By Simeon Trombitas Contributor
Tariffs’ effects on local brewery U.S. senator breaks record for longest Senate speech
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that imposed tariffs on imports of aluminium, steel and other important brewery items from Mexico, Canada and China. Local breweries and businesses in San Antonio are uncertain on the extent the tariffs will affect them. One of which is Longtab Brewing Company, the eighth most awarded brewery in Texas.
“What nobody knows right now is how these are really going to impact us because we haven’t seen the effects yet,” said Mike Brown, Head brewer at Longtab Brewing Company. “They haven’t been in place long enough. For example, we just got a pallet of cans in last week. It doesn’t look like those cans are subject to the tariffs whenever the company bought the aluminum.”
Aluminum and steel kegs are both imports that are vital to the operations of breweries. The aluminum cans used for canning the beer are imported from China and are subject to a 25% tariff, along with the steel kegs, which mainly come from Germany and China.
“The tariffs aren’t going to just affect that, for example, European malts and hops,” Brown said, highlighting other aspects of the brewing process that would also be disrupted due to the tariffs.
“We’ve been told by the Brewers Association — keeping us up to date — that it can increase
the price of malts as well. For example, United States Malts relies on Canadian fertilizer. In some cases, the U.S. malting companies also will periodically use Canadian Barley.”
The other issue comes with storage space for the inventory of the brewery, such as the hops, barley and wheat, which could be trouble for smaller breweries who do not have the means to wait it out.
“I could buy vaults and sit on it till the end of the year. The problem is I have to have storage space for that. It’s definitely going to be easier for larger breweries to ride it out if this goes for an extended period of time.”
According to Brown, Longtab Brewing Company has the home-court advantage when it comes to waiting it out.
“We’re not as vulnerable if aluminum ends up being a big issue because we don’t do that,” Brown said. “Most of [the] beer that we make is sold in the brewpub. If you’re a larger brewery, maybe 95-99% of the beer you make goes into cans. That actually has a bigger effect on them if you’re talking about can prices.”
Brown was optimistic when asked about the local popularity of Longtab Brewing Company and their relevance to the San Antonio area, “Certainly isn’t going to hurt,” Brown said. “I can see the confidence that everybody in the industry is hopeful — this doesn’t last very long.”
Researcher finds a new approach to Parkinson’s treatment
By Khoi Nguyen Staff Writer
Researchers at UTSA are developing a less invasive approach to treating Parkinson’s disease. Using magnetic nanoparticles and alternating magnetic fields, Dr. Gabriela Romero Uribe, a professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, is spearheading research efforts into more targeted and effective treatments.
Current methods for treating Parkinson’s disease involve drug treatments that are restricted by the blood-brain barrier or implants that may damage tissue. Uribe voiced belief that MNP-based treatment can circumvent these obstacles, providing a wireless solution that can be toggled on and off and direct compounds to specific sections of the brain.
“Just [think] about not taking drugs ever to cure any disease because you have this powerful tool,” Uribe said.
MNP-based treatment works by delivering ironbased nanoparticles to the brain via injection or through the nose. These nanoparticles carry compounds altering nerve activity and are coated with a heat-sensitive polymer. When exposed to harmless alternating magnetic fields, the nanoparticles heat up and break down the polymer coating, releasing the compounds.
activate a larger part of the brain and use more material, that the brain [will want] to exclude these foreign particles.”
While funding remains “one of the biggest limitations” in fully implementing MNP-based treatment, Uribe anticipates help will come in the form of the UTSA and UT Health San Antonio merger. Input from clinicians, she says, may prove useful in research efforts.
“The merger definitely will open that door even wider to have collaborations with physicians and with clinical researchers,” Uribe said. “Having clinicians’ input when you are developing technology like this is essential. You may think of something and explore it in the lab, but maybe it’s not practical.”
While Uribe says that MNP-based treatment offers exciting prospects in treating Parkinson’s disease, she acknowledges that more experimenting needs to be done before establishing it in practice. According to her, tests have so far revealed few consequences, yet she anticipates that the brain may reject higher concentrations of iron should more nanoparticles be needed.
“Our brain produces the kind of [iron] particles that we actually are putting in the brain,” Uribe said. “I wouldn’t be surprised, if we need to
By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
Sen. Cory Booker delivered a speech for 25 hours and five minutes on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Senator from New Jersey expressed concerns and frustrations with President Donald Trump’s administration’s agenda. The senator urged Democrats to continue standing by the affected groups of the signed executive orders. The speech was given on the evening of March 31 at 7 p.m. and concluded on the following day.
“These are not normal times in our nation,” Booker said. “And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate. The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them.”
Booker quoted literature, song lyrics and other Senators in an attempt to “stop normal business hours” for the White House.
One of the topics discussed immensely among Booker and his colleagues was the issue of funding cuts under the direction of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency towards the Social Security offices. The Trump administration listed 47 Social Security offices that were set to close. From the 47 listed, 26 have been confirmed to close this year, with two residing in Texas.
Booker read aloud letters from his constituents and about the issue of Trump speaking on behalf of the annexation of Greenland and Canada.
He also discussed the nature of due process in the lengthy speech, quoting an interview with Canadian citizen Jasmine Mooney’s 12-day ICE detention.
“There was no explanation, no warning. One minute, I was in an immigration office
talking about my work visa, which had been approved months before,” Booker read. “The next thing I [knew,] my hands were against the wall being patted down like a criminal, then sent to an ICE detention center without a chance to talk to a lawyer.”
Wanting to go longer, Booker ended his filibuster with a question from Minority Leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer.
“Would the Senator yield for a question?” Schumer said.
This address to Congress would get Booker a world record, beating out Strom Thurmond’s 24 hour and 18 minute speech in 1957.
State of the City
Week of 4/8
By Atziri Bermudez Contributor
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from a man fatally shot to the postponed opening of state Highway 151’s new ramp.
With new technologies and incoming opportunities from the historic merger, Uribe voiced confidence in nanotechnology’s growing role in health care. She urges for more research initiatives on the brain, pointing out that other areas of health have seen developments while neuroscience has lagged behind.
“They should keep exploring this area. We need to speed up the development of medical technologies in the brain,”
Uribe said. “It’s particularly important also for other reasons as the cure of cancer and other diseases has evolved.”
Possible useful findings for future research is another factor that drives Uribe’s work.
“All research is successful, even if our research does not produce commercial products,” Uribe said. “At this moment, it is producing new knowledge, and that new knowledge will serve future generations to develop or to innovate technologies.”
Nanotechnology’s applications in health may only be recently emerging, but Uribe and her team will continue contributing to UTSA’s efforts in exploring its uses.
Man shot while another pedestrian is injured from stabbing
The San Antonio Police Department responded to a reported shooting at Victoria Plaza Apartments at 411 Barrera St. on Saturday. The scene was confined to the second and third floors where a man had been fatally shot and another had been stabbed. Both these men were between the ages of 50 and 70. Their relationship is unclear. The stabbed man was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The shot man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said there was an “altercation” between the two men, but they are still examining how the altercation began.
SAFD completes cliffside rescue
Officers with SAPD, Park Police and San Antonio Fire Department responded to a call after midnight on April 1 in an area near Mud Creek Park. Two 19-year-olds found themselves stuck at the bottom of a cliff after trying to retrieve one of their cell phones. The men told officers they originally planned to sit on the ledge of the cliff to drink until they unexpectedly dropped a cellphone over the edge. Fire officials used rope to pull the men to safety. Both were unharmed and were issued citations for being in a city park after hours.
State Highway 151 to Loop 1604 ramp opening postponed
The opening of the new ramp on State Highway 151 to Loop 1604 has been postponed for April 7 due to the previous morning’s weather according to the TXDOT. The new ramp is part of a project that expands State Highway 151 and includes $97.8 million of transportation investments designed to “increase connectivity and enhance safety along the corridor from Loop 410 to Loop 1604.”
Texas beer displayed at local store amid the tariffs on imported aluminum and steel.
Sarah Quintanilla/The Paisano
Vincent Agquiz/The Paisano
Alois White/The Paisano
Donald Trump Makes america pay again
President Trump risks inflation and trade wars with the announcement of new tariffs
Editorial
Since he began his second term, President Donald Trump has created tension between America and its trade partners. In February, he implemented a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China.
Now, Trump has incited a nonsensical trade war by imposing elevated tariffs, which further damage the relationship between America and other nations.
On April 2, Trump announced the implementation of new tariffs designed to boost domestic manufacturing. He revealed there will be a 10% tariff on imports from all countries effective April 5.
Moreover, a 34% tax on imports from China, 20% on the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 32% on Taiwan will go into effect on April 9.
Furthermore, in what seems to be a display of sheer incompetence, tariffs were imposed on two remote islands populated mostly by penguins: the Heard and McDonald Islands, despite not having been visited by humans in almost a decade.
Of course, if the penguins can afford their little tuxedos,
they can afford to pay tariffs — after all, it would be unacceptable for them to provide cheap igloos on American soil. This is clearly an accident, but it only shows these tariffs were implemented hastily and without much thought.
Following this announcement, China intends to impose 34% retaliatory tariffs on all U.S. imports starting April 10. Only time will tell how Trump responds to this — hopefully not with more tariffs, but crashing the economy seems to be his end-goal.
Meet the new Beatles
Commentary
By Sarah Quintanilla Assistant Graphic Editor
Director Sam Mendes’ ambition and greed are evident in his recently announced cast for The Beatles’ biopics, set to release in April 2028. Greed is prominent due to the plans of making four separate movies from the perspective of each band member. Ambition is painfully present because the new cast is less than suitable for these monumental roles.
The confirmed cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. While these actors have shown talent in their previous films, they are not the best choice to play the musicians. None of them have a credible musical background, nor are the age range of the Beatles when they started or even bear any physical resemblance to their roles, making them a choice based on popularity and relevance rather than accuracy.
The Beatles are one of the most influential bands in music history; those who play them have high stakes when retelling their story in a biopic. The casting is a huge disappointment for fans
and music lovers worldwide, with users on X believing it was an April Fool’s prank and others putting the pictures side by side to “see how truly horrendous this casting is.”
Many Beatles tributes have done the job of retelling the band’s story without the need to cast popular actors, such as “Midas Man,” a movie about the band’s manager, where the directors did a global search for actors to accurately portray the Fab Four.
Mendes is not a bad director either, with films that have grossed millions of dollars in the box office and that have won several awards, such as “1917,” “American Beauty” and “Skyfall.” There is no need to cast big names to sell the films since he is an acclaimed director.
Mendes’ strategy to cast popular actors so the four movies make sales at the box office shows a lack of faith in new, unknown talent that could be an accurate depiction of the famous band. Moreover, he could give opportunities to rising actors to make it on the big screen. This official cast is a massive move that will intensify the magnifying glass of criticism once the films are released.
The United
Commentary
By Henry Holmes Contributor
Ford chose to risk 180 deaths rather than spend $11 more per car manufactured. Failure to regulate the financial industry and firms taking on too much risk resulted in American households losing $16 trillion. Healthcare companies lobbying to prevent universal healthcare results in about 68,500 annual preventable deaths. No proper punishment was given to those putting Americans’ safety in jeopardy.
On April 1, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, the alleged murderer of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione has 16 criminal charges across state courts and four charges from the federal government, where he qualifies for the death penalty.
Trump bet his whole presidency on the hope that Americans were too ignorant to know what tariffs were — and this was found to be true. Some conservatives defended these taxes by saying, “You do not need the new iPad. You do not need the new cell phone [and] you do not need the new video game console. You want them. There is a big difference, and if you look at the people whining about the tariffs, I challenge you to ask them how their lives have been affected in any way.”
These tariffs will impact American citizens, and simply ignoring them will not make them disappear. Contrary to popular belief, ignorance is not always bliss. From clothing to computers to groceries, these taxes will affect everyone negatively.
This prompts what could be an excruciating transition for many Americans, as middle-class essentials — such as housing, cars and clothing — are expected to become more expensive, while Trump continues to disrupt international alliances that used to ensure peace and economic stability. With a high likelihood of inflation, Trump is risking a global recession — the likes of which have not been seen since 2009.
Booker rocks the floor
Commentary
By Adith Magavi Contributor
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) stood on the Senate floor for 25 hours and 19 minutes, vowing first and foremost to “disrupt business as usual.” Booker’s filibuster was not only a historical win for the Senate floor, but for constitutional democracy in the U.S. Students are taught that being a bystander to mistreatment is equivalent to being part of the injustice. Booker’s speech made this sentiment of inaction incredibly relevant. His courage to step up and speak out against an administration that he and many of his colleagues disagree with marks a positive shift for Booker and the arguably nonconfrontational Democratic Party.
“These are not normal times in our nation,” said Booker while
afternoon. He mentioned the growing threats to the American people and that American democracy will only be bolstered by this executive branch’s misuse of power unless the people “do more to stand against them.”
Booker not only spoke for his constituents, but he also broke an important record. In 1957, Segregationist Sen. Strom Thurmond filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Thurmond was unsuccessful in hindering the bill’s advancement; however, he was successful in securing and holding the longest filibuster recorded on the Senate floor. During Booker’s filibuster, this record was broken.
“I’m here despite his speech,” said Booker, speaking openly on the Senate floor of his roots as the descendant of both slaves and slave-owners. “I’m here because as powerful as [Thurmond] was, the people are more powerful.” is the people’s house. It’s Article I of the Constitution, and it’s under assault!” shouted Booker with an uncanny amount of perseverance in the 14th hour. He explained to the nearly 100,000 listeners that he was here for his constituents and his goal was to motivate others to take action. His commitment to the filibuster demonstrated a conviction the Democratic Party desperately needs in the face of the current garnered undeniable support throughout his filibuster, using his principles to drive his peers against passivity, leading many senators to take the stand and ask Booker questions. time is now for citizens to view political inaction as action and force elected officials to fulfill the promises they were elected for. It is time to encourage senators to speak out, as noncompliance is no longer an option within this nation. Booker said during his filibuster that “The power of the people is greater than the people in power” — a sentiment that, if internalized by the American people, can lead to changing the course of history.
States versus Luigi Mangione
This order continues President Donald Trump’s effort to bolster the death penalty nationwide. In her order, Bondi cites her desire to “carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.” However, sentencing Mangione to death will only push him to martyrdom and represent the perpetuation of unequal punishment between economic classes in the U.S.
Regardless of whether or not people believe the death penalty is morally acceptable, executing Mangione is an unjustifiable course of action. Few incidents of school shootings ever see such a steep consequence, despite these crimes having more victims. While the Parkland High shooter faced the possibility of the death penalty for killing 17 people, he was given a life sentence. However, much worse are white collar crimes that widely
go unpunished. According to Embroker, white collar crime costs $426 billion to $1.7 trillion annually, a figure much greater than the $15 billion stolen through common street crimes. Even though the financial losses to white collar crime are significantly greater, they often receive less publicity and cannot be punished due to their complexity and the lack of resources given to pursue these crimes. This figure does not count losses due to deaths associated with pollution, global warming, healthcare and consumer safety, which corporations fight to keep unregulated.
A poll reported by Axios affirms the publc’s support for Mangione, with 48% of respondents viewing his alleged actions as somewhat or totally justified. In contrast, only 17% of respondents sympathized with Thompson. Additionally, Mangione’s
alleged actions prompted protests against the healthcare industry for their practices and claim denials. The Trump administration’s actions have also faced strong resistance from citizens. With these protests, including the intentional burning of Teslas, there is no telling what upheaval would result from giving Mangione the death penalty.
Sentencing Mangione to death would represent a continuation of the privilege given to corporations and the elite of the U.S. This order only shows that the U.S. determines the weight of a sentence by the wealth of the victim. If Trump and Bondi truly wanted to “make America safe again” through punishment, they would not only hold criminals on the streets accountable but also the criminals who sit at the top of their skyscrapers and play with American lives in the name of ensuring profit.
Kara Lee/The Paisano
Sarah Quintanilla/The Paisano
Sarah Quintanilla/The Paisano
arts & life
Lost in the bluestar’s ‘Mosh Now, Cry Later’ Exhibit
By Christopher Delgado
Copyediting Coordinator
The Contemporary at Blue Star will feature “Mosh Now, Cry Later,” an art installation reflecting interwoven San Antonio and punk identities, until June 8. The exhibit displays pieces from several artists as well as the local record shop, Brainwave Records.
“Mosh Now, Cry Later” presents the scrappiness, yearning and belonging of the San Antonio punk scene, with pieces emulating self-hatred and conflict. Many of the sculptures infuse punkness with aspects of rasquachismo, displaying the Mexican roots of San Antonio and demonstrating the nuance of punk in the Countdown City.
Photos, MP3 players, vinyl and printouts associated with punk culture line the back wall. Brainwave’s amalgam of content demonstrates the immensity of a culture that some may not immediately associate with San Antonio. This interactive installation is not a modern community. The collective forms through human connection. Mimicking a pit, the piece invites audiences to sit on black bean bags and listen to the music while reading books about punk’s history and absorbing the assortment of generationspanning punk memorabilia. Brainwave Records’ installation offers a chance to disconnect, which is at the heart of San Antonio’s punk scene.
The second room features several works by Justo Cisneros, Nick Hay and Anthony Rundblade. Rundblade’s “Star eyes (Guantes)” inverts a heart outlined by fingers of stone hands hanging from chains. Upon the chains is a found image of a man with magnets on his eyes; he looks to the right. The hanging nature of emotion and gazing off to the side invokes imagery of Christ’s crucifixion.
The sculpture attempts to emit love, but its heavy nature prevents such action and creates crudeness.
To the right of Rundblade’s piece, Nick Hay’s “Dead Nick (self portrait)” furthers the exhibit’s rasquachismo themes. The piece utilizes everyday objects to conduct and insulate electricity, such as clay and an Altoids tin. “Dead Nick” requires the audience to push a button; the skull’s eyes illuminate, and a pencil begins spinning in a sharpener. Shavings slowly build up on the piece and the floor below, mimicking the excessive pressure of perfection that punk culture revolts against. The piece is messy and aligns well with punk communities’ attempts to remove labels and expectations for its members.
“Harmonic Gutter” by Cisneros fills the room with a storm’s thunderous noise. Two contrasting chairs face away from each other. A volcano sits in the outer corner of the stage. The setup manipulates asymmetry to create a gloomy setup akin to the red-curtained room in David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks.” The piece remains mundane for the time being, but on April 17, a performance starring contemporary dancers Taryn Lavery and Ty Graynor will ensue on the stage at 6:30 p.m.
“Mosh now, Cry Later” reiterates the importance of art during devastating times. The pain and trepidation will endure, but for the moment, the blaring music singing of hope and the joy of a community masks them.
This exhibit will be on display until June 8 at The Contemporary at Blue Star located 17 miles south of UTSA Main Campus at 117 Blue Star. The installation is open to the public free of charge on Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check out the exhibit and avoid
COLFA’s banquet of talent
By Valentina Quintanilla Graphic Artist
A demonstration of skill and creativity at UTSA’s annual College of Liberal and Fine Arts Research Conference and Showcase occurred from April 2 to April 3 at the Main Campus. Students and alumni eagerly awaited their respective department showcase. Craftsmanship was at its peak along with an inviting itch for knowledge and skill that these scholars displayed. As the first events started, performance halls delivered an amalgam of sounds while students tuned and practiced on their instruments for class or the 2025 Music-Lecture Performance Competition. As judges entered the Music Lecture and Performance showcase, nervousness enveloped the performers, as some tensely clutched their respective instruments. However, this did not stop them from delivering interesting and noteworthy lectures as well as dumbfounding performances, in which their passion flooded the room with entrancing musical expertise.
Benny Elrod’s arrangement of “No Escape” from the “Hades” video game stunned the judges. The harmonious strings entwined the ensemble’s deep breaths as they moved their bow in accordance, creating a strong sound that fluttered easily into the listener’s ears and lingered in the audience’s minds. His piece demonstrated the skills of each student in the ensemble while showing their devotion to music.
The COLFA Music-Lecture Performance showcased a concoction of skills and passion, leaving spectators delighted with music students and alumni as they translated their visions and knowledge into euphonious pieces. Directors, producers, actors and more gathered at UTSA’s RETAMA auditorium excitedly waiting for the film showcase and the costume contest hosted by Entertainment & Film Club President Julio Brindis Ahumada to start.
“You can’t make a movie alone,” says
Film and Media Professor Anna Stypko,
“Filmmaking is just as much about building relationships as it is about perfecting your craft. The people you meet in this program could be your collaborators for life, so treat them well.”
The time for the screenings arrived.“The Cutting Room Floor,” a 90s slasher-inspired short film by students Amber Montañez and Dave Franco, had everyone cracking up and rolling on the floor.
“Seeing it all come together after all the hard work you put in preproduction and production throughout all the obstacles you faced to see it all come together in the edit, it just feels amazing,” Amber explained.
“Depo Baby,” a murder mystery drama, had most people intensely leaning into the screen as the film progressed. With amazing camera work, an engaging script and sensational acting, “Depo Baby” wrapped up with a gasp-inducing ending and loud cheers from the audience.
“Probably the hardest part of being a student in film is trying to find locations,” director Davis Stainfield of “A Terrible Day for Lee Breezy,” explained.
The Lynchian film exhibited a variety of locations and emotions. The well-crafted production revealed the innovative idea of challenging the conventions of film and the indomitable spirit of students and alumni in the film and media department.
As the film event concluded, effusive cheers and whistles erupted throughout the auditorium. Students and alumni demonstrated their endearment for film as well as their astounding craftsmanship towards filmmaking.
“Start with a good story,” expressed Professor Stypko. “If you’re going to go through the challenging, time-consuming and often expensive process of making a film, make sure it’s a story you believe in.”
The 2025 COLFA Research Conference and Showcase demonstrated student and alumni passion towards their respective academic and creative fields. It was an enriching learning experience that promises a bright future for the arts and humanities.
Like a Creeper, ‘Minecraft’ is a bang
By Olivia Lliteras Contributor
One of the most anticipated movies of the 21st century, “A Minecraft Movie,” released in theaters on Friday. Because it is directed by Jared Hess and stars A-list comedy actors — like Jack Black, Jason Momoa and Jennifer Coolidge — the thought of this movie excited all, causing an internet takeover and sending many original Minecraft players back to their roots.
Set in Chuglass, Idaho, “A Minecraft Movie” follows the story of the young and creative Henry played by Sebastian Eugene. Henry has problems fitting in at school, ultimately leading to him meeting Garett, played by Jason Momoa.
Together, the pair discover a strange illuminated orb — in reality it is a cube — that leads them to an abandoned mineshaft.
There they discover a blocky portal. Henry’s sister, Natalie, played by Emma Myers, and her friend, Dawn, played by Danielle Brooks, arrive in search of Henry. Once reunited, the group is sucked into the cubeshaped portal, teleporting them to “Minecraft’s” overworld.
Once transported to the overworld, a wave of nostalgia brushed over the audience when a track from the original game, aptly named “Minecraft” by the artist C418, played in the background.
Contrary to the calming music, the transition to the cubeshaped world baffles the group of characters. Nightfall quickly arrives in the world, allowing mobs of zombies, skeletons and creepers to spawn. The group of four quickly gather knowledge about the new world to defend themselves.
Thankfully, they are graciously rescued by Jack Black’s character, introducing himself with his now iconic line “I am Steve.”
The group embark on an adventure to save their home from the threat of the evil empress Malgosha, played by Rachel House, and her Piglin army from the Nether.
Reviews
For die-hard “Minecraft” fans and newcomers alike, this movie entertains through a perfect blend of comedy, adventure and emotion. Cameos from famous “Minecraft” Youtubers, such as Aphmau, DanTDM, LDShadowLady, as well as a reference to the late Technoblade, are incorporated into “A Minecraft Movie,” which showcases Minecraft’s culture and nostalgia.
The concept of this beloved game moving to the big screen and the chance to see what it would really be like to live in this fantasy world is executed marvelously. This movie did not stray far from the games originality, leaving fans pleased.
The characters are brought to life by their actors, and the constant comedic moments allow for a carefree tone and a sense of childhood. For many movies, nonsense and quirks are usually what cause bad ratings, but in this case, it enhances “A Minecraft Movie.”
The actual script of this movie follows similar tropes to many other game adaption movies, like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” causing the storyline to feel repetitive and basic.
Although the plot lacks in some areas, the constant simulation of wondrous moments and the b-plot help distract from this flaw. Examples of this are the brewing romance between the vice principal played by Jennifer Coolidge and a nitwit villager as well as insight into the villain’s daily life and motivations. These additions distract from the film’s sub-par plot and promote watchers to focus on other aspects of the movie.
“A Minecraft Movie” is an imaginative journey and enjoyable for fans of both movies and video games. For a game that takes weeks explore, this movie displays the best aspects of “Minecraft” in just one hour and 40 minutes. This movie is now playing in theaters for those seeking a digital escape.
Visiting Assistant Professor Anna Stypko presents the film portion of the COLFA Research Conference.
Courtesy of Josue Pelaez
Flyers and pictures submitted by local artists and photographers.
“Nazi Punks F--ck Off” and “Ramones” by Joe De La Cruz. Armin Suljovic/The Paisano
Sarah Quintanilla/The Paisano
Arts & Life
San
By Kara Lee
Editor
Robot Monsters Guitars has been a go-to destination for musicians and music enthusiasts since 2008, located at 609 E Dewey Pl. San Antonio, TX 78212. Co-owner Joe Cutthroat, who started the business with his partner Chris Smart, shared the history and services that have made Robot Monsters Guitars a beloved establishment.
“I started working at guitar shops in 1998, right after high school,” Cutthroat commented. “Before that, I was always hanging out in guitar shops. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I fell in love with the business.”
Initially, the duo focused on guitar shows before opening a brick-andmortar store in 2013. Robot Monsters Guitars specializes in buying, selling and trading a wide range of music items, including vintage guitars, amplifiers, vinyl records and more. The business specializes in guitar servicing and repairs.
“We offer a full range of guitar repairs,” Cutthroat explained. “We
haven for music lovers
have an in-house guitar workshop with a couple of repairmen working all week. We handle everything from replacing electronics and changing pickups to full restorations.”
The store’s inventory includes new and used gear, featuring a variety of guitars from well-known brands — like Fender and ESP custom models.
In addition to guitars, Robot Monsters Guitars stocks a selection of amplifiers, effect pedals and accessories, including guitar straps, cases and parts.
For those new to playing, Robot Monsters Guitars is a welcoming place with knowledgeable staff, who can recommend high-quality beginner gear. The store is also known for its flexible pricing, helping newcomers enter the world of music without breaking the bank. Whether a seasoned musician or just starting out, Robot Monsters Guitars offers a friendly environment where shoppers feel supported.
Staying connected to the San Antonio community is an essential part of the store’s ethos. “We do a lot of local conventions,” Cutthroat said. “We’re involved in the Tattoo Convention and have participated in events like
the Maverick Music Festival. If there’s a music-related event in town, we’re there. We also host local popups and random events, just to get the name out and have a good time.”
Robot Monsters Guitars has plenty to offer even for those who may not play an instrument. The store features a curated collection of vintage and rare band t-shirts, which appeal to both music lovers and collectors. The vinyl section is another highlight, with records spanning a wide range of genres.
On why shopping local matters, Cutthroat said, “First of all, our shop is a lot cooler. Shopping local is important because we’re a part of this community. I was born and raised here, and we started this place right here. Who better to buy from than someone who’s from the area? Plus, we’ll treat you better than a big chain like Guitar Center.”
In addition to musical items, Robot Monsters Guitars caters to collectors with a selection of novelty items — including action figures, Funko Pops, classic horror movie statues and vintage band posters. Robot Monsters Guitars offers a wide variety of items and services to choose from.
Putting the mad in March Madness
By Sarah Quintanilla Assitant Graphic Editor
The lineup of the March Madness Music Festival’s announcement elicited excitement in San Antonio. The streets swarmed with traffic as the public buzzed over the free performances headlined by Pitbull, with support from Doechii and Ravyn Lanae, having people rushing to find a nearby place to park.
Doors opened at 4:30 p.m., and the event welcomed the guests with a ferris wheel, photo booths, overpriced food and drinks and merchandise tables. The massive amount of people waited impatiently for the first performance by Ravyn Lenae. Meanwhile, DJ sets warmed up the audience. Lenae came on stage and the crowd enjoyed the set, singing along to her most recent hit “Love Me Not” among other tracks. Her performance was an awesome way to kickstart the performances while people enjoyed $5 water bottles and interminable lines to get food and drinks. By 7 p.m., when Doechii was scheduled to perform, the heaving sun suddenly turned into clouds and heavy droplets of rain. Festival officials advised the multitude to seek shelter, and due to umbrellas being prohibited,
people improvised with goodie bags, trash bags, sweaters, going to the nearest porta potty or simply leaving.
Doechii came out on stage after a 45-minute delay. DJ Miss Milan introduced the set and they played hits from Doechii’s Grammy-Award winning album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” The crowd went crazy as Doechii performed “Persuasive,” “Alter Ego (feat. JT)” and “NISSAN ALTIMA,” but because the weather cut her set short, she asked the audience if they wanted to hear the most popular songs. “BOILED PEANUTS” invigorated the atmosphere, spectators put their hands up for “CATFISH,” and Doechii ended the set with “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” with everyone singing along to her memorable performance.
After she sprinted off stage, the multitude impatiently waited for Pitbull — the night’s headlining act. Crowds grew bigger as a DJ set entertained the show. The Tower of Americas illuminated the night in front of the stage, and the moon started to show above.
The spectators cheered as Pitbull’s band played a cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right” while the singer arrived onstage. The rock song suddenly turned into “Don’t Stop The Party,” electrifying the festival.
Top five Record Store Day vinyls
By Raul Martinez Web Editor
Record Store Day is a seventeen-year-long tradition meant to celebrate independent record stores internationally; Record Store Day is also a company based on its namesake holiday. Biannually, RSD produces special vinyl releases of EPs, LPs and albums from every genre. In honor of this tradition, here is a highlight of five releases coming out for this year’s RSD.
5. Motörhead - The Löst Tapes, Vol. 6 (Live In Berlin 1992)
An RSD exclusive release, “The Löst Tapes” stands out among hundreds of other represses. This vinyl release contains demos from what is arguably one of the most influential bands in rock music. Unfortunately, the repressing is underwhelming, with a pretty unoriginal cover art and an uneventful purple-colored disc. Despite the underwhelming appearance, the legendary status of the group is enough to make this release notable and worth a listen.
4. The Replacements - Tim
The Replacements’ reissue of “Tim” is the band’s 40th anniversary release, with a transparent purple vinyl. Sheltering the vinyl is the classic “Tim” album art, containing purple and college-rock imagery, perfectly encapsulating the DIY vibe of the album. Though the vinyl’s appearance went through little change and reimagination, its simplicity is a breath of fresh air among the tidal waves of special editions, splatters, marbles and over-thetop reprints common among vinyl releases today.
3. Deicide - Once upon the Cross (30th ANNIVERSARY)
Deicide’s “Once Upon a Cross” makes its American debut with its 30th Anniversary rerelease, further allowing the States to give these death metal legends the flowers and praise they deserve. Reminiscent of its blood-stained cover art, the “Once Upon a Cross” RSD release features a unique color blend of red, grey and blue. This off-putting mix of hues makes for a distinctive complement to this dark masterpiece of an album.
2. Levitation Room - Minds Of Our Own
Levitation Room is arguably one of the most popular psychedelic rock bands of the 2010s, with their legendary status being undeniable.
Pitbull knew his audience and played every single of his greatest hits back to back, such as “Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor)” and “Hotel Room Service.” He also performed covers of “On The Floor” by Jennifer Lopez and Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina.” The people went berserk. The nostalgic hits immediately pull one into the excitement, with the fans jumping and screaming the lyrics. Pitbull had four outfit changes throughout the show, probably due to the heat that came after the rain. The audience had the time of their lives when Mr. Worldwide played “Timber,” “Feel This Moment” and “Fireball.
The adrenaline of the show made one dance more and more every song. Some people started to leave by 10 p.m. with fear of traffic jams, but others stayed the whole set. Pitbull ended the show with “Time of Our Lives” and “Give Me Everything,” thanking the audience and shouting out “March Madness” every chance he had. Despite the rain and the performance delays, the first three headlining shows of the festival were a success. It became an unforgettable memory for anyone attending and an exciting start for the three-day March Madness music festival.
“The Minds of Our Own” RSD press features the album’s iconic waves of desaturated primary colors, a homage to the era in which psychedelic music was born. The album’s signature colors — featuring a yellow center surrounded by orange and green hues, further complemented by accents of blue — adorn the vinyl repress. This beautiful use of color is the perfect counterpart to the psychedelic and mellow nature of Levitation Room’s music.
1. The Cure - The Head on the Door (Picture Disc)
Of all the legends on this list, The Cure is undoubtedly the most impactful and iconic. This year’s RSD is also marked by the upcoming 40th anniversary of this remarkable album. “The Head on the Door” cover’s artwork mirrors the album’s musical experiences: gossamer and ethereal. The thin waves of pastel, echoing the dark yet heavenly sound of The Cure contrast the black background. This RSD vinyl printing of “Head on the Door” is taken directly from the album’s cover art, which embodies the album’s legendary status while still employing a unique vinyl concept.
Record Store Day is happening on Saturday, April 12 this year. For more information on RSD and the new pressings offered, refer to https:// recordstoreday.com/NewsItem/11535. For those wishing to shop in person check out Hogwild Records, located at 1824 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 or Brainwave Records, located at 1914 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201.
Pitbull headlines day one of the free-to-attend March Madness Music Fest at Hemisfair Park, on Friday.
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
Antonio’s
Graphic
The counter at Robot Monster showcasing cables hung above the windows, a display of pedals and a Les Paul model.
Enrique Figueroa/The Paisano
Harman crowned 2025 VTO champion
Georgia native wins first PGA Tour in two years before heading off to the Masters
By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
GA Tour player Brian Harman
Psecured a win in the final round of the Valero Texas Open on Sunday at TPC San Antonio.
Harman began the day with a 12-underpar total, but he lost a stroke on hole four. The 2023 Open champion faced a tight battle against fellow PGA Tour player Andrew Novak, who trailed Harman by as little as one stroke on hole five. Harsh weather conditions played a factor, yet Harman walked away with the trophy.
“Yeah, it’s really hard, especially the first two days. I was playing such good golf, just aiming at everything, making a ton of putts and having a lot of fun,” Harman said. “Then all of a sudden the
weather flips, and not only the weather flips but the wind’s coming from a totally different direction.”
Harman tapped in the final seven-inch putt on hole 18 to close out the 2025 Valero Texas Open with a win and threw a fist out to the crowd in celebration of his victory.
“[I have] been playing some really good golf,” Herman said. “My scores haven’t showed it, but I’ve been feeling like it was right there. To have it pop this week and be in good form for some big stuff coming up is really awesome.”
Harman and Novak carded their first birdies early on hole two, bringing their total score to 13-under-par and 10-underpar respectively. After that, it was evenpar golf for Novak after Harman suffered a setback on hole four.
Harman faced a 468-yard, par-4 with
rough, windy conditions. His first shot landed in the left fairway, giving him a clear 148 yards to the pin. His second stroke found the left side bunker around the green, and his ensuing chip up flew his third strike past the hole, resulting in a two-putt bogey. This caused him to drop to a total of 12-under-par as Novak followed two strokes behind at 10-under-par.
“[Novak] had great shots all day. He struggled a little bit coming down the stretch,” Harman said. “I felt like if I could just hang it down, I knew I was gonna have some good shots at some point.”
The pressure began to weigh on Harman after Novak birdied the following hole. Novak hit his first shot on the par-4 into the right leaving 127 yards to the hole, giving him an unobstructed line to the green. After finding the right side on his
second shot attempt, he sank a 3-foot putt, placing him one stroke behind Harman.
“Halfway through the day I figured that he was the one guy that I really needed to focus on and try [to] beat,” Harman said of Novak.
Harman’s trajectory changed with a birdie on hole 12. He drilled a 14-foot putt, giving him a two-shot advantage and helping him hold onto the lead as he headed into the tournament’s final stretch.
“[I] made a really nice putt on [that hole]. Number 12 is when my round sort of flipped a little bit,” Harman said. “That put me up two, so I started feeling pretty good after that.”
Harman will be attending the 2025 Masters Tournament with other Tour players from April 10 to 13 at the Augusta National Golf Club.
May
and Lane propel UTSA to win
Aggression powers Roadrunners through second-half act
By Hannah Velasquez Assistant Sports Editor
UTSA conquered St. Mary’s University 3-1 during their final home exhibition on Sunday at the Park West Athletics Complex.
The Roadrunners got off to a slow start, struggling against the Rattlers defense. The game began to turn around when senior defender Zoe May stepped up and scored the game’s first point, giving UTSA an edge. The ‘Runners came alive after the first period, displaying an aggressive style that brought them closer to their opponents goal while making multiple shot attempts throughout the rest of the game.
“It’s a part of our DNA,” coach Derek Pittman said about the aggression shown during the game. “We talk a lot about competitive toughness and overall physicality. It’s a non- negotiable on our side. We have to be able to perform at that level and bring every game, regardless of what the quality might be. It is a mentality and a championship mindset that we need
to have everyday.”
With three minutes left in the first period, May scored the first point of the game while inside St. Mary’s goal box, gaining the advantage from a distracted Rattlers goalkeeper.
“I thought we started a little bit slow,” Pittman said of the game. “St. Mary’s had us a little bit on the back foot, but we started to settle in halfway through the first half, and when a few players came off the bench, I thought it was coming. Set pieces can change games, and it was a great service by Leah and a great, brave, courageous header by Zoe.”
In the first five minutes of the second period, senior forward Izzy Lane extended the Roadrunners lead to 2-0 after stealing the ball away from the Rattlers. After a failed shot attempt on junior goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler, the ‘Runners took the ball down the pitch to take control of the game.
Lane picked up UTSA’s third point off a set piece. Lane put the ball into motion from St. Mary’s corner, giving May the
opportunity to head the ball into the goal. Seconds after, a foul on UTSA resulted in the Rattlers earning a penalty kick that scored their first and only point of the game.
There were a handful of scoring attempts from both teams in the first period though most proved unprosperous. Kessler warded off the Rattlers’ early efforts, and junior forward Lulie MacFarlane came close to scoring the first point of the game. However, the ball bounced off the goalpost, resulting in St. Mary’s taking possession of the ball.
“We played some quality soccer, created quality chances and showed a bit of competitive toughness today that we hadn’t in the last few matches,” coach Derek Pittman said. “Really pleased with the steps we took forward, and now, we have two weeks to prepare for a really difficult game against the University of Texas.”
UTSA soccer will hold its Alumni Game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Park West Athletics Complex.
Counter-clockwise: Izzy Lane and Lulie MacFarlane, Zoe May heads a ball, the team rejoices after a goal, Emelie Ekman.
From left to right: Andrew Novak, Hideki Matsuyama, Jordan Spieth
Brian Harman, Rickie Fowler, Akshay Bhatia and Tommy Fleetwood.
David Ugboh/The Paisano
Rylan Renteria/Armin Suljovic/The Paisano