The Blue & White Flash, September 12, 2019

FL A S H THE BLUE & WHITE

The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi

www.thejsuflash.com

INSIDE

Vol. 80 / No. 2 OPINION

Student Survival Guide page 3

NEWS

Hurricane Dorian page 4

September 12, 2019

VA R I E T Y IT Movie Review page 7

S P O RT S

JSU vs TSU page 8

File Photo

Jackson State students discuss vaping concerns Luis Montgomery Staff Writer

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting that 450 people have succumbed to an unknown illness, believed to be linked to e-cigarettes or “vaping.”

The death toll from the illness has now risen to four, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Though it remains unclear what exactly is causing the outbreak, those affected have found the use of e-cigarettes as a common denominator.

“While the investigation is ongoing, CDC has advised that individuals consider not using e-cigarettes — because as of now, this is the primary means of preventing this severe lung disease,” Dr. Dana Meaney-Delman, a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) official overseeing the

disease, said in a statement to the LA Times.

Shonterrious Black, a senior psychology major from Carthage, Miss. said, “Smoking in general is not healthy. We have seen what smoking cigarettes can do and the harmful effects it has. Why would anyone think that an electronic version would make it any better? The machines are essentially dumping oils from the smoke in the lungs, just like cigarettes leave smut.”

Vaping works by heating liquid and turning it into steam to be inhaled. In general, e-cigarettes are considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, which work through the ignition of tobacco that sends thousands of chemicals, many carcinogenic, into the lungs.

Joshua Ratliff, a senior music education major from Jackson, Miss. is not concerned about vaping.

“I see a lot of stuff on the news about vaping, as far as people dying and getting sick but at the same time, it hasn’t affected me,” said Ratliff.

He added, “Vaping is safer than smoking because you don’t have to use nicotine, you can just have flavors.”

Matthew Cox also believes vaping is safe.

“I’m really not concerned about vaping illnesses because I don’t partake in the juice that has nicotine in it. With vaping it has three different levels of nicotine and I always purchase the least amount that does not have nicotine,” said Cox, a junior industrial technology major from Memphis, Tenn.

According to an article by the New York Times, many vaping ingredients are not listed on the products.

Vitamin E oil appears to have been a common substance associated with the severe and sudden respiratory

problems in some of the New York cases, according to state health officials.

These outbreaks are causing the e-cigarettes and legal cannabis industries major controversy with their contradicting public safety efforts. Both industries have marketed themselves as healthier alternatives.

According to the Independent, the Vapor Technology Association, an e-cigarette and vaping industry trade group, asked public officials to “thoroughly investigate the circumstances which might have led to each reported hospitalization before making statements to the public as to whether certain products are implicated in these incidents.”

Dosha Carson, a sophomore political science major from Chicago, Ill., shared, “We have seen this before with cigarettes. Once people start facing illness or even worse, death, the

YES, WE’RE SOCIAL!

public safety committee will just come in and slap a label on it and somehow that makes it okay.”

While e-cigarettes have been assumed less hurtful as time goes on than cigarettes, a definitive effect from long stretches of vaping is not yet known.

According to the Food and Drug Safety website, the FDA is analyzing samples submitted by a number of states for the presence of a broad range of chemicals, including nicotine, THC and other cannabinoids along with cutting agents/ diluents and other additives, pesticides, opioids, poisons, heavy metals and toxins.

However, no one substance has been identified in all of the samples tested.

The multiple deaths have been reported in Ind., Ill. and Ore. A fourth fatality was announced Fri. Sept.

6, 2019 by the Minnesota Department of Health.

@JSU_StudentPub

Tiger Events

The Blue & White Flash

The Blue & White Flash Jackson State University P.O. Box 18449 Jackson, Mississippi 39217 Phone: 601.979.2082 E-Mail: theflash@jsums.edu

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The Blue & White Flash Staff SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager CIANNA HOPE REEVES Editor- in-Chief DARRIUS BARRON Managing Editor

DEJA DAVIS Managing Editor

WAKIL ATIG Sports Editor

KALIN NORMAN Photography Editor

Kambui Bomani Jordan Canada Varnell Ry’n Good Myha Harris Zipporah Jones Christopher Lane Monica McGhee

Ivory Lowe Luis Montgomery Sunshine Noel Jasmine Sanders Kelsei Scott Kayla Sims Treasure Thigpen

Letters To The Editor

Letters to the editor are welcome. Editors reserve the right to print or reject for publication any letters received. Letters must include the author’s name(s), address, and phone number; phone number will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for space and libel consideration. Materials must be submitted by Monday at 5 p.m. for publication on Thursday.

Editorial Staff

The Blue & White Flash is open to contributions from all Jackson State University students. We encourage all students, regardless of major and/or classification, to participate in the production of their newspaper. For information concerning your contribution to “The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University,” call 601-979-2082 or visit room 111 in the Rose E. McCoy Building.

Publication/Distribution Information

The Blue & White Flash is a weekly newspaper written and edited by the students with the counsel of the adviser. Editorials and letters to the editor represent the views of the writer(s). Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty/staff, the administration, the student body, or the Board of Trustees. The editors determine the time of the publication and the ethical qualities of all articles. Articles and other materials in The Flash cannot be republished without the expressed written permissions of the editor, adviser and the Student Publications Board at Jackson State University. The Flash is published during the fall and spring semesters, but not during university-recognized holidays, mid-semester and final examinations. The Flash is distributed at various locations around the Jackson State University campus, free of charge to students, staff and faculty. Additional copies may be obtained from the Office of Student Publications.

Awards & Honors The Blue & White Flash has received numerous awards and honors from the Mississippi Press Association, Black College Communications Association and the Southern Regional Press Institute. The Flash proudly hosted the 2003 and 2010 HBCU Newspaper Conference and Job Fair at Jackson State University.

Subscription Information

Subscription rates for The Blue & White Flash are 25 issues for $25 or the special alumni rate of 25 issues for $20. To subscribe to the Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University, submit your name, address, city, state, and zip code. Make a check or money order payable to The Blue & White Flash and mail to address above.

The Blue & White Flash

Opinion

Page 3 - September 12, 2019

Graphic by Kalin Norman

Student Survival Guide:Time management is very important COMMENTARY

Cianna Hope Reeves Editor-in-Chief “Deep breathe in and deep breathe out on the count of three. 1…2…3…,” I said as I wiped my tears away.

Struggling to find time for meetings, class assignments, research papers and community

service, I crashed and could no longer see why I even came to college. What I was so eager to start in high school, I was so ready to end at that moment. I couldn’t see my college experience getting any better.

You’re probably going to experience that sometime soon, or maybe you already have and it’s ok.

It happens to the best of us. WELCOME TO COLLEGE, WHERE CHALLENGES MEET SELF-DISCOVERY! However, your life is not over, it’s just beginning.

Here are some helpful tips to help you overcome your challenges and getting you closer to achieve your goals.

One major key to having a prosperous semester is learning to manage your time—not only for school but also for your personal

life.

Being involved on campus is great, but there is a such a thing as getting overly involved (that was me)!

When you feel like you have a million and one things to do, it’s easy to feel that you don’t know where to start. You get drowned in your worries and you believe that you will never get done, well, all you have to do is WRITE IT OUT. Grab your hefty dandy planner and write down the most important tasks due first and categorize it by the amount it will take to complete. Once you have written down all of your duties, it’s time to label them numerically.

My planner is my best friend and I never thought how helpful it would be until I came to college. Of course, in high school I was organized, but unlike

college, you have less classes and activities to balance.

I believed my professors plotted against me to make my life miserable.

Until one day, I had enough. I gave myself a pep talk and though some days were still harder to overcome than others, I told myself it would be the end of feeling anxious.

You also have to learn to speak positivity into existence, because whatever you think is what you will become.

It is imperative that you are careful of the thoughts you think and the words you say because it can either make you or break you.

Lastly, you want to learn how to balance social and personal time, in order to stop feeling like you aren’t living your best college life!

You only have an undergraduate experience once, so make it the best!

Treat yourself to fun days where don’t do anything but activities with your friends. Every day look forward to doing something YOU want to do.

It is essential to know when to take care of business and it is also important to know when it’s time to put down the books. It’s my senior year and I am just starting to figure out how to do so!

It will take time learning to balance, but it is not impossible! With strategic goal setting and hard work, you will accomplish you what you set out to become in your college journey! Go for it!

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

“What do you plan to achieve academically this year?”

Compiled by: Myha Harris

Sofia Gongora Freshman Biology Pearl, Miss.

“I want to learn how to study and keep a high GPA.”

Aniyah Primm Sophomore Biology/Pre-med Decatur, Ill. “I want to get on the Dean’s List this semester.”

Briana Wyatt Sophomore Music Education Anguilla, Miss.

“I will try to keep my grades up. I have to focus on my music work and focus on my education, which can be difficult.”

Amira Feaster Sophomore Biology Lithonia, Ga.

Desmond Smith Junior Elementary Ed. Atlanta, Ga.

Aida Selassie Sophomore English Jackson, Miss.

“I would like to shoot for a C or a B in calculus.”

“I plan to dedicate my time-management to focus on my academics.”

“I plan on achieving all A’s, no lower than a 3.8 GPA this fall semester.”

Mikayla Davis Sophomore Psychology Birmingham, Ala. “Academically, I would want to get a 4.0. I also want to stop procrastinating so much.”

Khalil Woods Sophomore English Jackson, Miss.

Ja’mario Jackson Sophomore Civil Engineering Monroe, La.

Ronda Morris Junior Healthcare Administration Carthage, Miss.

Janiya Nickson Sophomore Biology Greenwood, Miss.

Thomas Cargill Junior Communicative Disorders Byram, Miss.

“What I want to accomplish is basically achieving every potential I can strive for this school year and years to come.”

“I want to make money and have a great job.”

“Academically my goal is not only to learn about my future profession, but to take what I learn and spread that knowledge to other people so they may learn as well.”

“What I would like to achieve academically is make the Deans List.”

“Right now I just want to get my bachelors.”

News

Page 4 - September 12, 2019

The Blue & White Flash

Jackson State students discuss Hurricane Dorian devastation Zariah Balentine Staff Writer On Aug. 24, 2019, Hurricane Dorian made its way through the southeastern U.S. coast striking the northern part of the Bahamas, leaving 70,000 people homeless and killing at least 45 people.

During the two weeks of tracking through the Atlantic coastline, the strength of the tropical storm increased and swept across the southeastern coast into a powerful tropical hurricane.

According to Weather.com, sustained winds were 82 mph with gusts to 111 mph.

By the time the tropical storm warning was first issued in northwestern Bahamas, Dorian became stronger and intensified to a Category 4 before growing into its most powerful Dorian slowly grew into a historically powerful Category 5 system reaching sustained wind speeds of 185 mph— making it the first destructive natural disaster since 1935 on Labor Day. The Bahamas was not the only land affected. Coastal communities from South Florida through the Carolinas also prepared for the hurricane’s entrance into the region.

As a result of the weather getting worse, mandatory evacuations were called to order in over a dozen counties across three states—Florida being the highest number of impacts.

From airport closures to evacuations to power outages, Hurricane Dorian caused devastation to all communities.

Streets overflowing, homes ripped apart from the gusty winds and damages, and people without a place to live was a reality for thousands of U.S citizens.

Selicia Basden, a freshman business administration major from Nassau, Bahamas, is shocked by the damage Hurricane Dorian from his hometown.

“The hurricane’s strength was one I have never experienced, so for me, it was mind-blowing and disheartening to know my country was falling apart,” said Basden.

Basen also mentioned how Dorian affected her family and friends.

“It breaks my heart to know that it destroyed many people’s homes, separated families, and caused fatalities. This natural disaster is the worst to ever hit the Bahamas.”

Another tropic island that succumbed to the weather storm was U.S. Virgin Islands.

Google Image Hurricane Dorian leaves entire communities devastated.

Known for its breathtaking scenery, as Dorian entered the U.S. territory, individuals witnessed a dark and grimy atmosphere.

It became so extreme, President Donald Trump issued a state of emergency and ordered federal assistance for Virgin Islanders.

Dorian Hairston, a sophomore political science major from St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands said that though residing on an island, the risks

of living near water during hurricane season is increasingly dangerous.

“That’s the price we pay for living in paradise because the storms come off the coast of Africa and then they come through the Caribbean before it reaches Florida or the Gulf of Mexico,” said Hairston.

Hairston also explained the formation of tropical storms in the Atlantic—citing what most geographers state are tropical cyclones.

“It may make its way to South America, however, usually hurricanes cross through the Caribbean island because that is where the water is hot. Hurricanes like hot water so they form where there is heat.”

“The waters have been circulating a lot of moisture and heat lately, so that means it gave the hurricane a lot more time to build and grow into a destructive natural disaster,” Hairston stated.

Rapper Meek Mill reignites the conversation on prison reform

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Treasure Thigpen Staff Writer For a genre of music that has built much of its history on telling stories of inner city struggles and triumphs, prison is not a new topic. In fact, many hip-hop artists have had run-ins with the law and transferred that experience to their music.

One of the latest additions to that list is Certified Platinum recording artist Robert “Meek Mill” Williams, who is working to change the current narrative.

Mill was arrested in 2007 after an officer with the Philadelphia Police Department said the rapper pointed a gun at him outside his home. Mill was sentenced in 2009 to 11 to 23 months

in prison and 10 years of probation.

In an interview with CNN’s Michael Smerconish, Mill’s stated, “Every time I started fulfilling my life in the music industry, every year or two, there was always something that brought me back to ground zero because of probation. I always wondered what happened to the people in situations worse than mine.”

Mill says he and many other formerly incarcerated people are “trapped inside of a system that’s extremely hard for us to get out.”

“I’m one of the lucky ones.

I’m here to speak for the ones who don’t have a voice. I didn’t ask to be the face of reform, but I want to bridge gaps and make the world a better place, especially for

my culture,” said Mill.

The story of Meek Mill is one of many that have reignited the conversation of prison reform. Prison reform is the attempt to improve conditions inside prisons, establish a more effective penal system, and implement alternatives to incarceration. It also focuses on the reinstatement of those whose lives are impacted by crimes.

The American justice system has been under major scrutiny lately for many reasons. American prisons currently house more than 2 million individuals, with another 5 million released on parole or probation.

For every 31 adults, one will end up in jail. A higher likelihood than most countries in the world.

America holds 5 percent of the world’s population yet over 25 percent of the world’s prison population, according to CriminalJusticePrograms. com. This growth continues even though crime rates have declined since the 1990s.

According to Hillary Clinton‘s website, the majority of those incarcerated are nonviolent offenders. A variety of issues have contributed to mass incarceration including unfair drug charges. The war on drugs led to stricter drug laws that caused the number of incarcerated drug offenders to soar 1,200 percent between 1980 and 2018.

At the core of the issue prison reform is the rate at which it disproportionately effects African Americans.

According to the Pew Research Center, in 2016 the racial demographics were as follows: African Americans represented 12% of the US population, but 33 percent of the prison population; Caucasians accounted for 64 percent of the population, but only 30 percent of those in prison; and Hispanics held 16% of the nation’s population, but over 23 percent of prison inmates.

African-Americans land in prison at more than five times the rate of white people. In states like New Jersey, Iowa, and Vermont where there are predominately white communities, this number jumped to a rate of ten to one. Oklahoma, which is the state with the highest black incarceration rate in the nation, holds more than one in every 15 black males over the age of 18 in prison.

New Jersey native, Nasir Salaam, a 29-yearold published author, is currently incarcerated for a crime committed at the age of 17.

‘Flaws of Perfection’ author, Salaam, who has served over ten years in a New Jersey State Prison, offers a statement on mass incarceration and prison reform. “The prison system is backed up because you have so many people doing time and getting denied parole. There’s a few guys I know personally with over forty years in, getting denied parole. There’s no excuse, we know the real reason why.”

Crop drop unloads 25,000 of sweet potatoes to families JSU Newsroom Nearly 25,000 pounds of sweet potatoes were distributed to a constant stream of vehicles Saturday, Aug. 17, at Jackson State University’s annual Crop Drop event, which provided free sweet potatoes to the community.

“It’s part of our freshmen orientation week, and it’s allowing the students an opportunity to get their community service hours and meet our community,” said Heather Wilcox, director of community engagement at JSU. Transfer students are required to complete 60 community service hours while non-transfer students must finish 120 to graduate.

The potatoes are donated by the nonprofit Society of St. Andrew, participants in a gleaning grid throughout the state of Mississippi.

“Gleaning is where you get access to crops that cannot be sold or the farmers are ready to plant their new

crops,” explained Wilcox. “They typically will donate their produce, so they can get their farms ready for next season.”

Unofficially known as the sweet potato capital, the bulk of the sweet potatoes are from Vardaman, Miss., said the director.

“I think it’s important for us to do this event because some are more fortunate than others,” said Terry Bennett, prevention specialist for Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition. “It’s always good to give to those who may need it.”

A new feature of the Crop Drop was a sweet potato pie contest and seasonings like barbecue sauce, ketchup and honey mustard, plus vegetables from the Blackburn Middle School Garden were also given away. Overall, the event providesJSUstudentsanopportunity to interact with the neighborhoods surrounding the HBCU while being a valuable community resource.

According to Wilcox, nearly 3,000 people were supplied with 2,500 bags of sweet potatoes, and approximately 153 students volunteered their services.

Students like Shaundra Bennett, a freshmen political science major, spent the morning unboxing, unwrapping and “getting in where she fits in.” The Jackson native said she never passes up a chance to serve.

“This Crop Drop brings a number of people out here who are in need, and I am more than happy to assist in any way possible,” she said.

“There are some people in this area who may feel that they have nowhere to turn, and being that Jackson State University is the heart of the community, it’s only right that we get out here and help our fellow man.”

Bennett said she is looking to work in the public sector with a concentration in law and government, but for now, “it’s initiatives like the Crop Drop that are my focus.”

Photo by Charles A. Smith Shaundra Bennett, a freshman political science major, said she wants to work in the public sector and its events like the Crop Drop that help her gain experience.

From a student perspective, the freshmen said volunteering is prepping for the future. “There is never a time where you’re too young to help. As we grow and become older, we will see what our work has done to impact our fellow man.

This is a great experience for young people and adults,” she said, adding that she loves oven-roasted sweet potatoes. “You don’t even need sugar, just add a little cinnamon and some butter, and you are good to go.”

The Blue & White Flash

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Page 5 - September 12, 2019

JSU at a Glance

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Photos 1-6 by Kalin Norman/Photo 7 by JSU Athletics

(1-4) Campus Activities Board Skate Night in the Reddix Building. (5) Blue & White Flash editors and advisor during JSU Volleyball game. (6)Student Publications editors during Writer’s Workshop held in the Rose McCoy Auditorium. (7)Professor Shannon Tatum honored as Professor of the Game.

Variety

Page 6 - September 12, 2019

The Blue & White Flash

2 7 y e a r s l a t e r I t ’s s t i l l s c a r y i n t h e t o w n o f D e r r y Kalin Norman Photography Editor It has been 27 years since we all left the town of Derry with the so called “Losers Club”, but now our favorite jigging killer clown is ready for his return.

Now the question is, should you gear up for the final battle or sit this one out? To put it shortly, horror movie veterans may be disappointed.

However, what the movie lacks in scares, it makes up with in funny and memorable heart touching moments.

In this next chapter, the heroes are all grown up and most have left their hometown of Derry. It seems that it is time to make good on the promise that they made as kids; to “finish IT.” The beginning of the movie actually sets the tone for the rest quite well. Going from really intense graphic scenes to extremely funny and playful.

With a three-hour run time and so much to catch viewers up on, when the movie tries to explain things about the past, it feels like it drags on for too long. This, unfortunately, is where the movie starts showing its cracks and began to kind of loose views.

Once the action starts rolling, the movie sends you through each characters’ own personal rollercoaster that they

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must deal with and overcome.

The scares were slim to none. The movie used mostly jump scares—when something pops out to frighten viewers— but they were not very effective at all since you can anticipate them.

The only time the real feeling of fear filled the theater was when Pennywise plays tricks on the kids in Derry that our heroes are trying to save.

Speaking of Pennywise, if you were expecting to have

nightmares about him after the movie, you probably will not.

While the clown’s tricks are shown throughout the movie, you actually do not really see his face a lot, especially compared to the last movie.

The casting of the characters is a completely different story.

The adults casted to play the now 27 years older characters from the first movie were matches made in heaven.

All the actors in the movie are

amazing and they all bring their characters fully to life.

The chemistry between all of the actors is great, and hands down James McAvoy (most known for his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb in the movie “Split”) and Bill Hader (most known for his years on Saturday Night Live) stole the show with their performances as Bill and Richie.

“IT: Chapter 2” is worth watching, especially with friends.

If you are a big fan of Stephen

King or just the story of “IT,” not much has changed, except a few scenes and plot points.

To answer everyone else’s questions: Is the movie scary?

No, not really. Will the movie keep you entertained for the most part? That is a big yes.

With a great cast and an epic conclusion, it is no wonder why the movie has earned over $94 million internationally its opening weekend. “It: Chapter 2” is a solid movie, and it is definitely worth the full ticket price.

Spider Man, chicken sandwiches, Nicki Minaj and Mac Miller trending gotten in her pink Mercedes Benz and is leaving the dollhouse.

Custody battle for Spidey Chioma Adobe The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will no longer include Spider-Man. The issue was centered around a heated battle regarding ownership privileges for the marvel sensation.

Sony Pictures is the sole owner to SpiderMan, however in 2015, they entered an agreement with Disney to share the character. When the second installment to Disney’s Spider-Man series “Far from Home” was released, it surpassed “Skyfall” which is Sony’s highest grossing film worldwide, resulting in Disney wanting to split Spider-Man movies 50/50.

Sony did not agree, and Disney removed Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios as producers of future SpiderMan films. Sony stated, “It was disappointed with Disney’s decision, adding that discussions around Feige’s continue role as a producer for the franchise had been ‘mischaracterized’.”

The Russo Brothers broke their silence on the subject in an interview with The Daily Beast, “We were extremely passionate about it. This is something we really wanted to happen and fought a long time internally at Marvel to make it happen.”

A recent feud between two

Man charged in Mac Miller’s Death Kharynton Allen

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Chicken Sandwich Feud Rielly Pulliam fast food franchises on the topic of chicken sandwiches.

Both Popeyes and Chick-fil-a are known and loved by fans for chicken.

The two restaurants had never crossed paths until the recent chicken sandwich frenzy. During the summer of 2019, Popeyes debuted their new chicken sandwich with two options: spicy or original.

Chick-fil-a took notice to Popeyes’ recipe, and tweeted “Bun + Chicken + Pickles = (heart emoji) for the original.”

They did not mention Popeyes, but fans were quick to take notice and just a few hours later, Popeyes responded with

a quote tweet “...y’all good.”

The feud was on after these tweets and food critics as well as chicken enthusiasts were weighing in. Popeyes had lines wrapped around the corner and hour long wait times.

However, the feud came to a halt when Popeyes announced that they were officially sold out across the country.

Nicki Minaj Retires Ry’n Good After not hearing many singles, fans have been pressing for more music from Jamaica Queens born emcee, Nicki Minaj, for months since her latest album release “Queen” in 2018.

As a result of curious and pressuring fans, the esteemed rapper revealed on her internet radio show, “Queen Radio,” the possibility of dropping another album.

Immediately following her announcement, she tweeted the news—making supporters storm to Twitter excitedly.

Shortly after, The Grammy nominated rapper decided to retire from her role as a prominent rap artist so that she could focus on her family.

Minaj recently tweeted out to the world, “I’ve decided to retire & have my family. I know you guys are happy now.

To my fans keep reppin me, do it til da death of me…” Well, it seems as if the Barbie has

Malcolm James McCormick, also known as rapper Mac Miller, died in September 2018 from an overdose consisting of alcohol, fentanyl, and cocaine.

On Sept. 4, 2019, Cameron Pettit was arrested and charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Pettit allegedly sold Miller fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl two days before his overdose.

Pettit had been selling drugs to Miller for several months, phone records show.

Text messages prove that Pettit agreed to sell Miller 30 milligram oxycodone pills, cocaine, and Xanax.

A 42-page criminal complaint was filed Friday, Sept. 6 in the Central District of California. documents allege that Miller texted Pettit asking for “percs,” the street name for a prescribed pain killer with oxycodone in it.

Investigators found that the amount of Xanax, Cocaine, and Fentanyl given to Miller by Pettit was stronger than that of heroin.

Cameron Pettit will face up to 20 years in federal prison if found guilty.

F o r e v e r 2 1 p r e p a r e s t o f i l e f o r C h a p t e r 11 B a n k r u p t c y Kelsei Scott Staff Writer

Say goodbye to cheap thrills, because Forever 21 is not so forever after all.

The fast-fashion chain Forever 21 announced last month that filing bankruptcy may just be the best option after facing irreconcilable shortcomings due to revenue.

According to Forbes, sales dropped by at the most, 25 percent in 2018, and Forever 21 would like to work on restructuring the brand.

Filing for bankruptcy could give the owners of the franchise time to discover how they want to rebrand and market differently to increase sales.

While the clothing brand is having this mass of dilemmas, singer Ariana Grande filed a major lawsuit against Forever 21

for trademark infringement only days after news struck about the retail company.

It is a pessimistic time for everyone’s favorite shop.

Mia Jutan, a freshman mass communication major from Atlanta, Ga. said, “I feel if Forever 21 goes bankrupt, many consistent shoppers will be devastated because their primary source of shopping no longer exists.”

It goes without saying that Forever 21 is the number one source for fast fashion.

The company is known for its quick and affordable methods to obtain cheaply manufactured versions of high-end designer trends.

Jayla Manor, a freshman business major from Las Vegas, NV. also said, “I’ve been shopping at Forever 21 since I was probably in middle school so I feel like it will kind of cut out a piece of

my child hood and it’ll force me to go to different outlets to find the clothes that I’m looking for instead of one place.”

Forever 21 was just one of many fast fashion chains to have a decline in sales this year. Chains including H&M and Zara have also undergone decline in sales.

The main cause of this sudden shortfall is because of the new wave of shopping in this era.

Today, consumers are turning to online fashion instead of instore retail. Online provides more convenience for an avid shopper seeing that it is delivered right to your door; whereas, buyers would use to spend hours in the mall only to find nothing.

Online, there is a substantial amount of fast fashion chains that recreate high-end trendy clothes.

Fashion Nova, Shein, Zaful, Romwe, and the list goes on.

With these affordable and more convenient online sources of fashion, Forever 21 was bound to

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have competition.

The convenience of online shopping poses a threat to not only stores like Forever 21, even stores like Footlocker faced difficulties with sales in some stores. According to an article published on TheStreet.com, the Footlocker company is gradually

closing Lady Footlocker locations across the country due to a decline in sales.

With Forever 21 filing for bankruptcy, this can be a stellar opportunity for smaller stores that are looking to not only expand, but get a leg up on today’s fashion.

MCAN/MDAN

Page 7 - September 12, 2019

The Blue & White Flash

HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction

Wednesday, Sept. 25th & Thur., Sept. 26th, 2019 • 9am 1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi

Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm Tractors, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc. & More Day 2: Selling Dozers, Excavators, Motor Graders, Off Road Trucks, Rubber-tired Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging, Service Trucks, Fuel/Lube Trucks & More

Deanco Auction 601-656-9768 www.deancoauction.com 1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733, MSGL #835 10% Buyers Premium on the first $4500 of each lot and then a 1% buyers premium and the remaining balance of each lot.

HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction 0 8 Wednesday, Sept. 25th & 8 8 Thur., Sept. 26th, 2019 • 9am 8 8 1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi 0Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers,

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Farm Tractors, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc. & More Day 2: Selling Dozers, Excavators, Motor Graders, Off Road Trucks, Rubber-tired Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging, Service Trucks, Fuel/Lube Trucks & More

Deanco 8 8Auction 8 601-656-9768 8 8 www.deancoauction.com 8 8 8 8 1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350

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Sports

Page 8 - September 12, 2019

The Blue & White Flash

Big cats battle on the gridiron at 30th Annual SHC

Special to the Flash Fans are gearing up for the most anticipated annual battle of the big cats, the Southern Heritage Classic.

This marks the 30th year of the game between the Tigers of Jackson State University and the Tigers of Memphis, Tenn.

The matchup will take place on Sept. 14 in Memphis. The 29th Annual SHC was canceled due to more than three hours of lighting delays on Sept. 8, 2018. This was the first time in the histor y of the classic that the game was cancelled and a make-up game between both historically black universities was not scheduled.

The last cancelled game took place in 2001 due to the 9/11 events that took place in New York City. That game was rescheduled for Nov 22.

Tennessee State leads the all-time series meeting (179). The last time JSU has defeated TSU was Sept. 10, 2011 with the score of 35-29.

This week JSU looks for redemption after back to back losses to Bethune-

Cookman and the University of South Alabama.. The Tigers look to start a winning tradition under the leadership of head Coach John Hendrick.

Tennessee State is coming off a 45-26 loss in a matchup against Middle Tennessee University.

JSU should look out for wide receiver Chris Rowland earned Ohio Valley

Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts at Middle Tennessee. Rowland caught 11 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in Tennessee State’s loss to their in-state rival.

This battle of the big cats will be held at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. at 6 p.m.

Lady Tiger ’s struggle against Louisiana Tech Wakil Atig Sports Editor The Lady Tigers of Jackson State University hosted the Lady Techsters of Louisiana Tech University in their second home game of this season.

The Lady Tigers are coming off a tough loss in their last home game to Northwestern State University and looked to redeem their honor on their home floor.

In set one, the Lady Tigers got off to a strong start. They controlled the tempo of the game and seemed in complete control as they quickly went up 3-0.

After the Lady Tigers short run in the beginning of set one, the Lady Techsetters went on a dominant 12-1 run by simply out hustling the Lady Tigers. They displayed more hunger and passion for the ball as they simply wouldn’t allow the Lady Tigers to regain any momentum.

The Lady Techsters went on to win the first set, 25-13.

The Lady Tigers began the second set with a strong start as they attempted to raise the bar for intensity against the Lady Techsters.

Marina Bianchi, a junior from Sorocaba, Brazil, had an outstanding performance. Her

energy helped lift the Lady Tigers to a 11-7 lead early as she scored two consecutive kills. She finished the game with a five kills on 15 total attacks.

That lead would be short lived as the Lady Techsetters showed no signs of giving up and rallied to take a 13-14 lead over the Lady Tigers. This set showed to be the most intense of the three total played.

The next three out of four points went to the Lady Tigers caused by errors from the Lady Techsters and another kill from Bianchi. The Lady Tigers now took control of the game with a 16-15 lead and didn’t show any signs of letting up.

Even though JSU had showed signs of taking over the game, La. Tech still manage to outplay the Lady Tigers in a tight uphill battle in set two.

The Lady Techsetters would go on to win the set 25-19, taking a earned 2-0 lead in the match.

Even though JSU was down 0-2 at the start of the third set, they never played like it.

At the start of set three, the Lady Tigers quickly scored four points. Three of those points came by way of La. Tech’s sloppiness of the ball and errors. La. Tech, at the start of the third set, was showing signs of fatigue and

Photo by Wakil Atig JSU Women’s Volleyball team gearing up for the opening serve.

JSU capitalized off of it. JSU took a 4-2 lead early.

That fatigue wouldn’t last long as La. Tech went on a seven point run and simply outworked the Lady Tigers.

The Lady Tigers had lost the stride they previously had by simply missing ball and not making it over the net. JSU’s lack of execution was their biggest challenge in this series and it really took away from them gaining full control at times.

Although the Lady Tigers put up a strong fight late in the set by cutting into La. Tech’s lead, it simply wasn’t enough to make a full comeback. The Lady Techsters went on to win the set 25-17 and win the overall match 3-0.

Keylin Holloway, a sophomore biology major from Little Rock, Ark., loved that the Lady Tigers never showed any signs of defeat during the game.

“They stayed focused and

locked in throughout the entire game and played every second hard,” said Holloway.

Tiara Beverly, a sophomore biology major from Chicago, Ill., felt the game was really intense.

“It seemed like every time I thought we had control of the game, the other team would come right back with consecutive points. Even though we lost the game I hope this game will be a learning opportunity for the team to see what areas they can improve in,” said Beverly.

NFL celebrates 100 years with opening weekend Jordon Canada Staff Writer The National Football League has many events scheduled to celebrate their 100th season.

Executive Vice President of Club Business and League Events Peter O’Reilly said, “Our goal is to make this the most meaningful and memorable season in league history.”

After what was an interesting week one, the NFL will be on their way to following O’Reilly’s plans for the season.

The journey to Super Bowl LIV, which will take place in Miami, began with a defensive battle featuring the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The Bear’s Khalil Mack, who shined in the season opener last season, was rather quiet in this game. It was the Packers’ defense that caused a lot of disruption, sacking Bears quarterback,

Mitchell Trubisky, five times on their way to an impressive 10 to 3 win.

NFL Sunday on Sept.

8 consisted of a few close games, three blowouts, and even a 27-point tie between the Arizona Cardinals and the Detroit Lions. Rookie quarterback Kyler Murray led his team back from an 18 to 0 deficit. In San Diego, the Andrew Luck-less Colts started the season with a loss in overtime to the Phillip Rivers led Chargers.

The Cleveland Browns did not live up to expectations after signing Odell Beckham, Jr. as Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans with the final score of 43 to 13 trampled them.

The Philadelphia Eagles were excited to have wide receiver Desean Jackson back for the opener against their rivaled Washington Redskins. Jackson, in his return, finished the game with eight catches, 154 yards, two touchdowns, a

win, and two deep balls that were worthy of Sports Center’s Top 10 plays of the week.

Another game that had a few plays worthy of the Top 10 was the onesided matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose ability to stand in the pocket and throw was questioned by many, proved the doubters wrong.

Jackson, with help from rookie receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, completed 17 of his 20 passes, put up 324 yards and 5 touchdowns, completed a perfect passer rating, and set a franchise record for most points in a half. He did all of this within the first three quarters of the game, giving the Ravens a chance to play their reserves in the fourth quarter.

Although the Raven’s offense will get most of the praise, their defense

was just as impressive.

Baltimore’s defense played with intensity and the sound of the pads crashing together could be heard through the television speakers. Baltimore’s safety, Earl Thomas, also had an interception in his first game in a Ravens jersey, as they left no doubt in a 59 to 10 win over the Dolphins.

Both the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders showed they could win on prime time television without troubled wide receiver Antonio Brown. Brown recently took social media by storm with his controversial departure from the Raiders after refusing to wear his helmet.

Opening week was capped off in the swamps on Monday Night Football.

The New Orleans Saints battled with the Houston Texans in a game that came down to the final seconds.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees, with 36 seconds

remaining, got his team into field goal position. Wil Lutz, the Saints place kicker who missed a 56 yarder earlier in the game, hit the 58 yarder right down the middle as time expired.

Christopher Jones, a junior physical education major from Hazlehurst, Miss., was frustrated with his team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, after they were embarrassed by 42-yearold Tom Brady and the Patriots.

“After watching that unacceptable game, I felt displeased. Our team wasn’t at our best and it showed on the field,” said Jones.

Adrianne Jackson, a senior marketing major from Grambling, La., was pleased with the outcome of the Saints-Texans matchup.

“Brees is the greatest of all time and he never disappoints. I’ve been a fan of his game for a long time and I believe it’s time he gets the respect he deserves,” Jackson.