Issuu

Sweet-n-Greet brings a sense of community Ministers give students a place to unwind and to explore faith Photo of Beiver Hall Residence. Beiver Hall remains closed as it prepares for the next phase of renovations.

By Ana Lukes aclukes@my.loyno.edu

Are you looking for a campus event to sweeten your day? Loyola New Orleans Resident Ministers host weekly Sweet-n-Greet traditions in their residence halls, passing out cookies and greeting students with a goal of meeting them where they’re at, but they also serve as spiritual counselors and are an avenue for direct communication between students and staff here at Loyola. The “Sweet-n-Greet” tradition started with Ken Weber as a way to build a community in the residence halls and check in on students outside of the classroom, inspired by post-church service events like donuts and coffee on Sundays. This practice has since been adopted by Loyola resident ministers and is now hosted every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. While the Sweet-n-Greet events themselves take place in the residence halls, resident minister of Uptown Halls’ fourth floor, Judy Fontenot Lavergne, said the “Sweet-n-Greet” events are open and encouraged for everyone in the

Loyola moves forward with Biever renovations By Aron Covin ajcovin@my.loyno.edu

Resident Minister Ken Weber sets out a fresh plate of cookies and a warm smile, putting the finishing touches on the inviting Minister Sweet ‘n Greet on Tuesday, Sept, 8, 2026. Riddick Winter/ The Maroon

Loyola community to come and grab a cookie. “I can engage in or at least hear conversations had by students, which gives me insight into the kinds of things that are on their minds and how they communicate,” Webber said “As someone older than most of their

parents at this point, it is vital to my ability to minister among them that I know what is important to them.” He added Lavergne also highlighted why having a minister in the halls can be helpful in times of need, like the blackout on Aug 21, 2026. She recalled being able to reassure worried students and serve as an

open line of communication between students and the school in times of need; she stated that “To be able to offer that kind of support was really affirming”. You can find more information on the “Sweet-n-Greet” schedule on the Loyola website for student affairs.

Film culture realizes that Gen Z is here to stay By Amari Winchester abwinche@my.loyno.edu This year is a big time for movies; the summer already proved that with box office hits like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “Obsession”. We also have films to look forward to later in the year like “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping ” and “Avengers: Doomsday”. With all of the conversations about the films of this year, one thing is clear to me. Generation Z is the people leading the charge in how we now watch, talk about, and create modern-day films. According to a study made by Fandango, 87% of Gen Z adults have seen at least one movie in theaters this year. Compared to Millennials with 82%, Gen X with 70%, and Baby Boomers with 58%. The reason why the percentage of Gen Z is so high is a result of several things. The study states that this generation values having third spaces and social interactions with other people. It also states that this generation appreciates having a selection of good movies to choose from. The film “Obsession” is one of those

choices. The director of the film, Curry Barker, got his start by creating videos on YouTube. Then, with a 750,000 dollar budget, he created a film that grossed up to 509.9 million worldwide. This is not the only Gen-Z filmmaker who had hits at the box office; there was also Kane Parsons, who is the mind behind the 2026 film “Backrooms”. That grossed 394 million dollars worldwide in its own right. These Gen-Z filmmakers show that younger people want to have an impact on the media being created today. And how the media we see now can change for the better When asked in an interview with IGN Entertainment about what Gen-Z wants to see in film, Barker had this to say “We want good movies back. People are still hungry for original movies without some big IP, as long as the story is good.” These two horror films caused a large amount of discussion online, but they are not the only ones. From adaptations like “The Odyssey” to superhero films like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” they have developed their own corners of the internet where people are discussing them and making content surrounding these movies too. They are called fandom spaces.

Left - ticket office outside of the Prytania. Right - Popcorn buckets filled up at the Prytania theatre located on Prytania street. Sophia Renzi/ The Maroon

Fandom spaces have been around since the internet was a thing, and with the social media landscape now, fandoms have evolved into a big part of pop culture. According to Variety, fandom spaces are not one-dimensional. “Today’s fans have different levels of engagement and modes of discovery, interaction, participation and purchase behavior related to their franchises of interest.” Being the generation that grew up

with the internet, Gen Z has been a leader in fandom culture. The Fandango study states that one of the top five ways for Gen Z to build excitement for new content is through discussions on TikTok or Instagram Reels. Today, this generation is at the forefront of film culture. Between creating and talking about films, Generation Z is bringing on a new change to film, and with how things are going, I think that change is going to be a good one too.

Loyola has begun phased renovations of Biever Hall. While the university has begun work on the building, officials say the renovation will take place in phases and have not announced a timeline for its full completion. Loyola first announced plans for a “years-long renovation of Biever Hall” in January 2024. The university reiterated its plans for improvements in a September 2025 article about its facilities department. During his presidential convocation, President Cole said the university remains committed to completing the project, but that renovations will be staged according to the university’s housing needs. “We will finish Biever eventually,” Cole said in the address. “This is very intentional staging on how we renovate the floors that we need when we need them. Not to renovate a building and then not be able to fill them up.” Cole described Biever as an “early priority” while discussing the university’s housing capacity. Aaron E. Johnson, Loyola’s associate director of housing operations, said the first round of renovations is expected to be completed in mid-to-late September. That phase includes a renovated residential life office on the first floor, a new accessible entrance, improvements to the first-floor lobby, two renovated model rooms, and a renovated community bathroom. Johnson said the phased approach will allow Loyola to address both the building’s infrastructure and areas that directly affect students, including community bathrooms, common areas, kitchens, laundry facilities and building systems.

See BIEVER HALL, p.2

CAMPUS

The Maroon Sept. 11, 2026

President Xavier Cole and his wife Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole meet Pope Leo XIV during the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities periodic presidental pilgrimage. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities host's an annual pilgramage each spring. July. 28, 2026.

President Cole reflects on meeting Pope Leo XIV By Dessadra Tezeno dltezeno@my.loyno.edu

Loyola University New Orleans President Xavier A. Cole met with Pope Leo XIV this summer during a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi with leaders from Jesuit colleges and universities across the United States. The meeting marked Cole’s second encounter with a pope during his presidency and came shortly after Leo XIV became the first American pope. Cole said the experience reinforced the responsibility Catholic and Jesuit universities have to educate students who use their talents in service of others.

“Having now had the extraordinary privilege of meeting two popes is something I do not take lightly,” Cole said. “Each encounter occurred at a different moment for the Church and carried its own significance.” According to Loyola, the pilgrimage included prayer, reflection, and discussions about the future of Jesuit higher education. Participants also met with Vatican officials and Jesuit leaders and discussed the role of Catholic higher education in a changing world. Cole said his conversation with Pope Leo XIV focused on education, human dignity, and service, as well as the importance of Jesuit institutions remaining

grounded in their mission while adapting to changes affecting students and society. “Our conversation about Jesuit higher education reinforced the importance of institutions like Loyola remaining deeply rooted in our mission while responding courageously to a rapidly changing world,” Cole said. For Loyola students, the broader impact of the meeting remains tied to how the university continues to interpret and apply its Jesuit mission. Cole said Loyola must prepare students not only for successful careers, but also to become leaders who can address complex issues. He specifically pointed

to emerging technology and artificial intelligence, economic and social change, and questions surrounding meaning and purpose as issues shaping students’ lives. The university’s July announcement described the pilgrimage as an experience that reaffirmed Loyola’s place within the global Jesuit network. It also highlighted the Society of Jesus’ Universal Apostolic Preferences, which include accompanying young people, caring for the environment, walking with excluded communities, and helping people seek God through discernment. Cole said the meeting with Pope Leo XIV was particularly meaningful be-

cause of the pope’s position as the first American to lead the Catholic Church. “What struck me most was the universality of his message and his commitment to education, human dignity, and service,” Cole said. While the university has not announced specific changes resulting from the meeting, Cole said the experience strengthened his commitment to Loyola’s mission. “For Loyola, that means preparing students not simply for successful careers, but to become thoughtful, compassionate leaders capable of engaging the most complex questions of their time,” Cole said.

BIEVER HALL : Biever construction organized in phases Continued from front

Student walks outside of Biever Hall. Biever Hall remains closed amid new phases of renovation. Nicholas Parella/The Maroon

“The phased approach allows Loyola to thoughtfully address both the building's infrastructure and the spaces that most directly shape the students' experience,” Johnson said. Johnson said the university is focused on creating a modern residential environment for current and future students. “Biever Hall has been home to generations of Loyola students, and we are excited about its future,” Johnson said. Funding remains another part of the project's future. During his convocation remarks, Cole announced fundraising efforts for Biever Hall and other campus buildings. Stephanie Hotard, Loyola’s vice president of advancement, confirmed that the university hopes to establish a fundraising campaign for Biever. “We do hope to implement a fundraising campaign to support the university’s contributions toward this effort,” Hotard said in an email. “We are in the early stages of planning.” Hotard said the university would be open to sharing details of the campaign once they are finalized.

As the 2026-27 academic year begins, Loyola has not publicly announced a specific fundraising goal or a date for Biever Hall’s full reopening. For now, the university is proceeding with the renovation incrementally, addressing infrastructure and selected student-facing spaces before undertaking additional phases

The Maroon Sept. 11, 2026

PUZZLES Across 1 Outings with a significant other 6 Ancestry test sample 9 Reach across 13 NCAA hoops powerhouse 14 Paid players 15 __ Zor-El: Supergirl 16 Mall kiosk for pictures 18 Soothes, as a sprain 19 Dragon roll option 20 Places for posters 21 Tuckered out 22 Night out before tying the knot 25 Artichoke core 26 Dudes 27 Mild, medium, or hot dip 28 Greek god with arrows 30 Symbol on Chile's flag 34 Mango center 35 Refuse to patronize 38 In the style of 39 "What's more ... " 41 Cabbage unit 42 __ salts: footbath additive 44 Gator relative 46 Totally steamed 47 Court marking that's 15 feet from the backboard 52 Chowder server 53 Ahead of schedule 54 "Impractical Jokers" network 57 Cornstarch brand 58 Tries, or what one does at 16-, 22-, and 47-Across 60 Swimming event 61 "Yes, exactly!" 62 Knightley of "Atonement" 63 Drops a fly ball, say 64 "People Puzzler" channel 65 Map feature

Down 1 Bamboozle 2 Dull pain 3 Accessories worn at construction sites 4 Doc who treats rhinitis 5 Crustacean found in cold northern oceans 6 Dryly humorous 7 Mediocre at best 8 Tandoor residue 9 Ticket for access to the slopes 10 Indiana basketball player 11 "Why __ you ready?" 12 Extremely mean 14 Flag holder 17 Bank of Thailand coin 21 Undercover agent 23 Small batteries 24 Coating on a junkyard car 25 Hard precipitation 27 Mineral bath place 28 Skin care products that treat fine lines 29 Color TV pioneer 31 "Have a little bite!" 32 Succulent that grows pups 33 Horned sheep 36 "Pick me! Pick me!" 37 Dish marinated in soy sauce and mirin 40 Spotted rainforest cats 43 Stovetop vessel 45 Driver's path: Abbr. 46 Misfortunes 47 Moth magnet 48 Harder to find 49 Lawn care device 50 Like some whiskey barrels 51 Small brown bird 55 Snoozefest 56 "Right away!" 58 Identify on social media 59 Rep.'s colleague

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Editorial Board

Contributors

Editor in Chief - Alana Frank Managing Editor - Elise Beck Pre-Content Director - Stella Purdue Post-Content Director - Carlos Andrade Exuecutive News Editor - Lily Bordelon Campus News Editor- Nicholas Parella Worldview Editor - Angelica Pineda Life & Times Editor - Amari Winchester Ass. Life and Times Editor - Alondra Gonzalez Sports Editor - Zoryn Johnson Opinion/Editorial Editor - Maria Touzard Design Chief - Bianca Mansell Gatti Breaking News Editor - Mabel Regalado-Hernandez Copy Editor - Pablo Pineiro The Wolf Designer - John Zwiers Senior Staff Photographer - Sophia Renzi Photo Editor - Pharrell Every Social Coordinators - Elena Godoy, Adriana Escobar, Eryn Goines Broadcast Producer - Ruth Brown Broadcast Lead Anchor - Dessadra Tezeno Co- Anchor- Eleanor Boucher-Ferry Newsletter Writer - Rodrigo Delgato Distribution Manager - Sophia Renzi

Nikolai Huilgol, Athalie Dore, Ella Bozeman, Angelica Petit, Cae Nguyen, Amiyuh Tobias, Isabelle Kehoe, Kennedy James, Kate Dalrymple, Lauren Stuart, Kaya Tezeno, Riddick Winter, , Teddy (Edward Smith), Katia Vincent, Robert Cobb, Anna Lukes, Ava Granger Student Media Adviser: Michael Giusti Assistant Student Media Adviser: Hannah Levitan

CONTACT US Main Office - (504) 865 - 3535 Business Office - (504) 865 - 3536 Adviser’s Office - (504) 865 - 3295 Correspondence - maroon@loyno.edu Letters to the Editor - letter@loyno.edu Advertising - ads@loyno.edu Website - www.loyolamaroon.com Twitter - @loyola_maroon Facebook - The Maroon Instagram - @loyola_maroon Our office is in the Communications/ Music Complex, Room 328. Send mail to: The Maroon, Loyola University, Campus Box 64, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 The Maroon is published every Friday. Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by The Maroon. All rights reserved. First copy free to students, faculty, and staff. Every additional copy is $1.00. The Maroon is printed on 30 percent post-consumer recycled content.

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JUMPS

The Maroon Sept. 11, 2026

Financial Aid limits affect Loyola students By Ayah Ebey haebey@my.loyno.edu

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” set new rules for nursing degrees: limiting the amount of loans they could take out and omitting nursing as a professional degree. According to Federal Student Aid, an office in the U.S. Department of Education, “The term “professional degree” is defined as a degree that signifies completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor's degree.” Since the Department of Education unclassified nursing as a professional degree, it affected how

students can receive financial aid. Students in what has been classified as a “professional program,” have a yearly loan limit of $50,000 with a lifetime limit of $200,000. Instead of graduate students being able to receive loans that amount to the price of their degree, they now have a $20,500 yearly limit, with the lifetime limit being $100,000, according to the Department of Education. Not only does this give nursing students more financial stress, but there is concern of a severe decrease in graduate school applicants. Anthony Jones, vice-president of enrollment management here at Loyola provided insight. “There is little doubt that the changes in federal legislation regarding student

loan borrowing will have some impact, perhaps even an outsized impact, on those pursuing their higher education degree who are dependent on the assistance of federal financial support, regardless of whether undergraduate, graduate, or professional. With stricter limits in place some will need to perhaps completely rethink their financing plan, which could be an unwelcome inconvenience. Changes in funding could, in fact, delay when certain milestones happen in the lives of our students, as stopouts become more prevalent while time is taken to work and save during their traditional school years.” Jones said. “My experience with financial aid has shown me how important access to education really is. As a nursing student, I’ve

had to be very intentional about understanding how financial aid, tuition, and changes in federal policy can affect my ability to complete my degree. Nursing is already a demanding program, so having to also worry about whether changes in financial aid policy could affect my education can add another layer of stress.” Jayden Thomas, a third-year nursing student attending Loyola University, said. When asked about how he felt about the reclassification of his degree, he expressed that nursing is absolutely a professional degree. Although Thomas is cognizant of the challenges that could now come with pursuing higher education, his plans to graduate with a Bachelor in Science and Nursing has not changed.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell has blocked the Trump Administration’s plan. Although this is good for nursing students, more changes can come in the future depending on court decisions. Students wonder what the future financial changes will be for nursing students because of the Trump administration's plan. There is no doubt that the reclassification of the nursing degree has brought concern, anticipation, and discontent; and while students wonder how the Trump Administration’s bill will proceed, there is not much to do but wait and see.

Femininity: Time for women to say no to "The Dream" Continued from page 10 We can pursue the life that we want, filled with money and travel, or we can pursue the path written for us, filled with diapers and date-night arguments with the hubby. Whichever path we choose, there’s an outfit laid out for us and a purse to go with it. Everything we could become becomes a purchasable aesthetic. Trad Wife. Boss Bitch. Earthy Girl. They all have a dress code and a registry. And men are the top sales reps for such a product because Capitalism has taught men that what they want is one

of those “Premium Woman Packages”. Does he like the earthy girl, the baddie, the girl next door, or the Pilates and Matcha girl. He gets to decide and call it his “type.” And then we have to buy all the starter pack items to become that package. And we wrap a pretty little bow on the finished product and pray that he likes the toy enough to play with it forever. What ends up happening is that we all become tools to sell to each other. We’re all employees at a gas company finding ways to sell the gas that we already use

to fill up our cars. So what happens when we stop buying into The Dream? What happens when The Dream loses a customer? I think the answer lies in creation, the very thing that makes us valuable in the market is our way out. We continue to build beautiful lives. Ones that make us happy, not ones that were prepackaged. It’s choosing a job that scratches your passionate itches. It’s working hard at it for yourself, not for any boss. It’s traveling to Morocco just because you can. It’s building your dream body, not for sex,

but so you can look at it in the mirror and be proud of your hard work. It’s dressing how you want, and letting yourself not look how you think you’re supposed to. Dress down when you should dress up, dress up when you should dress down. When they expect good, be better. When they expect bad, be worse. Because if there’s anything that the boy from freshman year taught me, it’s that I’m perfect exactly the way I am. Because when the goal is to try and turn you into something else entirely, you will

never be good enough. So instead, I go to bed alone and I’m still dreaming of my prince. But I’m dreaming that he will be competent, intelligent, and witty as well as sexy. I’m not dreaming that he’ll come choose me. I’m dreaming that he will be someone worth choosing. I’m dreaming that I don’t have to change myself for the life that I want.

The Maroon Sep. 11, 2026

WORLDVIEW

Students are concerned over Flock camera use By Alondra Gonzalez amgonzal@my.loyno.edu

A Jefferson Parish Sheriff ’s Office employee was accused of accessing the Flock camera system to track his ex-fiancée over 3,000 times, according to a press release from the Sheriff ’s office, causing students to worry about how Flock cameras can be misused. The employee admitted to violating the camera system to track his former fiancée’s license plate, leading to his suspension and the possibility of criminal charges. Jane Kirsh, a sophomore design major, shared her thoughts on the situation. “Flock cameras really worry me because of how easy they are to abuse and how the deputy went under the radar for so long,” she said. Professor Dane Ciolino, the Alvin R. Christovich Distinguished Professor of Law at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, spoke on how the use of Flock cameras has evolved. “The Supreme Court has long held that merely observing a person or their car on a public street raises no Fourth Amendment concern,” Ciolino said. “But

more recently, the Court has recognized that tracking a person's movements over time using cell towers—even through records of routine, everyday activity—can disclose intimate facts about their life. Individual observations don't threaten privacy, but continuous movement monitoring does. Automated license-plate reader networks and similar technologies will soon put courts at an inflection point.” The press release says the employee’s ex-fiancé was interviewed, and she confirmed she was aware of the computer

searches done on her. “She stated that she did not consider herself a victim in this matter. She declined to make a criminal complaint. And finally, she requested that the employee be allowed to retain his employment at the conclusion of the investigation,” the Jefferson Parish Sheriff ’s Office press release stated. Professor Kenneth Keulman, an expert in ethics and civil rights, talked about other con-

cerns that come with the use of Flock cameras apart from deputy misuse. “There are other concerns that come with this technology, such as invasion of privacy. This is because it constantly tracks vehicle movements and accumulates data without consensual agreement. This generates a web of surveillance that might result in exploitation of personal data. The deployment of Flock surveillance technology also raises issues about constitutional rights, specifically about arbitrary searches and individual privacy rights,” he said. Siena Bologna, a sophomore philosophy major with a pre-law concentration, spoke about the situation through her moral perspective. “We wouldn’t be Jesuits if we didn’t question authoritative changes like these. None of us are here to choose the path of least resistance,” Bologna said. Bologna also spoke about how others on campus can uphold their own attitudes towards Flock cameras. “Our Jesuit values tell us to advocate for justice beyond following authority. This is a very new, modern issue. It is the responsibility of everyone to reconsider the justice of it and decide if it is accept-

able,” she added. Political science and philosophy major Sam McMahon shared his ideas on different ways to improve safety without the use of Flock cameras. “It feels like we are entering a surveillance state era where people are being tracked just because they could potentially one day commit some sort of crime," McMahon said. If we want to lower crime, these Flock cameras cost thousands of thousands of dollars. Let's put that money into social work resources and housing, things that have been actually proven to reduce crime.” McMahon spoke about how he believes the use of surveillance is intrusive towards different groups of people. “These Flock cameras are just going to be used to track women crossing state lines for lifesaving reproductive care or families crossing the border to get a better life. It is unsettling seeing the government pour so much money into just watching people,” he said.

Louisiana ranked No. 50 out of all U.S. states Student share their views on lack of money and services By Pablo Piñeiro ppineiro@my.loyno.edu

An overall ranking of all 50 U.S. states ranked Louisiana 50th, citing poor public safety, poor economic conditions, and poor healthcare quality, among other factors, according to a study by U.S. News and World Report. The study used 71 metrics across eight different categories. The category with the most weight was education, followed by healthcare, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, natural environment, and crime & corrections. The category in which Louisiana obtained the highest ranking was fiscal stability, where it ranked 43rd. Sean Cain, a political science professor at Loyola, said that for Louisiana these issues are not new. “I think Louisiana has been low in these kinds of rankings for a long time,” Cain said. “The troubles with handling crime, education, healthcare, the environment, economic productivity and opportunity, those have been struggles for Louisiana for decades if not centuries.” Cain also said that Louisiana’s lack of resources contributes to its lack of services. “[Louisiana’s] will is undermined by its lack of resources, lack of ability to take risks,” Cain said. “For instance, with crime, education, healthcare, infrastructure, all of these issues require tax revenue to address, and policies to make good use of that tax money. But if a state is already very poor, raising taxes on people is a political hot potato.” Freshman Olivia Harrington, a foren-

sic chemistry major and Louisiana native, also believes that Louisiana’s lack of funds is a contributing factor. “The underfunding of the state, I think that's why we ranked last.” However, Cain believes that this problem cannot be only attributed to lack of resources. “Louisiana isn’t the only poor state. But other states that have been traditionally poorer have made investments that have borne fruit over time. Other states in the deep south invested in infrastructure, in economic development; they’ve been more effective at finding places and developing housing,” Cain said. Cain believes that one of the problems with Louisiana’s economy is that it is not well-diversified, calling it “an economic pie that has relatively few slices.” “There’s agriculture and aquaculture, there’s energy, there’s tourism,” Cain said. “The economy is not well-diversified. And the leadership in the state, I think, has had trouble trying to make that diversification.” Junior biology major Emile Creevy said he was not surprised by the low ranking. “ On most of the education, health… medical expenses, we come last in pretty much all of them,” Creevy said. “It’s historically a poor state, and there’s a lot of corruption” Creevy believes that investing in education is key for improving the state. “I don’t think the southern states really prioritize educating young children and even higher education,” Creevy said. “I think that would be the first place to start: start educating kids more efficiently.”

Graphic of the state of Louisiana in green. The state is "wearing" a button that says "50th place." Maxwell Ealons/ The Maroon.

LIFE AND TIMES

The Maroon Sept. 11, 2026

Alix Earle’s breakup was everyone’s business - including mine By Kaylee Tuminello kmtummin@my.loyno.edu Breaking up is already terrible. But after watching "Earle Meets World", I can confirm that getting over someone is heart-wrenching at every income level I went into Alix Earle’s new Netflix reality show as someone who has been parasocially invested since her early days of doing “Get Ready With Me's" during her days at University of Miami. I already knew the version of Alix who talks to the camera as if you were on FaceTime with her. So, I did not need Netflix to convince me that Alix Earle was interesting; I needed Netflix to show me something TikTok could not — and I think “Earle Meets World” actually does. The best part of the show was not the parties, the outfits, the brand launch stress, or even the occasional celebrity feud. It is watching Alix try to move on from Braxton Berrios while every person, family member, and follower around her seems determined to keep him in the conversation. That is what made the show feel more relatable than I expected. Obviously I have never had to move out of an NFL player’s house while cameras followed me. I also do not have to worry about gossip accounts posting pictures of people I dated. But the feeling of trying to get over someone while everyone else can’t stop talking about them? Unfortunately, that is universal. Earle’s family still loves Braxton, which is honestly one of the worst possible breakup scenarios. There is nothing more annoying than trying to convince yourself you are fine while your mom is still texting your ex-boyfriend.

Like, thank you, I had almost forgotten the man who made me emotionally unstable At Palm Tree Fest, an unverified DeuxMoi post alleged that Berrios was flirting with Olivia Jade. Like any good stepmother, Ashley Earle asked Alix if she’d seen it. Earle visibly looked uncomfortable but tried not to let it ruin her day. Now everyone has seen their fair share of Snapchat stories in a similar situation, but for it to be universally public is uniquely painful. Thankfully I’ve never had it that bad. Nothing tests your ability to act unbothered for the cameras like hearing about your ex moving on while you are hungover eating breakfast at your Airbnb The family scenes are another highlight of the show for me. Earle’s family is not presented as perfectly put together as they seemed on your phone. There is a complicated history between her mom, dad, and stepmom, and there are moments where the tension is so obvious that you feel awkward watching from your couch. But it never felt like the show was desperately trying to create a huge reality-TV fight every five minutes. Even the confessionals were casual. They were also sprawled out on their beds or couches. Just normally talking like they were recapping a weird night to a friend instead of delivering a dramatic speech under studio lights. The show takes a more serious turn when Alix and her younger sister, Ashtin Earle, film themselves going to get tested for the BRCA2 gene mutation, the same that gave their mom breast cancer. They learn later that both of them tested positive, which, to be clear, is not a cancer diagnosis, but it just means an increased chance for certain cancers. Suddenly, the dating drama and inter-

net gossip did not feel important. It was just a family dealing with scary health news, and I was crying right with them As Alix and Ashtin are comforting each other, Alix reveals she wishes she could talk to Braxton about this upsetting news. I wanted to jump into my screen and hug her. Sometimes the person who you know you should not call is still the person you want when something bad happens. That does not automatically mean you should get back together. It does not mean the relationship was perfect. It just means the love doesn’t stop just because the relationship does. By the end of the season, Earle and Berrios finally talk in person (off-camera, unfortunately). But Earle tells her mom that she admitted to him that she stalks him and every girl he is rumored to be dating “a million times.” Honestly, I have never related to a Netflix show more. The show concludes with Earle calling Berrios and asking whether getting back together is possible in the future. His response? Wouldn’t I like to know! He simply says, “Oh Alix…” and cameras roll, as do the tears on my cheeks. As much as I hated the cliffhanger, it was a good ending. It left the relationship exactly where it seemed to be the entire time: complicated, emotional, and unfinished. Whether you came into “Earle Meets World” as an Alix Earle fan or someone who only knows her name from TikTok, I think there is something in it for everyone. It has family drama, friendship problems, relationship mess, health scares, and enough awkward moments to make you want to skip 10 seconds ahead.

Courtesy of Netflix

Hidden study spots on campus If you need a nice place to concentrate or unwind, these are the places to go!

A secluded seating area on the first floor of Monroe Library, Sept. 1 2026. This space provides a quiet environment for students immediately upon entering. The Maroon/Katerina Vincent

The Dana Center Basement Lounge, a hidden gem for Loyola students, Sept. 1 2026. The space serves as a dual-purpose hangout for studying and/or socializing. The Maroon/Katerina Vincent

The third floor Monroe Hall lounge, Sept. 1 2026. PThis space overlooks the central campus courtyard. The Maroon/Katerina Vincent Behind Monroe Library sits “ The Cove”, a tiny study spot right next to Miller Hall, Sept. 1 2026. The Maroon/Katerina Vincent.

The Dana Center courtyard, Sept. 1 2026. Well known yet underrated for reading and studying. The Maroon/ Katerina Vincent

SPORTS

The Maroon Sept. 11, 2026

Who dat! The Saints are back on the field ByCae Nguyen ctnguye3@my.loyno.edu The Saints’ game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 13, will commence the team’s 2026 NFL season. Their last preseason game happened on Friday, August 28, against the Dallas Cowboys. With the Saints back on the field, it raises various thoughts among fans, including those at Loyola. Dr. Aimée K. Thomas, an assistant professor of biological sciences and a Saints fan, expressed her excitement on the Saints’ return. “We have a second-year quarterback working with some veteran players, and we have done a good job rebuilding during the off-season,” Thomas said. Gregory Lee, a communication and design professor and sports journalist, reports how he projects the Saints to perform during their first game. “I think it will be a difficult opening game for the Saints,” Lee said. “The Lions are coming off a down year after entering the previous season with Super Bowl aspirations, but this is still a very talented football team.” Additionally, he shares his thoughts about the team’s offence and defence strategies for this season. “Jared Goff continues to improve, and Jahmyr Gibbs should get even more opportunities now that he is carrying the running back load following David

Montgomery’s departure,” Lee said. “Detroit has a lot of playmakers, particularly on offense, and that will be a significant challenge for a revamped Saints defense.” He expressed how he will be keeping a close eye on Saints defensive end Chase Young, believing he could “create some problems for Detroit.” He also shared his thoughts on the other players. “Offensively, I’m interested in seeing how Tyler Shough takes ownership of this team. He showed some talent down the stretch last season, but now he’s entering the year as the starter and preparing to start a season opener for the first time,” Lee said. “This is his opportunity to show that he can lead this football team. Chris Olave will obviously be an important factor in helping him, and, unfortunately, rookie Jordan Tyson will miss the first four games with a hamstring injury.” Meanwhile, senior Eden Becnel, a pre-health biology major, reflects on the Saints’ teamwork compared to the previous season and now. “I believe the Saints are showing a lot of promise for this season. Last season, the team didn’t feel complete,” Becnel said. “They weren’t always playing together or working as a team. This year, they seem to be showing more teamwork and chemistry, especially during practices.” Lee shares his expectations for the team. “I expect the Saints to be competitive.

Saints offense and defense go head to head during their summer training camp. This is a yearly program that allows fans and players to get ready for the season. Aug. 6, 2026. Sophia Renzi/ The Maroon For them to win, they’ll have to control the football, avoid turnovers and play relatively mistake-free football,” Lee said. “But beyond the final score, this game should tell us quite a bit about where the Saints are headed in the second season under Kellen Moore.”

Thomas upholds hope for the Saints. “We have added several veteran players on both sides of the field, so, if we can stay healthy, we should be good in the NFC South,” Thomas said. Becnel reflects on the possibility of the Saints’ at the Super Bowl.

“I don’t think the Saints will make it to the Super Bowl this year, but I do think they will win more games than they did last season,” Becnel said. “Overall, I’m excited to see how the team performs this year and how much they improve throughout the season.”

Loyola baseball eyes new stadium in Jefferson Parish By Maxwell Ealons mealons@my.loyno.edu

Graphic of baseball field with stadium stands in the background. Kate Dalrymple/ The Maroon.

Loyola University New Orleans’ baseball team could soon have a new home through a state-funded stadium project in Jefferson Parish. The stadium is expected to cost around $7.8 million and take about two years to complete. The project comes shortly after Jefferson Parish finished construction on the John A. Alario Jr. Sports Complex in Avondale, another state-funded facility built mainly for youth and travel sports, according to an article published by Nola.com. The Jefferson Playground project, however, is being designed as an NCAA-regulation baseball stadium that could be used by college teams while still serving local high school, recreational, and community programs. Brett Simpson, Loyola’s assistant vice president for athletics, gave a statement communicated through Loyola’s Director of Communications Julia Leblanc on how Loyola is feeling about the new planned destination. “Loyola University New Orleans is excited about the planned baseball facility at Jefferson Playground and the possibilities it could create for the future of our baseball program,” Simpson said.

“We have been engaged in conversations with Jefferson Parish about the project and have expressed strong interest in the potential for the facility to become a long-term home for Loyola Baseball.” Simpson said. Simpson also provided insight into Loyola’s greater plans to utilize the stadium. “Our vision extends beyond simply having a place to play games,” Simpson said. “As discussions and the design process continue, we are exploring how the facility could support the broader dayto-day needs of our baseball program, including practices, training, and other team activities, while providing our student-athletes with a high-quality collegiate baseball experience closer to our Uptown campus.” Currently, the baseball team trains at Junction Place Sportsplex and then practices and plays at Segnette Field, both about 20 minutes away from Loyola’s campus. Freshman baseball player Logan Katz expressed his issues with the current commute situation. “It’s also pretty weird because it’s like two environments you have to get used to,” Katz said. “When you’re trying to train and then go over to the field, there’s like a little gap in between that you have to like stay locked in for 25 minutes while

you’re driving there, which is not easy to do.” Simpson noted that the agreement regarding the facility is not set in stone. “The project is still in development, and specific arrangements regarding Loyola’s use of the facility have not yet been finalized,” he said. “We are enthusiastic, however, about its potential, particularly as Loyola Athletics prepares for its transition to NCAA Division II competition in fall 2027.” For Loyola, the biggest benefit would be what the facility could provide beyond games. The current plans include batting cages, locker rooms, showers, a training room, and team meeting space. “I’m very excited for the stadium because we’re gonna have a nice weight room for just the baseball team,” Katz expressed. “And plus, it’ll be a 5-minute drive, which is nothing compared to 25 minutes and it’ll be a completely new stadium with renovations and sound systems.” Simpson commented on the future of these plans. “We look forward to continuing our conversations with Jefferson Parish as the project moves forward and to sharing additional details with the Loyola community as plans are finalized,” Simpson said.

Upcoming matches and games Men’s Rugby

Women’s Volleyball

Women’s Golf

Women’s Tennis

Men’s Tennis

Friday, Sept.11 | 6:30PM at LSU Baton Rouge, La.

Saturday, Sept.12 | 12:00PM Women’s Volleyball at Xavier (La.)

Monday, Sept.14 | 7:30PM at PDI Shootout Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./PGA National

Friday, Sept.18 | TBD vs Dillard Invitational New Orleans, La.

Friday, Sept.18 | 6:00PM Women’s Volleyball at Mobile (Ala.)

Tuesday, Sept.15 | 7:30PM at PDI Shootout Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./PGA National

Saturday, Sept.19 | TBD vs Dillard Invitational New Orleans, La.

Friday, Sept.18 | 7:00PM at Texas A&M College Station, Texas

OPINION

The Maroon Sept. 11, 2026

How society sells unrealistic romanticism Uncomfortable truths I learned from missing a boy By Alunda Minerva Chikawe amchikaw@my.loyno.edu

“I miss the boy from freshman year” I think to myself as I put on my matching PJ set and get into my big comfy bed, all alone. I don’t actually miss the boy from freshman year. In fact, the boy from freshman year is the reason I’m choosing, every night, to go to bed alone. I’m a senior now, and I know better. I don’t miss the way he used to gaslight me, or the way he would move behind my back. I definitely don’t miss the look of disgust he puts on his face when he gets defensive. He made me realize that men don’t really care about you or your feelings. So you might be wondering: “why do you say you miss him then?” Understandable. I miss the way he used to lie to me. I miss the way he would tell me exactly what I wanted to hear.

I miss when we would lay in bed, and he would plan dates (that he’d never take me on) and make promises (that he’d never keep). He was so skilled at selling me a dream. The possibility that one day, soon, we would get to know each other enough and decide to really do this. Even though we both went into the situation expressing that a relationship isn’t what we wanted. Cause that’s what we’ve learned to say, as women, that we’re not looking for a relationship. Even though it couldn’t be further from the truth. Because, yes, I spend my time at the gym. I have a job. And a social life. All of which give me long-lasting fulfillment. I could say I don’t need a man, or a relationship, or romantic love and all those things would be true. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t dream about it. I would be lying if I said I don’t ruminate over the idea that one day, while I’m busy loving myself, the sexiest man alive would come up to me and decide that I am the one.

We would date, and marry, and have cute little babies. And I would be happy, and so in love. And the sex would be amazing, even at 60. The Dream has been alive in women all our lives. We grow up watching movies like Cinderella, where all odds are against the girl finding love and yet it finds her anyway. It literally shows up at her doorstep. Snow White isn’t even alive when the sexy prince kisses her (creepy by the way). Aurora was asleep. Ariel’s man washed up on shore in front of her, turned out to be the sexy prince, and then she changes the entire essence of who she is to be with him. Belle took a chance on a beast that kidnapped her and he turned out to be a sexy prince in the end. Tiana’s man literally turns her into a frog and derails her entire life and still they end up together, and he’s a prince and he’s sexy and he turns it all around for her. Jasmine, daughter of the sultan, turns her street rat man into a sexy prince (cause tricking a man is in

fashion in Agrabah?). And Mulan’s man falls in love with her dressed as a boy. Do with that one what you will. We have been sold a fairytale from the moment we could pick a favorite color: pink. Marketed to us as the color of Girlhood. We have been consumers of the Girl Power Machine, churning out backpacks and bows and beads. Encouraging us to feminize ourselves enough that a prince will see us and turn us into a princess. The word “princess” itself is charged with capitalist interest. A product of the system, heir to the throne. Femininity at its highest ranks. Adorned with ball gowns and pearls. With a handsome prince by her side. No one mentions the Prince’s lack of ability to remain calm in crisis, or the fact that he’s a mama’s boy, or the fact that her place on the throne will be purely presentational and he will be the one to make decisions (even if it’s her family’s throne).

See FEMININITY, page 4

"Deep tailoring" by AI is detrimental to the user experience By Nicholas Parrella nrparrel@my.loyno.edu

Have you ever felt like your phone is listening to you? Well, it probably is. I recently opened Spotify and got a pop-up for Spotify Studio, an AI companion app with the power to create custom playlists, podcasts, and more. It sounds great! However, it got me thinking about how far we’ve come technologically. From our algorithms to AI bot accounts, we officially live

in an online world of misinformation and personalization. “Deep-tailoring” was a term popularized in a late 2025 Times article titled “The Danger of AI Personalization” by Andrew Luttrell and Jake Teeney. Essentially, deep-tailoring is the ability for AI to understand you at your core through social media and even by following your digital footprint, playing off your guilt, fears, and desires. Sounds awesome! (NOT) AI is the biggest technological ad-

vancement since the internet, and with great power comes great responsibility. It’s no secret that AI is a miraculous thing. It’s given people living with disabilities more independence, helped find solutions to end world hunger, and it’s even being used to help save the bees! Unfortunately, AI is not all good. Letting AI infiltrate the internet, our phones, and our lives is allowing for personalized targeting, causing us to become more and more entrenched

in algorithmic echo chambers. Regardless of beliefs or politics, this should scare you. It most certainly scares me. When we only focus on what we want to see, we shut out the rest of the world. What are we if not social creatures who live to learn and connect? If we allow AI personalization to grow larger than it already is, we run the risk of losing all ability to see outside of our own biases. Inevitably, this will end in total community disconnect.

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’re already experiencing this, and it will continue to grow. Don’t get me wrong, personalization is a great thing. But where is the line between personalization and outright algorithmic imprisonment? So, next time you see an ad for a new ‘super cool’ AI tool, take a second to think about it critically, and most importantly, stay informed.

Reading between the lines: In defense of the English language By Fin Jones ffjones@my.loyno.edu

English is often called ugly, lacking the refinement of French or the effortlessness of Spanish. However, I believe it possesses just as much beauty as any language. As an English major, I must sing my mother tongue’s praises. Our great poets and writers cannot be understated – from Shakespeare to Frost to Bukowski, all used this peculiar language as the easel to their canvas of words. It is an absurd language, of arbitrary rules and spelling that leaves learners thoroughly confused about how tough it can be. It is often called a ‘bastard language’, and rightly so; a Germanic structure with pieces of French, Latin, Greek, Danish, Dutch, etc. sprinkled throughout. Through Anglo-colonialism, it has spread throughout the world, and a million dialects are borne of one tongue. It has been a symbol of oppression; this bastard child of the British Isles has forced itself upon native peoples from Uttar Pradesh to Wisconsin. If English is ugly, it is because of its history. It is a language thought to be superior by those who seek to kill the

other, and which has spent too much time endangering the rich languages of the people it has conquered. English has become the language of the modern era. The United States has championed pop culture and created a world in its image–a world of jean wearers, iced coffee drinkers, and English speakers. English is in. It pervades the zeitgeist as a ghost of colonialism rebranded for the modern day. So why am I defending a language that I am so quick to criticize? Because English is not defined by the black marks on its record; not by its colonial history or its march toward trivial ubiquity in modern life. English is defined by how well its poetry sounds when read aloud. English is defined by its wealth of prepositions, its endless adjectives that fit whatever mood a writer requires. It is delightfully nonsensical. English is a language shaped by peasants, not by royal linguistic academies–and our spelling, for one, reflects that. We speak a language indicative of so much history, both good and bad; a language worthy of celebration, for all the wordsmiths who have used it, for all the beauty to be found in a thesaurus. Despite whatever criticism it may

deserve, and parts of its history worth rebuking, I love my bastard language. It is a beautiful, complicated mess.

Graphic by Fin Jones/The Maroon.

The Maroon Sept. 11, 2026

EDITORIAL

HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to Labor Day Weekend GROWL to Package room hours HOWL to OR chicken tenders GROWL to Humidity HOWL to Resident ministers GROWL to The Saints Editorial Board

Resident Minister Ken Weber extends a warm greeting to Carlos Cano and David Rall during the Minister Sweet 'n Greet on Tuesday, September 8th. These events are a monthly opportunity for students to bond with each others as well as the ministers. Riddick Winter/ The Maroon

COMMUNITY IN ACTION: The importance of Loyola's resident ministers

The Resident Ministry program is one of Loyola’s strongest support pillars for students. It is composed of resident ministers, who are lay, ordained, or professed religious individuals who live in residence halls and offer community and support through Jesuit values. Resident ministers’ main goal is to build community, which aligns with Loyola’s Jesuit mission. Resident Minister Ken Weber described his goal of creating a community where students feel supported. “A community bonded in love is a symbol of the body of Christ on earth, a body which is created to bring healing and peace, especially to those who suffer,” Weber said. Though their purpose is rooted in Catholic beliefs, their efforts to create community go beyond religion. resident ministers welcome everyone, opening their doors to whoever might need support and creating activities meant to include all students. Inside and outside of these activities, ministers make an effort to engage in conversations with students and listen to what is on their minds. Understanding how students communicate and what concerns they have is critical for resident ministers to know how to best support them. Loyola provides housing for the ministers, allowing them to live in the same residence halls as the students they serve. While college students may sometimes be loud neighbors, the ministers accept that as part of living within a campus community. A lot of students probably do not think twice about everything it takes to be a resident minister. The administrative side of the job can be time-consum-

ing, from planning activities and organizing events to working with colleagues. Weber, for example, created an activity called Sweet-n-Greet, where he opened the doors of his living space and offered cookies to students as a way to connect with residents and build community. Other ministers have developed similar events. These types of activities allow students to see what resident ministers are all about. When residents from different floors come together to share food and connect, the purpose of the program becomes clear. Resident ministers help create a community for students, with students. Lindy Brasher, another resident minister, described her role as being there for students on both their best and hardest days. Ministers can help students navigate life and difficult questions about faith. They may not always have an answer or solution, but they can serve as a nonjudgmental ally on campus. “I firmly believe that trust isn't built by trying to change someone; it's built by listening. I want to see the world from a student's perspective and learn from their journey. Ministry isn't about having a hidden agenda; Jesus had a mission, never a hidden agenda, and neither do I,” Brasher said. “Because I see that divine spark in every single student, their religious background, or lack of one, doesn't change how I value them. Loyola’s Catholic identity isn't about setting up boundaries; it’s about recognizing the sacred worth of every person,” Brasher said. Resident Ministers deserve more praise than they are given. They are more than people who plan

events or live in the residence halls. They are familiar faces students can turn to when they are stressed, homesick, struggling with their faith, or simply need someone to listen. For some students, especially those adjusting to college for the first time, having someone nearby who genuinely cares can make a difference. Resident Ministers also show up when unexpected situations happen on campus. During the blackout a few weeks ago, Resident Minister Judy Lavergne helped reassure students who had concerns and kept communication open. Moments like these show that their role goes beyond scheduled programs and events. They are there when students need support in real time. Their work also requires a level of commitment that can easily go unnoticed. Resident Ministers live where they work, meaning the community they serve is also the community they come home to every day. Even when they are

not hosting an event or sitting in their offices, they remain a visible and approachable part of residence hall life. Not only do resident ministers do so much for Loyola, but they also find fulfillment in what they offer students. It is rare to find people willing to give so much to their community, not simply because it is part of their job, but because they genuinely want to be there for others. At a university that places so much importance on community and caring for the whole person, resident ministers put those values into action. Whether it is through a plate of cookies, a conversation after a difficult day, or reassurance during a blackout, they continue to show up for students. That is something worth recognizing and something Loyola students should not take for granted.

Carlos Cano helps resident minister Ken Weber mix some cookie dough on Tuesday night on September 8th. This event helps introduce students to communal living. Riddick Winter/ The Maroon

Editor-in-Chief Alana Frank Executive News Director Lily Bordelon Managing Editor for Print Elise Beck Pre-Content Director Stella Perdue Post-Content Director Carlos Andrade Campus News Editor Nicholas Parrella Worldview Editor Angelica Pineda Life and Times Editor Amari Winchester Assistant Life and Times Editor Alondra Gonzalez Sports Editor Zoryn Johnson Opinion and Editorial Editor Maria Touzard Assistant Opinions Editor Fin Jones Breaking News Editor Mabel Regalado-Hernandez Wolf Editorial Manager Laci Williams Senior Staff Photographer Sophia Renzi Photo Editor Pharrell Every Assistant Photo Editor & Social Media Manager Adriana Escobar Social Media Manager Clarissa Dupree Social Media Manager Elena Godoy Copy Editor Pablo Pineiro Ramy Co-Anchor Dessadra Tezeno Co-Anchor Eleanor Boucher-Ferry EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Loyola University. Letters and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board. The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, staff and/or faculty members of Loyola. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. Please limit submissions to 400 words. Submissions are due no later than 4 p.m. the Sunday before publication. Please send all submissions — The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118. Email us your letters — letter@ loyno.edu. Submissions may also be made online at www.loyolamaroon.com.