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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 Jakob Rodriguez
(Left to right) Carrington Tatum, Jakob Rodriguez and Sawyer Click hug for a photo, fall 2018, in The University Star’s newsroom. Jakob spent all four of his years at Texas State as a member of The Star. He was at the forefront of every important development throughout his time, occupying roles as a reporter, assistant editor, section editor and editor-in-chief. His leadership and skillset changed the culture of The Star; he graduates as one of our most beloved and talented journalists ever.

Senior says goodbye after four years

Jakob Rodriguez
May 18, 2020
Materials for the Permian Highway Pipeline

Commissioners Court votes to rescind road permits for Permian Highway Pipeline

Jakob Rodriguez
April 22, 2020
Gov. Abbott announces COVID-19 updates for the state.

Gov. Abbott announces phasing in of data driven state-wide reopening

Jakob Rodriguez
April 17, 2020
3d_judges_gavel

Appeals Court blocks Abbott’s ban on medical abortions

Jakob Rodriguez
April 14, 2020
Floaters bring ice chests and coolers to the river bank at Rio Vista Park Jul. 4. 2018Photo byVictor Rodriguez | Staff Photographer

All city parks, trails, natural areas to close Easter weekend

Jakob Rodriguez
April 10, 2020
3d_judges_gavel

Court rules that Texas can continue COVID-19 abortion ban

Jakob Rodriguez
April 7, 2020
Star file photo of the Hays County Seal.

Hays County confirms five additional lab-confirmed positive cases, brings total to 43 active cases

Jakob Rodriguez
April 6, 2020
Gov. Abbott addresses members of the media during a press conference, Monday, March 23, 2020, at the State Capitol.

Gov. Abbott provides update on state’s latest efforts to combat COVID-19

Jakob Rodriguez
April 6, 2020
A person walks through the Quad, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Texas State.

Texas State confirms student tested COVID-19 positive

Jakob Rodriguez
April 3, 2020
Texas State File Photo.

Provost announces changes to final grade policy

Jakob Rodriguez
March 31, 2020
WIC Storefront, courtesy image from The City of San Marcos.

WIC innovates to safely serve area families

Jakob Rodriguez
March 31, 2020
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announces the activation of the Texas National Guard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made in the governor’s conference room in the Texas Department of Emergency Management Command Center. Abbott was joined by Chief Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Gov. Abbott updates state on COVID-19

Jakob Rodriguez
March 31, 2020
City officials meeting in the San Marcos City Council Chamber discussing the prospective development at the intersection of South Old Bastrop Highway and Rattler Road, February 4, 2020.

City creates online dashboard for COVID-19 stats

Jakob Rodriguez
March 31, 2020
Texas State TXST

Texas State warns against “Zoom Bombing”

Jakob Rodriguez
March 31, 2020
Star file photo of the Hays County Seal.

Hays County reports 18 active COVID-19 cases

Jakob Rodriguez
March 30, 2020
3d_judges_gavel

Judge temporarily blocks Abbott from enforcing COVID-19 abortion ban

Jakob Rodriguez
March 30, 2020
As of the fall 2019 semester, with the addition of a new license plate recognition system, Parking Services will no longer require physical hang tags to be present in vehicles parking on campus.

Parking Services relaxes color-zone restrictions in response to COVID-19

Jakob Rodriguez
March 30, 2020
A photo of The Texas Governor in his office 3/26/2020. Courtesy image from Governor’s office.

Gov. Abbott gives update on COVID-19 in Texas

Jakob Rodriguez
March 29, 2020
Hays County Historic Court House. 

COVID-19 hotline available for Hays County residents

Jakob Rodriguez
March 26, 2020
Image courtesy of FDA

FDA alerts consumers about unauthorized fraudulent COVID-19 test kits

Jakob Rodriguez
March 25, 2020
Dogs playing August 23 at San Marcos’ dog park, which will be closed for renovation starting August 27.Photo Courtesy of Diana Furman

City to close playscapes, dog park, skate park and restrooms due to COVID-19

Jakob Rodriguez
March 25, 2020
Photo by:Preslie Cox | PhotographerLuke Timms, Georgia resident, jumps into Jacob’s Well April 6 in Wimberley.

Hays County closes all County parks in response to COVID-19

Jakob Rodriguez
March 25, 2020
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announces the activation of the Texas National Guard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made in the governor’s conference room in the Texas Department of Emergency Management Command Center. Abbott was joined by Chief Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

COVID-19: Everything Gov. Abbott has said and done

Jakob Rodriguez
March 21, 2020
Travis Elementary is located at 1437 Post Rd.

SMCISD suspends normal school operations through April 5, meals to be provided during distance learning

Jakob Rodriguez
March 21, 2020
As of March 31, 2020, the confirmed cases by city in Hays County is: Austin, 3; Buda, 9, Dripping Springs, 2; Kyle, 12; San Marcos, 12; Wimberley, 0; Woodcreek, 0; Driftwood, 0.

City to offer remote services as public lobbies, counters close March 20

Jakob Rodriguez
March 21, 2020
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for all 254 counties, Friday, March 13, 2020, in Texas. The announcement came on the same day President Donald Trump declared a national emergency.

Gov. Abbott postpones runoff primary election in response to COVID-19

Jakob Rodriguez
March 20, 2020
Hays County Historic Court House. 

Hays County reports sixth COVID-19 case

Jakob Rodriguez
March 20, 2020
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra will be making an announcement on a stay-at-home order for Hays County with a curfew.

Hays County issues state of disaster amid COVID-19 concerns, first presumptive case

Jakob Rodriguez
March 15, 2020
Texas State Provost Gene Bourgeois (left) and President Denise Trauth listen intently during a panel held at the Transitions in American Democracy Symposium in 2017.

Q&A Re COVID-19 with University President Trauth and Provost Bourgeois

Jakob Rodriguez
March 14, 2020
Hays County Historic Court House. 

City and Hays County to issue state of disaster

Jakob Rodriguez
March 14, 2020
The Hays County Government Center is located at 712 S. Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos.

City and regional partners continue partnership in prevention of COVID-19

Jakob Rodriguez
March 13, 2020
A file photo of the J.C. Kellum Administration Building at Texas State.

PROVOST release continuity plan for academic courses and instruction

Jakob Rodriguez
March 12, 2020
Texas State Bobcat Shuttle, courtesy of Texas State Transportation services.

Bobcat Shuttles adjusted schedule

Jakob Rodriguez
March 12, 2020
Jones robbery suspect, image courtesy of UPD.

Fifth suspect still at large in Jones Dinning Hall robbery

Jakob Rodriguez
March 11, 2020
Graphic of COVID-19. Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.

Coronavirus: Central Texas takes action

Jakob Rodriguez
March 5, 2020
uStarlogo

Letter from the Editor: Re Coronavirus social media graphic

Jakob Rodriguez
March 3, 2020
The Student Health Center has worked with Academic HealthPlans, a student health insurance consulting and administration firm, to bring insurance coverage to Texas State students through UnitedHealthcare.Photo by Josh Mends | Staff Photographer

Texas State preps for possible spread of coronavirus

Jakob Rodriguez
February 28, 2020
Screenshot of the viral tweet and video.

Star Explains: Viral video of horse on the square

Jakob Rodriguez
February 25, 2020
Vie Lofts, located at 817 Chestnut St., was evacuated Sept. 20, 2019, in response to safety concerns about the building’s stability, temporarily displacing 162 occupants.

Vie Lofts completes million-dollar renovation

Jakob Rodriguez
February 17, 2020
David Wiley, photo source Facebook.

TSUS Board of Regents vote to revoke tenure and terminate David Wiley

Jakob Rodriguez
February 13, 2020
Jason Pence, photo courtesy of the City of San Marcos.

Former city construction manager arrested by Texas Rangers

Jakob Rodriguez
February 12, 2020
Photo courtesy of the San Marcos Police Department.

San Marcos police search for three suspects in armed robbery

Jakob Rodriguez
February 11, 2020
David Wiley, photo source Facebook.

Tenured professor may be terminated pending Board of Regent’s decision

Jakob Rodriguez
February 10, 2020
Star file photo

Six arrested after foot and vehicle pursuit

Jakob Rodriguez
January 13, 2020
Texas State student Sabrina Chapa exits a Student Government meeting after being asked to leave by University Police Department officers, Monday, April 8, 2019, in the LBJ Teaching Theater at Texas State University. Chapa was one of several student protesters attending the meeting to publicly speak out against conservative organization Turning Point USA.

(Gallery) Best photos of 2019

Jaden Edison, Kate Connors, Jamie Dorsey, Rebecca Harrell, Chinedu Chukuka, Katelyn Lester, Gabriela Martinez, Jakob Rodriguez, and Laura Figi
December 31, 2019
Star file photo

Six suspects arrested in overnight homicide

Jakob Rodriguez
December 10, 2019
Star File PhotoPhoto by Jakob Rodriguez

Texas State adds FAQs to Clery Act program review

Jakob Rodriguez
November 14, 2019
Texas State students walk to and from classes Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 near the Lyndon Baines Johnson statue.

Department of Education to conduct campus crime program review

Jakob Rodriguez
November 12, 2019
Photo by: Lara Dietrich |There are many blue emergency buttons located throughout campus.

Texas State to undergo off-site campus crime program review

Jakob Rodriguez
November 7, 2019
Maxfield Baker speaking to his constituents Nov. 5 at Aquabrew.

Election night 2019 in San Marcos

Jakob Rodriguez
November 5, 2019
The University Police Department and Emergency Medical Services found a student unresponsive Oct. 20 at Laurel Hall. The student was later pronounced dead. Photo credit: Jaden Edison

Student found unresponsive in Laurel Hall, later pronounced dead

Jakob Rodriguez
October 23, 2019
Twitter announcement of student death on campus

Student found unresponsive in residential hall

Jakob Rodriguez
October 20, 2019
Texas State students walk to and from classes on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, near the Quad.

Texas State to hire compliance specialists

Jakob Rodriguez
October 15, 2019
Texas State detailed numerous instances of underreported crime statistics on campus between 2016-2018 in its Annual Security Report. Now, the state—as well as the campus community—is taking notice.

Texas Legislator weighs in on Clery report

Jakob Rodriguez
October 8, 2019
A view of CM Allen Parkway. Photo courtesy of the City of San Marcos.

CM Allen to open in mid-December

Jakob Rodriguez
October 8, 2019
A file photo of a Texas State University sign.

Annual Security Report tallies 57 rapes from 2016-2018

Jakob Rodriguez
October 1, 2019
Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner (left) and Fire Chief Les Stephens (right) address the media Sept. 20 at the Vie Lofts apartments in San Marcos. 162 occupants were being evacuated from the apartment building due to stability issues and other safety concerns.

162 residents evacuated at Vie Lofts

Jakob Rodriguez
September 20, 2019
Photo by: Madison Morriss | Staff Photographer Star file photo from an earlier date.

Mandatory Evacuation Declared for Vie Lofts

Jakob Rodriguez
September 20, 2019
Texas State students walk in between classes, Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Quad. Photo by Jaden Edison.

University officials attempt to fill gaps in Clery reporting

Jakob Rodriguez
September 17, 2019
Star file photo. Photo credit: Jaden Edison

Texas State addresses ‘Campus Watch’ deficiencies

Jakob Rodriguez
September 15, 2019
Print

(Podcast) Editor’s Note: All About the Star

Jakob Rodriguez
September 8, 2019
Star file photo

Train hits car near Guadalupe street

Jakob Rodriguez
September 5, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 24

Andrew Zimmel and Jakob Rodriguez
September 1, 2019
A crosswalk in Akihabara, a buzzing shopping hub famed for its electronics retailers, ranging from tiny stalls to vast department stores.

Photo Gallery: Best of #TravelWithTheStar

Jaden Edison, Jakob Rodriguez, Sonia Garcia, and
August 29, 2019
U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett. Photo courtesy of Llyod Dogget’s office.

Raising your voice: civic engagement more important than ever

Jakob Rodriguez
August 27, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 23

Claire Partain, Colton McWilliams, Andrew Zimmel, and Jakob Rodriguez
August 25, 2019
Lonnie Rashid Lynn, better known as his stage name “Common.” Photo courtesy of GTN, a United Talent Agency Company.

Texas State set to embark on a truly “Common” Experience 

Jakob Rodriguez
August 24, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 22

Jakob Rodriguez, Colton McWilliams, and Sean Anchondo
August 17, 2019
Star file photo

Motorcyclist Dies After Crash in Slow IH-35 Traffic

Jakob Rodriguez
August 5, 2019
Sink Creek surrounding location photo courtesy of the City of San Marcos.

Sink Creek project awarded U.S. Forest Service grant

Jakob Rodriguez
August 1, 2019
Captain Justin Calhoun was awarded Office of the Year.He’s pictured here with his wife, Rachel. Photo courtesy of the City of San Marcos.

San Marcos Fire Department awards life-saving efforts

Jakob Rodriguez
July 28, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 19

Andrew Zimmel, Colton McWilliams, and Jakob Rodriguez
July 25, 2019
Photo By Ali Mumbach

UPD recovers abandoned weapons at Sewell Park

Jakob Rodriguez
July 25, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 18

Jakob Rodriguez, Sean Anchondo, and Andrew Zimmel
July 20, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 14

Claire Partain, Jakob Rodriguez, and Andrew Zimmel
June 21, 2019
List of affected areas provide by The Maxwell Water Supply corporation.

Water line breakage results in boil water notice

Jakob Rodriguez
June 17, 2019
Book release panel, Oct. 21, with David Coleman, Bill Wittliff and Edward Kerry.Photo By Nathanael Lorenzo

Founder of The Wittliff Collections passes away

Jakob Rodriguez
June 10, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 12

Claire Partain, Colton McWilliams, Andrew Zimmel, Jakob Rodriguez, and Sean Anchondo
June 6, 2019
Two kittens sleep in their cage together.Photo By Kaiti Evans

Animal shelter closes cat adoption due to Panleukopenia Virus

Jakob Rodriguez
June 5, 2019
George Alvarado Courtesy photo from City of San Marcos

Man arrested after high speed chase on I-35

Jakob Rodriguez
June 3, 2019
A construction worker awaits incoming traffic Feb 1 on Mill Street.Photo by Richard Molnar

Completion of CM Allen Parkway project pushed back to mid-October

Jakob Rodriguez
May 30, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep.10

Claire Partain, Andrew Zimmel, Colton McWIlliams, and Jakob Rodriguez
May 23, 2019
Hiring a part-time immigration attorney proves to be a year long process

Hiring a part-time immigration attorney proves to be a year long process

Jakob Rodriguez
May 22, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 9

Claire Partain, Andrew Zimmel, Colton McWilliams, and Jakob Rodriguez
May 17, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 8

Claire Partain, Andrew Zimmel, Jakob Rodriguez, Sean Anchondo, and Jaden Edison
May 9, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 7

Jakob Rodriguez, Claire Partain, Colton McWIlliams, Sean Anchondo, Andrew Zimmel, and Jaden Edison
May 7, 2019
Head footbal coach Jake Spavital gives his opening remarks at the press conference Nov. 30. Photo by Kate Connors

Jake Spavital is the most important public figure in San Marcos

Jakob Rodriguez
May 7, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 6

Jakob Rodriguez, Jacob Sommers, Colton McWilliams, Claire Partain, Sean Anchondo, Andrew Zimmel, and Jaden Edison
April 26, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 5

Jakob Rodriguez, Jacob Sommers, Colton McWilliams, Sean Anchondo, and Jaden Edison
April 19, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep.4

Jakob Rodriguez, Colton McWilliams, Sean Anchondo, Jordan Drake, Andrew Zimmel, and Jaden Edison
April 11, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep.3

Jakob Rodriguez, Sean Anchondo, and Jaden Edison
April 4, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep. 2

Jakob Rodriguez, Colton McWilliams, and Jaden Edison
March 29, 2019
Illustration by Valkyrie Mata

Sports Podcast: ‘Cats Got Our Tongues Ep.1

Jakob Rodriguez, Jacob Sommers, Sean Anchondo, Colton McWilliams, and Jaden Edison
March 8, 2019
La Plaza Sports Complex, Pharr Texas, Jan. 19. Photo by Jakob Rodriguez

Sports life: Jakob tries out for an arena football league team

Jakob Rodriguez
February 12, 2019
Head Basketball Coach Danny Kaspar coaching on the sideline. Photo By Kate Connors

Danny Kaspar Jacket night: Bobcats host must-win home game

Jakob Rodriguez
February 8, 2019
Head Coach, Jake Spavital, talks about each of the newly signed players in the Feb. 6 press conference.

Texas State Football inks 14 players for 2019 season

Jakob Rodriguez
February 6, 2019
Head footbal coach Jake Spavital gives his opening remarks at the press conference Nov. 30. Photo by Kate Connors

Texas State hires Jake Spavital as new head football coach

Jakob Rodriguez
November 30, 2018
 Star file photo

Weekend Recap

Jakob Rodriguez
November 22, 2018
Quarterback Willie Jones III runs the ball down the field Oct. 11 in an attempt to find an opening in the Georgia Southern defense.Photo By Kate Connors

Coach Withers after two-point loss against Eagles: “Life’s not fun if you’re not winning”

Jakob Rodriguez
October 13, 2018
Tight end, Keenen Brown winds his way through Louisiana defenders to get into the end zone. Photo Courtesy of Kate Connors

Coaches scratch heads after Saturday loss against ULL

Jakob Rodriguez
October 10, 2018
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