Breann Barrow

The San Marcos city square is a very popular place for Texas State students to go out and have a good time. The square offers a lively night life for students. However, the bars and restaurants that cater to students have to be cautious. An on-going issue is that of minors using fake identification cards trying to buy alcohol. Bobcat Update's Breann Barrow has more on the story.

The square is a hub for students to come and consume alcohol during their free time, and while most of these students are 21 and older, there are minors who try to sneak their way around the law.
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Bartenders and servers say those caught with fake I-Ds are often Texas State underclassmen .
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Employees of restaurants and bars can get into serious trouble serving a minor, even if it's by accident. They can be fired, fined, or even jailed.
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Because harsh punishments can be doled out, bartenders and servers take their jobs very seriously. They are trained to catch minors.
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Employees warn minors that they themselves will face penalties if found trying to drink underage. If caught, they may be arrested or fined.
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Underage drinking can have long term consequences, including one's status at the university.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Breann Barrow.

Michelle Rivera

The Fire Marshall's office in San Marcos has decided the Vie Loft apartment complex is safe enough for residents to return home. That means those who were forced to evacuate may return. City officials ordered the mandatory evacuation on September 20th, citing safety concerns. The order caught residents by surprise. They had to find immediate accommodations. The complex announced that it would reimburse students a prorated amount for the number of days they were displaced as well as any Uber expenses to and from work.

Sydney Smith

Student workers at Texas State appreciate having flexible work hours while in college, but such jobs usually offer limited pay. Bobcat Update's Sydney Smith has the story.

At the Honors College, students who work at the front desk of the coffee lounge are paid ten dollars an hour. That's higher than the minimum wage but still not enough to pay all of their bills. Some of the workers have to take out loans to make ends meet.
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Student lab assistants at Alkek library in the Student Learning Assistance Center receive eight dollars and twenty-five cents an hour. Junior Luis Ortiz said he is able to cover his costs with his bi-weekly paycheck by living on campus and having his tuition
paid for by the school.
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SU: Student workers are happy with their jobs on campus because they are financially dependent on other resources, learning in some cases how to make a five hundred dollar monthly income last. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sydney Smith.

Daisy Colón

Hundreds of mermaids swarmed downtown San Marcos this past Saturday during the Fourth Annual Mermaid Promenade and Aqua Fair. Bobcat Update's Daisy Colon has the story.

The celebration promotes community involvement. It involves several civic-minded groups participating in a parade and fair.
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The Mermaid Society coordinates what are called Splash events, with one main purpose -- cleaning up the San Marcos River.
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Following the parade is a fair, which highlights the work of local artists and small businesses. They showcase their art and merchandise.
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The Mermaid Society aims to bring the San Marcos community together to celebrate cultural diversity and to protect the environment. People of all ages are encouraged to participate. For Bobcat Update, I'm Daisy Colon.
 

Darreane Valles

It's football season and the tailgaters have been out in full force. Bobcat Update's Darreane Valles has the story.

The athletic department is pleased that tailgating has been in demand so far this season.
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Tailgating is a big tradition for Texas State students, faculty and alumni. The Student Alumni Council has a tent specifically for those who return to campus.
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Students come to tailgates to have a good time, but ultimately they love to show off their Texas State pride.
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Good times...good food. The experience contributes to a happy Bobcat.
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For more information on tailgating or setting up a tent, you can contact the Texas State Athletic Department. For Bobcat Update, I'm Darreane Valles.

AJ Sanchez

Texas State is a big campus and some students need to travel quite a ways to get to their classes. The methods they use may surprise you. For more, here's Bobcat Update's A-J Sanchez.

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Buses run daily around San Marcos to get students on and off campus in a timely manner.
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For those who would rather take matters into their own hands, skateboarding is another worthy option.
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There's even a company in town that provides a unique service featuring a classic human-powered vehicle.
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No matter the method for traveling on campus, students trust them to get them closer to what really matters: their diploma. For Bobcat Update, I'm A-J Sanchez.

Conner Yarbrough

Every year Texas State challenges students to rethink familiar subjects through its Common Experience program. This year's theme is Truth. Bobcat Update's Conner Yarbrough has more:

To encourage critical thinking, the university organizes events to support a theme. Truth will be explored this year. The concept is portrayed in a unique way at the Texas State Galleries. The exhibit -- titled Philosophy of the Encounter -- gives voice to the late Helene Rytman, who was murdered by her husband, the philosopher, Louis Althusser.
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The exhibit also examines whether there are universal truths to be discovered.
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The exhibit is free and located in Gallery One on the second floor of the Joan Cole Mitte (mitt -tee) Building. It will run through November 12th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Conner Yarbrough.

Kyle Emmott

Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, have long been viewed as a safe alternative to cigarette smoking, but recent studies AND several cases of a mysterious lung illness have people wondering if vaping is as safe as they once thought. Kyle Emmott has the story.

According to the National College Health Assessment, about 16 percent of the student population at Texas State uses e-cigarettes. Some see that as risky behavior.
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So far this year, there have been seven deaths across the nation attributed to acute lung disorders strongly correlated to vaping. This, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
However, some students aren't convinced that there's enough reason to stop.
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According to the New England Journal of Medicine, teens have doubled the amount of nicotine they consume -- compared to just two years ago.
Another issue related to the vaping phenomenon is the emergence of counterfeit operations that dupe some users with their attractive flavors.
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The recent deaths have increased scrutiny of vaping, prompting some lawmakers and President Trump to call for stricter regulation of e-cigarettes.
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Jacob Hall

Some students are challenging the stereotypes associated with making a four-point-oh. And, as Bobcat Update's Jacob Hall tells us, they're finding support on campus for their efforts.

Texas State's Student Support Services will host its Guaranteed Four-Point-Oh seminar at the L-B-J student center on Friday. The seminar will provide students with study tips on how to earn straight A's. Time management is a key factor.
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The seminar is open to graduate and undergraduate students and will challenge the stereotypes on what it takes to make a four-point-oh.
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Dalton Williams

The Peace Corps offers civic-minded U-S citizens an opportunity to work on humanitarian projects around the world. Bobcat Update's Dalton Williams has more:

The Peace Corps is a federally-funded program, and many people are unaware of its purpose.
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Central Texas Peace Corps Recruiter Brendan Cavanagh says the Corps offers Americans a way to volunteer their services.
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Potential volunteers must meet certain requirements to join.
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The Peace Corps coordinates more than seven thousand volunteers in about 60 countries. Over 250 Bobcats have worked in the organization. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dalton Williams.

Obryant Muralles

If you're driving in San Marcos, chances are you'll encounter detours along the way. For example, the C-M Allen Parkway is under construction, which means alternative routes must be found in the area. Bobcat Update's O'Bryant Muralles has more.

A year after construction began, the C-M Allen project is still not finished. The goal was to wrap it up this summer, but that deadline won't be met. Businesses along the street -- between University Drive and Hopkins -- have persevered.
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Cody Hobbs, owner of a business called Texas Skate, says coordinating with the city to inform customers about the road closure has been difficult.
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Most of the delay can be blamed on inconsistent weather.
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Like Hobbs, Texas State student Racheal [WHAT IS HER LAST NAME?] is eager to see the construction finished.
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SU: I talked with the foreman. He declined to be on camera but did say their goal is to be done by the Sights and Sounds Christmas Festival if the weather cooperates. For Bobcat Update, I'm O'Bryant Muralles.

Jose Valenzuela

Texas State University has come under scrutiny for under-reporting crime statistics on campus. Jose Valenzuela has the story.

Under the Clery Act, college and universities must release crime statistics to the Department of Education, but apparently the D-O-E hasn't been given the full picture. According to __________, the numbers are NOT accurate, which causes some students to be on edge.
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Many students want to know more:
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 ........?.........
For Bobcat Update, I'm Jose Valenzuela.

Michael Garcia

The Rec Center at Texas State is making it easier for students to attend group fitness classes. Bobcat Update's Michael Garcia has more.

The Student Recreation Center is lowering costs for group fitness classes to better accommodate students. In previous semesters, students paid 60 dollars, but the price has been lowered to 30 dollars this semester. Fitness and Wellness Graduate Assistant Josie Wielinski says the classes are now more affordable.
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In the recent past, some classes have NOT had full enrollment:
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Texas State Freshman Rileigh Tinsley says she enjoys the fitness classes offered by the rec center.
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The rec center offers ten workout classes each weekday. Since the price drop, there has been an increase in the sale of group passes. For Bobcat Update, I'm Michael Garcia.

Meagan Hunter

Of the several ongoing construction projects at Texas State, the renovations at the L-B-J Student Center and Alkek Library seem to have the most impact on student life. Meagan Hunter has the story.

The L-B-J Student Center has been under construction since May of last year, and Alkek Library since September. As of now, the first and seventh floors of Alkek are closed for renovations. The same is true for the amphitheater at the student center. Long detours are necessary on some parts of the campus. Navigating the changes can be difficult for some students, and there's some resentment among those who won't be around to see the finished projects.
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Others say the renovations will provide many benefits for current and incoming students.
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The construction projects are expected to be completed next spring. For Bobcat Update, I'm Meagan Hunter.

Jacob Salois

Classes have resumed at Texas State, and many students have discovered that the most direct route to a classroom isn't always possible. Because of construction activity, they often have to take detours. Bobcat Update's Jacob Salois has more.

Texas State students need to allow extra time for their transits to and from class. The L-B-J Student Center is undergoing major renovation, and the construction could cause problems for students who are trying to get across campus.
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There is now just one main entrance to the student center, and it's located next to the L-B-J bus-circle. As a result -- to reach the quad or Alkek Library from the student center --- a detour must be taken that includes a walkway through an area next to Arnold Hall. Students may also walk in the opposite direction outside the student center building, where there's a ramp to avoid the stairs.
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The detours are a nuisance, but they particularly affect disabled students. Wooden ramps have been constructed to accommodate them, and many who AREN'T disabled are taking advantage of the temporary walkways.
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The Texas heat also poses a problem. The detours mean students are having to walk farther and endure the heat longer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jacob Salois.

Michael Garcia

Some students say the Hines building at Texas State is too hot, and it's affecting their academic pursuits. Bobcat Update's Michael Garcia has more.

The Hines Academic Building remains at a constant temperature of 75 degrees. The air conditioning seems fine when first entering the building, but as more students crowd the hallways and get seated for class, the temperature seems to quickly rise. Electronic Media major Dalton Williams says the heat keeps him from focusing when he's in the building.
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The seats in the classrooms at Hines are close together, and some students say they feel crowded.
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Texas State senior Brynn McCurley says the building's air conditioning affects the learning environment.
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Hines is located on State Street near Old Main. For Bobcat Update, I'm Michael Garcia.

Kyle Emmott

Parking can be a pain at Texas State. It's a big campus with thousands of students, and at times many of those students are searching for something elusive: a place to park. Bobcat Update's Kyle Emmott has the story.

For many who take the Texas State shuttles, parking is no problem or even a concern. However, for those who commute, like senior Degen Hodges, parking is the biggest problem they face daily.
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Students have a few parking options. They can buy an annual pass that doesn't guarantee a spot, or they can use the pay-to-park approach.
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Solutions aren't easy or cheap, but one choice is quite simple.
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The city of San Marcos is considering the possible
installation of paid-parking meters downtown, which would affect many students who park off-campus as a last resort. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kyle Emmott.

John Squyres

Several Texas State shuttles are being rerouted this semester, resulting in complications for students. Bobcat Update's John Squyres has the story.

The bus routes are typically a saving grace for students who live off-campus. But ongoing construction at the university has affected the shuttle service, causing some students to be frustrated. The bus routes have changed and the shuttles are often crowded.
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The changes can be disruptive.
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Despite these frustrations, students have little choice when it comes to their transportation to and from campus. They realize there's not much they can do about it.
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For information on bus routes, students can contact the transportation division online or by phone . For Bobcat Update, I'm John Squyres.

Sydney Smith

You don't have to walk far on the Texas State campus to find some kind of construction going on. Several projects are underway. Some of them started months ago. Bobcat Update's Syd Smith reports on what students are saying about the hubbub of activity.

Students have mixed feelings about the on-going construction on and near the campus. Some say it's having a negative impact.
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Construction is taking place at the L-B-J Student Center, Alkek Library, and across from the U-C-M. Despite being prevalent in these areas, the construction isn't causing major issues for most students.
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Renovations at the L-B-J Student Center alone are expected to cost more than 31-million dollars. The university says the project should be finished next year. For Bobcat Update, I'm Syd Smith.

Isaac Hart

Players of a popular online fighting-game say they're having issues with Ninetendo's online services. Many of them are frustrated, because the websites on occasion havegone down completely. Bobcat Update's Isaac Hart has more on the story.

The Super Smash Brothers franchise has come a long way since the first entry was released in 1999 with eight playable Nintendo fighters. The latest entry in the series, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, boasts more than 70 fighters and it received a sizable update  last week. However, when attempting to download the update to their consoles, players encountered errors and connection problems.
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Nintendo's track record for online and online multiplayer services is far from spotless. According to top players, this isn't the first time Ninetendo has had poor online functionality. There have been similar problems with earlier versions of the Smash Brothers series.
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Prior to Ultimate's release, Nintendo's online play was free, but that's no longer the case for the Nintendo Switch. Players are paying for an almost identical experience that they once received for free. 
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Nintendo has several game releases planned that will also require the same paid service to play online. Some players say they aren't quite sure they're on-board for that.
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