MM 2003 // C. Thomas Bailey

 Greek life has always had a relevant presence on American campuses. Even our own campus isn't devoid of such organizations , ranging from Kappa Alpha Psi to Sigma Sigma Sigma. The reputation of fraternities and sororities alike tends to precede them, with a variety of stereotypes, cliches, and misconceptions circulating much of American pop culture. However, I am the son of two parents who were involved in Greek life as college students, and are still active in their respective chapters to this day. Of course, the expectation of me joining a frat was discussed often in my household. And while I ultimately decided against joining one, I still wanted to pay homage to the grains of Greek life I was exposed to by discussing one of my parents' chapters. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is an American sorority first established in 1908 at Howard University by founder Ethel Hedgemon. It is a historically Black sorority-- making up one of nine historically Black Greek life organizations in t...

 Magnolia is happy to announce that the Christmas parade will take place today (December 8th) at 5:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Square. Originally planned to occur last Thursday, the parade was delayed due to  poor weather conditions. However, complete omission of the event was out of the question, as the parade is a lively Magnolia tradition. Monday's weather was expected to be far more acceptable, with clearer and cooler skies as the the sun and temperature drops. (An advertisement for this year's Christmas Parade) The parade will make one cycle around the square , starting at Calhoun before heading down North Jackson to Southern Arkansas University's campus. The procession will complement SAU's own Celebration of Lights, which is the institution's own festive custom. In the spirit of giving, three awards are going to be given to a few lucky recipients. These awards include the Knock Your Socks Off, Christ in Christmas, and Sugar Plum Award. More information can be f...

 Currently, I am one of eight students in Southern Arkansas University's (SAU) 2025 "Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media" class. This class is somehow both solitary and cooperative in nature; while all of our work is done on our lonesome, we are exposed to each other's progress on a semiweekly basis. A lot of good work has gone into most of our blogs, but I wanted to highlight one in particular. Madisyn Morphew is sophomore at SAU, majoring in mass communication as well as being a member of the Phi Mu Fraternity. She has an evident eye for styling as well, if the the presentation, layout, and content of her blog is anything to go by. Her website is undoubtedly one of the more appealing in the class. (A poor screenshot of Morphew's blog) Aesthetically, Morphew utilizes a monochromatic theme for her blog, intermingling the likes of various whites, grays, and blacks (with a neutral sepia on occasion). This makes her website feel very classy, and probably the mo...

 San Franciscan app Reddit  doubles as both a social media app and a news app. Originally founded in 2005, the app was made by web developers and entrepreneurs Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian, and Aaron Swartz. (The Reddit logo) The app essentially acts as streamlined forums dedicated to specific communities called "subreddits." These subreddits are the informational sources that make up Reddit's pages; these pages are categorized as: The " Home Page ," where users' subscribed subreddits appear The " Popular Page ," where trending posts and subreddits appear The " Answers Page ," where users can use the app's AI to search the its database and backlog of posts and information The " Explore Page ," where users can browse lists of subreddits (Screenshots of Reddit's 2025 layout of its Popular and Answers Page) The app was valued to be an relatively impressive $10B with its arrival on the stock market. Furthermore, its revenu...

 It shouldn't come as a surprise that the busiest day of the year for most retail chains is Black Friday, a corporate holiday signified by its discounted prices and frantic customers. This holiday has been a tradition since 1869, when it was originally used to describe an American financial crisis caused by a lack of gold.  It only gained the customs we associate with it now sometime in the 1950s. The day marked when companies expected their revenue to venture from the "red" (a net loss of money)" to the "black" (a profit); thus, the name "Black Friday" was made. (Image of a Rural King Black Friday ad. I would link to the original ad, but I'm not getting paid, am I?) As reported by the Cable News Network (CNN) , this Black Friday saw an increase of retail sales by nearly 4% from last year's report. However, economists claim this percentage is slightly exaggerated due to recent inflation.  Economist and Pinpoint Press writer Rick Newman est...

November 18, 2025, saw the creation and implementation of SAU's new Recycling Trailer Program. The project was overseen by SAU's director of Volunteer Services Katie Tejada in collaboration with the SOAR Sustainability Conference Board. It plants a physical trailer dedicated toward collecting recyclable material on the northeast corner of the Reynolds Center parking lot. ( A photo of Greene Hall , a dorm involved in making SAU greener) I was cynical as to how effective this addition to campus would be, but seeing the numbers helped me put things into perspective. More than 3,000 recyclables were submitted in 2023, all of which include paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminum. This shows that a good percent of the student population care about recycling, an initiative I assumed most (including to an extent, me) would be indifferent to. Although, the university does have Greene Hall, a dorm where its residents are mandated in taking part in making eco-friendly choices. So, this m...

Pop singer Billie Eilish has recently made tremendous waves this late October at the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards, where the singer revealed that she will be donating $11.5M to numerous charities and organizations. To put it into perspective, $11.5M is nearly one-fifth of Eilish's net worth (an impressive $53M).  The announcement was made as she accepted Wall Street Journal's Music Innovator of the Year Award. Eilish claims that the donation will be given to organization/charities concerned with food equity, reduction of carbon pollution, and research into climate crises. Eilish had this to say on the matter: This move was especially pointed, considering Eilish's company at the time. Billionaires such as FaceBook creator and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Star Wars  director George Lucas, and cosmetics manufacturer Hailey Bieber were all in attendance at the time of Eilish's statement. The singer knew it was both the time and place to make such a huge announcement. T...

Many North Americans are delighted to know that they have a chance to see the northern lights, a sight of great interest according to its recent popularity surge on social media. The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis , are born from shifts in solar winds in the Earth's magnetosphere. This causes ionization of electrons and protons within the atmosphere, resulting in brush strokes of brilliant colors across the night sky. (The northern lights as seen in Wisconsin. From USA Today ) To the geographically favored (and even to the geographically unfavored), seeing these lights is an activity of great joy, wonder, and beauty. So they're kind of a big deal. As of November 12, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Center Administration (NORA) predict that select North Americans could glimpse the auroras both tonight and tomorrow night. Clearly, the lights get enough buzz to warrant government-backed organizations and forecasts. (The predicted breadths of tonight's and tomor...

 The Philippines is estimated to be on of the world's most ecologically vulnerable countries according to the National Public Radio (NPR) , facing approximately 20 typhoons and storms every year. But only recently have two typhoons of great magnitude ran rampant throughout the country: Typhoon Kalmaegi and Typhoon Fung-Wong. As of November 10, The two typhoons have an estimated casualty count of 250. Kalmaegi was (currently) the deadliest of the duo, contributing to at least 96% of the total deaths.  After making landfall in the Philippines, Kalmaegi moved west through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The sudden mudslides and flash floods were devastating, with winds reaching 92 miles per hour. Survivors found sanctuary in various public buildings; schools and evacuation centers were were prime for refuge. (Effects of Kalmaegi in the Philippines. From the Guardian ) While Fung-Wong is much more granular in its kill count, the cyclone has displaced up to 1.4 million Filipino resid...

You might often hear people describe themselves as not being a "math person." You might know some intellectuals who struggle with long division or recognizing algebraic equations. You might even relate to both of the qualities just described. This is not a display of poor education or failing intelligence; no, this is most likely a struggle with numeracy. According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , numeracy  is categorized into two types: "subjective" and "objective" numeracy. "Subjective numeracy is a person’s reported confidence in understanding mathematical data. Objective numeracy measures a person’s actual math skills." (Image from Freepik ) Numeracy is an invaluable skill, applicable even outside of an academic setting. Like the National Numeracy C harity states, numeracy can be used to interpret data, statistics, charts, and diagrams; manage and solve fiscal problems; and overall improve one's confidence in ...

There's no faster way to divide or alienate your Thanksgiving dinner table than by the dreaded, impending mention of politics. Politics is one of the most mind-numbing topics to have ever been conceptualized. It's also one of the most important ones, and its conceptualization is par for the course in any developing country. A rich understanding of just what policies and systems make up a country's (hopefully your own) government is crucial for any responsible citizen. (Image from Business Insider ) The study and application of the inner-workings governments is called civics. The United States has had many iterations of its own government since its founding fathers' departure from Great Britain. Nowadays, however, the U.S. government can be divided into three central branches: legislative, judicial, and executive. Each are important for maintaining the checks-and-balances of the country. But what exactly does each of them do? Legislative: The Senate and the House Also ...

The original concept of a listening post is a bit different than how journalists might use the term today. Originally used to describe any station that intercepted enemy intelligence, listening posts in the world of journalism comprise the many places one might pick up on gossip and rumors. These haunts can include barber shops, churches, campuses, anywhere where people are likely to discuss recent news and events. (The OG listening station. Taken by Jeff Geerling ) My listening post of choice is Magnolia's very own KZHE Broadcasting Station. I don't mean simply tuning my radio into their frequency (100.5 for those interested in classic country music); rather, I am a frequent, in-person visitor of the very station. Every Tuesday and Saturday, I sit in the booth and record a few commercials, either for the local university or various local stores. This is a great method for learning about the tons of activities taking place in town. Some information can be a tad irrelevant to ...

 This coming Saturday, on Oct. 18, 2025, a series of harsh hail and thunderstorms is predicted to hit Arkansas and its residents, meteorologists and forecasters claim. The National Weather Service (NWS) suggests that impending tempestuous winds, hailstorms, and tornadoes could possibly rock Arkansas this weekend. However, as with most forecasts, these predictions carry an air of uncertainty. (A map of the U.S. depicting this Saturday's weather) A briefing about this inclement contingency was made by the NWS the morning of Oct. 15 (three days in advance), detailing two climatic scenarios that could occur: SCENARIO ONE: A rapid cold front mainly hitting western Arkansas, bringing severe thunderstorms in the morning. SCENARIO TWO: A glacial movement of the cold front, landing in the state later in the afternoon. Of the two, forecasters say the second scenario would be far more devastating, as the noon's "daytime heating" could catalyze atmospheric instability. Meteor...

Within the past two weeks, the Columbia County Sheriff's Department has released their latest list of arrests. Accessed via the Magnolia Reporter, the list recounts the following persons and alleged crimes: SEPTEMBER Rodrick Brewer (38) - Domestic Battering (third degree) Tyress Saunders (18) - Terroristic Act Angela Stone Adcock (45) - Left Scene of Accident, Property Damage OCTOBER DeKel Smith (25) - Shoplifting Cameron Davis (33) - Failure to Appear Antonio Brewer (39) - Possession of Marijuana Troy Watson (31) - Endangerment of a Minor (first degree), Violation of Child Safety Seat Law, Driving without Headlamps, Driving while Intoxicated, No Driver’s License Rebecca Scott (64) - Possession of Methamphetamine Denver Elmore (48) - Failure to Appear Coquisha Ellis (37) - Battery (third degree) More information can be found  here , as well as the Columbia County Sheriff's Department website. (Image from Vecteezy ) - C. Thomas Bailey

In October of 2025 in Magnolia, Arkansas, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has allotted a $400K grant to Southern Arkansas University (SAU) -- a first for the academic institution. This grant was given to further the pursuits of research and innovation toward the ever-expanding lithium industry blooming in Arkansas. SAU's Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Abdel Bachri had this to say upon receiving the grant: " This is a great way to break the ice with NSF, and it’s just the beginning.  Our $400,000 award will allow us to build research capacity, form a consortium of regional institutions, and strengthen partnerships with industry. Most importantly, it positions SAU as a leader in advancing opportunities for our students, our faculty, and our community." (Image of SAU's Science Building) The project will be overseen by Bachri, as well as by SAU's Vice President of Finance Shawna Reed and Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering Hayder Zgha...

 On June 4, 2025, United States' President Donald J. Trump decreed that he, with the administrative power of the U.S. government, would be denying visas to for foreign/international students applying to Harvard for the foreseeable future. Trump's reasons for this decision was an alleged crime increase at Harvard, as well as accusing Harvard of failing to hand in records of its international students to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Of course, the university has denied such an act. But have the crime rates of one of America's most reputable Ivy League schools actually increased? At least, enough to warrant such a drastic action? (Shot of Harvard's campus by Nico Trinkhaus) The Jeanne Clery Act  requires all American universities to annually report any campus crime data to their alumni, as well as to the U.S. Department of Education. Thanks to this, we can see just how much Harvard's crime has rose, if at all. The DHS cited these stats, showing a 19...

On September 20, 2025, the Alzheimer's Association hosted a fundraiser walkathon at Spring Lake Park, Texarkana, Texas. The goal of the walkathon was for residents to show support and awareness toward individuals "living with Alzheimer's and other dementias," all the while raising funds for Alzheimer's medication research and resources. Attendees could walk either the 1-mile or 3-mile route after registration. Participants wore purple in accordance with the official colors of the Alzheimer's Association to show further support. (Map of both the 1-mile and 3-mile route) Ultimately, 157 people attended the walkathon, and consequently raised $15,700. This averages to around $100 raised per person, which is relatively impressive. Furthermore, though omitted to keep people's privacy, images of the event can be found on social media. More information about upcoming fundraisers by the Alzheimer's Association can be found in the link at the top of the page, a...

On September 16, Christopher Ferguson (67) was charged with assault and arson after turning himself in to the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office a month prior. Occurring in Lewisville, Arkansas, Ferguson's original grievance arose no earlier than this past February against his wife (who remains unnamed), where the couple allegedly fought until extreme escalation from Ferguson. According to the affidavit issued on Monday of this week, Ferguson trapped his wife in a guest bedroom (where she was taking refuge from the aforementioned fight the day before) after setting her wedding dress aflame. He allegedly dismantled the smoke alarms beforehand, leaving the ever suffocating smoke as his wife's only indication of the fire. Furthermore, according to his wife, Ferguson had threatened to kill both her and himself in the past. This, on top of various prior domestic abuse records, led to the arrestation of Ferguson with a bail of $5,000.  (Christopher Ferguson, 67) He is scheduled fo...

 With each passing year, artificial intelligence grows more and more ubiquitous the world over. Of course, advancements in technology are par for the course in any progressing society, but artificial intelligence (herein acronymized as "AI") has earned a spot amongst the more controversial forms of innovation. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) defines AI as "an artificial system developed in computer software [...] that solves tasks requiring human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning, communication, or physical action."  These tasks can be as mundane as simply creating and organizing a shopping list, or as complex and daunting as recognizing the early onset of cancer.  Clearly, the wide range of what AI can be used for is nearly endless, and is unlikely to stop its domination in various fields for years to come. But you already know what "field" we're here to discuss. That is to ask: how is AI used in journalism? (A p...

 Sometimes, people go on the Internet and lie. It might comfort you to know that these lies aren't always intentional— rather, it's possible that whoever just spewed that concerning lie (your testy grandfather, your invasive Uber driver hell-bent on making small talk, your sigh-inducing coworker Ron, etc.) has based their opinion solely on wrong information.  Information can be sensationalized enough for most people to believe without fact-checking the sources or logistics. In other words, they can be  misinformed . Misinformation is described by the American Psychological Association  (APA) as "any information that is demonstrably false or otherwise misleading, regardless of its source or intention.” But what (or who) spreads misinformation? (The icon of X's "Community Notes" feature, used by users to fact check one another's posts.) The Usual Suspects According to the APA, misinformation is more likely to spread on social media rather than "tradit...