Shorthorn News

This spring, The Shorthorn was recognized by various student media organizations, including the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 and Associated Collegiate Press. Laurie Fox, Student Publications assistant director and Shorthorn newsroom adviser, said the conventions allow student journalists to connect with other college newspapers and have their work examined by professional journalists. They also provide opportunities to learn and network. “We don’t know what twists and turns their careers will take when they leave from here,” Fox said. “Sometimes it’s just one thing a professional said to them in a convention that really landed with them, and that’s really powerful.” The Texas Intercollegiate Press Association hosts annual statewide conventions, offering workshops, live competitions, guest speakers, awards and scholarships. The organization aims to equip and empower Texas college students. Live competitions simulate real-world journalistic situations, including the feature writing competition, which sent students to downtown San Marcos, Texas, to find a feature article and then write it within an hour. James Ward, English junior and Shorthorn news reporter, received an honorable mention in the feature writing competition. While most competitors went in one direction toward downtown shops, Ward decided to walk in the opposite direction until he found an independent bookstore to write about. After gathering the information he needed, he said he got back onto the bus and wrote his story in 30 minutes. Student Publications director Kevin Cummings and Fox judged different writing competitions at the convention. “It shows that they have a grasp on those abilities, and that they can, at the end of the day, be confident in themselves, even if they don’t necessarily know it going into it,” Cummings said. At this year’s Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference, The Shorthorn took home 58 awards. Christine Vo, journalism senior and Shorthorn editor-in-chief, received the editor/news director of the year award, which recognizes her comprehensive leadership qualities. “In my portfolio, it was mostly work that our staff did because I think that’s the most important thing about being a leader, is making sure your staff is growing and is exploring new opportunities and being pushed out of their comfort zone,” Vo said. The Associated Collegiate Press is a national organization that hosts events, competitions and journalism education services advancing student media. In March, The Shorthorn won eight awards during the spring convention in California. The publication won the association’s preeminent award, the 2025 student media business pacemaker, which recognizes student media business and operations teams that ensure student media is supported financially. “It does represent a huge feather in the cap of our advertising students,” Fox said. The Society of Professional Journalists is a nationwide organization dedicated to protecting the free practice of journalism, high ethical standards and promoting the free flow of information. The Shorthorn received 10 winners and 15 finalist recognitions in the Region 8 Mark of Excellence awards. Region 8 comprises Oklahoma and Texas. The publication won the Corbin Gwaltney award for best all-around student newspaper and best affiliated website. Awards show the development of Shorthorn staffers and the newspaper itself, offering opportunities to be challenged and grow, Vo said. “This is not about the awards, it’s about the work,” she said. “It’s about what we’re passionate about. It’s about representing our community.” news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

UTA’s Black Alumni Chapter and Arlington Mayor’s Black Advisory Council are partnering to recognize fall 2024 and spring 2025 graduates at the Evening of Black Excellence from 7 to 9 p.m. May 7 at The White Room in Pantego, Texas. Xavier Egan, Black Alumni Chapter president, said the event is an opportunity to celebrate Black or African American students outside of commencement. “Sometimes you don’t get the extra tickets to the actual ceremony,” Egan said. “It really just gives an opportunity to be more of a family, friends and community type of event.” The first Black UTA students were enrolled in 1962, and Egan said each alum represents those past experiences and helps build the future as the university celebrates its 130th anniversary. "It's a different experience today that students are having in 2025 and whether we think it’s good, bad or indifferent, it’s still a part of the history and a part of what makes us hopefully the better people that we’re planning to be,” he said. The event will be held off campus this year and will act as an opportunity to engage with the community. Students will have the chance to network with alumni, faculty, staff members and other leaders. Graduates will receive a free membership to the Black Alumni Chapter, which Egan said connects them to a network of activities, events and other alumni. Students can register for the event online for $20 and receive a Black Grad stole or for $10 if they already have one. @trinhvchristine photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

A student received not life-threatening injuries after an accident Thursday at the intersection of South Cooper Street and Mitchell Street, according to the Arlington Police Department. Around 11:40 a.m., officers responded to the scene to investigate a reported auto-pedestrian collision, said Tim Ciesco, Arlington Police Department media relations coordinator, in an email. Officers on the scene determined that the driver, who drove a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, was in the eastbound lanes of Mitchell Street and attempted a right-hand turn onto South Cooper Street on a red light, Ciesco said. At the same time, a 26-year-old female attempted to cross without a “Walk” signal and was struck. The student was transported to an area hospital. The driver stopped at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, Ciesco said. No citations were issued. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

A month after its opening, the National Medal of Honor Museum is offering a 50% discount exclusively for Arlington residents, available through July 4, to give visitors a chance to experience the stories of servicemembers who made sacrifices for their comrades and the country. The museum offers three types of tickets: general admission, premium and VIP tour. Each ticket showcases full interactive exhibits with additional benefits. General tickets start at $7.50 for general admission, offering only entry to the exhibition. Premium tickets start at $12.50 and also include a virtual reality experience. VIP tour tickets start at $20 and add an additional VIP guided tour to the VR and full exhibit showing. To receive the discount, residents must enter the promo code LOCAL25 when purchasing tickets online. The billing zip code on the payment method must be in Arlington, or it will be declined. Residents can also show a valid ID with their Arlington zip code at the museum. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Public parking is available near the museum, with free and paid lots available. Purchase tickets or view more information at mohmuseum.org. @_.lexlie_ news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Life Science Building’s remodel and construction is making steady progress heading into the summer with various parts of the project complete, underway or planned, such as air conditioning installations, demolition and electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. Faculty and staff met to discuss the plan and updates for the project’s future during a Life Science Town Hall meeting Friday. The $180 million construction project began in 2023 with the goal of expanding and refurbishing the building, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. Additions to the location include labs, restrooms, student spaces and auditoriums. Toby Buhrkuhl, lead construction project manager, said in an email that 33% of the planned renovations have been completed, with the project still set to finish in 2027. This month, construction topped out the north side of the building with mechanical, electrical and plumbing work beginning overhead, Buhrkuhl said. On May 8, construction fencing will be relocated between University Hall and the Life Science Building. The sidewalk between the Life Sciences Building and University Center will also be closed off. Clayton Chambers, Hensel Phelps projects superintendent, said a new fire lane is also opening on the west side to temporarily provide access to the Life Science Building through the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building, with minor adjustments. Starting May 12, the building will have a south side entrance with a sidewalk north of the SEIR building down to the F10 parking lot, between the generator yard and the blue lunch tent, said Chambers. This weekend, mechanical equipment will be installed in the building. The procedure will require a roughly four-hour electrical shutdown to allow new overhead and mechanical piping, and mechanical equipment to recirculate the new water supplying the heating and cooling, Chambers said. “Everything there on level one goes away, and that all becomes clear, open walking space,” Chambers said.” Starting May 12, the building’s east wing will have its ceilings removed, and electrical upgrades will be installed on the first and second floors, Chambers said. On the second floor, the dean’s restroom will be remodeled and brought up to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s standards. Chambers said the third, fourth and fifth floors will undergo a similar process, with ceiling demolition, window removals, and electrical, mechanical and plumbing updates. The fourth floor renovations will remove some existing lab spaces and the current tiles to renovate flooring. In late May, structural frames are being installed across the roof, carrying three elevations worth of ducts, and the roof will receive four new air conditioning units over a series of weekends, Chambers said. Around the beginning of June, the building’s basement will receive new concrete infills and the labs will have repainted walls. Additionally, the first-floor ceilings will be demolished to create space, and bricks and windows on the north side will be removed. The plan for the next town hall meeting is to cover the fencing relocations in more detail. Chambers said having the meetings widens people’s perspective on the project. “We just need to make sure that we’re able to go complete the project that we’ve got in front of us, but at the same time, make sure that we’re taking care of the occupants and students and teachers that are using the building,” Chambers said. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Dallas-Fort Worth residents can expect warm temperatures, daily rain and growing severe storm chances through a wet week. Monique Sellers, National Weather Service meteorologist, said storms will begin Monday afternoon, with stronger activity possible northwest of DFW. Rain and storm chances will increase midweek, with widespread storms and possible flooding by Wednesday and continued rain into the weekend. “We do pick up a lot of rain during this time of year,” she said. “Additionally, we do see a lot of opportunities for severe weather during our spring months.” Sellers said the average temperature throughout the week is expected to be in the low to mid 80s during the day, with lows in the 60s at night. @tay._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

This is a crime wrap-up from April 16 to 18. Theft of property On April 16, a female staff member reported the theft of a gift basket, UTA Police Capt. Mike McCord said in an email. Theft of property worth $100 to $750 is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. The case is still active. Sexual assault On April 17, a female student reported to Title IX a sexual assault by a known associate, McCord said. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony punishable by a fine not exceeding $10,000, a jail sentence between two and 20 years or both. The case is still active. Reckless damage or destruction of property On April 17 and 18, two separate male students reported damages to their vehicles while parked, McCord said. Reckless damage or destruction of property is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. The April 17 case is still active. Criminal mischief On April 18, an officer investigated a report of broken glass on a vending machine, McCord said. Criminal mischief with under $100 in pecuniary loss is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $500. The case is still active. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

UTA is launching two new degree programs in fall 2025 under the College of Business, highlighting the hospitality industry and its leadership roles. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, which will focus on the specifics of the hospitality industry and the different careers it offers, including food and beverage, hotels, theme parks, gaming and casinos. Michael Nalley, hospitality management director and professor of practice, said while they’re similar degrees, the Bachelor of Business Administration is a “wider dive” into hospitality, requiring more courses. “From a global perspective, hospitality is the fastest growing industry, they predict, for the next 10 years,” Nalley said. “One out of every five jobs is being hired is in hospitality.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more inclined to take time off and vacation at different hospitality venues, increasing the demand for management and leadership roles in those institutions globally. He said employers are looking for applicants with a critical understanding of the industry. The programs will give students the opportunity to receive hands-on experience and earn industry credentials before graduating, with scholarship and internship opportunities also available. The Bachelor of Business Administration program requires 120 credit hours with five core classes, 36 hours of hospitality electives and 300 working hours. The Bachelor of Science program requires 120 credit hours with nine core classes, 48 hours of hospitality electives and 500 working hours. There are 15 hospitality courses students can take: restaurant operations; lodging management; casino, gaming and club management; leadership in the hospitality industry; hospitality industry and finance analytics; and more. Nalley said only two classes will be available this fall — introduction to travel and tourism, and an introduction to hospitality management. Nalley said students can also double major with the Bachelor of Business Administration in hospitality if they’re majoring in real estate, marketing or entrepreneurship. “What we’re really trying to do is create a culture of hospitality through this program at UTA, so people really understand what all that encompasses and what the opportunities are,” he said. @amandaLaldridge news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Arlington residents can attend the fourth annual Community Care Fair this Saturday at the East Library and Recreation Center. The free event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will host health, wellness and community organizations, including the mayor’s Arlington Wellness Coalition and the Alzheimer's Association. Library service manager Sharon Granado said the fair aims to bring key health and wellness resources into one space to make them more accessible for the community in English and Spanish. The fair will help residents connect with local services and empower them to take charge of their well-being, with vendors sharing information about gardening, counseling, dental care, healthy living and more. “There is the saying ‘You don't know what you don't know,’ so hosting these events gives people the knowledge of who is in our community and how they serve others,” said Amy Watterman, event organizer and community programming librarian. Watterman said this year the Tarrant County Public Health Department is hosting a new fitness-focused class, “Move and Groove.” The classes will introduce fun and practical ways to incorporate physical activity into daily routines. The class will be hosted in English at 10:30 a.m. and Spanish at 11:45 a.m. @samip.parajuli.54 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Central Library mall echoed with the sounds of farm animals and shattering plates in the early afternoon during EXCEL Campus Activities’ Destress Before the Test. The event allowed students to blow off steam by smashing plates and feeding animals in a petting zoo. Mariela Hernandez, bilingual education sophomore and EXCEL member, said the event was designed to give students a break from their academic routine and a chance to unwind outdoors. The event offered a relaxing and engaging environment, with extra activities such as slime-making and painting. “I think the greatest attraction here today would be the petting zoo animals,” Hernandez said. Cinematic arts sophomore Kody Diaz described the atmosphere as calm but energized thanks to the music. Diaz said he finds activities like painting especially relaxing, offering a calm and therapeutic outlet. Plate smashing gives people a way to release built-up frustration, while interacting with the animals provides a comforting and soothing experience for many, he said. She said the animals’ appeal was their liveliness, which drew students to interact with them more. Those moments often spark laughter and connection among friends, making the experience memorable, she said. Nursing sophomore Phoebe Maughmer said she found the event on MavEngage while looking for something to do before a late class. When she walked by and saw the plate-smashing station, she immediately recognized it and decided to join in. Maughmer said the event offered students a much-needed break from the stress of finals, giving them a chance to disconnect from exams and projects, even if just for a little while. Nursing freshman Lex Aviles said he was drawn to the event after hearing goat noises and, being a fan of petting zoos, decided to check it out on a whim. “When you’re on campus, you kind of got the mentality of ‘Oh I got to study. I got to do schoolwork,’” he said. “And then once you see events like this going on on campus it’s like, ‘Hey, I can actually do something else rather than constantly drilling information into my brain.’” @tay._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Levitt Pavilion’s free concert season returns to downtown Arlington at 7:30 p.m. Friday, with Josh Weathers and Goldpine taking the stage. Every year, the nonprofit organization puts on at least 40 free concerts in three different series from the end of April to mid-October with the support of its funders, sponsors and donations. While the concerts are free for attendees, the pavilion pays every artist with the money raised. The spring series runs Friday through Memorial Day weekend, the summer series spans from June to early July and the fall series starts Labor Day weekend and ends mid-October. Each series features a variety of celebrations, events and artists. This season’s opening concert presents Fort Worth-based artist Josh Weathers, who combines soulful vocals with an energetic rock sound, featuring the husband and wife duo Goldpine, who offer harmonic Americana music. “We offer these concerts because it’s a part of our mission to bring free music and joy to the community,” said Angela Peña, Levitt Pavilion director of communications and program development. “It strengthens the social fabric of our community.” On select nights, there will be food trucks and a vendor market open by the lawn. The pavilion also gives local artists a chance to perform on their stage through the Share the Stage initiative, where musicians based in Dallas-Fort Worth perform their own 45-minute opener sets before the headliner during the concert series. “The purpose of Share the Stage is so we can help these emerging artists that are pursuing music as a career, help them reach more audience,” Peña said. Friday night shows will showcase local student musicians before opening acts through the Levitt’s Youth Spotlight program. Young artists aged around 9 to 20 will perform two songs before the opener. Peña said this is the pavilion’s second year hosting the spotlight program. They partner with three music studios to find artists who are stage-ready and want to perform. Parking is free in the lots surrounding the pavilion, and a map is available on its website. Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended. “We want everyone to have a place on the lawn, and that’s why we do different genres,” Peña said. “We want everyone to feel like this is their place and it’s not just for one group of people.” Spring Session Lineup Josh Weathers featuring Goldpine 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday Viral singer-songwriter Josh Weathers is bringing his soulful rock sound with Goldpine, the winner of the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest. La Diferenzia featuring Angelica y Grupo Moneda 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday La Diferenzia is a Tejano band that formed in the early 1990s and continues to play songs with heartfelt lyrics and unique musical arrangements. Latin Grammy award-winning accordionist Tweet Juarez and vocalist Angelica Alcoser make up Angelica y Grupo Moneda, a Tejano group that has performed all over the country. Kin Faux featuring September Moon 7:30 to 10 p.m. May 2 Kin Faux is a Texas/red dirt country band based in San Antonio known for its high-energy performances. Opening group September Moon is a Fort Worth-based band that blends Americana, country and rock into one sound. Countdown to the Cliburn with Clayton Stephenson featuring Jason Schilling Quartet 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. May 3 Jason Schilling Quartet opens for American pianist Clayton Stephenson. Emily Wolfe featuring Remy Reilly 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. May 9 Dallas indie pop singer-songwriter Remy Reilly opens for Austin-based rock and blues musician Emily Wolfe for a guitar-centric rock and blues concert. Eddie and The Getaway featuring Cole Barnhill 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. May 10 Country rock artist Cole Barnhill opens for Eddie and The Getaway, a rising alternative rock band that captures the spirit of youth and freedom with their pop-punk and indie rock-infused shows. David Farias Band featuring Los Juanos 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. May 16 Los Juanos opens for the David Farias Band. David Farias has found his sound through Tejano music while performing alongside his brothers. Walt Wilkins & The Ramble featuring Brad Russell Band 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. May 17 Country music artist Brad Russell Band opens for Walt Wilkins, who decided 25 years ago that he wanted to be a musician full-time, performing shows with his country sound. DreamFest 2025: Day 1 – The Drifters featuring Kamica King 7 to 10 p.m. May 23 Day one of DreamFest will begin with Kamica King with her jazz-influenced folk/soul sound and feature musical throwbacks with a performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Drifters. Food trucks and vendors will accompany all the music for the weekend performances at DreamFest. DreamFest 2025: Day 2 – Carson Jeffrey and William Clark Green 6 to 10 p.m. May 24 Singer-songwriter Carson Jeffrey is considered a true cowboy who tells his tales through his music. William Clark Green has been in the Texas country scene for almost 15 years, blending country and rock music. DreamFest 2025: Day 3 – Ram Herrera with Monica Saldivar 6 to 10:30 p.m. May 25 The festival will be rounded out with two Tejano singers who have made waves in the genre. Ram Herrera has been in the scene since the ’80s, while Monica Saldivar won best new female artist at the 2020 Tejano Music Awards. @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The City of Arlington and Walkable Arlington discussed the city’s form-based code changes Tuesday at the Central Library. During the Q&A, the speakers touched on zoning codes, how to connect UTA to Arlington’s Entertainment District and updating the city’s bike network system. Form-based code, unlike traditional zoning methods, focuses on the physical form of buildings and public spaces, not the land usage. It emphasizes how buildings interact with streets, sidewalks and public spaces. Principal planner Tharani Devi Palma said there are different types of zoning known as “land uses.” The form-based code will not be about the uses but about the look of the building. Palma said an example of a form-based code can be seen with infrastructure improvements like traffic lighting and a designated pedestrian walkway. “The vision here is to create a more walkable and pedestrian-friendly environment,” she said. Jay Narayana, consultant project manager at Livable Plans and Codes, said in order to improve the bike network, bikes should have dedicated right of ways. They’ve looked into implementing “shared streets,” where pedestrians, bikes and cars all share the right of way, as seen in Europe. “We’re looking at some of those ideas, not on the main corridors but at least where you can actually take advantage of future redevelopment,” she said. Software engineering sophomore Liam Crowley said he believes in the power of UTA students’ involvement in Arlington’s development and said their presence in community planning meetings can help shape the city’s future. “Arlington has good bones and a lot of good potential and good plans, I want to see those plans realized,” he said. “I think Arlington is currently not a great place for cycling and for walkability, but it could be a lot worse, and I think we have good momentum.” Walkable Arlington President Hyacinth Szabó said they envision an affordable and pedestrian-friendly university. “We share a vision for what the City of Arlington should be like,” Szabó said. “We all care about sustainability, we all care about safety.” news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

UTA’s Student Senate members appointed a new chief of staff, passed two resolutions and said their goodbyes Tuesday during the final meeting of the semester. The body unanimously confirmed Lya Lang, External Relations Committee chair, as the new chief of staff with 20 votes. Lang will succeed incumbent Effua Jordan, who nominated her. Jordan said Lang is a strong leader, a frequent volunteer at local organizations, like Mission Arlington, and helped raise $15,000 for the Arlington Boys and Girls Club. “I want to focus on strengthening our internal structure to make sure that each member of Student Government feels supported, organized and empowered in their role,” Lang said. “At the same time, I want to increase our focus on community service — giving back to the city that has given us so much.” During the meeting, senators passed Resolution 25-10, “Speed Cuisine,” and Resolution 25-11, “Recognition Resolution Act,” after brief deliberation. Resolution 25-10, “Speed Cuisine,” aims to add up to three new microwaves in the University Center and passed unanimously with 19 votes. The resolution states that budget-conscious students who bring food to campus can’t wait in the food court’s lines due to time constraints. Marcus Otero, College of Nursing and Health Innovation senator, authored the resolution and said the new microwaves would not be limited to the University Center. Locations like Pickard Hall, Trimble Hall and the library are also being considered as the center’s renovation begins. Resolution 25-11, “Recognition Resolution Act,” proposes the creation of a Maverick Legacy Walk, a pathway to honor faculty and staff with over 20 years of service and a formal induction ceremony. The resolution passed with 18 votes in favor and one against. Gaven Lopez gave a heartfelt speech to sign off his last meeting as the Speaker of the Senate. Academic Affairs chair Austin Palacios was elected as the next speaker April 15. Lopez thanked his mother for her guidance and support during his tenure and the senators for their continuous work. “I have found each and every one of you truly amazing people,” Lopez said. “I thank you for your commitment to show up, to give into something larger than yourself and to give into the opportunity that gives you a chance to grow as a person with a new experience.” Before Lopez’s final comments, every senator stood from their seats — some atop their desks — and began applauding. “It’s been an honor, it’s been a pleasure serving y’all, and I hope that y’all continue to serve your people,” he said. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Spider-Man is well-known in Marvel comics and movies as a teenage science whiz who fights crime while hiding his secret identity. UTA’s Spider-Man, however, is a kinesiology senior who wants to put a smile on students’ faces. He doesn't shoot webs. He doesn’t fight enemies. Instead, he is a peer who understands the stress of school. Alongside Blaze, @atx_spidey has become somewhat of a mascot for UTA. It’s an unspoken agreement that no one on campus will reveal Spider-Man’s identity. Friends, family and some Maverick Activities Center front desk workers, who saw him swipe in once or twice, all hold the secret. While marketing junior Morgan Pareja put the pieces together of the campus Spider-Man’s identity, she said he laid clues out for her. Pareja met the character in her freshman year and said he was the life of the party. Throughout the years, Spider-Man has become a big part of campus culture. “Every time that I see that he’s dressed up and I see him interact with people, it makes me really happy, just because I know that it’s nothing but a positive influence,” Pareja said. Unlike the tall and handsome Captain America or Iron Man, who can buy himself out of any problem, the character Spider-Man has real issues. “It was one of the most relatable people that I had ever read growing up, and knowing that he was able to persevere as a character through all of his problems and do what’s right no matter what,” Spider-Man said. As Spider-Man makes his way through campus, heads turn and cameras come out to capture the unusual sight. Some roll down their windows to greet him or stop their treks to class to get a photo together. Tanner Nunn, mechanical and aerospace engineering senior, made his own costume for UTA’s Halloween Casino Night in fall 2022. He dressed as Doctor Octopus, one of Spider-Man’s main villains, for the event. Before suiting up, Nunn joked with Spider-Man that his villain might make an appearance. The pair “geeked out,” naturally, as worlds collided. To this day, they still greet each other by their personas and catch up on new costumes in the works. “I just find Spider-Man as a very hopeful and endearing character and what I believe and hope that UTA Spider-Man’s goal is, is just to spread that same type of endearments and hope for students across campus,” Nunn said. At times, UTA’s Spider-Man felt similar struggles to his Marvel counterpart. Last year, he stepped away from the persona. When he opened up on the r/utarlington subreddit, the community encouraged him. “To the guy behind the suit, it’s completely understandable for why you’ve needed time for yourself,” one comment read. “You seem to be a really caring person, even in this situation you’re still thinking of how you affect and help others. Please take care of yourself and remember, you deserve peace and rest.” Ultimately, he shows up for the people and will continue to do so. He doesn’t receive any compensation, he said, nor does he want to. Suiting up as Spider-Man started as a joke with a few friends. He inherited the suit from a close relative, and despite anticipating embarrassment, he made the character his own. He said he loves the attention. But he also loves the privacy that comes with the mask. “It’s allowed me to be able to express myself more openly without fear of being shamed or embarrassed about anything,” Spider-Man said. But that goes both ways. Without fear of judgment, people have shared personal stories, from breakups and infidelity to trauma and abuse, with the faceless character. “Being able to talk to someone who you know won’t judge and know you probably won’t see again for a long time. There’s comfort in that,” Spider-Man said. As UTA’s Spider-Man nears graduation, his presence will be missed throughout campus. Nunn said he feels content graduating without ever knowing Spider-Man’s identity. “I still don’t know who he is, but I know more about him than I expected I ever would,” Nunn said. @trinhvchristine news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

President Donald Trump has made one thing clear since his first day of his second term in office: his administration would make drastic change. As of April 19, the president has signed well over 100 executive orders, many of them immediately following his inauguration, resulting in the implementation of various historically unseen policies and changes to the government and nation. With April 30 marking Trump’s 100th day in office, here is a breakdown of some of the key actions his administration has taken and reactions from students and community members. Education On March 20, Trump mobilized a plan dismantling the U.S. Department of Education with Executive Order 14242, which seeks to have the Secretary of Education take steps to return authority over education to the states and local communities. The DOE serves over 50 million students and provides grant, loan and work-study assistance to more than 12 million postsecondary students. The action followed Trump’s long-term campaign to close the department due to concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion policies and financial management, according to the order. A 23-year-old college student in Tarrant County, who chose to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, said they have already seen the order’s effect on campus. “The intercultural festival at my school has been canceled. Student emergency fund for students who are experiencing financial crisis has been canceled because they are afraid of being identified under all these rules and getting things like funding eliminated,” they said. Arlington resident Matthew Lucci said that as someone who attended and taught at a UT System school, he values education and advocates for the DOE’s removal. Lucci was also a District 25 candidate in the last U.S. House of Representatives primary election. “If you move that money down to the state level instead of funneling it through the [DOE], you’ll actually see much better local control, and that’s something that I would definitely appreciate rather than having some unelected bureaucrats 2,000 miles away in Washington, D.C., make a lot of those administrative decisions,” he said. Tariffs On April 2, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all international imports and specialized “reciprocal tariffs” on nations with larger trade deficits, such as China. The tariffs were imposed to ensure national security and economic resilience and independence, according to a statement from the White House. Trades were paused after over 75 countries inquired about new deals, with the exception of China, which retaliated and now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports, the statement read. Austin Boyd, business economics and political science double major at the University of North Texas, said free trade helps keep prices down, and continuing to raise tariffs does not benefit anybody. “Basically every economist that you’ll find is like, ‘Free trade is good,’” Boyd said. “There’s small exceptions to it, but it does not benefit anybody in either country whenever we start a trade war with other countries.” Lucci said Trump’s policy on tariffs highlights restoring American jobs and keeping nationwide industries competitive in the global market. “When you have adversaries like China that will intentionally subsidize their own product so that it is much less than the cost of the product in the United States,” he said. “That might not be a big problem if we’re talking about a T-shirt or a children’s toy, but it is a huge problem when we’re talking about raw materials like steel and aluminum.” Immigration On Jan. 20, Trump signed Executive Order 14159, which laid out his key stances on immigration. The order declared illegal immigrants “significant threats to national security and public safety” and mobilized several immigration agencies, like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to tighten immigration laws. In three other orders signed the same day, Trump designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, establishing plans to build physical barriers to prevent illegal migration and terminating immigrant parole programs. Following the immigration policies, Trump’s administration gave federal officers a national quota to arrest a minimum of 1,200 undocumented immigrants per day, according to The Texas Tribune. The quota was not met, but ICE’s daily arrest reports showed a significant increase from the previous administration. The Tarrant County student said it’s unfair that people are being scrutinized despite living in the U.S. legally. It’s especially pressing given the county’s diverse population, the student said. “We need to protect the people who live here with us, who give us our culture and everything that makes this place special,” the student said. Meanwhile, political science senior Jacob Wernette said he does not see the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration as inhumane. The U.S. has legal factors that define a citizen and for the democracy to succeed, those citizens must be enfranchised through the terms the Constitution sets, he said. “If we have open borders, we are essentially taking out the right of a nation to execute its own laws,” he said. Diversity, equity and inclusion On Jan. 21, Trump signed Executive Order 14173, targeting decades-old affirmative action policies and preventing diversity, equity and inclusion and accessibility initiatives within federal programs. The order states DEI and accessibility policies “threaten the safety” of Americans by diminishing the value of individual merit within jobs and services. The order also pressured the private sector to stop DEI policies. The attorney general was given 120 days since its signing to submit recommendations for enforcing federal civil rights laws and taking appropriate action to push DEI and accessibility out. The report will identify the most “egregious and discriminatory” DEI practitioners. “We believe that whether you are a doctor, an accountant, a lawyer or an air traffic controller, you should be hired and promoted based on skill and competence, not race or gender,” Trump said in a joint address to Congress on March 4. Wernette said the Republican Party has always pushed for the equality of opportunity over the equality of outcome, and Trump’s stance on DEI puts people’s skills and qualifications first. “I definitely believe that, as a businessman, somebody who has been in the private sector, somebody who has promoted people based on certain things, this has probably reinforced a lot of how Trump sees DEI,” he said. The Tarrant County student said DEI is important, and many people aren’t aware of how many groups fall under its umbrella. It helps keep society equitable, the student said. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Arlington residents can participate in the May 3 special election to vote for the bond program, charter amendments and to elect new members to the Arlington Independent School District Board of Trustees. Early voting is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 28 to 29. Arlington has seven polling locations. Over $54 million of the $136.9 million proposed in the bond Proposition A: Public Works - Streets, will go into the reconstruction of West Randol Mill Road, encompassing North Fielder Road to North Cooper Street. It will obtain new gutters, curbs, streetlights and a variety of other additions, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. Propositions B, C, D and E aim to improve city parks and libraries, replace major systems in Arlington City Hall and rebuild Fire Station Six on South Collins Street. Amendments to the city charter include changes to how city council meetings are scheduled, an annual election for deputy mayor pro tempore, how runoff elections are conducted and other propositions relating to the city and its council. The AISD Board of Trustees election will fill the vacant spots four and five. David Wilbanks and April Moore are running for place four, and Justin Chapa is running for place five. @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Dallas-Fort Worth residents can anticipate a warm and dry start to the week, followed by daily chances of rain and thunderstorms through the weekend. Brennen Darrah, National Weather Service meteorologist, said Monday and Tuesday will see highs in the low 80s and bring chances of thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to drop slightly by the end of the week. “It might trend slightly cooler throughout the week just because of all the cloud cover and the rain,” Darrah said. A cold front is expected by Thursday or Friday, keeping highs near the 80s. Looking ahead, Darrah said the end of April may bring slightly above average temperatures. @samip.parajuli.54 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Arlington residents packed East Abram Street on Saturday for the second Hands Off! protest this month. Rallying in opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration and its policies, the movement saw over 1,200 demonstrations across Texas and nationwide April 5, according to the Associated Press. Carol Raburn, Progressive Women of Arlington president, said while this demonstration was smaller than the first, the outcome still gives her hope. “I come home, I’m tired, I can’t talk cause I’ve been talking and yelling,” Raburn said. “I feel like we have a chance to stop this.” The Hands Off! movement protests more than just Social Security for the older generation, she said. Veterans, individuals on Medicaid, people losing food stamps and children losing school meals – this is their outlet to express concern. “As capitulation is contagious, like the law firms that started falling and bowing to Trump once, so is courage,” Arlington resident Kim Martinez, 56, said. “Courage is also contagious.” This is not Martinez’s first protest, having been in demonstrations like this since the late ’80s, she said. Generational activism is important, especially for the youth, but also for older groups who, she said, have to take the blame for this. “We have to help fix it now. We have to get young people out to help us fix it,” she said. “We need to fix it for them as much as we can; it’s pretty messy.” Chants from the crowd were met with many affirming honks and waves from passerby, with only a few showing their opposition to the protest. “It’s really important for everyone to raise their voice. Every single person has got to do it right now. Now is the time,” Martinez said. “We have met the Constitutional crisis, it is on us, so stand up.” Arlington resident Carl Wilkerson, 62, donned a pink bunny suit as he held a sign reading ‘Nope,’ with Trump’s face as the ‘o.’ He’s held on to it since his first presidential run in 2016. He said their peaceful protest aimed to show passersby and the surrounding areas that the current administration does not have America’s interests first. Some demonstrators also felt strongly about recent Texas legislation. Early Thursday morning, the Texas House passed its version of Senate Bill 2, which aims to put $1 billion in taxpayer dollars toward education savings accounts that families could use for private school tuition and other school-related expenses, according to The Texas Tribune. The bill would tie the voucher program’s per-student dollars to public education funding, so the amount available to individuals would increase when public schools receive more money and dip when funding declines. Wilkerson said these efforts will reduce public school funding and education, only benefiting those sending their children to private schools. “I disapprove of using my tax money to benefit people who want to send their kids to private education,” he said. “If they want to do it and pay it on their own nickel, that’s great. But don’t use my money to pay for it.” Arlington residents Katie Duzan, 42, and Whitney Rodrigue, 40, having rallied at the first Hands Off protest, came to stand up for public education and women’s rights. Having been an educator for 17 years, Rodrigue said this is something they’ve never seen before. A small rally like this could make a big difference in a House district seat, and continuing to show up sends a larger message, she said. Both being parents, Duzan said the millions of students in public education need more support and priority from the Texas Legislature. “That’s the future of our commerce and our cities. It’s our future,” she said. “It’s important to educate our kids.” Raburn said hosting events like these can be touch-and-go. If one person calls on groups to protest, many organizers answer the call. She doubts this will be the last one. “People see this, they notice. If you’re paying attention and they see us, see this many people unhappy for a variety of reasons, they should be scared and nervous about getting reelected,” she said. @hjgarcia0 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

As a first-generation college student, Migdalia Cerda had no one to answer her list of questions when she enrolled at UTA in 2018. Most of her friends were also first-generation students, so she turned to Girls Inc. of Tarrant County. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County is an organization founded in 1976, dedicated to helping young girls reach their full potential in their education and future careers. As a member since middle school, Cerda participated in activities that helped build up their self-esteem and relieve stress from class. Cerda said she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. During her senior year, she applied to the Girls Inc. of Tarrant County’s Boost Mentorship Program, which pairs high school graduates with women in the community who will mentor them in their first year after high school. Cerda was paired with fellow Maverick Faith Geiger, who was working on her social work degree. Cerda said she felt she could look up to her and ask any questions she had during her college education. “If she can do it, I can too,” she said. Suzana Delgado-Gray, chief operations officer for Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, said the organization and UTA have worked together for decades. On April 9, the UTA Extension and Extended Campus and Girls Inc. of Tarrant County signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at college-ready youth in Tarrant County. Like Cerda, many of the members are first-generation college students, and the organization hopes to show them a path to move forward in their education and career goals, Delgado-Gray said. “If a student doesn’t have that support system in their first year of college, they’re more apt to drop out of college and enter the workforce and/or do something else,” she said. “It was really important for us to stay connected and bridge that gap.” Cassandra Smith, assistant vice president for UTA’s Extension and Extended Campus, said the partnership brought Girls Inc. of Tarrant County to the campus to establish connections with various departments, including the College of Engineering, Student Activities and the Office of Admissions. “Really, it’s about exposure of what’s available to them post-high school graduation and things that they might be interested in,” Smith said. “A lot of times, these girls are not necessarily exposed to this on an ongoing basis.” Cerda graduated from UTA in 2021 with a degree in criminology and criminal justice. Now, she works as a property and evidence/crime scene forensics technician for the Burleson Police Department. Without Geiger and Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, she said she wouldn’t have the opportunities she has now. Smith said the organization is looking to create a student organization to connect incoming Girls Inc. students with current UTA students, who have also gone through the program. “If more students come from Girls Inc. and they actually come to UTA, they would have a soft place to land,” Smith said. This is the second official Memorandum of Understanding signing with a Tarrant County university, after Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, and Delgado-Gray said there are plans for more. “Anywhere our girls are going, we want to stay connected to them,” she said. Cerda started college with many questions. Now, she can answer questions for others like her. Cerda said she was called back to her elementary school in Fort Worth to speak at the graduation ceremony. Like her, most of the students were a part of a minority and she hoped to inspire them by sharing her story. “If I can do it, you can also do it,” she said to them. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu