THE PAISANO
Professors discuss Project Marvel benefits, issues
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
San Antonio and Bexar County residents will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition B, concerning public investment into a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs. Prop. B is the first time San Antonio citizens can vote to approve or deny public funding for the greater Project Marvel downtown revitalization initiative. The Paisano sat down with Professor of Public Administration Haywood Sanders, and Michealangelo Sabatino, director of the UT San Antonio School of Architecture + Planning, to discuss potential benefits and drawbacks of Project Marvel.
A large point of contention about Project Marvel has been the lack of transparency before and immediately after revealing the initiative in November of 2024. Sanders agrees with this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community input in public investment initiatives.
“The problem is, in the case of Project Marvel, that it appeared almost literally out of nowhere,” Sanders said. “It’s particularly perplexing to me because a project of this scale with this many components and this scale of public investment should really be done with serious community involvement. We’re the ones who will use it. The people who live here and make use of downtown are the people who will, in fact, make this a success or failure.”
Early planning and development of Project Marvel was done largely behind closed doors, with the public unaware of the initiative’s existence until its official rollout. Recently, Mayor Gina Ortiz-Jones changed policies for
city employees’ use of Non-Disclosure Agreements when attempting to protect information regarding a pending business deal — setting a $50 million threshold on said deals or projects. This change aims to address public concerns about the project’s negotiations according to San Antonio Report.
Sanders also highlighted concerns about investing in renovations for San Antonio’s existing convention center.
“In the contemporary environment, convention centers were over-promised, and they under-delivered,” Sanders said. “They rarely achieve the kinds of performance in terms of attracting attendees and overnight visitor days that consultant studies forecasted.”
Convention centers have become a highly competitive and populated market in Texas. This trend pressured cities to expand and modernize existing facilities or fund new facilities in high-cost infrastructure investments. According to the Texas Comptroller, these facilities rarely make profit.
A key element of Project Marvel is the reuse and refurbishment of existing structures and facilities. Sabatino compares this process to the development of The Historic Pearl district.
“You’re taking an existing site that has all of its complexities, and you’re gradually transforming it through adaptive reuse, new fusion of capital,” Sabatino said. “I know the scale is not at the same scale as the Pearl, but what’s really cool about the history of San Antonio is that it has tended to use insights and transform them in ways that are very creative.”
Prop. B proposes a $1.3 billion price tag for the new
Shutdown halts funding to SNAP; San Antonio Food Bank steps up
By Johnpaul Buwule Staff Writer
In the wake of the federal shutdown, San Antonio organizations and government assistance programs have reported experiencing a halt in federal funding, impeding operations. Delayed federal funds have made the future of government assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, uncertain.
On Oct. 17, Texas officials warned that if the government shutdown continued until Oct. 27, SNAP benefits would not be disbursed in November. The shutdown has continued and delayed the distribution of $615 million in benefits. This setback in funding has impacted 3.5 million Texans, including 300,000 Bexar County Residents, and the 1.7 million children who depend on SNAP for groceries.
President and CEO of San Antonio Food Bank Eric Cooper explains what this delay means for the Food Bank during an interview with The Paisano.
“In the last 12 months, the San Antonio Food Bank served about 577,000 people. SNAP serves about 370,000 people,” Cooper emphasized. “SNAP recipients are stocking up. They’re coming to the food bank to get assistance because they do not know when the assistance from SNAP will come.”
SA Food Banks forecast an increase in the people they serve due to the SNAP delay.
In October, the SA Food Bank said it needs $500,000 per week to serve an additional 1 million pounds of food for a growing population in need.
“Delaying [recipients’] benefit will cause them to potentially go without food, and their income is inadequate, so therefore they will surely lean on the San Antonio Food Bank, so that we could see up to 370,000 people, should the government not open soon,” Cooper noted.
When explaining the implications of delayed SNAP benefits, Cooper articulates that nonprofits cannot completely substitute where the government left off.
“For every one meal a food bank provides a family in need, SNAP typically provides about nine, and so, if there’s a SNAP cut or SNAP delay, we would have to double, triple, quadruple, all the way up to nine times the size to be able to provide the type of volume of food that the SNAP program provides,” Cooper said. He stressed that “nonprofits or philanthropy can’t make up the difference in public support.”
In addition to SNAP benefits heightening the organization’s workload, Cooper expects that more federal workers furloughed or working without pay will turn to the food bank.
“We estimate that we’ll see about 50,000 federal workers and their family members,” Cooper posits. “One social security administration worker told me she’s raising her grandkids, and she was worried that they wouldn’t have food to eat, and so she came to the food bank.”
SA Food Bank is confident that it will continue supporting San Antonio residents in need; however, Cooper stresses that it cannot support a large portion of residents indefinitely if the shutdown is prolonged.
“We only have about four weeks’ worth of food in our warehouse, and so we’re watching it closely,” Cooper said.
Funding cuts to organizations have been prominent during the shutdown, with Eagle Flight Advocacy and Outreach feeling the impact. Eagle Flight serves seniors, disabled people and women fleeing domestic violence, also providing food, clothing and baby supplies.
The organization has reduced its biweekly food distribution to once every three weeks because its yearly $75,000 grant —30% of its budget —has been suspended. The organization assists 70 families per day and 150,000 people annually.
With a portion of its budget gone, organizations scramble to stretch resources to meet such a large population.
arena project. However, Sanders asserts that this may not be the final total, forecasting additional funding needs.
“Among other things, we know it will require more money, more public money, more tax dollars to improve and refashion traffic flows around [the new arena],” Sanders said.
A city council briefing estimates the additional infrastructure upgrades necessary for the Sports and Entertainment District to cost $220 million to $250 million. This additional financial obligation would be in addition to funding already allocated for construction and refurbishment projects in the district. These are estimates for infrastructure improvements which includes funding for additional parking infrastructure.
“The city’s talking about building two parking garages totaling 4,000 spaces. And yet, we haven’t seen any serious cost analysis for those or how they’ll be paid for,” Sanders said. “The city has also estimated $220-250 million in necessary infrastructure and traffic improvements to get 19,000 people who go to Spurs games in and out of those garages.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, City Manager Erik Walsh expects that San Antonio will be on the hook for necessary infrastructure upgrades. However, plans for how to fund these projects have yet to be disclosed.
Early voting for San Antonio’s upcoming election began on Oct. 20 and runs until Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polling locations and additional information regarding the upcoming election can be found at bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department.
Early voting now until Oct. 31
By Lori Zaragoza Staff Writer
Early voting in Bexar County runs from Oct. 20-31. With local bond elections occurring, residents can vote on possible tax increases for hotels and rental cars to fund improvements to the Freeman Coliseum and a new Spurs arena in San Antonio, as well as school district upgrades.
There are two ways for people to vote: mail-in ballots or in-person at voter stations. However, mail-in voting applications must have been submitted before early voting began.
With multiple locations across the city for voters to access, UT San Antonio also has a voting station at the H-E-B student union available in room 1.102. Voting will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Oct. 27-31.
Proposition A focuses on the renovations to the Frost Bank center and Freeman Coliseum to support year-round events, including the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Project Marvel is one of the measures on the ballot. If passed, it will create a new Spurs arena in San Antonio as part of Prop. B.
Texas also has 17 other constitutional amendments being proposed relating to taxation, with multiple school district funding bonds on the ballot. An example of the amendments is Prop. 3, which states that “the constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.”
The Bexar County website, bexar.org, provides information on how voting will take place and the required information to present for in-person voting or voting by mail. The requirements for mail-in voting are being physically disabled or having an illness, being age 65 or older and/or being away from the country.
Voting locations can also be found on the county websites. A guide for the propositions on the ballot is provided to help voters read through and understand what they are voting for before arriving at a station. To participate in early voting, residents must be registered voters. Stations across the city are open and available for those who qualify for early voting, with designated open times.
Voters cannot wear any “swag” or jerseys to the voter stations. The Bexar County Election Department reminds voters that it is the law to not wear logos and will be asked to remove, cover or flip merchandise inside out to enter the voting area. Dressing, supporting and promoting the Spurs is still legal within 100 feet of any voter station.
Armin Suljovic/The Paisano
NEWS
Future event, opportunities: SGA plans to host Halloween event on Paseo
By Hallie Lott Contributor
The Student Government Association highlighted future events they are hosting, upcoming student opportunities and updates from UT San Antonio dining during their most recent general meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.
SGA is partnering with Roadrunner Productions, Honors Alliance, The Volunteer Organization Involving Community, Education and Service and Rowdy Crew to host Trick or Treat on the Paseo. It is an event near the storefronts on campus featuring Halloween-themed activities, including slime-making, cookie decorating and a costume contest. The event will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Unwind Before The Grind on Nov. 13 will be also hosted by SGA. The event is a series of relaxing activities for students to partake in before heading into finals season. It will have guided meditation and a Zen Gardens giveaway, occurring from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Student Union.
Mental Health and First Aid training will take place on Nov. 8. SGA will host this event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Multidisciplinary Studies building. This opportunity consists of two hours of pre-work before the event and six hours of instructor-led training during. This training will teach those interested how to recognize the symptoms of a mental health challenge and how to properly respond to someone experiencing a mental health challenge.
SGA Advisor Chantea’ Swinson-Rhoe highlighted the future market fundraiser occurring on campus as an opportunity for clubs and organizations to sell self-made items to students. The next and final market fundraiser will
be on Nov. 4. Swinson-Rhoe again emphasized that LeaderFund applications are still open and will close on Nov. 25. Swinson-Rhoe encouraged all student organizations to apply to receive funding support for hosting future events on campus.
Speaker of the Senate Alexander Hennel announced that the restaurant replacing Rising Roll on Main Campus will be called The Den. The restaurant is affiliated with Denny’s, serving food items including pancakes all day. Other menu items include burgers and salads. The restaurant will come to theDowntown Campus at One Riverwalk Place too. Hennel also announced that San Pedro One at the Downtown Campus has a new vending machine on the second floor.
The meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m. The next General Assembly for SGA will be held on Nov. 6 in the Travis and Harris rooms, located at HEB Student Union 2.202 and 2.212.
Mayor open to negotiate with Spurs after vote on Proposition B
By Marisela Cruz News Editor
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has been vocal about Proposition
State of the City
Week of 10/28
By Natalia Vázquez Felgueres Contributor
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 covers the resignation of the Alamo Trust president, downtown scaffolding in danger of collapsing and severe weather impacts across the city.
Leading up to the vote, Jones has continuously raised concerns for the city budget, federal funding cuts and an independent economic assessment regarding Project Marvel. want the Spurs to stay in San Antonio, and I believe the Spurs want to stay,” Jones said in her statement. on the Spurs’ contemplation to leave San Antonio has circulated citywide. During a District 5 town hall meeting organized by Councilmember Terri Castillo, a question about the basketball team relocating arose with Spurs General Counsel Bobby Perez. hope that when you look at the numbers, when you look at the facts, you’ll vote for ‘Yes’ for Propositions A and B. That’s what we’re focused on,” Perez stated. explained why some may assume she is against Project Marvel. Earlier this year, she interrupted a ProProject Marvel rally at City Hall, reiterating her demand for an independent economic assessment. She also commented on the topic of the Spurs’ possible move when she interrupted the rally.
Spurs have never said that they would leave San Antonio,” Jones noted in response to an attendee on the day of the event.
her Op-Ed, Jones cited UT San Antonio’s CPOR poll of voters’ stance on numerous factors regarding the upcoming vote. She brought up that 40% of voters approve Prop.
B’s venue tax to fund the construction of a new arena, 46% are against the use of funds and 14% of voters are unsure. many of you, based on the recent UT San Antonio poll, I’m somewhere in the middle, cautiously weighing this generational investment in the context of our financial reality and the process that led us to this point,” Jones explained.
Jones states that she is willing to continue negotiating with the Spurs regardless of the voting outcome on Nov. 4.
SCOTUS reevaluates Voting Rights Act
By Henry Holmes Staff Writer
After rehearing a challenge to Louisiana redistricting, the Supreme Court suggested it may overturn Section Two of the Voting Rights Act, which protects voters of color. Section two remains one of the few parts of the Voting Rights Act that the Court has not been diluted.
Following the Civil War, Congress ratified the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to grant and protect certain rights for newly freed slaves. These rights included citizenship and voting; however, many minorities were still prevented from enjoying the same liberties as their white counterparts. Practices like poll taxes, whiteonly primaries, literacy tests and grandfather clauses disenfranchised Black and minority voters. It was not until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the 24th Amendment that the liberties promised after the Civil War were fully realized.
Since Chief Justice John Roberts’ appointment, many VRA provisions have been ruled unconstitutional. Most prominently, in Shelby County v. Holder, the court struck down parts of the VRA, requiring states and counties with historic discrimination to “preclear” new voting policies with the Department of Justice. If the DOJ found a new practice was discriminatory, it would prevent the law’s passage.
VRA’s Section Two stops states and political parties from enforcing policies that deny the right to vote based on race. Specifically, it prevents practices that decrease an election’s openness and opportunities to participate in politics because of race. Section Two is one of the few remaining strongholds in the VRA the Court has historically protected.
Right now, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is disputing a lawsuit that alleges that Louisiana’s redistricting maps are racially discriminatory. The suit’s history began in 2022 when the Louisiana legislature apportioned its onethird black population into one of its five congressional districts. The U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, ordered Louisiana to redraw its map since the original violated Section Two of the VRA. The new map allows Black voters to elect two congressional representatives. Again, the map was promptly challenged by a group identifying as “non-Black voters” for allegedly using race to draw it. The case has been brought to the Supreme Court as “Louisiana v. Callais.” The current lawsuit asks the Supreme Court whether “Louisiana’s creation of a second majority-Black district that was required by the Voting Rights Act is still a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment,” questioning the constitutionality of the VRA’s second section.
In 2023, the Court reaffirmed Section Two when it ordered Alabama to redraw its congressional map. The old map was found to dilute minority votes. In his majority opinion, Roberts stated, “Congress is undoubtedly aware of our construing section 2 to apply to districting challenges. It can change that if it likes. But until and unless it does, statutory stare decisis counsels our staying the course.”
However, on Oct. 15, when rehearing Callais, the Court’s conservative majority cast doubt on the Alabama decision. “[The Alabama case] took precedent as a given,” Roberts said.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who also previously ruled to uphold Section Two, weighed in.
“[This] Court’s cases in a variety of contexts have said that race-based remedies are permissible for a period of time,” Kavanaugh began. “[What] exactly do you think the endpoint should be or how would we know for the intentional use of race to create districts?” Kavanaugh’s reasoning mirrors when the court ruled affirmative action unconstitutional.
Many organizations have expressed that overruling VRA Section Two could be disastrous for civil rights. In an online post, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund explained, “[The] outcome in this case will reverberate through redistricting law nationwide and will determine the future of the Voting Rights Act, with key protections hanging in the balance.”
Alanah Odoms, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana, also issued a statement.
“[States] could carve up Black and brown communities like puzzle pieces until our votes no longer matter. Weakening Section 2 would open the door to rampant racial gerrymandering and take us back to a pre-1965 America.”
The Supreme Court will likely not release a decision for several months to a year. Either way, the case will greatly impact the future of voting and civil rights law. Readers can stay up to date on the final ruling at paisano-online.com.
Alamo Trust president resigns
President and CEO of the Alamo Trust Kate Rogers resigned on Oct. 23, following a call by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to vacate her position.
In a letter to the Trust’s board of directors, Patrick expressed concerns over Rogers’ leadership, writing that they were “incompatible with the telling of the history of the Battle of the Alamo.” The resignation advances debate over how the site’s history should be presented. The following day, the organization announced former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade as its new president.
Scaffolding buckles
The San Antonio Fire Department reported that scaffolding at a downtown construction site near the Main Plaza began to buckle on Oct. 24, prompting an evacuation of nearby buildings and the temporary closure of East Commerce Street.
City officials said the structure appeared weakened and posed a potential risk of collapse. Construction crews worked through the afternoon to stabilize and dismantle the scaffolding to prevent further danger.
No injuries were reported, but traffic and pedestrian access in the area were restricted for several hours.
Storms, crashes hit SA
Several vehicle crashes and power outages were reported after heavy rain and thunderstorms moved through the San Antonio area on Oct. 25. Emergency crews responded to incidents across the city, including a collision on the West Side involving a suspected intoxicated driver that left a woman hospitalized.
The storms also caused power outages for nearly 4,000 residents, with major outages reported near Callaghan Road and West Commerce Street. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and reported rainfall totals of 1-3 inches across Bexar County.
Carlos Craig/The Paisano
Speaker of the Senate Alexander “Alex” Hennel, took to the podium.
OPINION
Universities contemplate concession of control
UT Austin remains 1 of 2 colleges undecided on Trump’s compact
Editorial
Tenured UT Austin liberal arts professor Art Markman was fired last week over alleged ideological differences — personal choices that supposedly reflect the quality of his instruction and expertise. Some Republicans, namely, President Donald Trump’s administration, liken universities to temples of “wokeness,” striving to rewrite what is taught in classrooms.
Nine universities were offered Trump’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education on Oct. 1. The agreement asked universities to revise governance structures to preserve conservative ideals, curb international undergraduate enrollment, define gender based on biology and bar political speech for priority funding. UT Austin, which already lost $47 million in research funding to Trump’s federal cuts earlier this year, expressed enthusiasm toward its selection, stating it “looks forward to engaging with university officials.” The institution is one of only two yet to decide on the compact.
As the Trump administration attempts to seize control of outlets of free speech, the rising number of dismissed professors across the nation is frightening. According to the Tennessean, legal experts across the political spectrum
describe this compact as “blatantly illegal,” “overreaching government coercion” and even “extortion.”
Meanwhile, the Steady State — a coalition of more than 330 former national security and law enforcement professionals — condemned the act as “a direct assault on the rule of law,” warning universities that comply risk becoming “instruments of authoritarian control.”
Functioning as spaces of critical thinking, investigative skills and the prioritized pursuit of the truth allows universities to serve as democracy’s laboratories. The administration’s sustained endeavor to coerce institutions into silence is not only alarming but glaringly insulting to the foundations of education and integrity — independent, curious and free — the same principles grounding this nation.
Speech-based dismissals such as Markman’s, the firing of a Texas A&M professor who lectured on gender identity and a Texas State University professor who spoke at an online socialist event send a chilling message. Abbott said it himself: “Texas is targeting professors who are more focused on pushing leftist ideologies,” in an effort to end the “indoctrination” of the south. Yet, the conservative pipeline remains encouraged — perhaps the real indoctrination lies elsewhere.
The compact endangers the mission of higher education nationwide, especially within the University of Texas System headed by the governor-appointed Board of Regents. As UT Austin remains undecided, its uncertainty ripples across Texas and its eight sister schools, including UT San Antonio. The community must safeguard UT San Antonio’s education, integrity and rising success — amplifying the voices of students, professors and anyone who contributes to the continued prosperity of this institution.
UT San Antonio should not yield to the censorship or oppression of a disgraced administration — it must continue to preserve the legacy, culture and community built on UTSA Circle. That is the Roadrunner way.
point vs. counterpoint: Project Marvel
Vote yes: The future of the Alamo City awaits
Commentary
By Aidan Gonzalez Contributor
San Antonio’s history is at a turning point. Voters have the chance to invest in the city’s future by creating jobs, renovating downtown and keeping the Spurs where they belong: at home.
Project Marvel is more than a new arena. It is a bold plan to build a modern sports and entertainment district near Hemisfair Park, linking the Spurs with hotels, the Henry B. González Convention Center and other public spaces.
According to local reports, the Spurs and private developers plan to invest heavily, along with city and county partners. This would ensure that Project Marvel is not a taxpayer-paid business venture. The city cannot afford to pass up this economically wise offer.
The benefits of Project Marvel are clear. A downtown arena would bring more concerts, conventions and tourists to the city. As a result, small businesses, hotels and restaurants would prosper. The project’s funding strategy also relies on tourist-related revenue, such as hotel and rental car taxes, instead of raising property taxes. This means that the city’s visitors would mainly fund the project rather than residents.
The Spurs are not just San Antonio’s basketball team; they are a part of the city’s story and image. By voting “No,” the city would most likely lose the Spurs, which would erase part of San Antonio’s identity. The Spurs would have offers from other cities, which would include the stadium being fully funded. A large portion of people in this city love the Spurs. Everywhere, there are picturesque murals that serve as tributes to the team. Each one brings
joy to San Antonio’s community while connecting people through basketball. A new downtown arena would keep the team here for decades, bringing new life to the heart of the city.
Project Marvel’s opponents raise questions about costs, among other factors. However, this project is not just paying for a stadium; it is about improving city life and
Vote no: Put Prop. B six feet underground
Commentary
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
The City of San Antonio was burned before by false promises of an economic boom following a brand new stadium.
The Frost Bank Stadium was built to enhance San Antonio’s East Side, but has failed to do so since 2002. A halfbaked plan in Proposition B to build a
Spurs would not only hurt the city but also the team’s lifelong fans.
Cities that take bold steps are the cities that thrive. The people of San Antonio must vote “Yes” to Project Marvel.
Antonio for good if it is not passed. Around $800 million in public funds will go toward the proposed arena. City officials placed hotel and car rental tax increases on the Nov. 4 ballot to foot the
Army general relies on advice from AI
Commentary
By Edmond Cartagena Contributor
Although technology makes life easier, it is also known to hinder humankind in many ways. The most recent constraint brought by technology comes from the use of artificial intelligence. Due to the advancement of AI, many users have become increasingly dependent on their devices. One recent example is Maj. Gen. William “Hank” Taylor, who recently admitted to using ChatGPT for both personal and military command decisions. Despite AI’s uses, this confession is troublesome for various reasons. Taylor’s chatbot-generated decisions guide thousands of troops’ lives, and his conversations are extremely susceptible to hacking.
Taylor admitted to befriending the AI, which calls for further concern. “Chat and
I are really close lately,” he said about ChatGPT during a roundtable media event. This shows that ordinary people are not the only ones being influenced by AI — major figures in power are just as susceptible. Overuse of AI strips individuals of their autonomy and creativity by providing quick — and sometimes inaccurate — answers. Because Taylor is using AI to influence decisions in his career and personal life, Taylor has relinquished his independence to the chatbot. Although 52% of U.S. adults use AI models like ChatGPT, military leaders should not be allowed to make important decisions with its help. Doing so could result in large amounts of information being breached. Chatbots are not immune to cyber criminals. Any of the chats shared by Taylor holds the potential to be discovered, exposing his team’s information. This has the potential to endanger the thousands
of soldiers under his control and pose national security risks.
Taylor’s use of ChatGPT has been received so poorly that the U.S. Army has released a statement assuring the public that they are not replacing human decisionmaking with AI. Although the military has invested in AI to progress strategic planning, it does not seem orderly to receive computer-generated advice. AI tools should not be used to dictate any command decisions, especially by military leaders. By asking ChatGPT for advice, Taylor is putting thousands of soldiers’ and citizens’ lives in the hands of an unreliable chatbot.
bill, but the Spurs are pocketing 100% of revenue earned from arena events to cover their $500 million portion. It is unjust for a partially publicly funded stadium not to give back to the community that would erect it.
An economic impact report found the project could bring in $18 billion in economic activity and $350 million in tax revenue over the span of 30 years. However, the report was conducted by CSL International, a company with extensive business ties to the Spurs. The blatant conflict of interest diminishes any crumb of credibility the report possesses. San Antonians cannot trust that the alleged return on investment will trickle down to them.
The biased report predicts thousands of jobs will arise from the implementation of the project. Not once does it predict the fate of small business owners in the downtown area, who already struggle to stay afloat amid current construction projects. Project Marvel, which will take between one to five years to complete most construction ventures, will do nothing but devastate these businesses. The downfall and displacement of local businesses will only fan the flames of gentrification within the city. San Antonio’s sense of connectivity and community will crumble at the behest of CSL International and the Spurs should Prop. B come to pass.
If San Antonio loses the Spurs, then so be it. The city had an extensive history before the Spurs, and it will have a bright future without them. Some flimsy franchise that can be bought and sold does not define San Antonio; its people do. They should take top priority in any proposition placed on their ballots. Unless Prop. B puts the people first; it needs to be put to rest.
Eroding justice in the name of safety
Commentary
By Emma Cavanaugh Staff Writer
Proposition 3 blatantly attempts to rip individual liberty out of the hands of Texans. If passed, Texans can essentially say goodbye to the fundamental principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” The ballot language reads, “The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.” Prop. 3 weakens due process by normalizing pretrial punishment, leading to more individuals being detained pretrial. In the interest of protecting Texans during legal processing, Prop. 3 earns a “No” vote.
Although Prop. 3 would only apply to persons indicted of certain felonies, such as murder, indecency with a child, human trafficking, aggravated assault, kidnapping, robbery and sexual assault; it still aims to take away from the fact that in the U.S., there is a presumption of innocence. This is not about protecting criminals, but protecting constitutional principles, ensuring safety from government overreach. The U.S. justice system is built on universal rights, not conditional ones.
The amendment requires a state attorney to demonstrate evidence that bail is inadequate to deter the accused from failing to appear in court or that there is a necessary assurance for the safety of the community. The “preponderance of the
evidence” is a much lower burden of proof required as opposed to a typical trial’s necessary findings needed to remove innocence. A hearing and evidence are required to determine if the defendant should have bail denied before the trial of the relevant crime. Although this is a safeguard, it is insufficient because those accused would be evaluated based on prior offenses and perceived risk rather than the current charge — this is systematic oppression on full display.
Prop. 3 also disproportionately harms people of color. Studies by the Sentencing Project found that people of color are more likely to have a criminal record and be assigned as safety or flight risks, leading to pretrial detention. Prop. 3 targets marginalized communities, perpetuating inequality and expanding jail populations without improving safety.
During the bill’s signing, Abbott said, “This session, we confronted a crisis, a revolving door bail system that repeatedly released dangerous criminals back onto the streets.” Abbott spoke about keeping the Texan community safe, completely
ignoring that those accused are also part of said community and must be protected. Just because someone is accused of committing heinous acts does not mean that they should have their legal protections stripped. Misapplying justice only leads to inequity. Protecting the rights of the accused protects the Constitution.
The Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and Texas Jail Project disapproved of Prop. 3 during the legislative process.
Texas Policy Research also opposed it, stating, “this amendment undermines individual liberty by expanding pretrial detention without conviction and curtails judicial discretion.”
Denying bail signifies more Texans will be held in jail before trial, despite their current legal innocence of the charge.
This will ultimately lead to job losses — a disservice to all Texans. Texans should vote “No” on Prop. 3 for the benefit of their neighbors who are disproportionately attacked by the justice system.
Eighmy prioritizes state over students
prioritize.
By Audrey Villar Web Editor
Texas Cyber Command, Gov. Greg Abbott’s cybersecurity department, was established after he signed it into law through House Bill 150 in June. It launched on Oct. 21 at UT San Antonio’s Downtown Campus. The organization, created to defend Texas against cyber threats, will partner with the university’s National Security Collaboration Center to conduct its work. UT San Antonio’s leading cyber department will be an asset to the organization, but university resources should focus on student improvement rather than advancing government agendas.
TXCC is funded by a $135 million investment, which is more than enough to get the organization started. Despite this, UT San Antonio is prepared to sacrifice materials and currently funded facilities to further aid the department’s development.
UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy said, “UT San Antonio stands ready to contribute subject matter expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to help build a robust cyber defense infrastructure for our state of Texas.” Putting university assets at the state’s disposal distracts from pressing matters that Eighmy should
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University funds need to be primarily directed towards students, not state initiatives. First and foremost, prioritizing parking and construction will drastically of students, as the fall 2025 semester broke the record for enrollment. Funding needs to be allocated toward constructing new lots for student commuters.
Creation of other facilities should also be a priority for UT San Antonio. The university is currently undergoing various expansion projects, such as the $131 million San Pedro II building at the Downtown Campus and $100 million Center for Brain Health for UT Health San Antonio. Expanding university dealings further in cooperation with the state can divert attention from these studentfocused initiatives, offering resources to TXCC instead of student-benefiting
In addition to these projects, the university has lost over $8 million in research grants due to its unchanging diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
In an era when diversity is punished and inclusive programs are shunned by the government, UT San Antonio — a Hispanic Serving Institution — needs to pour extra resources and effort into supporting its minority students through aiding research programs and providing
While it is unclear the extent of money and student involvement that will be dedicated to TXCC, it will distract from matters that most necessitate Eighmy’s attention. The generous funding that
East Wing is crashing down
By Mckenzie Siller Staff Writer
A black veil was cast across the nation this week. The White House’s East Wing was demolished to be replaced with President Donald Trump’s 90,000 squarefoot, $300 million ballroom. The wing housed the offices of past First Ladies and served as the visitors’ entrance before it was reduced to wreckage for a fancy auditorium. It was reconstructed many times over various administrations, with decades of history soaked into every wall. It is now being replaced with a glorified dance floor.
The demolition of the East Wing is a tragedy that should not have happened. The Trump administration was dishonest about the construction of the ballroom and its subsequent effects on the once-standing structure.
rubble where once stood.
Trump lied to the public; there was no mention of the “King” doing a complete remodel. In recent news clips, he was recorded saying, “It won’t interfere with the current building,” and “It’ll be near it, but not touching it.”
Trump went back on his word, destroying part of a major monument.
Trump demolished an American symbol of hope, turning it into a subject of “Extreme Makeover,” White House edition.
There is nothing wrong with a desire to renovate the White House. Since its construction, the monument has undergone changes, though these developments were solely interior or minor. The Rose Garden, established under John F. Kennedy, was a beautiful sanctuary used as hosting grounds for state dinners, diplomatic discussions and even a presidential wedding. The only other time the White House was gutted was under President Truman, when the structure was on the brink of collapse. Yet,
and construction.
Trump’s decision to level the East Wing was unnecessary and insulting to America’s history. Trump has the right to renovate his home, but not to demolish integral parts of the White House without transparency. The White House is known as “The People’s House,” belonging to all Americans. It belongs to the public, not the president. Trump wrecked America’s home and has once again betrayed the people’s trust. Commentary
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According to official statements, “The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House.” The ballroom was said to be completely detached from the White House itself, yet there is now a pile of
Truman only revitalized the interior. Past
Katelyn Stanford/The Paisano
ARTS & LIFE
Remember San Antonio
By Christopher Delgado Arts & Life Editor
Driving down Nogalitos Street in transit to Hemisfair park for the 13th annual Muertos Fest, a San Antonio native cannot help but notice an identity shift. The brickchipped, debris-like strip mall has been rejuvenated. Pristine black paint absorbs the heat emitted from potholes and cracks in the narrow roads. Wealth has entered the Palm Heights domain.
The descent downtown begins. Crossing the train tracks on Alamo Street into Southtown, the city dons a new wardrobe. The roads exchange the squeaky brakes of a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu for the quiet hum of a Tesla. The corridors of the local taqueria fade into a melodiously alluring bedroompop tune. Suddenly, a 1998 Dodge Dakota does not feel like it will fall apart — that was simply an illusion of the disregarded, knobbly asphalt.
A San Antonio native has lost all methods of navigation. These uncharted territories have evolved the identity of the Alamo City, but in the process, one cannot forget to remember the San Antonio of the past: a city defined by its people’s dedication to one another. This sentiment rang true as one entered the Muertos Fest grounds.
Altars bring to light the local communities and families of San Antonio along with cultural influences such as Mexican actor Roberto Gomez Bolanos, otherwise known as Chespirito. Local high schools and middle schools alongside biker clubs leave offerings for deceased family and friends. Varying levels of community can be seen at each altar, where one finds the heart of San Antonio.
Unfamiliar faces compile in the altars’ photos, yet one easily becomes tethered to each person, as if they have a neighborly relationship. Compassion skips across the Hemisfair’s wading pool into the hearts of altar viewers, as if the jovial “hoorahs” of the children playing fill an attendee with memories of an earlier time.
Later in the night, the festival’s parade commences. Matachines lead the procession in ritual attire followed by families and organizations marching to honor passed loved ones. The parade culminates in the presentation of giant catrinas, marking the procession’s end and signaling to the crowd to turn their attention to the presence of the community.
A final moment in the subliminal confidence of Muertos Fest becomes juxtaposed with the construction railing that lines Hemisfair park — a sign of hesitation for the city and its people.
A city’s survival is built on its adaptability and development, yet this
evolution risks alienating the very people who have melded San Antonio’s identity. Walking through downtown San Antonio with road and sidewalk closures littering the landscape clouds the city’s identity. The landscape does not quite have the familiarity of the strangers found in the altars’ photographs.
At Muertos Fest, solidarity rang throughout the altars.
“I feel like a lot of people, even if they don’t come from the same background or if they just genuinely don’t even know each other, they truly can bond over having a loved one that has passed away,” sophomore criminal justice major Julissa Ferreira commented.
“You’ll see a lot of community by figuring out that you share a very beautiful thing about death.”
This bond transcends death. It is the bond of a city. Without the people of San Antonio, Muertos Fest could not have been a success. San Antonio’s identity is not defined by its status as a metropolitan city, by a corporation nor its politics. The city creates its identity through the sense of belonging its citizens have. Muertos Fest reminds festivalgoers of this community each year, and offers the opportunity to remember a San Antonio that may soon become forgotten.
Finding serenity in surrendering
By Neha Nathwani
Copyediting Coordinator
There is a rare kind of album that does not demand attention; it earns trust. South African singer Alice Phoebe Lou’s “Oblivion” does not beg to be heard; it sits beside one, softly unlocking the audience’s ears. The album is an ethereal body of work that carries its melancholy like light spilling through a crack in the wall.
Her sixth full-length and first fully self-produced record, “Oblivion,” feels like Lou has mastered the ability to breathe within her stillness. Through this album, she finds solace and strength in vulnerability, love and the quiet moments of transition.
Where her earlier works, such as “Glow” and “Paper Castles,” shimmered with celestial indie pop, “Oblivion” returns to her strippedback folk roots — the simplicity of a guitar, a voice and the courage to sound vulnerable. The album’s greatest strength is its fragility.
“Sailor,” opens like a soft sunrise over foggy water. “I’m usually hopeless in love,” Lou sings — a line that might sound self-deprecating if not for how tenderly she says it. Hope flickers between the words, a kind of quiet faith in connection despite the fear of loss. The song feels like forgiveness — not for others, but for herself.
“Pretender” and “Mind Reader” linger in the space between devotion and exhaustion.
“I’m not a mind reader, but I will try for you,” Lou sings in “Mind Reader” as her voice floats above the sparse guitar. It is the sound of yearning, not dramatic or grand but
unguarded.
The title track, “Oblivion,” is the album’s glowing celestial core; it sounds like the moment before tears fall. “I stop feeling lonely when I look at you,” she murmurs, her layered vocals orbiting each other like planets in a solar system. The song makes the listener feel like they are in the middle of the universe while it is crumbling. At this point in the album, one realizes they have reached a place where performing has stopped, and simply existing with the music is enough. It transcends in its stillness, as if Lou has just learned that beauty and grief can exist in the same breath.
“Old Shadows” is the album’s most revealing song. Lou confronts the ghosts of her past — the men she loved before she knew how to love herself — with the line, “Don’t you worry when I come with daggers out / I’m fighting old battles.” Her voice cracks but never breaks as she explains that she is not used to real love. She offers herself
Fall holidays, ballot topics
Bird On The Street Week 10/28
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
Roadrunners have much to look forward to in the weeks following midterms. Whether they passed or failed, students can enjoy Halloween, celebrate Día de los Muertos and discuss hot button topics on Bexar County’s Nov. 4 ballot.
This week, The Paisano interviewed firstyear nursing major Summer Rucker, secondyear film and media studies major Jaylene Rodriguez, freshman criminal justice major Benjamin Gonzalez and junior human resources and business management double major Sawyer Peevy.
How did midterms go?
Midterms went swimmingly for students this time around, as many are happy with their results.
“All A’s. Can’t Complain,” Peevy states.
“I think I did pretty good,” Rucker says. “My lowest grade was an 89, and I feel like that’s good to me.”
Gonzalez and Rodriguez feel they did well in their midterms too.
Do the Spurs need a new arena?
Proposition B on the Nov. 4 ballot looks to create a new arena for the Spurs. The ‘Runners have mixed feelings about it.
“I think the inside is fine. The outside could use a little work, but I like where they’re at,” Gonzalez admits. “It’s a good place, but it could be better.”
Rucker and Peevy give a direct “No” in response. Rodriguez does not watch the Spurs, so she is unsure.
What are your plans for Halloween?
Partying is evidently the move for ‘Runners this Halloween. Rodriguez and Rucker are going out with friends. The latter is going all the way to Austin.
“Me and my roommate are gonna go to UT Austin and party with Longhorns,” she says.
“I’m an associate member for a fraternity, so we’re holding a Pi Kapp x Fiji party. I’ll be there that weekend,” Gonzalez remarks.
Peevy is taking it easy this year and staying home with his girlfriend.
How are you celebrating Día de los Muertos?
It seems Halloween is more popular among the students than the Day of the Dead, as Rodriguez is the only one with set plans to celebrate.
“Going downtown and watching the ofrendas,” Rodriguez shares.
“I usually don’t celebrate it, but maybe something else will happen this year, so I’ll probably get together with friends and remember our ancestors,” Gonzalez says.
Rucker does not know yet, and Peevy does not celebrate the holiday.
Scan the QR code below to submit questions.
closure through the poetry. That is what is so captivating about the lyrics of this album; they are not genius or complicated. They are real, genuine and sweet. They speak to the listener rather than at them.
By the time “Skyline” arrives, the ambience of the album feels lighter. “I am coming / I am lettin’ the sun in,” she sings, her voice lifting like a sigh of relief. It is the sound of acceptance. Serenity is found not in resolution but in release, packaged in a melodic song where Lou’s voice modulates.
“Oblivion” is fragile yet fearless. It rejects perfection, letting every tremor and breath linger. Lou’s choice to selfproduce feels almost symbolic — a reclaiming of voice, of vision and of vulnerability as strength. She tells the truth quietly, letting it reverberate away. Following the album’s release, Lou is scheduled to tour Europe and North America later this year and spring 2026.
By Kaylee Williams Contributor
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
Ofrendas that lined Muertos Fest 2025 honored passed loved ones.
Catherine Salonga/The Paisano
ARTS & LIFE
Art animates architecture
By Audrey Villar Web Editor
As art enthusiasts venture through the McNay Art Museum, they find themselves in the dimly lit Brown Room with sketch-adorned walls. Four pedestals center the room, displaying maquettes for operas and chunks of ancient columns. From sketches to the third-dimension, Houses to Homes breathes life into architecture, exploring culture, domesticity and the art of inhabitance that breeds beauty into design.
Paper designs of grand, historic theatres line the left wall. “Elevation and ground plan for the Southern Theatre at Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli” by architect Giuseppe Pannini highlights detailed views of stairways and seating, giving viewers a glimpse of the technicality going into design.
Sketches for play scenes, such as Robert Indiana’s two illustrations of the same porch, occupy the wall further down. The first, looser design, “Scene design for 17 Madison St., Rochester, NY, ACT I, scenes 3-5, in ‘The Mother of Us All,’” conveys the set’s desired mood. The design shows a mathematical approach, with measurements and meticulous detail aimed for the set builders to reference. From feeling to technical reality, mere sketches become infused with meaning and life.
A wall further down, dedicated to show and movie design, realizes theatrical art onto paper; set design fosters story and feeling through engineering genius. “Maquette components for Richard III” by Morris Kestelman demonstrates how architectural motifs from different eras can cultivate specific atmospheres, using Gothic castles to create a dreary mood for William Shakespeare’s play.
Jean and William Eckart explore architecture not through technicality but through the way light plays on a set. “Scene design for the courtroom in ‘The Education of H*Y*M*A*N K*A*P*L*A*N’” uses streaming rays of light to cast shadow and pattern on the wall, displaying the unseen arching windows as panels of illumination. Every cut and pane bends to the whims of light as the space transforms with renewed beauty.
As viewers travel into the Tobin Wing, they leave behind set design and engineering
for architecture’s next stage: inhabitance. Here, personality fuses with design as home environments begin to mirror the lives of occupants.
“The Utopians” by Joey Fauerso unites 19th century dinner parties with the era’s utopian leaders. Their communities have gone extinct, yet the concept of gathering around a table to enjoy a meal prevails. The piece features ceramic plates decorated with portraits, landscapes and 19th century Perfectionist Oneida Community imagery. The table is empty, but the presence of life remains.
Architectural design does not make or break a home, as seen in William Pitkin’s “Scene design for stable with canopied bed in ‘The Threepenny Opera.’” The musical features a dilapidated stable made into a home. Watercolor browns juxtapose with the lavish reds of the grand bed, bringing luxury and comfort into an otherwise bleak environment.
“The Nap” by Paul Cadmus features a naked man laying on a bed with a pillow clutched tight. His few belongings sit on a lone chair as half of the bed remains empty, creating a lonely, yearning air. The tempera painting shows how inhabitants influence and determine the mood of a space.
Houses to Homes masterfully conveys the transition from engineering feats to homeliness, bringing viewers through the process that cultivates individuals’ environments. From the historic auditoriums to bedrooms complete with full decor, technical and personal elements marry beautifully to create totally new spaces. The exhibition turns the creation of a home into a story, taking viewers from start to finish with all the artistic hands that molded it along the way.
The Houses to Homes exhibition will be on display until Jan. 18, 2026, in the Brown Room and Tobin Wing of the McNay Art Museum. Art-seekers can visit for free from 4-9 p.m. on Thursdays and 12-5 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Any other time, General Admission costs $23, but the student discount with presentation of a valid college ID brings the price down to $18. The museum can be visited any day except Monday or Tuesday. To learn more about The McNay Art Museum and upcoming events, visit its Instagram @mcnayart.
Eating away interest
By C.L. Cotter Contributor
“Mother-Eating,” a horror novel by American author Jess Hagemann, offers an intriguing premise: a Southern Gothic retelling of Marie Antoinette’s reign as the queen of France — switching out the Versailles Palace for the pseudo-religious sex-cult Simon’s Sorrow and replacing France with Austin, Texas. Despite the book’s many strong qualities in addition to this premise, “Mother-Eating” fails to deliver due to poor dialogue and bizarre story choices.
The book displays a dynamic use of pacing with an intriguing format; the story consists of interviews from various cult members and childhood friends of the protagonist, Mari Toni, on par with a true-crime documentary. This format complements the story, offering various perspectives and highlighting the complex social dynamics within the cult, similar to the royal French court. Vivid descriptions, setting and worldbuilding throughout the novel make Simon’s Sorrow seem like it could have been an actual cult in history.
The historical parallels throughout the book will delight history buffs, including references to the diamond necklace affair, Antoniette’s famed opera shows and various French historical figures. Most of the parallels translate well to the new setting; however, readers may notice some harsh differences.
The tone and descriptions in the book succeed in making the reader feel unnerved and frightened, especially in regards to the cult’s rituals throughout the novel. Potential readers should keep in mind that “Mother-Eating” contains heavy gore and body horror. Sadly, the book’s glaring issues dim the high points.
The first problem is the dialogue. Hagemann’s writing comes across as one of two ways: awfully bland or ridiculously grandiose, neither of which are particularly natural. The dialogue makes the otherwise well-rounded and interesting characters seem unrealistic and takes away attention from the plot. In the novel’s beginning, Mari Toni brims with the potential to be a fascinating heroine. The book establishes her as an intelligent girl with an interest in art and standoffish personality, but as the book continues, she simply fades to the background and becomes extraordinarily passive. She makes for a bland protagonist that the narrative and other characters drag along, a far cry from the bold woman that was Antoniette.
The novel also relies heavily on shock value. Bizarre twists with no ground work appear throughout the book. Paired with extreme gore and sexual content, leading to a book that seems more like a carnival haunted house attraction than a piece of literature.
There are also not one, but two extreme age gaps in between Mari Toni and her much older love interests. While opinions of age gaps in fiction ultimately boil down to personal preference, it comes off as unnerving that both love interests were aged almost thirty years above the protagonist. Mari Toni’s younger age leaves the reader more irked than frightened in some parts of the novel.
“Mother-Eating” displays some promising qualities, with potential to be a fairly enjoyable read for fans of gory horror or historical retellings but feels unfinished. With more experience and practice, the author has potential to become a master of the horror craft.
Top 5 international horror movies to watch on Halloween
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
Realistically, most college students do not trick-or-treat anymore. That leaves attending a costume party the popular choice for Halloween night plans. However, there must be an alternative for the introverted crowd. There is nothing better than delving into the horror genre’s best films on the spookiest night of the year. Here are five movie recommendations to indulge in on Halloween: Zombi 2 (1979) (Italy)
Zombies are a staple of the horror genre, and “Zombie Flesh Eaters” is in the upper echelon of the subgenre. Crafted by Italian director Lucio Fulci, the film is an intriguing and peculiar take heavily influenced by George A. Romero’s classic “Night of the Living Dead” — obviously.
The Night Eats the World (2018) (France)
The only thing scarier than seeing friends and faThe only thing scarier than seeing friends and family turn into rotting, flesh-eating zombies is crippling isolation. An actionpacked opening sequence fools the audience into thinking “The Night Eats the World” is a “World War Z” clone, instead serving as an introspective flick with zombies as a secondary antagonist.
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) (Iran)
Middle-Eastern horror does not receive enough attention from fans of the genre.
“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” takes place in a fictional Iranian city, beautifully portraying the tightrope women have to tip-toe when categorizing men for their own safety — with a vampiric twist. It is an eerie black-andwhite piece told through a modern-feminist lens, with a ghost town setting that elevates the film’s overall sense of dread.
REC 3: Genesis (2012) (Spain)
While the original “REC” film is well-regarded among horror fans, its sequels are not. “REC 3: Genesis” is as much of an action flick as it is horror. The movie begins with a first-
person perspective, similar to the previous two “REC” films. It quickly ditches the format for a full-resolution cinematic third-person point of view, which remains for the rest of its run time. Newlyweds Koldo and Clara are separated and forced to fight their now undead family and friends to reunite with one another. It is a refreshing entry for the series that stands out due to its lightningquick pace and well-developed cast of characters.
I Saw the Devil (Korea) (2010) Korean films have been skyrocketing in popularity since the late 2010s, but the same quality has always been present in the sub-genre.
“I Saw the Devil” is two hours and 22 minutes of brutal, devastating heartbreak. Just when viewers think the film cannot get any more upsetting, it does. Director Kim Jee-woon crafts a script that successfully tugs on viewers’ heartstrings, while still providing a satisfyingly ferocious ending.
The U.S. provides plenty of horror films that are consistently celebrated by fans. This Halloween, take some time to see what the rest of the world has to offer.
Ezequiel Peña/The Paisano
SPORTS
Hammond leads UTSA past Texas A&M San Antonio
Roadrunners youth movement on full display against Jaguars
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
ANTONIO — Sophomore guard Mia Hammond dropped a team-high 24 points as UTSA women’s basketball defeated Texas A&M University –– San Antonio 106-51 on Saturday at the Convocation Center.
the deficit, and led A&M - San Antonio 25-18 by the end of the opening quarter.
UTSA had a number of players making their debut with the program. University of North Texas transfer Ereauna Hardway and University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley transfer Jayda Holiman saw significant minutes, serving as steady, veteran presences despite technically being newcomers.
“I was very pleased,” Aston said of her transfer portal additions. “You would expect them to be a little nervous, and I think they were, but they played hard. They’re learning.
UTSA baseball fall world series
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
reigning American Conference champion Roadrunners didn’t skip a beat in their return to the hardwood, surpassing 100 points for the first time since 2020. Despite missing key contributors like senior guard Maya Linton, senior forward Nyayongah Gony and sophomore forward Taylor Ross, the ‘Runners dominated the Jaguars. With Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox courtside, UTSA flaunted its young core en route to a win in the first ever San Antonio Challenge exhibition match. said prior to the season starting that I thought all of the sophomores made significant strides,” head coach Karen Aston said of her team following the game. “They’ve worked hard. They’re going to have ups-and-downs, but they’re talented young ladies.”
Jaguars opened up the match by taking an early 7-1 lead. The Roadrunners quickly overcame
“Ereauna Hardway is a starter in this league. She’s very experienced and really gets what it takes to play.”
Prior to the season, Aston noted that freshman guard Adriana Robles was “ahead of the curve.” Robles got her fair share of minutes at the point guard position and played with command, pace and confidence.
Most impressive of all, though, was Hammond.
The 6-foot-3 guard from Cibolo, Texas, led the way for the Roadrunners offensively. If Saturday was any indication, Hammond will spearhead the ‘Runners offensive attack in the same vein that program-legend Jordyn Jenkins did, despite playing two different positions.
UTSA will head to Lubbock for its season opener against Texas Tech University at 6 p.m. Thursday at United Supermarkets Arena.
Michelle Polo carries passion, spirit beyond the pitch
By Hannah Velasquez Staff Writer
On the field, Michelle Polo is recognized as a force to be reckoned with — a player who fuels the Roadrunners’ momentum with her relentless effort and the lessons she has learned leading into her final season. Off the field, she brings that same drive into her education, community and faith, shaping her into the leader she is today.
Hailing from an athletic family, the Houston, Texas, native has been in love with soccer for as long as she can remember. Her passion grew from watching the sport with her grandfather and being a fan of Lionel Messi.
and we can give it back by showing them wins. [Coach] Derek [Pittman] says that it’s a special team and I agree.”
Outside of soccer, Polo is the Vice President for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and a coach for Top Tier Lessons. As a nutrition major, she applies what she studies to improve her performance in training on and off the field.
“I love learning about nutrition. That has always been a really big part of my life. Even before I came to college, it was something that was always important in my family,” Polo said. “I like cooking and being around family and friends.”
“It was the sport that I stuck with,” Polo explained. “We’re big Argentina Messi fans. When I was younger, I always wanted to be the next Messi. That’s what encouraged me the most. Support from my family and watching professionals made me want to do what they were doing.”
By the time Polo entered her teens, she played for a soccer development academy that she described as “strict” and “rigorous.” Training and watching other athletes prepared her for a collegiate career.
“We were doing college-level things when I was 13,” Polo said. “I got to learn a lot about playing college sports and watching those players and understanding everything that they were going through. That encouraged me to continue on because I knew I wanted to play in college. The DA was pretty strict. We couldn’t even play soccer at school before high school.”
Besides soccer, Polo did gymnastics and tumbling; it was the only other sport that stuck with her. Despite her love for it, she quit during her time with the DA to focus on soccer. Her love for sports and drive to be better was passed down from her dad.
“I’m definitely an athletic person,” Polo explained. “I love snowboarding and skiing. My dad was good at everything. He can play any sport and he can do anything, so that’s kind of how I am. It’s how I’ve grown up to be.”
With the American Conference tournament right around the corner, this has been a time of reflection while awaiting Polo’s final season with the Roadrunners. Before the start of the 2025 season, Polo was named on the American Conference preseason watchlist. The recognition made her feel like she was making an impact, pushing her to try harder than ever.
“It’s pretty crazy how my last few years are compared to this one,” Polo highlighted. “My first two years, I felt the loss feeling more than any sort of win. Even though we lost, I don’t think we deserved it. We played better than our results in the last two years. This year is different. It’s nice to be part of a team that has so much support,
Balancing a social life, education and athletics is not easy for any student athlete. Polo believes that it’s not about blocking out the noise completely, but instead, having confidence in oneself. Polo’s faith is her foundation.
“My faith, my Christianity is very important to me. It is what’s gotten me this far. It is what I pray for everyday,” Polo described. “I pray that people can see that in me and that I can leave that imprint on my team. If there’s any legacy that I wanted to leave, it would be my faith in Jesus. It’s what empowers me everyday and that’s what I pray for when I go on the field.”
With her degree in nutrition and a repertoire of unmatched soccer skills, Polo is ready for the next chapter and wants to take her talents to Spain. This aspiration ties back to her family roots. Her family’s influence and knowing that this could be the perfect opportunity has put Spain at the forefront of her mind.
“I specifically want to play in Spain. That’s where my mom’s side is from,” Polo explains. “I’ve always wanted to study abroad there, so this is the perfect opportunity. I only get this chance once in a lifetime so I definitely want to take it.
“I’m not exactly sure what I want to do with my major. I just know that I want to do something in the realm of nutrition, maybe the business side and possibly getting my MBA, but I’m not sure yet. Education has always been really important in me and my siblings’ lives. I spent a lot of late nights in high school. I’m always trying. I’m a perfectionist, so I’m always working towards it.”
As her time at UTSA comes to a close, Polo does not view this as an ending but as an opportunity. The lessons she gained through soccer shaped her far beyond the game itself, teaching her resilience, patience and trust in her faith. Every win, loss and late night of hard work has built a foundation rooted in perseverance and selflessness. What once began as a little girl with a dream inspired by her family and Messi, has become an everevolving journey defined by purpose and belief. While she prepares for the next chapter of her life, Polo carries the same strength and unwavering faith that has guided her every step of the way — a reminder that her story, much like the start of a game, is only just beginning.
Michelle Polo fires up her team prior to UTSA soccer’s matchup versus Texas Christian University.
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano
Spurs should abandon Alamo City if Proposition B vote fails
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
The City of San Antonio is approaching a pivotal moment in its history. On Nov. 4, citizens will have the opportunity to vote in favor of, or against, Proposition B — a decision that will either transform Alamo City into a powerhouse or leave it lagging behind the likes of Austin, Dallas and Houston.
If approved, Prop. B would elevate San Antonio’s downtown district, placing a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs at the heart of a reimagined Countdown City. Spearheaded by French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are entering their most promising era since Kawhi Leonard led the team to the Conference Finals back in 2017. Though times have been tough since Leonard’s exit from the franchise in 2018, the Spurs have done more than enough to warrant a vote of confidence from the city. San Antonio has the third-most NBA Championships in the league, with four, since the start of the new millennium. That’s more than the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics, tying the dynastic Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors.
While the city has other professional sports franchises, like the San Antonio Missions and San Antonio FC, the Spurs are the only team generating substantial revenue. San Antonio does not have to worry about dividing funds between multiple large franchises, like Houston does with the Astros, Texans and Rockets. With the city’s sports scene contextualized, there should be no reason Prop. B is not approved. If the vote fails, the Spurs should do what any smart business would do in this situation: get the hell out of dodge.
San Antonio is nothing without the Spurs, and the team knows that. Still, ownership is willing to foot $500 million of the $1.3 billion price tag that comes with the new arena. This is the Spurs asking the city and its constituents to invest in its largest attraction outside of the Alamo. If not, there is a booming city right up I-35 that would love an NBA franchise.
The Spurs already play multiple games a year in Austin and are one of the most popular franchises in the city, alongside The University of Texas at Austin’s football program and the Dallas Cowboys.
The choice is simple: support the team that makes the city relevant, or allow San Antonio’s legacy to forever be the city that let the Spurs get away.
Softball versus texas state
By Aidan De Leon Contributor
utsa soccer falls to no.4 memphis tigers
By Rylan Renteria Sports Editor
SAN ANTONIO — UTSA soccer dropped its second American Conference game of the season with a 2-0 loss to No.4 University of Memphis on Thursday at Park West Athletics Complex.
The third place Roadrunners (74-5, 3-2-3 AC) are no strangers to highly-ranked matchups on their home turf, having faced No.9 Texas Christian University earlier this season. No amount of preparation could help the ‘Runners ward off the unbeaten Tigers, (14-0-2, 8-0-1 AC) who led in every major stat outside of saves and maintained possession of the ball consistently. UTSA struggled to create opportunities on offense, and any chances of a comeback were squandered with Memphis drilling an insurance goal in the 76th minute.
“Let’s be honest, guys, Memphis is undefeated and a top five program in the country for a reason,” coach
“I am extremely proud of our players, their attitude and their effort. We talked about it this week, that we needed to bounce back from a poor performance against Tulsa. What that looked like was focus, commitment and intensity.
“I thought our players ticked every one of those boxes tonight: Carrying out the gameplan, being committed to one another, being committed to leaving everything out there and playing with intensity. That’s UTSA soccer. We will build on this.”
Pittman was proud of his team’s performance, and noted that for his team, success was not going to be determined by the scoreboard.
“Do we want to win? Of course.
I want to knock off a top five team in the country. I would love to. But, the bottom line is, success tonight was not in the scorebook,” Pittman explained. “Success tonight was playing with intensity, and they did exactly that.”
Memphis drew first blood in the
24th minute when forward Elise Perron weaved her way through traffic before launching a shot between UTSA sophomore defender Aaliyaiah Durden’s legs and past senior goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler. The Roadrunners battled the Tigers for the next 50 minutes, with Kessler notching seven saves along the way, before Memphis delivered the final blow.
Tigers defender Evelyn Mackay maneuvered her way around UTSA senior defender Haley Lopez and slipped the ball past Kessler in what Pittman described as an “uncharacteristic and unfortunate” play from his stalwart goalkeeper.
The ‘Runners were completely outmatched against Memphis. The Tigers led in shots, (17 to 2) shots on goal (10 to 2) and corners (9 to 2) en route to handing UTSA its secondstraight conference loss.
UTSA will hold its final regular season home game against East Carolina University at 1 p.m. Sunday at Park West Athletics Complex.
Cardinals leave ‘Runners in the dust
Defensive miscues hold UTSA back in home exhibition
By Logan Martinez Staff Writer
SAN ANTONIO – A lack of offensive and defensive execution held UTSA men’s basketball in check, falling to the University of the Incarnate Word 71-59 on Saturday at the Convocation Center.
The Roadrunners came out flat on both sides of the ball in their exhibition home opener. UTSA allowed the Cardinals to go on a 10-0 scoring run early, which put the team in a hole they were unable to climb out of. Costly turnovers, lack of offensive execution and defensive carelessness forced the Roadrunners to surrender what looked like an easy win to start the season.
“This is a reality check for everyone, including myself,” head coach Austin Claunch said after the game. “They were better in every facet of the game. For us to start the
way we did, there’s no excuse for that.”
The Roadrunners failed to get in rhythm in the opening period. Their inability to defend in the half-court and transition thrust them into a double-digit deficit to start the game. The offense proved no better, as the team shot inefficiently from the field and failed to execute offensive plays. Quick substitutions also played a major role in UTSA’s early struggles. In 10 minutes of play, Claunch made more substitutions than the Roadrunners had points. The deficit continued to grow as Incarnate Word rained in threes. Finishing out the half with a turnover, UTSA trailed 49-33. The Convocation Center fell silent as the Cardinals continued to chirp.
“Incarnate Word did a good job of coming out and swinging first,” freshman guard Dorian Hayes said. “We just kind of sat there and took the punch. It’s not the outcome we wanted.”
The second half was split into two quarters, a decision made by both head coaches. Despite a noticeable difference in effort, the first quarter
was much of the same for UTSA. The offense ran fluently, but defensive mistakes prevented the ‘Runners from regaining the lead. The Roadrunners consistently allowed the opposition to split double teams, gave up open lanes to the basket and snag offensive rebounds. UTSA failed to match the relentlessness of Incarnate Word, and at times, the team looked gassed on both sides of the court. UTSA finished the quarter trailing 71-59. Senior guard Jamir Simpson and junior Brent Moss led the team in scoring with 12 points apiece.
“We’re not playing winning basketball right now, and that’s disappointing,” Claunch stated. “You’re going to see a different team in 10 days.”
The second quarter saw both teams emptying their bench and letting non-starters play the rest of the game. The score was reset, and the ‘Runners won the quarter 17-16. UTSA will open its season against the College of Biblical Studies at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Convocation Center.
Derek Pittman said after the game.
UTSA women’s soccer senior forward Izzy Lane fights with a Memphis defender for possession of the ball.
Left to right: UTSA freshman Dorian Hayes fights defender, Texas Christian junior transfer Vasean Allette dribbles.
Spurs guard Devin Vassell sporting a Texas jersey.
Miles Jones/The Paisano
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano