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The Student News Site of Texas State University

The University Star



The Student News Site of Texas State University

The University Star
The Student News Site of Texas State University

The University Star









All content by Gabriella Ybarra
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UPDATE: Unconscious New York man is not Jason Landry

Brianna Benitez, Gabriella Ybarra, Nichaela Shaheen, and Sarah Hernandez
July 27, 2022
Gabriella Ybarra smiles for her graduation photos on Texas State's Campus. 

Senior 30: Managing editor leaves The Star relatively unscathed, writes one last time

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
April 29, 2021
Welcome to Financial Aid

Texas State addresses student aid, campus openings in town hall

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
February 2, 2021
An employee of Curative cleans the front of a COVID-19 testing kiosk, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, on the Quad in between Flowers Hall and Evans. Testing is free and administered individually. Participants will produce a cough as well as perform a throat swab on themselves to give to operators.

University responds to FDA warning of false Curative COVID-19 test results

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
January 12, 2021
Eviction Data Visual

Explaining Texas’ eviction process

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
December 14, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 99 new COVID-19 cases, 29 recoveries

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
November 12, 2020

Language of the Unheard: Climate Change

Gabriella Ybarra, Molly Gonzales, Claire Partain, and Ziek Sanchez
November 9, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 18 new COVID-19 cases

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
November 6, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 48 new COVID-19 cases

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
November 5, 2020
The University Star will provide live coverage of San Marcos runoff election results as polling location updates are made available.

Your voting guide to the 2020 election

Daniel Weeks, Ricardo Delgado, Gabriella Ybarra, and Jaden Edison
November 3, 2020
A ‘No Trespassing’ warning sign is posted on a fence, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, outside of Sewell Park.

Gas leak identified behind Outdoor Rec Center in Sewell Park

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
October 21, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports two new COVID-19 fatalities, 21 new cases

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
October 16, 2020
Star file photo

Man arrested for aggravated assault on peace officer

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
October 15, 2020
Dr. Vincent E. Morton assumed the role of Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Sept. 1. Morton will be replacing Dr. Margarita Arellano who retired after more than 11 years with Texas State. 

Dr. Vincent E. Morton named associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
October 6, 2020
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Missing person found unharmed, reunited with family

Gabriella Ybarra, Managing Editor
September 24, 2020
Spin will begin deploying its electric scooters to Texas State’s campus Sept. 23 and to specified locations in San Marcos Sept. 30.

Texas State and San Marcos collaborate in launch of pilot scooter program

Gabriella Ybarra
September 21, 2020
A newer-model Volkswagen involved in a two-car collision is towed onto the back of a trailer bed, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, on E Sessom Drive near Pleasant Street.

Police investigate accident on Sessom Drive

Gabriella Ybarra
September 17, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 30 new COVID-19 cases, 31 recoveries

Gabriella Ybarra
September 11, 2020
Star file photo

Hays County finds three dead at San Marcos residence

Gabriella Ybarra
August 27, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 20 new COVID-19 cases, 47 recoveries

Gabriella Ybarra
August 21, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports three new COVID-19 fatalities

Gabriella Ybarra
August 14, 2020
A file photo of Texas State students walking through the Quad.

Texas State requires students watch health and safety video before return

Gabriella Ybarra
August 14, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports one new COVID-19 fatality

Gabriella Ybarra
August 13, 2020
Star file photo

Woman killed in overnight traffic collision on IH-35

Gabriella Ybarra
August 13, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports two new COVID-19 fatalities

Gabriella Ybarra
August 12, 2020
File photo of the Parking Services building.

Texas State introduces new parking permits

Gabriella Ybarra
August 4, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 18 new COVID-19 cases, 53 recoveries

Gabriella Ybarra
July 31, 2020
File photo of the City of San Marcos sign.

City of San Marcos to begin utility project on University Drive

Gabriella Ybarra
July 31, 2020
SMPD is assisting Texas Rangers in investigating an officer-involved shooting that occured at a 7-Eleven in San Marcos.

Suspect identified in officer-involved shooting at San Marcos 7-Eleven

Gabriella Ybarra
July 18, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 21 new cases of COVID-19

Gabriella Ybarra
July 12, 2020
A file photo of Texas State students walking through the Quad.

Texas State offers additional Roadmap to Return resources for students and faculty

Gabriella Ybarra
July 10, 2020
File photo of the City of San Marcos sign.

San Marcos to enter stage 1 drought restrictions

Gabriella Ybarra
July 9, 2020
Hays County reports 85 new cases of COVID-19, one new fatality

Hays County reports 85 new cases of COVID-19, one new fatality

Gabriella Ybarra
July 8, 2020
Hays County reports 85 new cases of COVID-19, one new fatality

Hays County reports 158 new cases of COVID-19, seventh fatality

Gabriella Ybarra
June 30, 2020
Hays County reports 85 new cases of COVID-19, one new fatality

Hays County reports 75 new cases of COVID-19

Gabriella Ybarra
June 29, 2020
Hays County reports 85 new cases of COVID-19, one new fatality

Hays County reports 140 new cases of COVID-19

Gabriella Ybarra
June 26, 2020
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sits in a media briefing Friday, April 10, 2020, in the State Capitol. Photo courtesy of Texas governor’s office.

Gov. Abbott issues executive order shutting down certain bars, tubing businesses

Gabriella Ybarra
June 26, 2020
Hays County reports 85 new cases of COVID-19, one new fatality

Hays County reports 130 new cases of COVID-19

Gabriella Ybarra
June 23, 2020
Hays County reports 85 new cases of COVID-19, one new fatality

Hays County reports 210 new cases of COVID-19

Gabriella Ybarra
June 18, 2020
University Star file photo

City postpones Fourth of July fireworks, announces holiday closures

Gabriella Ybarra
June 18, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 155 new cases of COVID-19

Gabriella Ybarra
June 16, 2020
Star file photo

Suspect identified in fatal June 1 hit-and-run

Gabriella Ybarra
June 16, 2020
Star file photo

Driver killed in train collision Sunday morning

Gabriella Ybarra
June 15, 2020
Star file photo

Collision on IH-35 ends in traffic fatality

Gabriella Ybarra
June 11, 2020
Pure Barre on June 9, 2020.

Pure Barre temporarily closes due to increasing number of COVID-19 cases in county

Gabriella Ybarra
June 9, 2020
The Texas State Quad area sits empty, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Texas State. Student-led organizations normally occupy the area handing out flyers and pamphlets for events and organization information, giving out food and more.

Summer II camps to be canceled or held remotely

Gabriella Ybarra
June 5, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 14 new cases of COVID-19, seven recover

Gabriella Ybarra
June 3, 2020
As of April 8, 2020, the confirmed cases by city in Hays County is: Austin, 4; Buda, 15, Dripping Springs, 2; Kyle, 31; San Marcos, 23; Wimberley, 2; Woodcreek, 0; Driftwood, 0.

San Marcos and Texas State receive federal grants

Gabriella Ybarra
June 2, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports fifth COVID-19 fatality, 18 new cases

Gabriella Ybarra
June 1, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports fourth COVID-19 fatality, 15 new cases

Gabriella Ybarra
May 29, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports four new cases of COVID-19

Gabriella Ybarra
May 23, 2020
The U.S. Census Bureau mails self-response questionnaire forms to every residence in the country to complete the census. According to the Census Bureau, only 42.4% of the Hays County population has completed the census.

2020 Census operations to resume in Hays County

Gabriella Ybarra
May 22, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 12 new cases of COVID-19, one recovers

Gabriella Ybarra
May 20, 2020
Memorial Day wreaths sit on display, Monday, May 28, 2018, during a Memorial Day ceremony in San Marcos.

Annual Memorial Day ceremony moves online

Gabriella Ybarra
May 19, 2020
Texas State students walk to and from classes on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, near the Quad.

President Trauth announces post-pandemic work groups

Gabriella Ybarra
May 18, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports 13 new cases of COVID-19, seven recover

Gabriella Ybarra
May 18, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports three new cases of COVID-19, two recover

Gabriella Ybarra
May 13, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports first San Marcos COVID-19 fatality

Gabriella Ybarra
May 12, 2020
Gov. Abbott announces COVID-19 updates for the state.

Abbott announces federal funding for local jurisdictions

Gabriella Ybarra
May 11, 2020
Gov. Abbott announces updates for the state, Friday, April 17, at the State Capitol.

Abbott extends reopenings to salons, barbershops and gyms

Gabriella Ybarra
May 5, 2020
(Left to right) Austin Adams and John Matthew Redding hold up signs advocating for the implementation of a cite-and-release ordinance in San Marcos, Tuesday, March 3, 2020, outside of a city council meeting at City Hall.

City council passes cite-and-release ordinance in final vote

Gabriella Ybarra
April 22, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Update

Hays County reports five new COVID-19 cases

Gabriella Ybarra
April 21, 2020
Texas State TXST

Parking services offers prorated parking refunds to students

Gabriella Ybarra
April 10, 2020
Texas State File Photo.

Texas State offering three new degrees starting fall 2020

Gabriella Ybarra
April 8, 2020
Student Government President Corey Benbow made the first veto of his term as president just two weeks before his administration is set to leave office.

Student Government president vetoes first legislation

Gabriella Ybarra
April 8, 2020
City council passes cite-and-release ordinance during first reading, now pending second vote

City council passes cite-and-release ordinance during first reading, now pending second vote

Gabriella Ybarra
April 7, 2020
Dr. Jocabed “Joca” Marquez sits during a city council discussion over cite-and-release implementation in San Marcos, Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at San Marcos City Hall.

Cite-and-release vote could tie given Marquez resignation

Gabriella Ybarra
April 7, 2020
Student Government Vice President Tucker Thompson counts those in favor of a bill to be read by a text-to-voice bot, Monday, March 3, 2020, in the LBJ Teaching Theater.

Senate members protest Student Government Consitution referendum, appeal board’s decision twice

Gabriella Ybarra
April 7, 2020
Welcome signage visible when entering Wimberley, Texas.

Total number of COVID-19 cases reaches 47 in Hays County, first case in Wimberley

Gabriella Ybarra
April 3, 2020
A file photo of the Hays County Historic Courthouse.

Total number of COVID-19 cases reaches 45 in Hays County

Gabriella Ybarra
April 2, 2020
Student Body President Corey Benbow and Vice President Tucker Thompson presiding over the first student government meeting of the semester on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020.

Student Government calls for university to adopt “4.0/fail” grading policy

Gabriella Ybarra
March 27, 2020
Student Health Center Director Dr. Emilio Carranco updates Student Government on Texas State’s COVID-19 preparations Monday, March 9, 2020 at the LBJ teaching theater.

Student Health Center director updates Student Government on coronavirus

Gabriella Ybarra
March 10, 2020
Texas State applied sociology senior August Kutac (left) holds a sign advocating for a new cite and release ordinance Tuesday, March 3, 2020, and the City Council meeting at City Hall.

Cite-and-release ordinance scheduled for a vote next month

Gabriella Ybarra
March 10, 2020
San Marcos City Councilman Mark Rockeymoore discusses cite-and-release policy at a city council meeting, Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at San Marcos City Hall. Council members discussed cite-and-release in San Marcos and discussed whether or not the policy should be implemented in resolution or ordinance form.

City Council discusses criminal justice reform

Gabriella Ybarra
March 5, 2020
The Office of Equity and Inclusion is located at the JC Kellam Administration Building near Moon Street and Sessom Drive. The office manages Title IX programs as well as claims and investigations regarding sexual misconduct and discrimination.

Title IX explained

Gabriella Ybarra
March 4, 2020
IMG_0903-1-1024×593

Super Tuesday: San Marcos polling locations

Gabriella Ybarra
March 2, 2020
Vice President Tucker Thompson (Left) and Student Government President Corey Benbow (Right) during the State of Students Address on Monday, Feb. 25, 2020, in the LBJ Teaching Theater.

Student government president gives State of Students Address

Gabriella Ybarra
February 25, 2020
Chief Justice William Frank-Cadoree, and Associate Justices Iliana Figueroa and Joshua Clarke question Colton Halter during the impeachment hearing, Feb. 12, 2020.

Student Government senator acquitted of two of three articles of impeachment

Gabriella Ybarra
February 19, 2020
The Sinai Pentecostal Church at 208 Lardeo St., one of only two early polling locations on the east side of Interstate 35 for 2019 election, will only be used for Election Day 2020.

Early polling locations approved for Hays County

Gabriella Ybarra
February 13, 2020
The student body president and vice president elections are set for Feb.17-20.

Student Government election board reinstated

Gabriella Ybarra
February 11, 2020
San Marcos City Hall.

Criminal justice reform discussion postponed to March

Gabriella Ybarra
February 11, 2020
Jaden EdisonThe history of Cape’s Dam at Thompson Island remains unclear decades after its construction. Debates over whether or not slave labor was involved when the dam was built continue to take place. Moreover, the San Marcos City Council has yet to decide whether or not the dam will be destroyed or preserved as a historical marker. (This photo was taken Feb. 1, 2020)

Slave labor dispute floods Cape’s Dam

Gabriella Ybarra
February 6, 2020
Student Body President Corey Benbow and Vice President Tucker Thompson presiding over the first student government meeting of the semester on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020.

Student Government ends halt on freshman council

Gabriella Ybarra
January 28, 2020
In this file photo, Bobcat Bounty volunteers prepare food for students and residents waiting for distributions.

San Marcos tackles food insecurity

Gabriella Ybarra
January 25, 2020
Rebecca HarrellThe outdoor amphitheater stands in its original space leading down to the first floor of the student center complete with a center boardwalk level, artificial grass and surrounded by an accessible ramp.

LBJ Student Center’s facelift nears conclusion

Gabriella Ybarra
January 11, 2020
Chase RogersThe San Marcos Government Center at 712 S. Stagecoach Trail gandered 38% of total voter check-ins on Election Day, Nov. 5.

Hays County adopts countywide polling program

Gabriella Ybarra
January 8, 2020
Courtesy of the City of San MarcosJoe Pantalion was selected to be assistant city manager, filling Steve Parker’s original position.

City Council approves new assistant city managers and public safety director

Gabriella Ybarra
December 18, 2019
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