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Torie Mosley | Staff Writer @toriemosley 1. McNulty’s increased confidence The senior Mean Green quarterback came out gunning on the first drive. He connected on five passes for 61 yards, almost half [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

Linda Kessler | Copy Editor @LindaKessler As the second State of the University address approaches next week, UNT President Neal Smatresk revealed that the university has accomplished about 85 percent of [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

Torie Mosley | Staff Writer @toriemosley North Texas athletics has seen many changes the last few years in its pursuit to compete and thrive in the competitive state of college [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

Clay Massey | Staff Writer @Clay_FCD ARLINGTON, Texas – Carnae Dillard’s record breaking night was spoiled by the Mean Green’s second consecutive loss in straight sets. Dillard moved into 5th [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

One of the three top finance officials who departed abruptly in the wake of last year’s accounting scandal at University of North Texas walked out the door and into a job — with a pay raise — as acting vice president for finance and operations at Sam Houston State University. Carlos Hernandez resigned February 13, 2014, and was hired at Sam Houston a month later. By August 2014, he was named the permanent vice president of finance at Sam Houston at an annual salary of $225,000. His pay at UNT was $210,000 plus an annual cell phone allowance of $1,080, with $3,120 in longevity pay. He had been at UNT since 2011. Hernandez cited “personal reasons” for leaving, the school said. His hire still puzzles state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, an accountant and member of the Senate Finance Committee. “I have no idea why you would hire someone under circumstances like that,” Bettencourt said. He is the latest to question the hiring of Hernandez. Buried in hours of testimony during budget hearings earlier this year, Sam Houston State University President Dana Hoyt acknowledged that Hernandez knew of the errant bookkeeping. But, she said, Hernandez received high marks from Terry Pankratz, a former UNT finance official who had been gone from UNT for almost 15 months when Hernandez was hired at Sam Houston. “We do a background check on all hires and also visited with his direct supervisor at that point, which was Terry Pankratz,” Hoyt told state Sen, Royce West, who questioned the hire of Hernandez during a Feb. 12 hearing. Pankratz was the vice chancellor for finance at UNT in 2011, a year in which the university received $15 million in excess funds for employee benefits. He left before the UNT scandal was made public to take a job at University of Texas-Dallas. He had been at UNT for a little over two years. “And you felt comfortable given what had transpired at UNT and that person’s potential involvement in that, that that person would be suitable for employment at Sam Houston State?” West asked. Hoyt said the primary timespan of the malfeasance was before Hernandez arrived. “It was something he actually helped, in fact a quote from Pankratz was that he was probably…smart enough and savvy enough on the accounting and technology side to kind of figure out what had been an issue,” Hoyt said. view full article

Clay Massey | Staff Writer @Clay_FCD It took all five sets, but North Texas volleyball is off to a winning start. After defeating Winthrop University 3-2 to start the Tiger Invitational at [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

Alejandro Medellin | Staff Writer @medellin_alex Students have been curious about what sits behind the fences around the Union since construction began in 2012. After this semester, the long wait will be [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

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Brady Keane | Staff Writer @BradyKeane3 The North Texas Women’s volleyball team finished last season on a hot streak by winning 10 matches in a row, but lacked the experience [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

Torie Mosley | Staff Writer @toriemosley The Mean Green men’s and women’s track & field coaches will hold open team tryouts Thursday to search for the future of North Texas [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

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Kelsey Medina | Senior Staff Writer @kelsmedsays Wednesday was tuition day at UNT, and students had plenty of complaints. Some didn’t receive their financial aid on time, forcing them to be dropped [url={url}]View the full article[/url]

It is with great sadness that I pass this news along. Bob Belden, a distinguished alumnus of the College of Music, former member of the One O'Clock Lab Band, and successful composer, performer and producer, passed away this morning in a New York City hospital with his family at his side. He had been on life-support since suffering a heart attack on Sunday. Bob was a truly gifted musician and a good friend of the UNT College of Music. He will be missed. --Mike Steinel, May 20, 2015 View the full article

Akshay Mirchandani / Sports Editor The 2015 NFL Draft was this past weekend, but no one from the Mean Green football team was selected. The last time that happened was in 2004. But, there were three Mean Green players that signed as undrafted free agents once all seven rounds were over. Whether they actually make their respective teams remains to be seen, but they will at least get a shot in training camp. Derek Akunne, linebacker Akunne signed with the Atlanta Falcons after the draft. The linebacker was the anchor of North Texas' defense last year, leading the team and Conference USA in tackles with 108 while also registering three sacks. Akunne was asked to step into the shoes of Zach Orr this season, after his gradution. Orr went undrafted last year, but was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens and was able to make the team and become a rotational linebacker for the Ravens. Akunne will now try to follow in Orr's footsteps once again, this time in the NFL. Cyril Lemon, offensive lineman Lemon is on his way to the New Orleans Saints after going undrafted. He was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Mean Green and was a team captain for the Mean Green last season along with Akunne. Lemon started every game he played in during his time with the Mean Green. He and the rest of the offensive line were big factors in North Texas getting to and winning the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2014. He was also named to the All-Conference First Team that season. Antonio Johnson, offensive lineman Lemon is not the only North Texas offensive lineman to land with an NFL squad. His teammate, Antonio Johnson, signed a contract with the New York Jets. Johnson, like Lemon, was a four-year starter on the offensive line and a key cog in helping block for the likes of Reggie Pegram, Brandin Byrd and even Lance Dunbar over the past few seasons. In 2013, he and Lemon were part of an offensive line that allowed just 11 sacks. View the full article

Editor’s Note: In the last roundtable of the semester, the sports staff breaks down how North Texas fared in year two of the Conference USA era. Torie Mosley / Intern Writer North Texas’ second year in C-USA play was average at best. The football, basketball and softball teams disappointed Mean Green fans, but do have some hope for the future. But, the golf, soccer and cross country teams were big positives. Football had a rough year after the Heart of Dallas bowl victory in 2013-2014. The Mean Green finished just 4-8, plagued with injuries, turnovers and poor road play. Poor road play also hurt men’s and women’s basketball’s seasons. The men finished 14-17, going just 3-10 on the road. The team ended its season on a sour note against Rice University with a 82-54 loss in the C-USA tournament. Women’s basketball wrapped up its season with a 5-24 record, and mutually parted ways with coach Mike Petersen. Hopefully new head coach Jalie Mitchell can bring a spark to next year’s team. Softball has a 16-27 record with a handful of games left to play. Its road record has also suffered, going 4-12 on the road so far this season. The squad is currently on a four game losing streak. Men’s golf has seen recent success with senior Juan Munoz winning the C-USA individual championship and the team winning the entire thing over the University of Alabama – Birmingham. Women’s golf just had its best finish at the C-USA championship since 2011, finishing fourth at the event. Freshman Abbi Shaddix tied for seventh place, posted the best finish in a conference championship by a freshman since Nina Reis in 1999. There are positives for most of the teams across campus, and next year is filled with potential. Brianna Pleasant / Intern Writer The football team did not have the season that they were hoping to have. Offensive struggles, defensive inconsistencies and not being able to find a consistent quarterback led to the team having a rough year. The softball team also failed to have the season it wanted. Various pitching troubles and a lack of consistency has left the team searching for answers throughout the season. It does not help that weather called for the cancellation of several games that the team won’t be able to make up. The team is now trying to snag one of the final spots in the C-USA tournament. One of the teams that flew under the radar, but garnered the most success, this season was the men's golf team. Munoz just won the C-USA individual championship while the team won the overall C-USA crown as well. Clearly, this wasn’t the best year for sports. Certain teams flourished while most failed to rise to the occasion. Alex Lilley / Intern Writer This year started with Mean Green football, who looked poised to have a successful year, but ultimately delivered a disappointing 4-8 season. The team never hit its stride couldn’t put anything together. Most of the damage came in the middle of the season when the team lost four games in a row. It’ll have a lot to improve on if it wants to make a difference this next year. Soccer continued to perform at the high level we’ve come to expect from the team and head coach John Hedlund. The team recorded its 20th winning season and reached the C-USA finals, but fell in that game for the second straight year. With a lot of key returning players and a solid freshmen class, soccer has an opportunity to get back to and win the championship. The men’s basketball team team ended the regular season on a losing streak, and it extended into the first round of the C-USA tournament with the loss to Rice. With a majority of the point leaders being seniors, the team will have to find a new identity next year. Softball seems to be losing gas near the end of the regular season. This team can build wins against quality teams this week, and need to find the form it had during its seven game win streak earlier in the season. One sport performing admirably down the stretch is the men’s golf team. The team won its 30th conference title and is on its way to the NCAA tournament. View the full article

Rhiannon Saegert / News Editor President Smatresk met with the Student Government Association at their weekly Wednesday meeting to discuss the details of how and why Gov. Greg Abbott was selected as the mass commencement keynote speaker. Following student outcry over the choice of Abbott for commencement speaker, SGA created a resolution calling for the Distinguished Lecture Series committee to be involved in the selection process for commencement in the future. Smatresk addressed the SGA, relaying the story from start to finish and answering questions before the resolution was finalized and voted on. Smatresk said commencement speaker booking costs and time were major factors in the choice. "There's a sweepstakes for big name speakers," Smatresk said. "Negotiations usually begin a year before commencement." He said costs usually range between $50,000 and $100,000 for speakers, and the process has left him feeling somewhat cynical. "How much money is it worth for you to hear a famous person say, 'Great job class of 2015' for 15 minutes?" Smatresk said. "I don't actually know the answer." He said as commencement drew closer, the administration was beginning to feel pressured. When Abbott accepted the invitation in May, the commencement committee still had not found a speaker. "Of all the universities he could have chosen, he chose to come here," Smatresk said. "I value the opportunity to make a friend. We have a chance to make a friend with power who will listen to us." He said he had not expected the backlash the choice generated, but appealing to students was not part of his job. "Would I like to have your input? Yes I would, but I think it's an open question: At what cost?" Smatresk said. "I'm open to it, I'm inviting the dialogue and I'm happy to engage in it." Political science junior and SGA senator Billy Poer asked about rumors of Michael J. Fox speaking that had circulated at the beginning of the semester. Smatresk said tentative negotiations had begun, but no money was spent. Anthropology and history senior and senator Mario Ovalle and integrative studies senior and senator Christy Medrano, both members of the Abbot Free UNT Coalition, asked questions during the Q & A portion of the meeting. Ovalle brought up Abbott's stances on marriage equality, immigration and education funding, asking if Abbott was an appropriate choice and whether LGBT and undocumented students would feel comfortable at commencement. "Should we allow someone like Abbott to speak at commencement?" Ovalle said. "UNT has politicized commencement by bringing a very polarizing figure." Smatresk said Abbott's politics were incidental to his role as commencement speaker, and the invitation was not tacit approval of his platform. "Is it uncommon for universities to host political events? No," Smatresk said. "We are an open forum for any political entity." He spoke about Wendy Davis' campaign stop on campus last semester as a comparison. "She was appealing to her base. Does that mean we picked or chose as a campus?" Smatresk said. "It doesn't. The campus doesn't take sides." Ovalle said he was not satisfied with the answer, given the number of students who told him they will not attend commencement while he petitioned against Abbott's arrival. "I do not think the president adequately addressed my question," Ovalle said. "He called that reaction silly. I think that's highly condescending to someone experiencing those struggles. If we want an inclusive and diverse campus we need to have inclusive and diverse events." Medrano asked how bringing Abbott as a speaker would open up a dialogue when he will only be at UNT for a brief time. "I'm not defending him, but I think we have a chance to show the governor what we're about," Smatresk said. "He comes in, he talks, he spends some quality time with a few people and he leaves." Medrano said she felt the answer was true, but told her Abbott's presence on campus was more about the relationship between the administration and the Texas legislature than the graduating student. "It is disheartening that Smatresk would not consider these [LGBT and undocumented] communities when selecting a commencement speaker, especially because those particular students often had the most difficult path to graduation," Medrano said. She said the financial reasons given for selecting Abbott as the speaker did not ring true to her. "I do not understand how Smatresk could put forth financial costs as a reason to bring Abbott when the administration already knew just how expensive a commencement speaker could be," Medrano said. The vote was postponed due to lack of senator attendance. The SGA currently plans to vote on the resolution electronically. View the full article

Paul Wedding / Senior Staff Writer The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill today giving government control over gas and oil well ordinances in Texas, potentially making Denton’s ban on hydraulic fracturing null and void. The bill was passed with ease as only 18 representatives out of 140 opposed it and now goes to the Senate to be voted upon. Filed in response to Denton’s recent ban on fracking, the bill prohibits bans on subsurface drilling and nullifies various existing city ordinances regulating oil and gas operations in Texas. “It was pretty well expected that it would pass,” Denton city councilman John Ryan said. “It’s yet to be seen to what it will do to our ordinance.” Ryan said city council recently extended the moratorium on fracking in response to the bill. He said the bill's effect on Denton’s fracking ban still needs to be figured out, and he feels this bill leaves a lot to interpretation. “There are a lot of other bills that directly say no fracking [bans]. This one doesn’t say no fracking, it says we can’t do anything about what happens underground,” Ryan said. “While the fracking action takes place underground, the machinery is on top of the ground. It may still end up as something the court has to decide.” Adam Briggle fought for fracking regulation for years and has fought to ban fracking since January 2014 when he founded Frack Free Denton. He said he was disappointed to see the bill pass, but that the fight isn't over. “They’ve got to reconcile this [HB 40] with the senate version,” Briggle said. “There’s a long shot. It could get held up in the process and we could run the clock out on it.” Briggle also said there is a lot of ambiguity and speculation on what the bill actually means for the fracking ban. Alfredo Sanchez, one of the protestors in Denton, said he was upset by the news. “We wanted to have a say on our planning and what kind of environment we want within our cities,” Sanchez said. “Now, we’ll have no say in where we put our wells.” History junior Olivia Jameson said she thinks the bill is outrageous and the House of Representatives doesn’t know what is best for Denton. “They don’t live here or have to deal with what happens here, but we do,” Jameson said. View the full article

Paul Wedding / Senior Staff Writer The suspect in the assault on a College Inn resident was caught and arrested by the UNT Police Department on April 1. Charles Lee Bacon was arrested for criminal trespassing and cited for assault by contact and solicitation, according to the UNT police log. Bacon had been selling magazine subscriptions out of Missouri, and was dropped off on campus on March 26 to try to sell to College Inn residents, Public Information Officer John DeLong said. “He had a very aggressive nature about his sales and the way he talked,” DeLong said. When Bacon arrived at the victim’s door, he had walked inside of her room without her permission, and was very insistent on selling to her. She agreed, but said she had to walk to Willis Library to get money out of an ATM. When she left, he followed her. On the way there she ran into one of her friends, and they set up a plan to get Bacon away from her. She told the salesman that she would be back in a couple minutes after going to get money. Growing impatient, he went to find her. That’s when she told him she wasn’t going to buy the magazines, which upset him. “She said that he had pushed her in the stairwell of Willis Library, and he left,” DeLong said. On Wednesday, April 1, one of the UNT police detectives had made contact with the suspect by phone, and arranged an interview. He was then arrested afterward and booked into the Denton County Jail. Associate Director for Housing Operations James Fairchild was not aware of the incident. Sidney Smith, the College Inn hall director, said there was not much they could do other than make the residents as aware of the incident as possible by putting out bulletins on their Facebook page and giving out proper safety tips. Integrative Studies Junior Maria Rodriguez was one of several College Inn residents who was unaware of the assault. She said she wished College Inn had made the residents more aware. “It’s important to let residents know when things like that happen,” she said. View the full article

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Akshay Mirchandani / Sports Editor The Mean Green women’s basketball team snapped a six game losing streak and notched its second win of the season by beating Rice University 53-48 on Saturday at the Super Pit. The Mean Green (2-12, 1-2) came out shooting well on the offensive end after struggling in its previous few games, shooting 50 percent from the field in the first eight minutes. But North Texas’ shooting diminished throughout the first half, as Rice ended up taking a 27-23 lead into halftime. The team took the lead as the second half began thanks to six quick points by senior guard BreAnna Dawkins. The game was tied at 45-45 with almost a minute left, but Dawkins hit a three-pointer to put the Mean Green up 48-45 and helped seal the win. Dawkins had 15 points, all of which came in the second half. Sophomore guard Candice Adams also had 15 points while senior forward Briesha Wynn added 12 points. Next up, the Mean Green will playing the University of North Carolina – Charlotte at the Super Pit on Jan. 15. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. View the full article

Photo Story by: Ryan Vance – Staff Photographer & Edward Balusek – Visuals Editor A masked Mean Green fan holds a sign that reads "Our D ends careers #askash #askjunejones #askyourcoach" on Saturday. Photo by Ryan Vance – Staff Photographer A fan flies his Scrappy puppet around during the game on Saturday. Photo by Edward Balusek – Visuals Editor A fan is dressed in football pads, pom-poms and a Mean Green flag for a cape during the game on Saturday. Photo by Edward Balusek – Visuals Editor A member of the Mean Green Brigade holds a sign that reads "Nicholls is not a state" during the game on Saturday. Photo by Ryan Vance – Staff Photographer Featured Image: The Mean Green Man watches over his Mean Green flock during the game on Saturday. Some say he's the hero we deserve, a silent protector, a green knight. Photo by Edward Balusek – Visuals Editor View the full article

Edward Balusek // Visuals Editor Within our nearly 900-acre campus are hundreds of spots where one can find some privacy. This list was compiled to offer the best suitable locations where a student can privately cry (or engage in coitus). The prime areas for doing such things require a certain level of visual privacy as well as audible privacy. After all, you don't want to be caught because of the sound of your depressing boo-hoos (or your noisy lover). 5. Inside the Sky Theater, UNT's planetarium The Sky Theater isn't the most ideal place for whimpering or whoopie under the stars, but it does offer some elements of privacy. It's dark, and I mean, can't-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face dark. It's loud; the sound system inside the theater seems like someone has cranked it to 11 and ripped the knob off. Although it offers some good requirements for privacy, there will always be someone else in there with you. If you're feeling gutsy you may be able to get away with being unnoticed. And if you're successful, there's always a good show to watch afterward. 4. Underneath the first floor stairwell on the northeast side of the GAB This area offers a high level of visual privacy because of the cavernous design of the stairwell. A section roughly 10 feet by 5 feet is deeply tucked away underneath the staircase. Also, the spot lacks foot traffic. There are quite a few students who use the stairs; however, there isn't an exit to the building or entrance to a hallway of classrooms in that stairwell. Audible privacy is a different story. If you've ever been inside any of the GAB's stairwells you know that it is a resonating chamber. A pin drop's echo would rings out like church bells. If you've mastered the art of silent crying or lovemaking then this spot is perfect. 3. Underneath Fouts Field stadium seats Numerous nooks and crannies are available in the remaining structure of Fouts Field. This spot contains tall concrete walls and there aren't any lights, not to mention it looks like a ghost town. The high ceiling does however create a minor echo. Though, the effect is somewhat dampened by the concrete and open-air infrastructure. Overall, the dark, deserted area gives off a sense of seclusion, which benefits those who take their time with their partner and those who like to revel in a good cry. 2. Practice modules inside Bruce Hall Located on the first floor of Bruce Hall are practice modules. Some have pianos inside and some have nothing but a music stand, which give you the ability to serenade your partner or perform a melancholy ballad while your crocodile tears drip onto the ivory keys. The rooms are virtually sound proof and are well hidden within the labyrinth-like floor plan of Bruce Hall. What I mean by virtually sound proof is that you can barely hear the muffled, violent banging of piano keys. The room where the practice modules are housed also have a deserted ambiance, much like Fouts Field, but also feels as though you could be murdered with an axe inside the dimly lit cellar. If you're unbothered by creepiness there's no issue. The likelihood of being discovered is severely hampered by the location within the residence hall and the modules are a prime spot for students who can't help but make a ruckus together - or alone. 1. Dorm rooms There's no better sense of privacy than the privacy of your own, or your friend's, dorm room. The living space comes equipped with a lock on the door and multiple surfaces like beds, chairs and desks for you to breakdown in the fetal position or get busy - and I don't mean busy with bookwork. Sure, you run the risk of suitemates or passersby hearing your laborious grunts, groans and sniffles, but no one will think twice about invading your space and interrupting. Feature Image: Underneath Fouts Field Stadium seats is one of the top five places where a student can find some privacy on campus. Photo By Edward Balusek Visuals Editor View the full article

Jason Yang / Intern Local movie theaters are taking extra precautions after a mass shooting at a midnight premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises†in Aurora, Colo. Melanie Hein, a manager at Movie Tavern Denton, said the movie theater is working closely with the Denton Police Department, as well as enforcing temporary rules. “None of the attendees or employees can wear masks or dress as Batman,†Hein said. “Everyone has to dress normal or they won’t get in.†Hein said while these rules are temporary, Movie Tavern officials are working on a safety protocol that will apply to the chain’s [...] View the full article

Preston Barta / Contributing Writer "The Dark Knight Rises" is easily one of this year's most anticipated films. After the hype that the near-perfect “The Dark Knight created in 2008, this finale generated high expectations. Well, ladies and gentlemen, you may rest easy because the Bat has arrived, and the result is a stunning conclusion to an epic trilogy. The story picks up eight years after the events that took place at the end of "The Dark Knight" with Christian Bale returning as our favorite Caped Crusader. This time around Batman is pitted against Catwoman (an excellent Anne Hathaway) and [...] View the full article

Nicole Balderas / Senior Staff Writer The Denton Community Market has only been around for three years, but the attention it has gained would suggest otherwise. Since its beginning in April 2010, new vendors have flocked to the market, about a minute-long drive west of the Denton square, finding it an ideal place for small businesses to thrive. "Four years ago, after visiting cities all around the country and exploring their markets, I thought Denton should have this," said Kati Trice, market coordinator. " I couldn't t believe that with the creative atmosphere that Denton has, that we didn't t have a farmers [...] View the full article