emphasized the cyclical echoes of Black women’s presence in culture, from fan fiction to memorials. Audience members joined in the refrain, “Your mama’s bones so brittle we broke her with our words,” a stark acknowledgment of generational trauma and survival.
Overcome with grief, Judd remembered how her uncle had to physically shake her to bring her back to herself. Nurses had already called security, and her uncle warned her, “These people will drag you out of here,” a reminder that only his intervention prevented her forceful removal. According to Judd, these moments crystallized how Black grief is often rendered illegible or even dangerous in institutional spaces, even as it remains deeply and unmistakably human.
Extending this meditation beyond her family, she spoke of the orca Tahlequah, who carried her dead calf for 17 days, using this as a metaphor for the persistence and weight of mourning. Grief, she argued, is not private, but an enduring catalog shaping memory, history and survival. In her poems, Judd translates these meditations into vivid, living testimony. She resurrects the lives of Anarcha, Lucy and Betsey — enslaved Black women whom J. Marion Sims conducted surgical experiments on, noting that he did not use any form of anesthesia and performed the surgeries multiple times on each of them.
By placing Sims’ clinical notes next to her own poetic voice, Judd reminds readers of women’s humanity and strength: “I’m not interested in Sims / I’m interested in them / Anarcha, Lucy, Betsey / I want their names to live in my mouth.”
Archival records become acts of remembrance and resistance, demonstrating that poetry can inhabit and preserve grief, giving it shape, resonance and a voice that refuses to be ignored.
he Esperanza Peace & Justice Center hosted a powerful evening of poetry with Dr. Bettina Judd reading from her acclaimed book “Feelin: Creative Practice, Pleasure, and Black Feminist Thought” on Oct. 3. The free event drew a diverse crowd eager to experience the layered and intimate work of the scholar, poet and performer.
Associate Professor of African American Studies and Director of Graduate Studies at Emory University Bettina Judd, centers her work on Black feminist thought and the ways creative practice functions as knowledge production. She earned her bachelor’s degree in comparative women’s studies and English from Spelman College and her master’s degree and PhD in women’s studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.
‘The Tempest’ overtakes UT San Antonio
By Lourdes Czechowicz Contributor
Five actors from the London stage graced UT San Antonio’s Main Campus Recital Hall on Oct. 1 and its Buena Vista center on Oct. 3-4. The performances of “The Tempest” come after months of rehearsals and planning by the five actors involved. The program, founded in 1975 by Professor Homer “Murph” Swander and Sir Patrick Stewart at the University of California, Santa Barbara, brings the actors together with no direction or management and minimal prompts, which culminates with a production wherein each of the five actors play multiple characters.
The actors’ involvement in the program does not end there. Once the show is finalized, the ensemble goes on a tour across the U.S., stopping at various campuses and infiltrating classrooms to get involved and spread Shakespearean knowledge with the student body before performing for them.
The five artists took the time this past week to visit classes of differing focuses at UT San Antonio –making connections to theatre in unexpected academic topics. Prospero and Antonio double-actor Michael Wagg spent time with Professor Kirsten Gardner’s “History of Medicine” class, connecting health and wellness to the four-humors, the guiding principles of Shakespeare’s characters.
“We’ve loved our time at UTSA, both on campus and around town,” Wagg said. “It’s a wonderful place. We feel very fortunate not only to share our show but to be a part of campus life for the week, and working directly with students and faculty is absolutely central to what we do. We believe that the spirit of the rehearsal room and theatre making can intersect with any subject, and have really felt that here.
“By going into classrooms — and we’ve been into around 20 classes this week — we’re able to help students experience the story from the inside and to be an active part of the exploration of it. It’s a twoway process, I think. We’re able to take aspects of our production into the classroom and what we explore there can feed back into our work on stage. It’s a lively, lovely thing.”
The performance itself is stunning; the actors filled the stage despite their lack of numbers. The 14-character show is charming, with great moments of laughter throughout. When the production becomes clustered with outfit changes and doublebooked actors, the crowd finds humor and joy.
UT San Antonio has hosted the program for many years and many years to come, with the support of the UT San Antonio Friends of, so keep an eye out for next year’s residency.
Judd moved into “Dear,” a tender exploration of intimacy and self-possession. Lines like, “There’s a difference between loving a tree and carrying the weight of its branches,” highlighted vulnerability and strength. Her voice carried the weight of what she called “inner truth” — a theme she reinforced with interactive moments, such as in her recitation of “Patience.”
“Every time I say the word ‘I,’ you say, ‘History is also everybody talking at once,’” Judd instructed. The resulting chorus mirrored her concept that history is collective and alive — “all of us, here, together.”
The centerpiece of Judd’s reading was an exploration of grief in its many forms, both personal and collective. She shared stories of losing her father, stepfather and other relatives. She also recalled the summer of 2016, when she sat beside her grandmother as she neared death.
The reading concluded with reflections on the body as an archive.
“The archive breathes / It cracks, resists, remembers / Poetry is how we study it / Poetry is how we feel it,” Judd said.
The event was a full artistic experience. Judd’s work invites audiences to consider not just the words on the page, but the weight, pleasure and grief embedded in them. Her presentation at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center underscores the potential for poetry to serve as both cultural chronicle and living practice.
“Feelin: Creative Practice, Pleasure, and Black Feminist Thought” is available through major booksellers and university press channels. The Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, at 922 San Pedro Ave., continues to host free arts events and community programming.
Taylor Swift’s empty glamour
By Lourdes Czechowicz Contributor
Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated “The Life of a Showgirl” was released on Oct. 3 to millions of Swifties who have patiently waited. Swift has been disappointing in her recent work, and “The Life of a Showgirl” hammers another nail into the coffin. At some point, audiences must face the fact that this may not just be the end of one of Swift’s eras, but the beginning of an end for a larger music era marked by her artistic success.
Swift introduced her twelfth studio album with glitzy, Vegas-inspired shots of herself. Unfortunately, the album does not follow the glimmering spirit of those teasers.
The album starts off with “Fate of Ophelia.” Immediately, the showgirl essence of the album fades, introducing a vulnerable side of Swift’s emotional range.
The melodramatic pop song is one of the best on the album; however, with the amount of uncredited interpolations and samples on the album, the catchiness of the song demonstrates Swift’s originality. She turns the tragedy of Ophelia into an ode to her lover, claiming she has been saved from a terrible fate: “Don’t care where the hell you’ve been (Been) ‘cause now (Now), you’re mine / It’s ‘bout to be the sleepless night you’ve been dreaming of.”
“Elizabeth Taylor,” on the other hand, brings back pounding drums and claps of Swift’s “Reputation” era. The lyrics require an understanding of Swift’s allusion to truly comprehend what she is expressing.
“Opalite” lands itself near the bottom of the ranking, with an uninteresting beat, boring rhythm and the same topic as the previous two songs.
“Father Figure” showed signs of being good, but the interpolation of “Father Figure” by George Michael was not close enough to the original song for it to be saved. The album truly takes a turn for the worse with this song. Hearing her speak, “I’ll be your father figure, I drink that brown liquor / I can make deals with the devil because my d—ck’s bigger,” over a beat is not something that should have left the studio.
“Eldest Daughter” is awful. The slow piano intro into “But I’m not a bad b—tch / And this isn’t savage” insults the music Swift once gave to the public. Again, she is talking over the beat rather than singing, becoming completely dreary. The bridge brings some sweet-fluffsounding music, but those 10 seconds are not enough to save an entire album.
“Ruin the Friendship” sounds familiar. The funky beat with her lovely talking voice is not exactly what the album needed, but it is not terrible. Swift’s vocals come in during the chorus, adding to the beauty of the song. The lyrics of this song are alright, not atrocious as they could be, until the bridge at least. “Glistening grass from September rain / Gray overpass full of neon names” invite viewers to relate to Swift through common rural sights.
“Actually Romantic” is only kind of romantic. Swift pens quite explicit lyrics for another woman. She sings, “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave / High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me.” Speculations are running that the song is about Charli XCX, a famous pop star and friend of Swift’s ex, Matty Healy. “Gaylor” fans may have been right all along; however, it is sad to see the biggest artist in music allegedly attack another woman musician.
Reviews
“Wi$h Li$t” is a joke, really. The way she talks more than sings on this entire album is exactly where everything went wrong. Swift is undeniably a seasoned and very talented vocalist, but she does not showcase any of that on this album and especially on this song. “Wi$h Li$t” is just bland and annoying.
“Wood” has an iconic intro beat that brings cheeky lyrics, seemingly Swift’s play on the rise of sexual innuendos in pop music via Sabrina Carpenter.
The lyrics of “CANCELLED!” could be better, but they are pretty good, albeit distasteful. The song comes off a little tone deaf to many fans, as Swift has been under fire for her involvement with some wives of other Kansas City Chiefs players. The lyrics are listened to with indifference. “Honey” is unmemorable and repetitive. “The Life of a Showgirl,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter, invokes a similar lack of feeling within listeners. The beat sounds very similar to “Cool” by the Jonas Brothers. Carpenter sounded lovely on the track; the song is a befuddled mess. “The Life of a Showgirl” had so much potential, as the initial photography and the stunning album cover inspired greatness, but once again, Swift falls short of her own legacy. There are good moments sprinkled throughout the album, which saves this record from total failure, but it is unclear whether public anticipation will be as high for Swift’s next artistic endeavor.
ARTS & LIFE
Los colores de México con Ballet Folklórico
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
In rainfall, there is disorder and chaos. In the Denman Ballroom, footfalls of over a dozen dancers find order under choreography steeped in rich Mexican culture. Gentle rays of evening sunshine and warm pendant lights shine upon 17 dancers moving as one. Their stomps are steady and powerful like a resounding heartbeat. Bystanders get lost as the music gives way to the echoing steps of Ballet Folklórico de UT San Antonio.
Under the instruction of the Founder and Choreography Instructor of the Academy of Mexican Folk Dance, Sergio Martinez, Hispanic tradition and heritage are celebrated through movement.
“This is not just eight counts this way, eight counts that way,” Martinez explains regarding the artistry behind Folklórico. “Every dance has a meaning, every dance has a ‘why’ and every dance was created by dance instructors who researched in the little towns in Mexico.
“Mexico has 31 states and in every state, there’s different costumes and different footwork for such state. The state you see the most is the state of Jalisco with the big, beautiful dresses that you see there in fiesta. But there’s 30 other states that each have their own dresses and their own costumes, their own traditions.”
Martinez volunteers his time to teach the students the history as well as the dances they perform. Experienced members, like Social Media Manager Zaria Wyche and Membership Coordinator Kaiya Phelps, lead the rehearsal by example.
Wyche and Phelps guide their peers in stunning fashion while donning purple and pink Jalisco skirts. They rehearse every step of “Las Mujeres que se Pintan” with remarkable power and grace, and the rest follow their lead. Skirts flow like water with every spin, heel flick and hand raise. Forceful stomps quickly give way to nearly silent steps, only to turn back again.
Phelps has an extensive background in multiple genres of dance. To her, dance has been a healthy outlet for a while.
“I’ve been dancing for most of my life now, and it’s really just a form of release for me. It helps me relieve some tension, gives me a place to just zone out [and] brings me some peace [of] mind. It’s where I can just be expressive, and it’s really helped me a lot in some rough places in my life.”
The Ballet Folklórico dancers go on to rehearse “Mi lindo Motul” and “Los Almudes.” Martinez introduces a tray with candles representing glasses of water for the class to practice balancing on their heads while dancing. They take turns showcasing incredible footwork across the ballroom for “Mi lindo Motul” and on top of a little wooden crate for
Taylor Swift, football, furries
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
With the fall semester almost at its halfway mark, it is nearly time for students to start breaking out their coldweather wear and hunker down for midterms. In the meantime, they have mediocre pop music and lackluster Roadrunner football to distract them from their studies.
This week, The Paisano interviewed freshman biology major Abigail Forchione, freshman business management major Jeremiah Zurita, junior cyber security major Anthony Perez and senior public health major AnnaMarie Prom.
What’s your favorite Taylor Swift song or era?
Swift’s latest album release, “The Life of a Showgirl,” sparks a new era for the pop star, but students on campus are not all that enthused.
“Honestly, I don’t even know any Taylor Swift songs, but I know she’s with Travis Kelce, though. Is that an era?” Zurita questions. Fachione, unable to name any songs or eras, is just as unfamiliar with Swift. Perez’s response is not too far off from the first two.
“I don’t really listen to Taylor Swift that much. I probably like her older stuff when she was beginning, so her country music,” Perez suggests.
“Definitely, her country era, 100%,” Prom asserts. Is Rowdy a furry?
The line between a mascot and a furry is highly contested. While some swear all mascots are furries, others think furries have far more character than UT San Antonio’s meager mascot.
“I think deep down he might be. I feel like it’s a good representation of diversity on campus,” Forchione answers. Perez is on the same page, stating, “Yes, I think Rowdy is a furry.”
Zurita is way out of the loop, responding, “To be honest, I don’t know what that is, but I’m just gonna say ‘no.’”
Who would you choose to play the Super Bowl halftime show?
It was recently announced that Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on Feb. 8, 2026. The students are not particularly Bad Bunny fans as they would prefer if other artists performed instead.
“He already did it, but The Weeknd, this is my favorite artist so I wouldn’t mind seeing him again,” Perez admitted.
Zurita’s pick: “Drake, ‘cause he’s the greatest artist of all time.”
Prom wants Selena Gomez to perform at Super Bowl LX as a throwback artist.
“Los Almudes.” Martinez carefully examines each student’s form and posture, so their heads remain still while they perform.
Janoah Martinez, the son of S. Martinez, has been dancing folklórico for 11 years. He also helps to lead the novice dancers of the group, strengthening its sense of camaraderie and ensuring no one is left behind. Being one of three men in attendance, he shares his thoughts as to why that is.
“Most groups have an equal number of men and women, but I think it’s not exposed to a lot of people anymore,” J. Martinez said. “I think when men see men dancing, it gives them a little inspiration. That’s how I started. I’ve seen people dancing before, and I wanted to be a part of that. More women are definitely involved, but I think men should be inspired the same way.”
The rehearsal wraps up with one final run through of “Los Almudes.” Wyche is among the few whothat stay behind afterward. She reflects on how she felt during past performances held by Ballet Folklórico.
“I feel like people always cheer and have fun at our performances, especially our Dia en la Sombrilla one this last fiesta. It was probably the best crowd that we’ve ever had, so I think people really enjoyed just having fun with us,” she recalls. “I feel like we’re getting a lot more opportunities to really reach out into the community and really just bring life. ” Ballet Folklórico meets every Monday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Denman Ballroom. Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of knowledge or skill level. With Día de los Muertos coming up on Nov. 1-2, Ballet Folklórico anticipates holding performances on and around campus. To find out more, follow the organization on Instagram @utsafolklorico.
What clothing item are you looking forward to bringing out this fall?
Despite the fall equinox coming around in late September, average highs have been at least 90°F here in San Antonio, but colder weather is just around the corner. UT San Antonio students are looking forward to breaking out their best autumn attire to keep warm.
Prom is a bit thrifty with her pick. She found a sick jacket in a bar, and she cannot wait to wear it. Perez and Zurita favor name brands; the former looks forward to wearing his black Polo jacket, while the latter has Carhartt workwear jackets to don.
Temporary promises of Austin City Limits Festival
By Christopher Delgado Arts & Life Editor
Austin City Limits Music Festival returned to the Texas city for the 23rd year. The festival runs on the weekends from Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 10-12. The first Saturday of the event, which landed on Oct. 4, featured a variety of musicians, including Madalena Bay, Joe Keery’s musical alias Djo and the Grammy awardwinning Sabrina Carpenter. Festivalgoers entering the grounds found a musical world filled with joyous community and the opportunity to escape from the quarrels of the world.
Pain and worries do not plague these music lovers. They have become entranced with the melodious synth sound of Magdelena Bay, who teleport the listeners with an insufficient water intake to otherworldly landscapes and entities. The duo’s performance reflects the narrative-driven album with the use of masks and costume changes. The birth, death and rebirth of lead singer Mica Tenenbaum provides a clear arc that allows the audience to fully let go, not worrying about time. The duo takes festivalgoers by the hand and leads them into the pop duo’s worlds, accentuated by playfully abstract set pieces. The intimacy of the performance encapsulates the escapism that ACL offers its attendees. Eventually, the production comes to an end and the spell is broken.
One festivalgoer grapples with intense foot pain because her boots had suddenly fallen apart the day before the festival, forcing her to wear a new pair that were not yet broken in. Along the barricade, eager Djoenthusiasts slowly slide to the ground along the railing. The hour between Magdelena Bay and Djo never seems to cease. Audiences grow tired in the sun’s rays that seemingly drain the enthusiasm from crowds. Yet, the
sound waves emitted from Doechii’s performance over at the American Express stage counter the maleficent heat, for heads begin to gyrate to the lyrics of “Nissan Altima.” The sun begins to set, lights click on and slowly the crowd rises — a rebirth.
The beginning of Djo’s “Awake” hushes the audience until the singer appears on stage and rapturous screams envelop the Ladybird stage. The attitudes of ACL festivalgoers have shifted once again.
Akin to Magdalena Bay, Djo avoids falling into the trap of merely singing the songs. While the former did so using costume changes and set pieces, Djo makes the most of the settled sun and employs an amalgamation of lights and smoke to create gravitas on the stage that culminates in him playing “End of Beginning.” During that song’s two-and-half-minute audio experiment, the most pressing matter for the audience was Djo’s performance. The chanting of “You take the man out of the city, not the city out of man,” creates a collective consciousness in the audience that has absolved them of their troubles. It is as if their thirsts become quenched, and the blisters upon their feet bubble down. Contentment seemingly fills their hearts.
An encore chant breaks out at the end of Djo’s production, but the desire for more quickly dissipates as the crowd migrates to the American Express stage for the final performance of the night: Sabrina Carpenter.
Carpenter arrives slightly late to the stage, and in those moments, the feverish astonishment of audiences slightly diminishes as some members decide to leave the area. Once Carpenter takes the stage, the crowd becomes bewitched, but their attention span and energy have been depleted throughout the day. Carpenter even makes several comments about the low level of enthusiasm in the mass display. She encourages fans to dance and scream at the top of their lungs; the audience
remains fairly stiff until Carpenter decides it is time to arrest someone for being too hot. She has decided on Keery, who has just come off his Djo performance. The crowd becomes electric, and Carpenter rides the enthusiasm into the end of her set.
Carpenter’s performance would have been the fairy tale ending to the first Saturday of ACL; however, the festival experience has not ended, as attendees begin the trek to their cars and Ubers, inevitably
for in the the festival. A the street, an protest chants Palestine.” Lining the street every couple of blocks are Austin Police Department vehicles with officers in military uniforms and carrying assault rifles, leering into the audience, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Reality of how hypnotic the performances may have been, the ACL’s promise of community guided by music has come to an end. ACL offers the audience a time to pretend as if the violence, destruction and chaos of the world do not exist. It gives music lovers hope in the moment, before the dangers and instability of reality strike right outside the festival gates.
SPORTS
Jordan Ballin wears Hispanic He r i t a g e on his sleeves
By Rylan Renteria
baseball’s 2025 campaign put the university on the map, the same way UTSA football’s historic 2021 season did. At the heart of the program that earned its first Super Regional appearance is a 5-foot-9 true freshman from Boerne, who played his way into a starting role and a spot on the American Athletic Conference AllFreshman team.
Jordan Ballin didn’t join UTSA until last season, but he’s been a Roadrunner for life. His parents, Melissa and Ryan Ballin, graduated from UTSA. Ballin’s uncle, Justin Chavez, donned the blue, orange and white as a member of the football team back in 2013. With UTSA in his DNA, Ballin’s decision to join the ‘Runners wasn’t much of a decision at all. was my first offer in high school as a freshman,” Ballin explained. “You don’t really forget your first offer. They stuck with me throughout high school. Knowing that my family had been through the UTSA process and have been ‘Runners since I was born, it was a given that UTSA is where I wanted could have gone to some other bigger schools but it didn’t seem like they were going to invest in me. At UTSA, with coach [Ryan] Aguayo and coach [Pat] Hallmark, it just felt like they were family. Easy choice to make.”
larger teams that Ballin lockered for the Roadrunners include the likes of University of Houston, Duke University, Indiana University Bloomington, University of Oregon and University of Virginia. While Ballin noted the named universities were great teams to play for, he felt UTSA presented the best situation for him to grow and develop in — and develop he did. Ballin posted a .333 batting average and a .914 OPS at the plate for the of the players on the ‘Runners’ 2025 squad may never have to pay for a drink in San Antonio again, but Ballin remains humble about his status.
“I don’t know if I’m a legend yet,” Ballin joked. “That kind of just gives me a little more motivation to be a role model for the little ones and everyone else around me. I’m just working as hard as I can to do what’s best for my team.”
Though he humbly brushes off his potential legend status, Ballin is well on his way to going down as one of the greatest Roadrunners ever, not solely due to his play, but his character and backstory as well: an undersized Hispanic hometown hero who leads his Hispanic-Serving Institution to new heights — remarkable. Ballin knows it too. Whether it’s his walk-up song choice or him pushing for UTSA Hispanic Heritage jerseys, Ballin proudly represents his culture with the hopes of bringing together the City of San Antonio.
“It’s really cool seeing your own people give you that support,” he said. “Having our fellow Hispanics out here — whenever that Latino music comes on, it gets them pumped up. That’s half the reason I have my walk-up songs as the ones I do. I feel it brings the city together and it brings a family vibe to the stands and the city.
“I tried pushing for a Hispanic Heritage jersey this year and [Hallmark] said, ‘That’s not a bad idea. I’ll see what I can do.’ It all revolves around family. No matter what family we’re from or who we are, what we do — we’re all family.”
Family means everything to Ballin. His grandfather from Mexico is a defining influence on him and a large part of why he takes so much pride in his culture. It wasn’t that long ago that discrimination infected professional and collegiate athletics. Moments like these between grandfather and grandson offer a chance to reflect not just on what was, but on how far the nation has come.
“My grandpa tells me stories about playing baseball, and what he went through when he did,” he explained. “Seeing his dream and what he couldn’t do through me, it makes him happy.”
As a 5-foot-9 Hispanic baseball player from Texas, Ballin’s favorite player growing up seems like an obvious one. He confirmed his fandom of Houston Astros legend Jose Altuve, while naming another current Astro as a favorite of his.
“[Altuve] is who I kind of look up to,” Ballin said. “He’s small, Hispanic and I think that keeps pushing me a little bit more to say, ‘Hey, I can do this no matter my ethnicity, size or what I do. If I put my mind to it, I can make it to the next level.’
“Another guy I followed was Maurico Dubón. When I was 12 years old, I watched him play all throughout Double-A for the San Antonio Missions and snagged a couple pictures with him.”
After enjoying a picture-perfect freshman year, a challenge was inevitable. Hallmark and UTSA underwent a contract dispute, despite all the momentum garnered from the team’s playoff performance. At the height of the dispute, a report that San Diego State University was eyeing Hallmark to fill its coaching vacancy was released. While Roadrunner fans held their breaths waiting for the contract extension announcement, so did Ballin.
Hallmark’s exit from the program would have left Ballin torn. Luckily, for both fans and players alike, Hallmark and UTSA inked a deal that keeps him in San Antonio through 2029.
“I was sweating. I was like, ‘Where is this going to take me?’ I want to be at UTSA. I want to play with coach Hallmark. I was quiet. My mom was asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Ultimately, I think wherever he and the coaching staff went is probably where I would’ve gone. But I knew the whole time he wanted to stay,” Ballin said.
With the offseason drama subsided, Ballin is focused on the 2026 season. The Roadrunners earned a spot in the Astros Foundation College Classic, where they’ll face off against Baylor University, The Ohio State University and Coastal Carolina University — the latter are coming off of a College World Series appearance.
The ‘Runnners’ expectations are heightened and the opponents are tougher, but Ballin and the Roadrunners will stick with their guns going forward.
“Obviously to work hard, and at the end of the day, we’re just going to control what we control,” he said. “We’re going to play each pitch like we did last year, hard and passionate. What got us to where we were last year is playing with that chip on our shoulder. We’re going to have that red dot on our backs. We’re going to have people circle us on their schedules.
“It’s going to be an exciting season. I’m excited. I’m ready to get back on the field, play with the guys and compete for another conference championship.”
Ballin and the Roadrunners are ready for whatever awaits them in 2026. They’re not the biggest, fastest or most expensive roster in the nation, but they are a team that plays for the love of the game, their coach and the City of San Antonio.
San Antonio Brahmas discontinued
By Dean Camacho Contributor
It is with great sadness that fans discover the discontinuation of the San Antonio Brahmas. The decision was announced Friday afternoon, paired with the exit of the Memphis and Michigan franchises. This comes as a shock; the Brahmas did not end up here due to a lack of success. In fact, the United Football League cites the opposite, revealing that the stadiums do not align with their vision of a smaller, more intimate setting to enjoy football.
It is a perplexing vision that doesn’t encourage growth. The UFL found that residing within the Alamodome was a sign of overgrowth, with the Brahmas ranking fourth in attendance in 2025, according to Sports Business Journal.
The Brahmas are another addition to the carousel of failed professional football teams that resided in the Alamo City, such as the San Antonio Riders from 199192 and the San Antonio Gunslingers from 1984-85. It’s interesting to see that San Antonio can’t maintain a professional team besides the San Antonio Spurs. It’s been 33 years since the construction of the Alamodome and spring football continues to elude fans.
Though the exit of the franchise is disheartening, there is still the potential for something good to come out of this move. With a potential expansion in 2028, the NFL and NHL could consider San Antonio when discussing an expansion and/or relocation of other teams. Not every city can boast beautiful attendance numbers, especially with NFL games being as expensive as they’ve become.
The Brahmas provided resplendent experiences that held fans over during the annual dreaded NFL drought for a much more reasonable price compared to the neighboring Dallas Cowboys. Texas continues to have an insatiable appetite for professional football, and this latest news starves the fandom.
Not only were the fans bought in, but the team was performing exquisitely before Payton Pardee took over as the interim head coach. Under Wade Phillips in 2024, the Brahmas posted a very respectable 7-3 record before meeting their demise against the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL Championship Game. The following season, they slipped to 1-9, tasting defeat in nearly every game, marking a disappointing season performance that could only be surpassed by the extinction of the team. The glitz and glamour of housing a football team is again shortlived for San Antonio.
It’s important to note that San Antonio is consistently provided the opportunity to establish sports franchises such as the WNBA’s San Antonio Silver Stars, who later became the Las Vegas Aces, or the San Antonio Rampage, which also relocated to Henderson, Nevada. The city continues to showcase great fan turnouts, which bodes well for its attractiveness in the sports market. Fans hope to, at some point, possess more than one professional sports team, in the same vein that Dallas has the Mavericks and Cowboys or Houston with the Rockets and Texans. With lax state tax laws sure to lure in business owners, it’s only a matter of time until another organization falls in the city’s lap.
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
Roadrunners,owls draw in conference contest
By Marisela Cruz News Editor
HOUSTON — Junior forward Michelle Polo scored the tying goal in the 40th minute, giving UTSA soccer a 1-1 draw against Rice University on Thursday at Holloway Field.
The Roadrunners (6-2-5, 2-0-3 AC) maintained control of the ball on the opponent’s side of the field consistently throughout the game, keeping the Owls (8-2-2, 2-1-2 AC) at bay.
Both goalkeepers were monumental for their respective teams, with plenty of strong kicks consistently flipping field position. Although the Owls got their first goal during the ninth minute, the ‘Runners followed right behind. Polo connected with the net with five minutes left in the
first half, taking advantage of a window in the right corner of the goal.
In the end, the Roadrunners had 17 shots to the Owls’ 12. Coach Pittman discussed the Roadrunners’ history with the Owls after the draw.
“University of Rice, this is our 17th meeting, and we’ve only won three times,” Pittman said. “So, to be honest with you, it’s always a difficult contest. It’s always a really tough match, whether it’s at our place or here. They are a talented group and I’m really proud of our team today. I thought we did a fantastic job.”
The Owls played a close-contact game instead of working across the field. They ended up head-to-head against the Roadrunners on Thursday.
The ‘Runners also led in shots on goal with two instances during the second
Claunch uplifts team in preseason press conference
By Logan Martinez Staff Writer
Headed into his second year, UTSA men’s basketball coach Austin Claunch has been extremely positive about his growing program. Claunch, who went 12-19 in his previous season, will look to improve thanks to a complete roster overhaul. While there are questions of whether the new team will live up to its potential, he has remained steadfast in his belief and confidence in this year’s squad.
“We made some changes from top to bottom and we’re really happy with the overall attitude and character of the team we have,” Claunch said. “At their core, not just the players they are but the people they are. I love this group.”
The roster is almost entirely new and appears to be UTSA’s best team in recent history. The squad consists of elite transfers, seasoned graduate students and high-potential freshmen signings. Each player possesses a unique skillset, providing Claunch a multitude of ways to carve out victories for UTSA. The coach raved about the group’s makeup, highlighting their versatility and oncourt ability.
“This year we’ve got a lot of versatility, a lot of guys that can do different things,” Claunch said. “Because of our length, size and athleticism, there are a lot of ways we can impact a game.”
Versatility will be one of the team’s strong points headed into the season. With an average height of 6-foot-6, the Roadrunners have impressive wingspans and are incredibly fast. They have the advantage of playing near positionless basketball and will likely outrun most teams within their conference. Each player’s ability to score at all three phases of the game will help open up the floor on offense, forcing opponents to play at the ‘Runners’ pace. The depth of their lineup and overall selflessness will present a tough matchup for any team in college basketball.
“You’re going to see a lot of ball movement and a lot of scoring this year,” he explained. “Starting [five] is going to depend on matchups, but I think the strength of this team is going to be our depth. There isn’t one guy who feels they need to score.”
Facing a packed schedule, depth and a next-player-up mentality will be crucial if the Roadrunners wish to enter conference play with a winning record. As of now, the team will be on the road for five out of six non-conference
games. With matchups against schools such as the University of Alabama, University of Colorado and University of South Central, UTSA will be battle tested heading into conference play.
The team’s schedule, while tough, is something Claunch has fully welcomed as he prepares his squad for its home opener on Oct. 25 against the University of the Incarnate Word.
“Our guys, they’re ready to test themselves. We’re all ready to test ourselves.” Claunch said. “You expect a couple of bumps and bruises, but you can learn a lot about your team.”
Throughout the off-season, Claunch has been overwhelmingly optimistic about his team. The coach has consistently preached accountability and toughness, developing his team into one that the city of San Antonio can be proud of. When given three words to describe his team, Claunch responded with an answer that reflects the core values of UTSA athletics.
“If there are three words I want people to know our team by, it’s toughness, passion and discipline,” Claunch said. “There’s a way you win at UTSA, and that’s with a team that embodies the identity of San Antonio.”
Claunch and his team will gear up for the start of their season towards the end of October. Under his guidance, the Roadrunners will make a formidable opponent and a serious contender for the American Conference title.
half. During the 53rd minute, senior midfielder Zoë May nearly scored, but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar. Within a minute, May tried again but couldn’t quite find the net.
The Roadrunners set a new record on Thursday night, marking their eighth straight game without a loss. Pittman explained why he feels his team is already making history.
“That’s the longest unbeaten streak we’ve ever had in our program history,” Pittman said. “So, to be able to get a draw out of this situation or a win was always going to put us in that direction. But again, the most important thing for us is that we’re one step closer to our goal, which is to make the conference tournament.
“It would have been great to get the three points tonight, and I thought we
were very close to deserving that. But, you know, in the end, it was a very valuable point on the road against a very talented team here at Rice.”
Both teams played aggressively, with the Roadrunners collecting seven fouls and the Owls garnering 11. Pittman described how both teams played an aggressive style of soccer.
“If they press, we press. They’re tough in 50-50 balls, so are we,” Pittman stated. “Again, I think it’s a lot of attitude and effort on both sides that it’s going to be a really physical match and really competitive. Fouls will come out of that, and the physical play will come out of that.” UTSA will face the University of South Florida at 7 p.m. Thursday at Park West Athletics Complex.
McCown intercepted twice in loss
to Temple University
Roadrunners offense stifled in American Conference opener
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
Junior quarterback Owen McCown tossed two interceptions, and senior running back Robert Henry Jr. had his historic streak snapped as UTSA football fell to Temple University 27-21 on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Despite having a week off to rest and repair, the Roadrunners’ (2-3, 0-1 AC) performance against the Owls (3-2, 1-0 AC) was uninspiring. An early 14-3 lead was erased over the course of the second half with an uncharacteristically ineffective rushing effort from Henry, preventing UTSA from maintaining its advantage. Miscues and all, the Roadrunners had plenty of chances to win the game in the fourth quarter. Two drives within the final five minutes resulted in zero points and a road loss.
“I thought it was a very evenly-matched game,” coach Jeff Traylor said after the game. “The two turnovers, obviously, were killers. We didn’t create any. We had one created and had two guys on the ball, but didn’t come up with it. That hurt. The two turnovers were the biggest difference, and our inability to get our running game going.”
UTSA opened the game with a 12play, 76-yard scoring drive. McCown completed five passes for 44 yards, and the drive culminated in a direct-snap
touchdown for sophomore tight end Patrick Overmyer.
Temple responded with a 31-yard field goal.
The ‘Runners extended their lead with 7:21 on the clock in the second quarter; Overmyer picked up his second touchdown of the half off of a 7-yard receiving touchdown.
After establishing a double-digit lead and taking momentum into the locker rooms, the Roadrunners came out of the half flat on both sides of the ball. The Owls put together back-to-back scoring drives to take their first lead of the game.
UTSA responded quickly. McCown orchestrated a five-play, 75-yard drive and found sophomore wide receiver Devin McCuin for an 18-yard score.
From then on, Temple added 10 points, and the Roadrunners’ offense failed to establish a rhythm. McCown was sacked three times, most notably on the team’s final offensive play on fourth-down. The Owls ran out the clock and secured their first win over UTSA since the Roadrunners joined the American Conference in 2023. Henry recorded a season-low 42 rushing yards in the loss, his first game under 100 rushing yards since the team’s win over Memphis University in 2024. Junior wide receiver AJ Wilson led the team in receiving yards with 67; McCuin followed closely with 60. Overmyer’s touchdown was the first of the season for the 2024 Freshman All-American. McCown has now registered two straight multi-interception games.
UTSA will return home to face Rice University at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Alamodome.
By Brennen Ledlow Photographer
UTSA women’s soccer midfielder Izzy Lane battles with a Rice defender in the Roadrunners’ 1-1 draw on Thursday night at Holloway Field in Houston, Texas.
UTSA head coach Austin Claunch.
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano