THE UNI V ERSIT Y OF TE X A S AT EL PA S O
AS SAY ER OF STUDENT OPINION
November 3, 2026
THEPROSPECTORDAILY.COM
VOL. 112, NO. 3
OPINION Page 2
NEWS Page 3
ARTS & CULTURE Page 7
SPORTS Page 11
The cycle of prey and predation: A Primetime review
With ‘Clear Eyes and Full Hearts’ James Talarico visits El Paso
La Mina: Halloween Entre Fronteras
Real Work: Khalil Gilbert’s path from JUCO to content creation
MINERS HIT THE COURT WITH NEW ROSTER B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
As the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) men’s basketball team prepares for the 2026-27 season, head coach Joe Golding enters his sixth year coaching the miners with a new roster that features 15 new players. “We evaluated ourselves... but then it has no bearing on this team, right?” Golding said. “We got 14 new guys. They had nothing to do with last year.” Despite the high number of new additions, players report that oncourt communication developed early during fall workouts and exhibition scrimmages. “Everybody can play, everybody can be a really important piece of the team,” sophomore guard Leif Moeller
said. “It just feels like we have been playing together for longer than just a few months.” Redshirt senior guard Jace Whiting echoed that message, “From where we started, 15 new guys, to where we are now... we’re all getting really, really close.” Among the incoming class are three freshmen who previously played together at William J. Brennan High School in San Antonio. Guard Donovan Criss, center Delano Tarpley and forward Isaiah Ward all joined the Miner’s season. In addition to high school recruits, the 2026-27 roster includes six international players representing six countries, redshirt senior forward Mikey Kelvin II from Canada, sophomore guard
Leif Moeller from Germany, freshman forward Ivan Perasovic from Croatia, redshirt sophomore forward Janusz Ratowski from Polans, senior forward Augusto Cassia from Brazil and freshman forward Youssouf Traore from Mali. Perasovic, a freshman who previously played professionally in Croatia, noted how European basketball differs from the collegiate game. “In Europe, they’re more experienced, they read the game a little better,” Perasovic said. Golding noted that international backgrounds bring experience to the lineup, saying, “They’re mature, they’re older... Offensively, man, I love their IQ, their maturity.” To prepare for conference
play, the coaching staff added division-level transfers with postseason experience, including Whiting, who made two NCAA Tournament appearances during his time at Weber State. “My first two years of my career, I went to March Madness, and being my last year, I really want to make a back to that tournament,” Whiting said. Additional frontcourt additions include Ole Miss senior transfer Augusto Cassia, East Carolina junior transfer Reid Cason, and freshman Youssouf Traore. Cassia noted Traore’s impact during preseason practice, “Y’all gonna like it... that guy flies everywhere, he plays hard.” The roster changes come as UTEP enters a Mountain West
Conference schedule featuring opponents such as UNLV, New Mexico, and San Diego State. Golding stated that defensive fundamentals and court transition remain key areas of focus leading into the regular season. “Defensively, it always starts with rebounding for us, protecting the paint, getting our butt back in transition,” Golding said. Looking ahead to home games at the GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center, Golding emphasized the role of crowd support during conference play, “When that place is lively and that place is packed, there’s no better place in the country... We have to make this the toughest place to play in the Mountain West.”
Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
PAGE 2 · NOVEMBER 3, 2026 THE PROSPECTOR
Opinion
Ximena Cordero, editor-in-chief
La Mina: Franco Escamilla “El Juicio” Tour en El Paso B L E S LY C H A V E Z Y MULTIMEDIA EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
El comediante mexicano Franco Escamilla trajo su característico humor a El Paso con su tour de stand-up “El Juicio” el 17 de octubre en donde habla de prejuicios, doble moral y roles culturales. Las puertas del show abrieron a las 7:30 p.m., en los que cientos de personas aprovecharon para comprar bebidas y comida para tener durante el show. En total, asistieron un aproximado de 5,000 personas, siendo esta ciudad una de sus paradas más esperadas en el estado de Texas. Como telonero, el originario de Monterrey Nuevo León, Poncho Trevino alias “La Pantera” abrió los primeros 30 minutos en el pre-show del evento, hablando de temas tales como el matrimonio, la prostitución y el machismo idealizado en la cultura mexicana. “La Pantera” uso su humor negro para sacar más de una carcajada en El Coliseo de El Paso. A las nueve en punto, el equipo de Franco Escamilla anuncio en modo una “pelea de boxeo” la entrada de comediante Franco Escamilla, quien entro vestido con su distintivo sombrero, lentes, playera, traje y tenis deportivos. El comediante originario de
Cautla, México dejó en claro que tomar video y foto solo estaba permitido los primeros minutos del show, mientras durante el resto del show estaba estrictamente prohibido los celulares. Miembros de su equipo tenía láseres verde y linternas con las cuales le apuntaban a los miembros de la audiencia que intentaban grabar durante el espectáculo. El espectáculo, “El Juicio” fue uno en el que Escamilla hablo de temas tales como la doble moral, los estigmas de la sociedad sobre géneros, las críticas hacia uno mismo y la vida amorosa en donde
utilizando anécdotas vergonzosas, secretos y experiencias personales como “evidencia” de un ‘juicio” contra la sociedad, siendo el “juez”. En varias ocasiones, Franco interactuó con su público para que contaran anécdotas o experiencias en sus vidas en las cuales se han sentido o han sido directamente “juzgados.” Momentos en los cuales siempre terminaban con comentarios irreverentes y llenos del típico humor negro de este comediante, los cuales causaban la risa de los miles que se encontraban en la arena. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
El comediante mexicano Franco Escamilla trajo su característico humor a El Paso con su tour “El Juicio” el 17 de octubre en donde habla de prejuicios, doble moral y roles culturales. Photo by Lesly Chavez /The Prospector
Can you really see everything? B AZIEL RAMOS Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Why would we deceive you if there are spoilers ahead…? Co-directors Nathan Fielder, best known for his shows “Nathan for You” and “The Rehearsal” and Lance Oppenheim who recently directed “Primetime” join forces for the documentary, “You Can See Everything”, following former CEO and Co-founder of Theranos Elizabeth Holmes 34 days before she is imprisoned for fraud. The first half of the documentary explores Holmes and her partner Billy Evans being talked to by Fielder, investigating how both Holmes and Evans are processing the leadup to her imprisonment.
But the other half of the documentary takes it to another level. Before that can be said, it’s important to understand why this documentary has become so relevant, making noise nationally. Who is Elizabeth Holmes? Elizabeth Holmes is the former Founder and CEO of tech and health company Theranos. Dropping out of Stanford at 19, she founded the company in 2003, claiming that her team had invented a machine called the “Edison” that could run hundreds of medical tests with only a single drop of blood, gaining partnerships with many investors and deals, making her the youngest self-made female billionaire.
In 2015, the Edison machine had started to raise eyebrows, as people realized that the machine could only perform a small number of tests, causing questions about the accuracy of Holmes’ statements. Yet, it wasn’t until 2018 that Holmes got charged with fraud for defrauding investors; her trial getting delayed until 2022, where she was then sentenced to 20 years in prison. Besides being known for her infamous health company scandal, she is known for her deep voice and wide eye stare, using that performance to make her look more professional and serious. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
VOL. 112, No. 3 November, 3, 2026 EDITORS Ximena Cordero, Editor-in-Chief Abby Pedroza, Arts & Culture Editor Kristian Hernandez, Sports Editor Nate Flores, Photo Editor Tori Adler, Web & Copy Editor Lesly Chavez Multimedia Editor Cameron Mason, Audience & Engagement Editor Mia Colmenero, Layout Editor
ADVERTISING STAFF Adrienne Garcia, Account Executive Elias Segura, Advertising Videographer
Sofia Montes, Promotional Activities Assistants Daniela Ordaz, Promotional Activities Assistants Aaron De La Cruz, Promotional Activities Assistants
STAFF Vanessa Orozco, Staff Reporter Kayla Rodriguez, Staff Reporter Adrian Gonzalez, Staff Reporter Diego Figueroa, Staff Photographer Dustin Perez, Staff Photographer
ADMINISTRATION Veronica Gonzalez, Director Crystal Hinga, Assistant Director
CONTRIBUTORS Hasana Akinloye Ashley Alvarado Briana Estrada Christian Friedrichsen Diego Hernandez Alexander Jauregui Carol Mora Perla D Parra Aguilar Aziel Ramos America Rubio Madilne Sommer Allysa Vela-Quezada
The cycle of prey and predation: A Primetime review B MADELINE SOMMER Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Primetime, which details the ins and outs of filming Dateline NBC’s "To Catch a Predator", recently began its theatrical run on Sept. 26 and has sparked a wide range of reactions among viewers, especially from Chris Hansen himself. Hansen has gone public to say that the film is “a complete work of fiction” and “an insult to the thousands of men and women who work every day to protect children from predators.” "To Catch a Predator" is easy to turn your nose up at. Turning child predation into national primetime entertainment contradicts their ultimate goal of protecting children. However, criticism isn't the same as twisting a real man’s character to fit a narrative. Throughout the movie, Hansen fixates on subduing what he has deemed an ancient evil. The movie depicts Hansen as a hungry, predatory shark constantly searching for its next victim. The movie begins by framing Hansen and "To Catch a Predator" as a young, ambitious startup television show whose ultimate goal is to get on primetime, the time when
the most people are watching television. Once they reach that goal, it's quickly revealed to be futile as Hansen quickly fixates on an even bigger fish, a target that raises the stakes beyond what they have handled before, a “whale.” The film is Robert Pattinson’s best work yet as his delivery of Hansen feel as if every time he’s been on screen has led to this single performance. He is truly innovative as an actor, with Co-Star Skylar Gisondo, who plays Decoy Dan, praising Pattinson for taking creative risks and treating every take as if he were “jumping off a cliff.” However, a great performance can’t fix a movie that doesn’t know its message. They take every true fact and twist it into a fictional story as if trying to tell the next Greek drama where Chris Hansen, the pedophile-catching child-savior, is somehow the villain. One thing that particularly put me off was how much emphasis was placed on him being an absent father and a failing husband. They even use his 2011 extramarital affair scandal as a plot device for his mental spiral. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, “Primetime” is an A24 psychological thriller that dramatizes the making of “To Catch a Predator.” Photo by Dustin Perez/The Prospector
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PAGE 3 · NOVEMBER 3, 2026 · THE PROSPECTOR
News
Ximena Cordero, editor-in-chief
With ‘Clear Eyes and Full Hearts’ James Talarico visits El Paso B DIEGO HERNANDEZ Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
A week before the Nov. 3 election, U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico visited the Magoffin Auditorium at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) as part of his “Clear Eyes Full Hearts” tour, bringing in a vibrant crowd of over 1,000 attendees. With El Paso being one of his tour stops, Talarico emphasized the importance of Latino voters and why it is so crucial for voters to turn up in numbers at the polls. He spoke about how he believes that the United States economy is broken, the country’s politics are broken and even relationships with one another feel broken. “This election is a battle between the powers that be and the powers that ought to be,” Talarico said. “But we are standing with the powers that ought to be.” As a former middle school teacher in the west side of San Antonio, a historic Mexican-American neighborhood and a low-income community, Talarico states that he has first handedly seen the effects that the economy has on the average citizen and wants to fight to change that.
During the rally, he mentioned that his experience working in the west side of San Antonio gave him a clear understanding of the Mexican-American community in Texas. “I want to be a Senator for every Texan that can’t afford one,” Talarico said. “I work for you, not for them.” Throughout his campaign, Talarico has expressed his objection towards big corporations and billionaires. He has said that he believes that billionaires work hard to keep voters angry and divided because unity is a threat to their wealth and power. He then targeted opponent Ken Paxton and declared him to be a “puppet”, in regard to his campaign being funded by billionaires. “They may have the money, but we have the majority,” Talarico expressed. “Big money is powerful, but it is nothing compared to people power.” With most of the rally attendees being UTEP students, Talarico also explained why he believes it’s crucial for young people to begin voting. UTEP student Diana Villanueva was one of the many students who
Delivering a speech before introducing James Talarico, El Paso congresswoman Veronica Escobar was one of the notable guests who accompanied Talarico at the rally on Oct. 26, 2026. Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector
attended the rally. “We can’t let others decide for us. We need to make the younger voice heard too”, Villanueva said. “If you don’t show up to vote, you don’t have a voice”. According to The Civics Center, only 40% of 18-year-olds in El Paso County are registered to vote, a statistic Talarico aims to raise. Talarico described his supporters as “underdogs” in the fight and believes that no one should be in this alone. “There is no love of God, without love of neighbor,” Talarico says. “Because as every Texan knows, clear eyes and full hearts, can’t lose.” As early voting came to a conclusion on Oct. 30, members of the democratic party made a last push for citizens, including students to register and vote. Polling locations have been established throughout the city, including at UTEP’s Union Building. Voters can cast their ballots in Room 102H of the RiverView room from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on voting day. Diego Hernandez is a contributor at The Prospector and may be reached at cdhernandez9@miners. utep.edu
Marking his fourth campaign visit to El Paso, U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico speaks to a crowd of attendees in the lead up to election day. Talarico addressed topics like healthcare, the economy and border infrastructure. Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector
Speaking alongside Veronica Escobar and James Talarico, El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego urged attendees to use their voice and show up to the voting polls on Nov. 3 2026. Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector
Abbott makes campaign stop in El Paso B VANESSA OROZCO Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shakes hands and greets supporters at Rosa’s Cantina during a campaign stop on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. The event was held to encourage voter turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Photo by Erick Olguin/The Prospector
After weeks of campaigning ahead of voting day, Gov. Greg Abbott made a stop in El Paso on Thursday, Oct. 29 to engage with voters before the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The incumbent governor visited Rosa’s Cantina where he discussed his record in office and his campaign priorities as he faces Democratic opponent Gina Hinojosa. During the visit, he addressed key issues facing Texans and highlighted the policies and accomplishments he hopes will shape his campaign message heading into the November election. Abbott also mentioned the state disaster declaration he issued for El Paso County amid recent flooding.
“Just before coming in here, I issued a state disaster declaration for El Paso County,” Abbott said. “This is going to be a flooding event for El Paso. A top goal that we have is to make sure nobody loses their life...we must protect and save every life.” Abbott highlighted efforts he said have contributed to Texas' economic growth and discussed how those accomplishments align with his goals for the state's future. “Our income and wages are at an all-time high and poverty is at an all-time low,” Abbott said. “Things are going better economically than they ever could have.” The governor also criticized former President Joe Biden’s border policies, referring to what he called the “Joe Biden nightmare.” He credited his administration with implementing additional safety measures along the Texas border.
Abbott addressed Sharia law during his remarks, a law that grants certain domestic and social laws for those who exercise Islamic practices around the country. The law provoked Texas legislators to form a group in March 2026 that works to dismantle Sharia law. Its founder, Rep. Brent Money, has condemned the policy and is actively gaining traction from other law makers to ban Islamic laws in the State of Texas. “Don’t Sharia my Texas, don’t Sharia your Texas, don’t Sharia any Texas because we are going to keep Texas, Texas,” Abbott said. Abbott then discussed his goal to cut taxes and outlined his goals for future property tax reform. “It will cut taxes forever,” Abbott said. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Page 4 NEWS
THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Gina Hinojosa rallies in the 915 Bernie Sanders brings ‘Fighting
Oligarchy Tour’ to El Paso ADRIAN GONZALEZ JR. B POSITION • THE PROSPECTOR Y L E S LY C H A V E Z
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Gina Hinojosa addresses supporters during her campaign rally at the EPIC Railyard Event Center in El Paso, Texas, on Oct. 28, 2026. Hinojosa speaks into a microphone as attendees listen, cheer, and record the event. Photo by Diego Figueroa/The Prospector
Supporters cheer and show their enthusiasm during Gina Hinojosa’s campaign rally in El Paso, Texas, on Oct. 28, 2026, holding campaign signs and raising their hands in support of her run for Texas governor. Photo by Diego Figueroa/The Prospector
Gina Hinojosa makes her way through a crowd of supporters as attendees welcome her during her campaign rally in El Paso, Texas, on Oct. 28, 2026. Fans and supporters gather around her, applauding and greeting her as she makes her entrance. Photo by Diego Figueroa /The Prospector Digeo Figueroa is a digital media producer at The Prospector and may be reached at dfigueroa5@miners.utep.edu
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U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders brought his national “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” to downtown El Paso on Oct. 19. Sanders Joined forces with former El Paso U.S. Rep. Beto O’ Rourke, Texas’ 16th Congressional District Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and Texas’ 35th Congressional District U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, for a rally at the Abraham Chavez Theatre that coincided with the first day of early voting in Texas. Prior to the start of the event, Casar held a press conference where he addressed immigration, gas prices, access to healthcare and data centers in Texas, highlighting that people, especially the younger generation should enforce their right to vote during these midterm elections. “La gente joven y la gente grande han sido traicionados por Donald Trump y Greg Abott, recortando fondos para estudiantes, cuidado médico, bajando sueldos, subiendo costos y no apoyando el seguro social, afectando a todo mundo sin importar la edad,” Casar said. “Nosotros [demócratas] vamos a luchar por tus derechos civiles, pero también para tus derechos humanos porque no queremos que políticos corruptos y vendidos como Trump y Paxton sigan aprovechándose y robando dinero al pueblo.” As the opening act of this tour in El Paso, singer Paul Shalda and the mariachi group, Los Pasajeros, were the musical performers. Once the event began, it was opened by Escobar, who greeted the crowd and thanked them for attending. “It makes my heart so full to have seen so many of you voting today, because we all know what is at stake, and when we look at decades of Republican control of state government and what they’ve done in our communities, to our state,
it is shameful,” Escobar said. “The most powerful form of activism is relational organizing, meaning you are in charge of everyone in your circle, but my friends, I have such a great feeling about this cycle. I think we are going to be celebrating Governor Gina Hinojosa and put James Talarico in the U.S Senate for Texas.” Following her speech, Escobar introduced Beto O’Rourke, an El Paso native who previously represented the district in Congress, taking the stage to highlight local voter participation and organize support for Democratic candidates on the ballot. “Of all the places he [Sanders] could visit in Texas, he chose El Paso,” O’Rourke said. “He understands that this is the future of America.” Commenting on the current political climate in Texas, O’Rourke criticized state leadership and political spending while expressing confidence in progressive turnout. “I have never seen the wealthiest, the most powerful, the most well connected, run so scared as they are right now,” O’Rourke said. “They know that they’re going to lose their 30 year purchase on power in the state of Texas.” O’Rourke also referenced historical milestones in El Paso, including local civil rights cases and labor strikes, to encourage high turnout during the early voting period. O’Rourke proceeded to introduce the main spokesperson of the event, Sanders. Addressing the audience assembled in the downtown venue, Sanders focused his remarks on income disparities and corporate influence in politics, arguing that the nation is facing “a remarkable and unprecedented moment in American history.” “We are at a moment in American history where never before have so few people held so much wealth
and so much power,” Sanders said. “Today in America, the top 1% own more wealth than the bottom 93%.” Sanders outlined several policy positions, advocating for a federal wealth tax on billionaires to fund social programs, raising the federal minimum wage to “a living wage,” passing the PRO Act to support labor unions, and expanding Medicare to cover all Americans. He also raised concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI), calling for legislative limits and stating, “it should be human beings who control this planet, not artificial intelligence.” Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the tour’s message. Atendee Alex Turner cited the platform’s emphasis on unity as his primary reason for coming out in support. “It’s important to appreciate Bernie [Sanders] and show him support,” Turner said. “I agree with their [candidates] message and I support what they represent... I just think they promote more unity and more empathy. I feel that’s what we need more than anything.” Offering advice to younger voters who might feel hesitant about participating in the midterms, Turner added, “Just read up on that stuff... don’t give up. I was you one day, and you’ll be me one day.” Dr. Michael Landis, a proud University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Class of 2012 graduate, was another attendee of this event, expressing the importance of young voters in this country, for them to use their voice to advocate for their future through these elections. “This country is completely upside down. We need to take our money away from these blood-soaked war pigs and put it back into what this country needs so desperately like in schools, infrastructure and Medicare for all,” Landis said. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
Democrats El Paso U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Texas’ 35th Congressional District U.S. Rep. Greg Casar joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Photo by Lesly Chavez/The Prospector
THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026
NEWS Page 5
UTEP Edge hosts campus Experience Fair El Paso leaders address B VANESSA OROZCO Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Edge hosted an Experience Fair on Oct. 21 at Centennial Plaza to connect students with campus organizations, academic programs and potential employers. Louie Rodriguez, director of the Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI), attended the event to share information about the program and its initiatives. “LSPI supports any UTEP students, alumni or even community members who are interested in going to law school,” Rodriguez said. “We help them from beginning to end, even exploring which law school is right for them to preparing for the LSAT [Law School Admission Test.]” Rodriguez emphasized the importance of connecting with students in person, explaining that reaching them solely through digital communication can be challenging. He said campus events provide an opportunity to introduce students to resources they may not otherwise know about. “It’s really important for us to be where the students are, which means walking across campus and catching your attention,” Rodriguez said. “We need to know where our students are, so events like this help us.”
At a neighboring table, Melissa Martelo, outreach and recruitment coordinator for UTEP’s Graduate School, spoke with students about the university’s graduate programs, which range from master’s degrees to doctoral degrees. “This is our opportunity to meet students,” Martelo said. “To pass out our information so that they can email us specific questions they have. We’re here to serve students.” Martelo also highlighted upcoming opportunities for students, including a fast-track program for undergraduates and the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where 36 graduate students will present their research
in under three minutes each. “A lot of great things are happening on campus, and students don’t know about it,” Martelo said. “So, here’s the opportunity.” Along with visiting tables to learn about campus organizations and hands-on opportunities, students could participate in yard games and other social activities at Centennial Plaza. The event also featured a Halloween-themed “Boo-st” to encourage student participation and engagement. All UTEP Edge events can be viewed and RSVP’d through MineTracker. Vanessa Orozco is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at vmorozco2@miners.utep.edu
Laura Mendoza represents the UTEP Languages Organization during the UTEP Edge Experience Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, providing students with information about the organization and its resources. The event gives students an opportunity to explore campus organizations, learn about available opportunities, and connect with the UTEP community. Photo by Diego Figueroa/The Prospector
KKK costume incident B ADRIAN GONZALEZ JR. Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
The El Paso National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held a press conference at the El Paso County Courthouse on Oct. 26 to address the social media images and videos showing individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan (KKK) robes and masks at a local Halloween gathering. The post, which surfaced on Oct. 25, shows about six individuals dressed in white pointed hoods and KKK-style regalia in a backyard and along a dark neighborhood street in East El Paso. The display triggered widespread outrage across both the borderland community and national news, including publications like CNN and NBC News. Standing outside the courthouse, Carl B. Dwyer Jr., president of the NAACP El Paso branch, strongly condemned the display and rejected any attempt to downplay the incident. “The silence in the face of hate is complicity. We refuse to remain silent while symbols of terror and white supremacy are normalized or minimized as harmless pranks,” Dwyer said, calling on local civic officials and community members to denounce the behavior immediately.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, also publicly condemned the incident, emphasizing that racial intimidation has no place in the community. “No one should fear being targeted or harassed for who they are or what they look like,” Escobar said, adding that El Paso is built on diversity, resilience, and respect for neighbors. In response to public concern, the El Paso Police Department acknowledged awareness of the social media posts and video footage circulating online. The department released a statement confirming that officials were reviewing the reports surrounding the gathering. Civil rights advocates at the news conference urged residents to report acts of intimidation or harassment to law enforcement and reaffirmed that symbolic hate displays will not be tolerated in El Paso. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
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Page 6 NEWS
THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Orange and Blue Day highlights all UTEP has to offer B K AY L A R O D R I G U E Z Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) welcomed prospective students and their families to campus Oct. 24, for its annual Orange and Blue Day, an openhouse event designed to showcase the university‘s academic programs, campus life and opportunities for future students. The event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., gave visitors an opportunity to explore UTEP's campus, meet faculty
and current students, learn about degree programs, and get information about the college admissions process. According to the UTEP website, Orange and Blue Day is the university's largest open house of the year. The event is designed primarily for high school students but also welcomes community college transfer students, returning students and individuals considering a career change. Visitors checked in at the Geology Lawn before participating in activities throughout campus.
The schedule included college showcases, campus tours, a resource fair and opportunities to explore university facilities. At the resources fair, guests were able to learn about financial aid, scholarships, housing and the application process. Families could explore residence halls, recreation facilities and academic spaces to get a closer look at what daily life as a Miner might look like. Jasmin Hernandez is a high school senior who attended Orange and Blue Day with her parents. She believes the event eased her nerves
A visitor takes a photo in front of large UTEP letters during Orange and Blue Day at the University of Texas at El Paso on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Prospective students toured campus and attended informational sessions throughout the day. Photo by Carol Mora/The Prospector
about attending UTEP, and the UTEP college demonstrations made her excited to explore the campus. “At first I was nervous [because] like I didn’t know what to expect, but I think I’ll have fun here,” Hernandez said. “We just came from the [welcome] event and there was a lot of information that I didn’t know UTEP had.” Orange and Blue Days welcome event, held in the Magoffin Auditorium, introduced some of UTEP’s academic colleges’ majors, career opportunities and student organizations. The Woody L. Hunt College of Business showcased their program during the event with a presentation where students pitch business ideas modeled after the television program Shark Tank. Visitors also had the opportunity to experience Woody's Whirlwind, an interactive attraction that allowed participants to step inside a cashfilled tornado. Hernandez plans to major in international business and she says seeing the pitch show made her interested in other degree plans in the department. “I don’t know, after seeing the students present, I think entrepreneurship could be kind of cool too,” Hernandez said. The welcome event also highlighted UTEP‘s expanding
academic offerings, including its plans to introduce a mining engineering program in fall 2027. The Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering highlighted some of the benefits of the program stating, the program reflects UTEP’s mining heritage and will give students a unique opportunity to study. In a metallurgy demonstration, current senior mining engineer student, Gianna Ornelas recalled she chose mining engineering as her major after attending Orange and Blue Day. “I remember I hadn’t seen anything like that and it made me curious to learn more,” Ornelas said. Beyond academics, Orange and Blue Day incorporated elements of UTEP's campus culture and traditions. Visitors could experience music, performances and meet Paydirt Pete, the university's mascot. For prospective students, Orange and Blue Day offered more than a campus tour. It provided an opportunity to connect with the university community, explore potential career paths, and begin considering what their future at UTEP could look like. Kayla Rodriguez is a staff reporter and may be reached at krrodriguez4@miners.utep.edu
AIM allows students to access or request services online and from the comfort of their home 24/7. Use your UTEP login to request accommodations, check your status or apply to be a notetaker. AIM is for faculty as well!
cassportal.utep.edu
GENIO is an app offered by CASS that helps students record and transcribe class lectures, take notes and more to guarantee students a successful learning experience. Students interested in using GENIO must be registered with and approved by CASS for this accommodation. Union Building East, Room 106 cass@utep.edu 915-747-5148
THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026 · PAGE 7
Arts & Culture
Abby Pedroza, editor
La Mina: Halloween entre fronteras B BRIANA ESTRADA Y CONTRIBUTOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Vivir en la frontera significa muchas cosas en términos de la vida cotidiana. Trabajar, estudiar y vivir en una de las dos ciudades, El Paso o Juárez, afecta la manera de vivir de miles de fronterizos. Pero estas cosas no son las únicuas que uno se pregunta, especialmente durante el mes de octubre, cuando muchos empiezan a pensar “¿Celebraré Halloween aquí o allá? ” A pesar de la cercanía de ambas ciudades, los contextos culturales suelen ser diferentes, especialmente en una fecha festiva como Halloween. Las festividades asociadas con el día son similares de varias maneras como en disfrazarse o pedir dulces, pero no son celebradas al mismo grado en México como se celebran en los Estados Unidos. En ciudades fronterizas o turísticas de México , la celebración de Halloween es más prevalente que en el resto del país debido a la mezcla de culturas. En general, las festividades en ambas ciudades incluyen actividades como disfrazarse, pedir dulces, reunirse con amigos y familiares, y para adultos es común salir a bares y antros. Las similitudes en los festejos resultan en la pregunta de pasar el día festivo en Ciudad Juárez o El Paso. Solo es una cuestión de preferencia. Denya Campos, estudiante de mercadotecnia en la Universidad de Texas en El Paso (UTEP), explica que para ella, las similitudes entre las celebraciones reflejan la integración de ambas culturas en las maneras que celebramos. “Creo que Juárez y El Paso por la cercanía geográfica podría decir que tiene muchas similitudes. La cultura mexicana está muy presente en la vida nocturna de El Paso, pero sí creo
que muchas veces está un poco segmentado. Entonces si quieres encontrar celebraciones parecidas a Juárez en El Paso o si buscas una celebración más tradicional estadounidense como trick or treat también puedes encontrarlo en sectores más tradicionales” Campos dijo. A pesar de las similitudes, hay un desequilibrio en el nivel en que se celebra en ambas ciudades. En los Estados Unidos, Halloween es una celebración nacional, con desfiles y eventos comunitarios en la mayoría de las ciudades en el país. En México, el día festivo no se reconoce en todo el país, si no en las ciudades fronterizas donde hay influencias de la cultura estadounidense. Diana Estrada, estudiante internacional en UTEP, explica algunas de las diferencias que ella ha visto entre ambas ciudades. “Creo que hay una diferencia, las casas en El Paso parecen ser decoradas más para las fiestas, incluso las tiendas están completamente decoradas para
la ocasión,” Estrada dijo. “Además, mucha gente de Juárez va a El Paso en la mañana a pedir dulces esa misma noche. Creo que Juárez está 100% influenciado por El Paso para celebrar Halloween.” Otra razón por la cual Halloween no es una festividad tan grande en el contexto cultural mexicano es debido a la superposición con el Día de Muertos, que es una celebración muy significativa en México. Dado que Halloween toma lugar el 31 de octubre y El Día de Muertos es festejado el primer día de noviembre, la confusión entre ambas festividad es común. Ultimadamente, ya sea que pases el día en El Paso o Juárez, las conexiones culturales trascienden las fronteras, dejándonos con rasgos de ambas culturas sin importar en done pases las fiestas. Briana Estrada is a contributor at The Prospector and may be reached at bestrada14@miners.utep.edu
A pesar de que El Paso y Ciudad Juárez comparten el gusto por Halloween, las diferencias en compras y experiencias inmersivas reflejan las distintas maneras en que los residentes celebran la temporada, mientras que la presencia de las tradiciones del Día de los Muertos en toda la región fronteriza destaca los vínculos culturales que unen a ambas comunidades. Photo by Allysa Vela-Quezada/The Prospector
THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026
ARTS & CULTURE Page 9
The evolution and changing market of basketball shoes B ADRIAN GONZALEZ JR. Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
For decades, basketball sneakers were the unquestioned crown jewels of streetwear, shoes engineered for hardwood courts that ended up defining school hallways, music videos and fashion runways. But today, the multi-billiondollar global phenomenon faces an unprecedented cool-down, caught between shifting consumer tastes, rising retail prices, and an aggressive resale market that local fans say has stripped the culture of its original soul. “Shoe culture has slowly become a forgotten child of the fashion community,” Joe Garcia, a local basketball shoe collector said. Local collectors and consumers, like Garcia, note that commercial flipping and scalping have fundamentally altered the community’s feelings and accessibility that once defined sneaker culture. “I remember marking my calendar when all the newest sneaker releases dropped, now I see some shops struggle to stay open. The biggest brands such as Nike and Jordan have fallen to one of the biggest issues in the community, reselling,”
Garcia said. “Sneaker resellers have completely destroyed the landscape of the game. The shoe game used to be driven by the passion and appreciation of the craftsmanship of the shoe, while now, it’s driven by profit and clout.” Financial barriers and automated buying software on digital release platforms have further distanced mainstream buyers from authentic retail drops. “I think resellers and scalpers have ruined the magic of sneaker drops and will continue to do so if companies don’t take action,” Aaron Chacon, a senior kinesiology student at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) said. “I remember my friend tried to grab a pair of Kobe 6 Grinches, and he was on there right as soon as SNKRS opened the queue. He obviously didn’t get them and then you see on these apps like GOAT and StockX that they get sold for twice their original price,” Chacon said. “In my personal opinion, they should do in-store drops for some of these shoes and do a shoe limit for it, that way everyone has a fair shot.” Chacon noted that rising retail and secondary market prices drive fans toward alternatives.
“I know a lot of people can’t afford the expensive and everyday rising costs of these shoes that so many people just want to enjoy and look stylish when enjoying a night out without spending $180 plus on a basic silhouette,” Chacon said. The secondary market cool-off has become evident even to casual buyers across the market. “I’m not a shoe collector but I have gotten some J’s [ Jordan’s] before,” Roberto Anchondo, a UTEP alumni said. “The thing I’ve noticed is how it has fallen from its peak, especially how reselling has also fallen off, but they’ve moved on to other avenues,” Anchondo said. Despite the current landscape, the historic rise of basketball shoes laid a massive foundation. What started in 1917 with high-top canvas Chuck Taylors accelerated during the 1970s when New York Knicks guard Walt “Clyde” Frazier brought tailored suits and custom suede Puma lowtops into the public consciousness, proving court equipment could carry personal flair off the floor. read MORE at theprospectordaily.com
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THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026
A look into Seclusion Apparel: The intention behind its unique designs B K AY L A R O D R I G U E Z Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Business student at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and co-owner of the fashion brand Seclusion Apparel, Anthony Ellis, has admired artists and entertainers like Kanye West and A$AP Rocky for their distinctive styles long before starting a clothing brand. In his sophomore graphic design class at Eastlake High School, Ellis met his future business partner, Diego Talavera, and their shared interest in fashion and graphic design led them to start their own clothing brand, Seclusion Apparel, in 2025. When they started their clothing brand, Ellis and Talavera wanted to create something that reflected their personalities and gave their clothing a deeper purpose, and every piece made by Seclusion Apparel has meaning behind it, even the brand name. “Seclusion means the state of being alone or feeling alone,” Ellis said. “I’m not alone, but I kind of feel alone, if that makes sense. I felt like it’s a good name for the brand, [because] it represents us.” Ellis said he and Talavera approach their designs differently from brands that simply follow popular trends. Rather than copying graphics that gain attention on social media, they look for ideas that can be transformed into something personal.
“We’d rather have a meaning over money and then let the money come after,” Ellis said. When advertising their designs, Seclusion highlights what makes their pieces special. According to their Instagram, their “Crossword” tee visually represents connectivity across different paths, and the Permanent Residence card on their “America Needs Us” hoodie represents the backbone immigrants provide to the United States. Along with significant meanings, Ellis and Talavera want their designs to be eye-catching and original. Pieces like their pink distressed hoodie that appear backwards or cheetah-print sweatpants that feature a “sagging” effect are designed to stand out. Ellis says these designs often attract curious reactions. He says those reactions are part of the experience Seclusion Apparel hopes to create. He wants customers to feel like they are wearing something distinctive rather than another piece of clothing found in mainstream stores. “I just want them to get a luxurious feeling, something different, something that they can’t get with any other brand,” Ellis said. Building the business, however, has not come without challenges. Ellis said one of the biggest
obstacles was dealing with people who doubted the idea or questioned whether the two young entrepreneurs could successfully start their own clothing company. Instead of allowing those opinions to discourage him, Ellis said he remained confident in the brand’s potential. Having Talavera as a business partner also made the process easier. The two can turn to each other when questions or doubts arise, drawing on their shared experiences and understanding of the business. Ellis said balancing the company with school was manageable while they were in high school because he made the brand a priority. Now attending college, he is studying business to better understand how to operate and grow the company. After meeting in a graphic design class, Ellis and Talavera have created a business inspired by people who expressed their individuality through fashion. Seclusion Apparels’ designs reflect that inspiration, and as the business continues to grow, Ellis and Talavera remain focused on creating clothing that carries meaning and stands apart. Kayla Rodriguez is a staff reporter and may be reached at krrodriguez4@miners.utep.edu
GRADUATING SENIORS!
Visit us on campus to order your class ring! Purchase your official UTEP Class Ring at our Ring Ordering Events at the UTEP Bookstore on the following days: November 11-13 2026 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 1 - 3 , 2026 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Anthony Ellis
THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026 · PAGE 11
Sports
Kristian Hernandez, editor
Real Work: Khalil Gilbert’s path from JUCO to content creation B ADRIAN GONZALEZ Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a three-part series about Harlon “Khalil” Gilbert’s journey pursuing professional basketball. For Harlon “Khalil” Gilbert, the love for basketball didn‘t start with a clipboard or a playbook; it started with an icon. Growing up, his favorite player was Allen Iverson, whose signature crossover became the very first move young Gilbert mastered on the concrete. “The dopamine rush that I would get just from shifting somebody really bad or just scoring the ball or making a good play. It was just a never-ending rush that I never got tired of,” Gilbert said. “And that’s probably the reason why it always stuck with me [basketball] because it was never something that I got tired of.” That passion carried him through Alamogordo High School, where his athletic speed and a quick first step paved the way to a breakout junior season. But high school success didn’t immediately translate to college recruitment. Graduating amid the COVID-19 pandemic with shortened seasons and without a roadmap for the recruiting process, Gilbert received his first break when his high school head coach took over at the University of the Southwest, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program in Hobbs, New Mexico. “I had no [scholarship] offers coming out of high school,” Gilbert said. “My coach didn’t really help me out with the recruiting process at all.” His freshman year in Hobbs was an exercise in isolation. Earning time only on the junior varsity squad and receiving little attention from the coaching staff, Gilbert learned a hard, early life-lesson in self-reliance. “I really had to learn how to be okay with isolating myself,” Gilbert
Khalil’s experimentation with cinematic videos and learning the ins-and-outs of a camera led him to gain traction across social media. Photo by Dustin Perez/The Prospector
said. “I’m going to have to be okay with learning how to do things on my own and really not rely on other people.” The trajectory shifted during a summer trip to Washington, which was arranged by a mentor. What was meant to be a seasonal pit stop to earn higher minimum wage pay quickly transformed into a multi-year chapter at Everett Community College. But the road in Washington featured its own detours, including a brief stint where Gilbert stepped
away from basketball entirely to dominate as a 400-meter sprinter on the track team. Yet the basketball court always called him back. During those gym sessions in Washington, a completely new passion sparked: content creation. He traded a gaming PC to a roommate in exchange for a camera and a handful of lenses, Gilbert began studying the mechanics of framing, aperture and cinematic movement. What started as shooting recap
videos for track meets eventually followed him back home to El Paso. When he returned to El Paso without a spot on a collegiate roster, Gilbert leaned heavily into his digital craft. Wanting to help younger athletes navigate the recruiting waters he had survived; he began producing color-graded training videos. The cinematic aesthetic struck a chord online, causing his subscriber counts to surge by thousands week after week. “I was like, dude, ‘I can really
make something out of this,” Gilbert said. While content creation built a thriving digital platform, Gilbert’s ultimate sights remain firmly set on the hardwood. Recognizing that the modern college basketball landscape heavily favors established networks and older transfers, he chose to focus on finishing his kinesiology degree at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) while preparing for international exposure. His goal is clear: landing a spot at a European professional showcase or developmental league to launch his pro career. “The college scene now is really about who you know,” Gilbert said. “And if you’re not already on the radar, it’s really tough to really get your foot in there. I really just wanted to finish school, so I felt like my best chance was to go pro somewhere through a showcase and get my name out there.” Reflecting on the road from Alamogordo to Everett and back to El Paso, Gilbert offers piece of advice to his younger self: take risks and stop fearing what others think. “I would have told [young self ] to take more risks. Because I’d probably end up in the same position either way,” Gilbert said. “If you’re not willing to take any risk, then you’re just comfortable being in the same spot you’re in. At the end of the day, you control your own life, not other people.” Now, with a camera in hand, a degree in sight and an inner drive, Gilbert is carving out a narrative entirely on his own terms, proving that his story is far bigger than just basketball. As the digital blueprint takes shape, another layer of his identity waits in the wings. Beyond the court and behind the lens, Gilbert is channeling his personal style and worldview into something entirely tangible, launching his own apparel brand to show the world who he really is. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at agonzalez255@ miners.utep.edu
Racing to the Top: MadPete Motorsport Baja SAE at UTEP B L E S LY C H A V E Z Y MULTIMEDIA EDITOR • THE PROSPECTOR
Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a three-part series following the UTEP MadPete Motorsport Baja SAE team in El Paso.
Providing input to two members of the MadPete Motorsports Baja crew, Sohail Mohammed, Ph.D. gives guidance on the planning and construction phase of the Baja Buggy. Photo by Nate Flores/ The Prospector
The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Society of Automotives Engineers (SAE) named ‘MadPete Motorsport Baja’ started a new chapter for its organization, going under new leadership and having the biggest number of members it has had to date. In spring 2026, Sohail
Mohammed, Ph.D., was named the faculty advisor for the team with the help of staff advisor Victor Calderon Moriel. Mohammed is an Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering professor who joined the UTEP faculty in fall 2025, and took over the MadPete organization in spring 2026. “When I took over, there are a few things I really got involved with the team to the core I would say, by implementing meetings twice a week, and making sure every sub team comes present with their work and making sure they have good communication as a team,”
Mohammed said. “Having the teams come up and present their work for solutions or feedback has created a good culture within that has benefited us a lot, [it’s] a game changer. UTEP has great students, one of the best students I have worked with, [they] have brilliant minds.” Leading the team, junior mechanical engineering student Isela Iglesias is the 2026-27 president for this organization. Iglesias joined the organization in Spring of 2026, and in six months, she was selected. see BAJA on page 12
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THE PROSPECTOR · NOVEMBER 3, 2026
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Among multiple members for this role. “When I first joined, I was very intimidated because I did not know a lot about what I was doing and the male to woman ratio was very big,” Iglesias said. “However, I realize that the fear was purely mental, and there was nothing to be intimidated of, as I was surrounded by people who addressed me with cordiality and were eager to learn about engineering just as much as I did.” This year the program has another major addition, on Oct. 5 Mohammed received news that the Gene Haas Foundation, the largest computer numerical control machine tool manufacturer in North America, became a sponsor for the MadPete team, agreeing to cover the full amount of the student’s SAE for the upcoming competition in April. “The registration fee is one of the costliest things we have, and it is very exciting to know that the Gene Hass Foundation wants to help us by covering it,” Mohammed said. “This will allow more teams to compete, and it helps the students have more focus in having our design manufactured and ready for modifications, improvements and testing rather than worrying about financials.” Continuing with the preparation for the team’s project, this semester, the team has their biggest number of members since 1978 with 62 members.
Meeting in the Engineering building machine shop on Thursday Oct. 8, 2026, members of the MadPete Motorsports Baja team go over plans and ideas in hopes to have their first design ready by this December. Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector
“My plan going forward with this team is for the upperclassmen students to teach more to newer students, like freshman and sophomores, so when they leave the team there will be someone to replace them,” Iglesias said. “We are emphasizing communication this year, because if one of us fails, it could be very detrimental in the long run. But with the team we have now, we have very strong communicators and people are just
getting along well, teaching and helping each other.” The members of this team spent from 15 to 25 hours per week of voluntary work at the machine shop in the Engineering building, in hopes to have the first design ready by this December and proceed to take the entire spring semester for testing and improvements to pass the multiple stages of inspections at their threeday competition in Arizona, Baja
SAE, an intercollegiate engineering design and racing competition of single-seat, all-terrain off-road vehicles. “The students here at UTEP have a great passion for being in the competition; they take time out of their days, after school hours and even weekends to bring their car to life,” Moriel said. “It is not simple work, cause if it was anyone could do it, and they should feel proud of their hard work and
know that as long they understand the knowledge we give them and develop strong communications skills, they will expand their networking and apply it on greater things in their futures.” From freshmen to seniors, all the members are divided into seven groups consisting of mechanical design, business team, power train, frame, suspension, controls and manufacturing. However, not all the students are studying engineering, as this year, the MadPete Motorsport organization welcomed students from the College of Business to help manage sponsors, marketing, etc. “If the students are actually scared of joining because of failure, to me, failure is a stepping stone for success,” Mohammed said. “This team is a learning environment, the more you fail, the better you become. And to say that at least you tried, is better to do it [than] live with the regret of never being able to chase a goal of yours, and Baja provides that experience.” After a whole summer and two months of the fall 2026 semester, the MadPete Motorsport Baja SAE team finished the first part of their creation, the planning and designing of the vehicle. With a strong foundation, together, the UTEP crew is ready to push it to the limit and begin the construction of the greatest creation this program has built yet. Lesly Marlene Chavez is the multimedia editor and may be reached at lmchavez33@miners.utep. edu and social media @pics.by.lesly