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‘I want to be in Omaha next year — we’re coming’ Aggie baseball sees new leadership for coming season with Schlossnagle By Ryan Faulkner @ryanfaulk03

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Newly hired head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle was introduced to the Texas A&M community on June 10 at Kyle Field’s Ford Hall of Champions.

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New Texas A&M baseball head coach Jim Schlossnagle made a grand first appearance with the 12th Man, setting the stage for what the Aggies hope will be the coaching run of the century. Texas A&M Director of Athletics Ross Bjork publicly introduced Schlossnagle on Wednesday, June 10 in an A&M Welcome Celebration. Held at the Ford Hall of Champions at Kyle Field, the event saw fans and press alike come together to show Schlossnagle what being an Aggie truly means while getting a sneak peek into Schlossnagle’s plans for the future. Schlossnagle, the former head baseball coach at Texas Christian University, didn’t waste any time. He kicked things off with a

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fiery message on what the Bryan-College Station community can expect from the Aggies going forward. “The goal is a national title,” Schlossnagle said. “There won’t ever be a day when the goal is anything less than that. Every year, I expect to go 56-0. That’s what I’m about, and you can hold me accountable there. That’s the bottom line.” With TCU, Schlossnagle became the winningest coach in program history, holding an 811-393 record. Eighteen conference championships, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances and five trips to the College World Series secured the two-time Coach of the Year’s place among the nation’s top program managers. Following Tuesday’s announcement of the new hire, many fans were left wondering why a coach with so much success as a Horned Frog would leave Fort Worth and join a team that failed to even qualify for this year’s SEC Tournament. For Schlossnagle, the answer was simple.

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More than June 19, 1865 LAST CALL HOW TO GET YOUR AGGIE RING ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2021:

Check Ring Eligibility by June 22 Order Aggie Ring by June 23 Aggie Ring Day: September 24, 2021 If you meet the requirements after Spring 2021: 1. Login or create an account at AggieNetwork.com by June 22 to check your Ring eligibility. 2. In the Aggie Ring tab, click on "Order Your Aggie Ring". • Follow the steps to customize your Aggie Ring; your eligibility will be checked after this step.

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Juneteenth is celebrated annually nationwide on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in 1865, particularly in the state of Texas.

Students discuss impact, importance of Juneteenth By Michaela Rush @Michaela4Batt June 19, or Juneteenth, is the annual celebration of national emancipation. Though this day has nationwide significance, it is even more important to the Black community, especially those in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed two years prior, the advent of Juneteenth occurred June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas to free a group of enslaved people. Since then, the day has become a celebration for Black Americans to remember this important piece of history. English junior Jaelyn Lynch said this holiday is especially important to her because of the connection to her family and cultural history. “To me, Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the nation’s history, remember

the lives of my ancestors and most importantly a time to acknowledge and implement perspective into my everyday life moving forward,” Lynch said. While this holiday has always been important for Lynch, the awareness of Juneteenth is still low for those who are not Black Americans. Communication senior Luisa Castillo said she did not learn about Juneteenth until last year following a summer of hard racial conversations. “I feel like the holiday didn’t get enough representation [on] social media up until recent years with the height of the [Black Lives Matter] movement. Because of the George Floyd protests around May and June of 2020, especially bringing up historical significance, that’s where I first really learned about the story of Juneteenth. I’ve always heard of it but never knew what it really was. I’m glad that it’s been given a lot more attention.” After researching the holiday, Castillo said it’s critical for non-Black people, especially non-Black Aggies, to have an understanding of the historic landmark

to better support their Black classmates. “I want other Aggies to know that Juneteenth is more than a holiday,” Castillo said. “It’s representation. Juneteenth celebrates the last slaves that were freed, but also continues to hold power for those stuck in the injustices of systematic racism. Ways that non-Black Aggies can celebrate are by educating themselves on Black history, supporting Black businesses and contribut[ing] to [raise] awareness on Juneteenth, Black success and other monumental historical moments.” Political science senior Matthew Francis Jr., president of the Black Student Alliance Council, feels passionately about Juneteenth, especially in comparison to holidays like Independence Day. Francis said he views Juneteenth as an independence celebration for all Black Americans. “The entire nation celebrates July 4 as freedom day, but Juneteenth, for Black or African Americans, that is our freedom day,” Francis said. “Understanding that while for the nation, July JUNETEENTH ON PG. 4

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JUNETEENTH CONTINUED freedom day,” Francis said. “Understanding that while for the nation, July 4, 1776 is independence [for the U.S.] June 19, 1865, that was for Black African-American people — that was our emancipation.” Francis said he uses his time reflecting on how the conditions of Black Americans have changed throughout the past year to celebrate Juneteenth. “A year ago from today, we were dealing with very high tensions on campus, very high tensions with race in our country,” Francis said. “We’re still seeing active pushes to diminish the Black vote and put down Black voices –– especially Black women, to keep out Black LGBTQ+ from the conversation, to keep our Black and Latinx Black and Asian Black, just all these different in-

tersections out of the conversation. This celebration of that big piece of freedom from enslavement, what does it mean this year?” Francis emphasized the importance of continuing conversations surrounding race, especially with Juneteenth ahead. He encourages his peers to learn more about the holiday and educate themselves, which he said allows for more depth of conversation. “Let’s have these conversations, but before we do, you do your research,” Francis said. “When you come to the table, I expect that we’re going to talk and we’re going to have a better conversation than ‘what is Juneteenth?’ I want you to [ask] how do we move forward. I want to have a more coherent conversation than having to teach you … Help me help you, so the conversations we have on this campus are better.”

“I like a challenge,” Schlossnagle said. Under the direction of former head coach Rob Childress, the Aggies recorded 622 wins, appearing in 13 straight NCAA Tournaments along with two College World Series. After Childress’s departure, the Brazos Valley began questioning who could take an already-dominant baseball organization to the next level. Schlossnagle said he is prepared to do exactly that with the 12th Man. “You have my full-on commitment that there will never be a minute or an hour or a day where I’m not doing something to better this program,” Schlossnagle said. “We’ll make it a product that you want to see and be a part of.” The opportunity to improve the A&M legacy was not the only benefit considered in his decision. Schlossnagle said the stars aligned perfectly so that taking over for the Aggies became the best-case scenario for his career, his family and himself. “I knew that if I was to ever leave TCU, it had to fit a perfect criteria and happen at a perfect time,” Schlossnagle said. “All of those things lined up.” As a newcomer to College Station, Schlossnagle will need to adapt to the most pronounced code of conduct seen in collegiate athletics — the Aggie Core Values. Bjork said Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service will be at the center of A&M baseball going forward, and he firmly believes Schlossnagle is capable of maintaining those values. In addition to A&M’s guiding principles, Schlossnagle has three personal standards seen in every aspect of his own life: selflessness, excellence and energy. Schlossnagle said the first two pair well with A&M’s Core Values. “Selflessness, to me, is knowing that this life isn’t about you,” Schlossnagle said. “It’s about what you can do for other people. In order for a team to have success, you have to give something up. You have to give yourself to the team. The more you give, the more you get back. “Excellence is trying to be one percent better every single day. It’s the compound effect. It’s putting good days on top of good days and knowing that how you do anything is how you do everything.” The head coach said his third principle, energy, is what he believes will help lead the Aggies to success in the 2022 season and beyond. “You can control your attitude and your effort,” Schlossnagle said. “You don’t have to be a great player to do that. I’m going to hold my guys to that.” After a long search process full of interviews, research, background checks and a full-blown advisory team, the Texas A&M Athletics Department finally agreed Schlossnagle was the perfect

fit to don the maroon and white. With Childress setting a precedent of dominance on the diamond over the past 16 seasons, the A&M community has come to expect a top-level performance from the Aggies. Bjork said he is confident Schlossnagle is up for the job of continuing the legacy. “His drive, his passion, his commitment to high level baseball was exactly what we wanted,” Bjork said. Much of Schlossnagle’s success with the Horned Frogs was rooted in his ability to cultivate relationships with his players. The Maryland native said he plans to continue this game plan with the Aggies. “There’s nothing more important than the players,” Schlossnagle said. “The program belongs to the players. This is not my baseball program. We will continue to develop our guys to be the very best versions of themselves, on and off the field.” This strategy has proven successful thus far. Under Schlossnagle’s guidance, TCU has routinely seen multiple players drafted by the MLB over the last seventeen years, for a total of 73 draftees, including a program record of nine in 2019. A&M wants this success for its players during college and beyond, Bjork said. “We believe that [Schlossnagle’s] commitment to young men on and off the field will carry us forward,” Bjork said. “That’s the vision.” Also accompanying Schlossnagle is an “up-tempo offense” strategy, taking a step away from the Aggies’ previous slow-and-steady approach. For most of TCU’s 2021 season, the Horned Frogs led the nation in runs scored and claimed an extremely high on-base percentage. Schlossnagle said he is hopeful the Aggies can bring this offensive dominance to College Station. For Schlossnagle, this means rounding out the offensive gameplay so that the team has a multitude of strengths and zero weaknesses. “We don’t ever want to be a team that’s one-dimensional,” Schlossnagle said. “We want to be able to win the games in multiple ways. On offense, you want to put pressure on the other team. You want to be aggressive without being reckless –– there’s a fine line there. The goal in offense is not to get hits. The goal is to score runs.” Schlossnagle will make the permanent move to College Station later this year and officially begin his first run with the maroon and white in the spring of 2022. Until then, Schlossnagle said he is prepared to spend his time fully aquainting himself with the A&M community. The Bjork-minted “new face of A&M baseball” closed out his first public visit to Aggieland with a promise to the 12th Man and a threat to all opponents coming to Olsen Field in the future. “Get ready,” Schlossnagle said. “I want to be in Omaha next year. We’re coming.”

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Back in business FILE — THE BATTALION

As the Bryan-College Station community begins to return to normalcy following COVID-19 restrictions, several new businesses are seeking economic growth within the area.

College Station businesses flourish following end of COVID-19 restrictions By Nathan Varnell @newsncv As COVID-19 restrictions lift and the economy rebounds, new businesses are coming to the Bryan-College Station area. College Station lost a number of businesses to the pandemic, but the city’s economic development team and business owners said they are optimistic about reopening this year. Vacant locations are being backfilled by new restaurants, retailers and grocery stores, which city staff said could be of interest for Texas A&M students as customers or potential employees. Many of these developments were being negotiated with the city government before 2020, Stacey Vasquez, the city’s economic development coordinator, said. “When the pandemic hit, everything got put on hold,” Vasquez said. “But now, we’re getting calls saying, ‘We’re interested; we’re ready.’”

The popular Dutch Bros Coffee is opening at least three other locations in the city after seeing great success on Wellborn Road, Vasquez said, which opened as the company’s first Texas location on Jan. 5, 2021. One new location, opening soon, is being built next to Baylor Scott and White Medical Center on Earl Rudder Freeway. A number of the businesses arriving are along University Drive close to campus, economic development manager Aubrey Nettles said on the May 24 episode of the city’s All Up In Your Business podcast. Recently-opened stores include restaurants such as Five Guys at Chimney Hill and jewelry stores such as Kendra Scott at Century Square. Upcoming shops include a 5.11 Tactical, opening June 26 at Gateway Station Shopping Center, and Insomnia Cookies, which will offer deliveries as late as 3 a.m., Vasquez said. “I think it will be a big hit with students,” Vasquez said. “If anybody wants some late night cookies, they can go there or have them delivered, which is awesome.” As South College Station continues to grow residentially, new entertainment options

for both students and families are a priority for city staff, Vasquez said. Recently-announced is a mini-golf course, Kraken’s Revenge, and a rock-climbing and fitness facility, Stone Co. Climbing. City staff are working to bring in other attractions, Vasquez said. For those who live in midtown, Costco Wholesale announced in April a new facility would be built along Earl Rudder Freeway. “That was a great win for College Station,” Vasquez said. “The city had been working on getting Costco here for several years. It will also be a great opportunity for students in terms of employment.” The city has been at work on other initiatives as well — everything from bringing in new industries for residents to a “brunch crawl,” Vasquez said. “We have so many great brunch options here, it was kind of a joke around here that since we’re getting two new ones, maybe we should have a brunch crawl and just go from one place to another,” Vasquez said. The two new brunch restaurants are The Toasted Yolk Café and Snooze A.M. Eatery. Snooze will open later this summer and has

begun the hiring process, Snooze account executive Lily Stearns said. “[It] could be a great opportunity for students to get involved in a growing business that celebrates authenticity, sustainability, community outreach and of course, exceptional breakfast,” Stearns said. This business boom will allow the city to pay back into the local economy, public communications director Jay Socol said on All Up In Your Business. The sales tax generation report for March 2021 saw a net of $3.2 million, which was 44.2 percent higher than March 2020 and 33.3 percent higher than the sales taxes received in March of 2019. “We have several companies coming here that would be looking for more degreed individuals too,” Vasquez said. “Matica, in the Providence Park center, broke ground a few months ago and they are bringing 100 new jobs to the city. That’s another side that we are looking at, bringing in new industries interested in coming here. “We want to create businesses here that increase available careers for people and increase the average salary in College Station.”

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Fisher’s Aggie family

Courtesy of Bailey Orr/Texas A&M Athletics — THE BATTALION

Texas A&M head football coach Jimbo Fisher led nine Aggies to the NFL Draft following the 2020-2021 season, four of which were picked up within the first four rounds.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher serves as father figure in student athletes’ lives By Jennifer Streeter @jennystreeter3 Texas A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher is a family man.

Fisher is a married father of two sons and a stepson. However, as the head coach of the Aggies, he has also served as a father figure to hundreds of football players. Fisher said it’s common to occasionally take on the role of a parent as a coach. “When you’re with [these players], you’re not their parents, but you take the part of their parents sometimes,” Fisher said. “Being

in charge of the responsibility of them, becoming who they can become when you’re their coach, when they’re away from home.” One of the clearest public connections Fisher has with a player is his relationship with former quarterback Kellen Mond. The San Antonio native already had one year under his belt before Fisher stepped in as head coach in 2018. However, they quickly developed a

strong relationship. “It’s for a lack of a better term, how your children grow up, the conversations they have with you, you know what I’m saying? [Mond’s conversations], from a football standpoint, from a psychological standpoint, are really good,” Fisher said during A&M’s 2019 Media Day event. “I think that’s now allowing him to transition into putting his personality and demeanor on the other players. It’s hard to do that when you are still battling for a job yourself and proving yourself. From that standpoint, he has grown tremendously.” Under Fisher, Mond started 36 consecutive games and logged 19 touchdowns and 8,286 passing yards. Additionally, the duo led the Aggies to two bowl victories including the Texas Bowl in 2020 and the Orange Bowl in 2021. The obstacles he and his mentor have overcome have only solidified their relationship, the signal caller said during the postgame presser after defeating North Carolina 41-27. “Our first year together, looking at where [Fisher and I] are now, we’ve overcome so much,” Mond said. “We’ve been through a lot of adversity and a lot of people doubted him and also doubted me. We just continue to fight and now we only lose one game, which was about two months ago. And now, we’re Orange Bowl champions.” At the 2021 NFL Draft, Fisher had nine Aggies up for grabs. Fisher said the draft brought another opportunity of a shared sense of pride for parents and coaches alike. “When you’re a parent, I can’t imagine having your child’s name called right there across the board [in the NFL Draft],” Fisher said. “But as a coach, you feel a lot of those same feelings … You watch them grow and become men and the evolution of who they become as people through the ups and downs and the successes and the failures.” With 32 franchises and seven rounds, the athletes that had been under Fisher for three years had a chance to hear their name called on the biggest stage in football. Fisher tuned in and awaited the same announcements. The head coach said seeing how far his players went was a gratifying experience for him. Of the nine Aggies in the draft, four were picked up in the first four rounds. Mond was the first A&M player drafted. Fisher’s prodigy was drafted at No. 66 in the third round. “It’s a very, very rewarding thing,” Fisher said. “Because you’re so proud, not for yourself, but of what they’ve accomplished for themselves.”

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Texas A&M reports

Aggie Band, Emergency Medical Services see influx of positive cases

By Brady Stone @bradystonex

Under the Clery Act, Texas A&M identified two new has COVID-19 clusters as of Nov. 9: one among the Aggie Band (Artillery

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two additional COVI

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Band, Dorm 12) and one Medical Services (Events). within Emergency ates several indicators and variables to confirm These reports are the The reports of these fifth and sixth clus- a cluster. The indicators A&M looks new clusters came ters at A&M and are for are the number of positive the COVID-19 cases, the same day the A&M football team canceledthe since late September. first to be confirmed timeframe encompassing in-person activities The current data A&M after two players and all has made available the cases are attributable cases and whether staff member one at time of publication tested positive for COVID-19. to a specific event, 257 total cases of COVID-19 lists location or group. At this time there The variables A&M on campus as at are no reported clusters “active” as of Nov. looks among the are population, activities 8. A&M football and mitigation. All According to their Nov. 14 game against team, but the team’s website, A&M evalu- of these criteria are considered in determining Tennessee has been potential clusters and an appropriate response. postponed due to contact tracing and subsequent quarantines.

Analyzing the electio Kaylee Cogbill —

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Aggie Ring recipients can pick up their rings on Nov. 17, 19 and 20.

November Ring Day to allow two guests Association eases COVID-19 restrictions for upcoming event

Illustration by

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By Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_

Changes have been COVID-19 restrictions made to the for Aggie Ring Day this November. Ring Day, which had

“My entire professional career has been shaped by my time spent working at @TheBattOnline as a student reporter and editor. I’m no longer in the J-biz, but make no mistake: I use elements of what I learned there every hour of every day. Can’t imagine my life without it!” True Brown, ’04, Agricultural Journalism Director of Development, A&M Foundation

previously become Ring Week this semester, will be held on Nov. 17, 19 and 20. Recipients President-elect Joe can choose a time between Biden is proceeding 8:30 a.m. and 5 with a transition of p.m. on Tuesday or power and announced Thursday or between via Joe Biden Facebook his 13-member COVID-19 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Friday to pick up task force on Nov. their Aggie Ring. 9. Texas A&M’s Public Different from the Ring Policy Research Institute Week held this Kirby Goidel, Ph.D., past September, the said the president-elect get anything done. They want the Association of Former country to is unlikely to fulfill his Students will now allow dream of unity any time be in a better place.” soon after America’s up to two guests into recipients to bring Communication professor longtime disintegration Jennifer Merof trust in institutions and the Clayton W. Haynes Ring Plaza cieca, Ph.D., author across Williams, Jr. Alumni of “Demagogue for Democrats and Republicansthe country — by President: The Center with them Rhetorical Genius to alike. of Donald “[President Donald] during their assigned pick up their rings Trump,” said Biden’s Trump has been time. All guests will focus on healing the By Myranda Campanella unique. His goal is be required to wear to keep his core support- nation and moving past polarization face coverings inside @MCampanella_ ers… And one way is a mesthe Alumni Center, sage for all of that he keeps them according to the Ashappy one particular America and falls in line with is by going after the sociation’s website. other side,” Goidel rhetorical strategy: the said. role.” “In that type of environment, “priestly “We do not encourage he 2020 presidential it’s very hard ditional guests to campus,”you to bring adMercieca has seen a wave of election to imagine that in the short-term this a statement on changes in to change.” is going this rhetoric said many presidents have utilized the website reads. “The electoral politics. throughout history, two guests in must which Despite Trump’s harsh be accompanied by the leader evokes the values the Within a week of ring rhetoric while atof the nation during winning tacking the left der to enter the restricted recipient in ortimes of crisis. This Pennsylvania, President-elect throughout his presidency, is area around the Goidel said he believes Joe Biden has announced Alumni Center, the Trump’s more authentica clear departure from Biden Ring Plaza and inside a COVID-19 task turn rhetorical style where force, reached out to some of that rhetoric will be able to he says exactly what the Alumni Center foreign allies and plans building.” he thinks, Mercieca announce his senior to after rebuilding trust across down over time said. Vice President of “Where [Biden] differs cabinet members. Amerthe nation. the Association of from Trump probica is already beginning “In Congress, it’s become Former Students ably the most is the to see the effects. De- polarized Kathryn Greenwade way that he is constantly so spite the current president’s that it’s hard to imaginepartisan and evoking American values, refusal talking about what bipartisanto concede ship, but I think the election, the Biden RING DAY ON PG. a lot of them want Washing- he thinks America means,” 6 Mercieca said. gun making changes. Administration has be- ton to work better,” “He’s much more Goidel said. “They However, Director optimistic about America didn’t of get into politics to fight all the time and never

A&M experts discuss 2020 election results, rhetorical strategies of both President Donald Trump, Joe Biden

ELECTION ON

A&M-Tennessee game postpo

‘Over a dozen’ A&M football players quarantined due to contact tracing

Staff Report

The Texas A&M football Meredith Seaver — The Battalion from Nov. 14 to Saturday,team’s game against the Tennessee Volunteers has been Dec. 12. postponed

DROPPING A CLA

Get back on track with the Winter Minim ester!

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ned

A&M players are currently undergoing SEC’s 14-day quarantine the protocols and will be unavailable until they complete the two week process.

“Since the beginning of COVID-19, the Texas A&M’s upcoming matchup with health and safety of our student-athletes, Tennessee has been coaches and staff has postponed, the SEC been our nounced on Tuesday, an- Bjork said in a press release No. 1 priority,” Nov. 10. The announcement ic department. “Throughoutfrom the athletter A&M coach Jimbo came one day af- months, the we have been reminded last several Fisher said a player and a staff member how important it is to both tested positive COVID-19 following for scenario be flexible and nimble because this was expected to happen. the their Nov. 7 win over Aggies’ return from are disappointed While we we are not able result, the team canceledSouth Carolina. As a weekend, we are appreciative to play this all in-person activity on Monday, Nov. 9, of the SEC’s and moved its scheduled foresight to build in the flexibility meetings to Zoom. that allows us to reschedule the Tennessee A&M Director of Athletics Sophomore safety Demani game.” Ross Bjork said while the postponement Richardson has is unfortunate, it is also tested positive for COVID-19, crucial that the team with his test coming practice caution in light the South last week and causing him to miss of the recent positive tests. Carolina game. In Bjork told ESPN’s his statement, Heather Dinich on Bjork said Richardson’s tested Wednesday, Nov. positive after 11, that “over a dozen” FOOTBALL ON

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inter

“Learned so much during my time there and definitely made lifelong friends. Wouldn’t be who I am today without my time at The Batt.” Doug Fuentes, ‘01, Journalism Registered Nurse/Assistant Nurse Manager, Baylor Scott & White “The Batt is where I learned my craft and caught the journalism bug. Hopefully many more generations will get the same opportunity.” Matthew Watkins, ’08, Political Science Managing Editor for News and Politics, Texas Tribune “I would not be the journalist I am today or have the goals I do now if it wasn’t for The Battalion. These students are the future of news. We need them.” Chevall Pryce, ’17, University Studies/Journalism Reporter, Houston Community Newspapers

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“I wouldn’t be anywhere without The Battalion!” C. Morgan Engel, ’18, Telecommunication Media Studies Photographer, Clarkson Creative formerly with Minnesota Vikings/San Diego Chargers “As a reporter and editor at The Batt, I learned real-time lessons: how to live A the ethics of journalism; skills that made success as an entrepreneur publisher Local election results pour in for Brazos County possible; and the conviction that journalism matters.”

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR All of the facts and figures in The Battalion’s election content were collected as of 12 a.m. on Nov. 5. Several races have yet to be called and updated information will be available online at thebatt.com.

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John Cornyn defeated Mary “MJ” Hegar in Texas’ U.S. Senate race.

John Cornyn wins fourth Senate term Incumbent Cornyn defeats MJ Hegar by almost 10 percent By Brady Stone @bradystonex

via White House Photostream

It is unknown at this time whether President Donald Trump will be waving hello to a second term or goodbye to the White House.

Results of 2020 presidential election remain unknown as ballots continue to be counted in several battleground states

Texas Democrats’ hope of a blue Texas was snuffed out Wednesday evening as top-of-the-ballot Democrats failed to flip the state in their favor. Coming off of Beto O’Rourke’s narrow loss to Ted Cruz in 2018, Democrats had hoped Mary “MJ” Hegar could unseat incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the U.S. Senate race. Cornyn, 68, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and will enter his fourth term with almost 54 percent of all votes against Hegar. Texas U.S. Senate Race

By Julia Potts @juliaapotts

fter more than 100 million voters cast early ballots nationwide, the 2020 presidential election is nearing its end during one of the most turbulent election years in history. According to the Washington Post, the trend of thousands of positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed each day have not stopped since the election began. Despite this, the CDC permitted voters who have been exposed to or infected with COVID-19 to vote in person, with precautions. “CDC’s recommendations for isolating someone who has COVID-19 or quarantining someone who was in close contact with a person with COVID-19 would not preclude them from exercising their right to vote,” the

College Station City Council sees one race head to recount, one to runoff By Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_

Angelique Gammon, ’81, Journalism Professor, Texas A&M, former owner & publisher of Insite Magazine

Final results for the Brazos County local elections came in late Tuesday evening after polls officially closed at 7 p.m. According to the College Station city blog, results are not yet official as the election commission still has to count absentee, military and provisional ballots. Mail-in ballots determined to be qualified will be counted after 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 10. These mail-in ballots will be particularly pertinent in determining the winner of College Station City Council Place 1 which, as of Tuesday evening, was in favor of incumbent Bob Brick (50.01%), a research specialist at the

CDC said in an email to CNN. On Tuesday afternoon, preliminary exit polls from ABC News showed that a plurality of voters said the economy was the most important issue in the country, not COVID-19. Among those topics surveyed in the exit polls for the most pressing issues, the top three were

John Cornyn, REP: 5,933,782 (53.6%) Mary “MJ” Hegar, DEM: 4,840,866 (43.7%)

Source: The Associated Press Graphic by Gabrielle Shreve — THE BATTALION

34 percent for economy, 21 percent for racial inequality and 18 percent for COVID-19. Brazos County results show President Trump with over a 10 percent vote lead as of Tuesday night after polls closed. While Trump PATH TO 270 ON PG. 2

Cornyn had a strong turnout in Brazos County after a late campaign visit to the Bush Library on Oct. 29. He secured 58.67 percent of Brazos County’s votes and held Hegar to 38 percent. Hegar conceded the race to Cornyn Tuesday shortly before 9 p.m. in a Twitter post. “I’m so proud and incredibly grateful for all of your support,” Hegar said. “Together, we’ve worked so hard, and overcome so much, shattering expectations along the way. We’ve built a powerful grassroots movement from the ground up, and I know our fight here in Texas U.S. SENATOR ON PG. 2

Texas A&M Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, ahead of Jason Cornelius (49.99%) by a mere six votes. If elected, Cornelius would be the first African American to serve on the city’s council. City Council Place 5 candidates Craig Regan (37.4%) and incumbent John Nichols (45.7%) will advance to a runoff election, as neither candidate received the 50 percent plus one vote majority required on Election Day. College Station City Secretary Tanya Smith said the council will consider adopting an ordinance calling for a runoff election to occur on Tuesday, Dec. 15. If the ordinance is adopted, early voting will run from Nov. 30 through Dec. 11, excluding weekends. Regan and Nichols will advance ahead of third candidate Brian Alg (16.9%). In the meantime, Nichols will continue to serve in LOCAL ELECTIONS ON PG. 2

Kaylee Cogbill — THE BATTALION

Brazos County results are not yet official with the election commission still needing to count absentee, military and provisional ballots.

blinnbound@blinn.edu www.blinn.edu Winter Minimester starts Dec.12 and the Spring semester starts Jan.19.

“My experience as a sports editor/writer was so much more valuable than most of my classes.” Carter Karels, ’18, University Studies/Journalism Sports reporter, South Bend Tribune “What I learned at The Battalion helped land internships with the Philadelphia Inquirer and The Dallas Morning News. It gave me skills to seamlessly integrate into a professional newsroom.” Angel Franco, ’19, Telecommunication Media Studies Communications specialist, Texas A&M Libraries

ARTSCRITICISM

The Battalion | 6.15.21

MOVIE REVIEW

via imdb.com — THE BATTALION

Released on April 30, 2021, “Without Remorse,” based on the novel by Tom Clancy, stars Michael B. Jordan and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

“Without Remorse” falls short emotionally Film Critic Katen Adams says “Without Remorse” is full of action but lacks character development. “Without Remorse” Director: Stefano Sollima Release Date: April 30, 2021 Runtime: 1 hour 49 minutes

By Katen Adams @Katen_ann Michael B. Jordan plays Navy SEAL John Clark in the new release “Without Remorse,” journeying across borders to avenge the death of his wife and unborn child. The film is based on a 1993 novel

of the same name by Tom Clancy. This thriller doesn’t stand out much when compared to a lineup with others in its respective genre. Directed by Stefano Sollima, this action-packed film was released on April 30 and is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime. “Without Remorse” begins with little character development for Jordan’s character and his family. The entire story lies on Clark’s rage resulting from the death of his family, but after a quick introduction, the story immediately continues, leaving little time to mourn. The lack of character building makes the plot less

interesting because the audience is not given enough time to enjoy these characters before a cascade of violence. The film can feel long and drawn out, even with a runtime of one hour and 49 minutes. “Without Remorse” continually relies on the action-filled scenes to make up for the quality lost in the beginning of the film. Adding more scenes to the runtime wouldn’t have hurt this film and would have significantly improved the storyline. There needed to be more when it came to Lauren London’s screen time. London’s character, Pam Kelly, is essential for the plot line be-

cause she is the turning point of the film, and killing off her character too soon did not do this film justice. The dramatic effect of Kelly’s death did not have as big of an impact as it would have if there was more to know about her character beforehand. The film does introduce somewhat of a plot with interesting twists, but they can be seen from a mile away. The diversity seen throughout the film is quite possibly the best part. Jodie Turner-Smith has a significant role as Karen Greer, and showcases a great “WITHOUT REMORSE” ON PG. 11

ARTSCRITICISM

The Battalion | 6.15.21

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performance as a woman in a position of power. Other than Jordan as the lead role, Turner-Smith made this film. Jordan shines in his ability to play great characters. Sadly, “Without Remorse” didn’t let him shine as bright as other films like “Black Panther’’ or “Creed.” Jordan encapsulates his mourning character well, but the action in the film overtook his performance. Grief is a hard emotion to portray on screen, and Jordan deserves a round of applause for capturing it in several ways. The foundation for the film’s events depends on Jordan portraying his character’s emotional suffering and without his performance, the entire film would have been an extremely bland watch. The action-packed scenes in the film were nice to watch. The film also introduces gore, but not to the point where it’s unbearable to watch, if anything, it was the perfect amount. “Without Remorse” has some great qualities that make it a decent watch, but overall, the bad outweighs the good. The film wasn’t unbearable to watch but it would have been nice to see a little more focus on the storyline. The diversity in “Without Remorse” is without a doubt the best part and separates the film from others in the same genre.

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