Manestream

For this week's Story of the Week, Maecie Hardaker reads her story titled"SpaceX’s $100 Billion Louisiana Project Brings Opportunity and Raises Concerns." The story examines SpaceX's proposed $100 billion spaceport in Vermilion Parish, highlighting the potential economic benefits such as job creation and investment while also raising concerns about government transparency and the use of nondisclosure agreements. Hardaker also explores environmental and cultural concerns, with experts and residents questioning how the project could affect Louisiana's coastal ecosystems, wildlife, and the unique Cajun heritage of the region.

For this week’s Story of the Week, Sundi Griffin reads her article titled “Students and faculty react to Trump TV and its impact on the press.” The article examines the Trump administration’s creation of Trump TV after banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, highlighting debates over whether the channel serves as a source of unfiltered government information or an attempt to control public narratives and limit press freedom. Through interviews with Southeastern students and faculty, the story presents differing viewpoints on press access, free speech, and government-run media while noting that ongoing legal challenges continue to address the constitutionality of the administration’s actions.

For this week’s Story of the Week, Sundi Griffin reads her article New owners let local creators shine at Bayou Booksellers. She explains how new owners Katie and Michael Turner have revitalized the longtime Hammond bookstore by spotlighting local artists, small businesses and “pre‑loved” books that celebrate the community. Griffin highlights the Turners’ goal of transforming the shop into a welcoming space for events, signings and connection, emphasizing that strong support from Hammond residents has made this new chapter possible.

For this week’s Story of the Week, Tyra Johnson reads her article Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ remains hauntingly timeless. She reflects on Christopher Nolan’s ambitious IMAX‑shot adaptation of Homer’s epic, praising its practical effects, atmospheric darkness and emotionally powerful character moments, especially the haunting relationship between Odysseus and Athena . Johnson argues that the film’s exploration of fate, hubris and the consequences of war makes the ancient story feel strikingly relevant today, showing how little the human condition has changed across thousands of years.

For this week’s Story of the Week, Taisia Bolsova reads her article titled OPINION | College sports are changing, but what are they becoming? She explains that NIL deals, the transfer portal and revenue sharing have expanded athlete freedom and financial opportunity, but they also risk shifting the focus of college sports away from education, team identity and community. Bolsova argues that while athletes deserve these benefits, the growing influence of money and constant movement between programs threatens the traditions that once defined college athletics, making balance essential to preserving the true student‑athlete experience.

Listen to Sports Editor Chase Gispert and Staff Reporter Jack Hurley as they break down the latest news in Southeastern athletics and professional sports on their weekly sports show.

For this week’s Story of the Week, Sabrina Benoit reads her article titled Southeastern Lab School Returns to Its Roots with High School Expansion. The story explains that beginning in Fall 2027, the Lab School will add a ninth grade and expand one grade each year, driven by strong community interest and supported by university leadership. The expansion will create new opportunities for students, educators and academic programs across campus, marking a return to Southeastern’s history of offering a full pre‑K through 12th grade school.

For this week’s Story of the Week, Abbi Kelley reads her article titled The Truth Behind the “Ozempedemic.” The piece explains how social media pressure and the pursuit of an “ideal body” are pushing young people toward GLP‑1 drugs and unapproved peptides, many of which the FDA warns are unsafe and illegally marketed. Health experts highlight the physical and emotional risks of these substances, noting that appearance‑focused trends and influencer culture are fueling confusion, stigma and dangerous shortcuts among college students.

Staff reporter Alan Mitchell talks about his experiences with the Google Pixel 9a as an iPhone user.

In today’s episode of Story of the Week, Kennith Woods discusses the phishing scam that appeared in the Canvas inboxes of students across campus.