The Reveille 9-25-23

VETO BATTLE

SG president’s veto sparks debate on role of Student Government

LSUReveille.com

@lsureveille

CONTROVERSY BREWS

SG president’s veto of Landry condemnation draws opposition

BY CLAIRE SULLIVAN & CROSS HARRIS @sulliclaire & @thecrossharris

LSU’s Student Government president vetoed a resolution Friday condemning Attorney General Jeff Landry for missing a gubernatorial election forum held on campus Sept. 13.

Anna Cate Strong, the SG president, said in a letter to the speaker of the Student Senate that “I must veto SGR 3 due to its nature as political commentary.”

Landry was the only major candidate for governor not in attendance at the forum. He was in Bossier City that night for an event with Donald Trump Jr., campaign spokesperson Kate Kelly said in a statement to the Reveille.

The resolution, passed overwhelmingly at a Student Senate meeting Wednesday, said his absence was “a detriment to the electorate.”

“Attorney General Landry’s conscious decision to participate in a hyper-partisan rally instead of an organized debate with his actual opponents reveals a calculus that disregards the fullfledged, good-faith argument of policies most concerning to the Louisiana State University community,” the resolution said.

Strong said she felt SG shouldn’t take a stance on the matter.

“The biggest thing is that SG is inherently a apartisan organization,” she said Friday in an interview with the Reveille, “and through condemning a political official, it takes a stance, which, written or unwritten, Student Government has not done before” to her knowledge.

Her veto — and her view on the role of SG — was met with opposition from some student senators.

“While I completely understand arguments from both sides, I do not think that it is fair to say that we as Student Government are unable to comment on politi-

cal situations,” said Sen. Corbitt Driskell, who represents the business college. “Especially when the political ramifications can have a direct effect on the policies implemented at LSU.”

Sen. Ethan Elmer, who represents the University Center for Freshman Year, expressed similar objections to the veto. He cited former resolutions as evidence that SG can take political stances.

“I do not understand the critique,” Elmer said. “...Just last semester, we passed a resolution supporting Tenureship in the wake of attacks on tenure in the Florida Legislature. Furthermore, in the wake of the January 6th insurrection, the Student Senate passed a resolution to urge [Rouses] Markets and directly call out the owner for participating in the insurrection, something which President Strong herself voted in favor of when she was a member of Senate…”

Still, Strong said she believes SG shouldn’t take a position in this situation.

“SGR 3 is inherently a politi-

cal statement, as it comments on [Landry’s] absence to a political forum and employs definitions of the United States political structure,” Strong wrote in her letter to the speaker of the Senate. “While as individuals, we may be frustrated with the actions or inactions of those who seek office in our state, we cannot speak as individuals when representing the entirety of LSU.”

LSU College Democrats expressed vehement opposition to Strong’s actions in a statement on behalf of the organization, saying that their members “stand in solidarity” with the United Campus Workers of Louisiana—the university labor union, which supported the condemnation—the Student Senate and the resolution.

“While Jeff Landry and our Student Body President may not feel a responsibility to their respective electorates,” the statement said, “Jeff Landry’s positions on tenure, diversity, equity and inclusion, academic freedom, and funding priorities matter to LSU students, faculty, and staff.”

College Democrats also called Strong’s “veto a partisan defense of a reasonable critique of Jeff Landry.”

“Now if the President truly believes that Jeff Landry is the best choice for Louisiana, we encourage her to cast that vote at the ballot box instead of weaponizing her office against the Student Body,” the statement said.

College Democrats endorsed Strong during her spring campaign for SG president. In response to the veto, they have officially rescinded that endorsement, organization president Page Gray told the Reveille.

Strong said in her letter that she was not “putting forth a political statement” through her veto. She maintained, in a comment Sunday to the Reveille, that

although SG holds the responsibility of voicing student concerns, “that doesn’t mean we should take a stance as a body for, or against a gubernatorial candidate.”

“I don’t want Student Government to make formal declarations of support or condemnation, because we are not a body that stands behind or against candidates,” she said.

Graduate student senators Alicia Cerquone, the author of the resolution, and Cullen Hodges, the co-author, said that SG couldn’t afford to stay out of the election.

“The student body president of LSU has vetoed our SGR because it is ‘inherently political,’” they said in a joint statement Friday. “Being apolitical is a privilege and in itself political. The Student Government doesn’t have the privilege to stay out of the governor’s race.

“There’s too much on the line for the students we represent. We fundamentally disagree with President Strong on the role of the Student Government, because we were elected to represent the best interest of the student body in all matters related to the LSU experience.”

They also reminded their fellow senators that they will have a chance to override the veto in their next meeting on Wednesday. The meetings, held at 6:30 p.m. in the Capital Chambers of the Student Union, are open to the public.

“We will not concede to antidemocratic behaviors for the sake of maintaining the status quo by means of a quote unquote ‘apolitical posture,’” they said.

The Senate passed the resolution on Wednesday with 43 votes in favor, three against and six abstentions. The Senate needs a two-thirds vote of those present at the last meeting to override Strong’s veto.

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CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

The Reveille mispelled student Sen. “Corbitt” Driskell’s name in its Sept. 21 edition. The error has been corrected online.

ABOUT THE REVEILLE

The Reveille is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free from multiple sites on campus and about 25 sites off campus. To obtain additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall or email studentmedia@ lsu.edu. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. The Reveille is funded through LSU students’ payments of the Student Media fee.

MATTHEW PERSCHALL FOR THE LOUISIANA ILLUMINATOR

Gubernatorial candidate and State Attorney General Jeff Landry answers questions on April 26 at the PAR forum held at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge, La.

MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille Innovate ticket heads Gigi Powers (left) and Anna Cate Strong (right) listen on Feb. 27, during a Student Government judicial proceeding in the LSU Student Union on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, La.

New Black dance organization ‘striving to leave a legacy’

BY JALEN HINTON @jalenh2600

LSU has a new Black dance group on campus, and they call themselves the “Fierce Felines of Rhythm and Roar.”

The new group’s goal is to build a sanctuary where young women can dance, improve their craft and build friendships in the process.

Dance, as a form of expression, has been around for centuries. From telling stories to conveying emotions, the practice of moving to music is an outlet for many. So it is for the Fierce Felines.

“We really wanted to dance and be in a space where everyone can express themselves with no judgment,” said VicePresident and kinesiology sophomore Amiya Spears.

Visibility and inclusivity are also key to the group.

“Rhythm and Roar, from day one, has been on a mission to be seen and heard,” Spears said. “We are women who want to uplift people on our team. No matter the title, we are equal. Rhythm and Roar made a space for us to be.”

The team consists of coastal and environmental science senior Ottilie Wilcox, who serves as the president, Spears, who

serves as the vice-president, as well as biological engineering senior Mikayla Powell and psychology junior Dallas Sherod who both hold the title of secretary.

Each of them has their own unique reason for dancing.

“I enjoy dancing because it gives me a way to express myself in other ways that aren’t available at the time,” Sherod said. “The free movement of the body is something you can’t get anywhere else. It’s just a way to physically show your emotion and passion, not just through words.”

The Fierce Felines draw from many inspirations that guide their routines. Hip-hop music and historically Black university dance teams are two sources.

Black dance groups aren’t common at predominantly white institutions, and the Felines are well aware of that. In fact, they embrace the challenge head-on by participating in performances throughout campus and tabling at events to raise awareness around their existence and purpose.

“We are striving to leave a legacy like those teams by bringing this form of dance that celebrates Black culture to LSU,” Spears said.

Beyond dancing, the troupe

strives to spread awareness about mental health. At the events where they table and on Instagram, the Felines offer information about suicide prevention and signs of depression.

“Some people have so much going on they forget to take care of the most important part of themselves, which is their mind,” Spears said. “We hope to reach people by sharing in-

formation and resources so that people understand the importance of taking care of their mental well-being.”

The group performed at Fall Fest Friday.

LSU will now provide free Adobe access for all students

BY MADISON MARONGE @madisonmaronge

Starting this fall semester, LSU students were granted free range of all Adobe apps including Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator and InDesign.

These programs are often required for students majoring in art, design, mass communication, some sciences and other areas. Now they won’t have to worry about Adobe’s monthly payments sneaking up on their bank accounts.

This change was brought through a resolution by Emma Long, a political communication and political science junior who is speaker pro tempore of LSU’s Student Government.

She found, through research, that other colleges were paying for or partnering with Adobe for a free program on behalf of their students. Long thought LSU should join in.

Long pushed this initiative in the Student Senate last year, with the help of Lizzie Shaw, who was then SG president. Shaw also advocated for free Adobe access with the Board of Regents and the Information Technology Services.

Before this initiative, students had to pay $19.99 per month in the promotional period of their Adobe subscription,

which was bumped to $29.99 per month when that period ended a year later. There was often a cancellation fee if a student decided they couldn’t pay or dropped the class. For some required courses, Adobe is mandatory.

Jennifer Macha-Hebert, an adjunct professor in visual com -

munication, said she’s excited her students now have this required resource for free.

“When I originally began teaching courses that required the use of Adobe, we had [free] desktop computers both in the classroom and in a lab that had all the software,” she said. “As technology advanced, we moved

to a laptop policy, in which students had to pay for the cost of the Adobe subscription.”

Macha-Hebert thinks this new, free access to Adobe will help students to stick with their creativity and practice graphic design, as well as “give students a strong competitive advantage in the job market because they

will have more than just a base level knowledge of the software.”

The access lasts for a year and can be renewed. The software can be used anywhere by downloading it to a personal computer or can be easily accessed through an LSU login code on any device.

ERIN BARKER / The Reveille

The Fierce Felines of Rhythm and Roar stand by their booth at the Involvement Fest hosted by Campus Life on Sept. 15 on Azalea Hall Lawn on LSU campus in Baton Rouge, La.

MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille LSU psychology freshman Taylor Pippin studies Jan. 23 on her laptop featuring a sticker collage outside Stubbs Hall in Baton Rouge, La.

MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille Adobe Photoshop launches on a laptop on Sept. 14 on LSU’s campus.

Salt water in the Mississippi River threatens drinking water

BY SARA CLINE Associated Press

BATON

ROUGE, La. (AP)

—

Salt water from the Gulf of Mexico is creeping up the droughtstricken Mississippi River and threatening drinking water supplies in some Louisiana communities, including New Orleans, prompting the state’s governor to warn Friday he may request federal help.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said during a news conference that he is just a couple days away from requesting an emergency declaration from the federal government to get more agencies to address the issue and authorize the state “to take emergency protective measures with some level of reimbursement available.”

“Unfortunately, we just haven’t had the relief from dry conditions ... so that (saltwater) intrusion is worsening, in the sense that it’s moving further up the river,” Edwards said.

The southeastern corner of the state, Plaquemines Parish, is already under a drinking water advisory due to high salt levels in the water. Bottled water is being distributed to residents.

Typically, the river’s flow is sufficient to prevent salt water from moving far upstream. But for the second year in a ro w, hot and dry weather has lowered the Mississippi River’s flow, allowing

a denser, heavier layer of salt water from the gulf to force its way upstream.

The river is expected to hit historic lows in the next few weeks, Edwards said.

“Most of the state has been experiencing prolonged drought and above-average heat, and has presented a number for challenges including wildfires, drought,

heat-related deaths, injuries and so forth and now saltwater intrusion,” Edwards said.

Officials are addressing the issue in multiple ways, including heightening an existing sill — an underwater levee used to block or slow the wedge of salt water — and bringing in 15 million gallons of fresh water for residents in impacted areas.

“We’re being proactive. We’re applying best practices and lessons learned from the past,” Edwards said.

But what is needed most right now is rain. And not just in Louisiana, but further north to strengthen the river’s flow, Edwards said.

The governor urged Louisianans not to panic or rush to buy

bottled water. Instead, residents will be notified in advance if salt water will impact their area.

“We just need to make sure that we are aware of the situation and that we don’t do anything that would exacerbate it and do anything that we reasonably can, as soon as we can, to help us get through this period of time,” Edwards said.

Key takeaways from the Louisiana Board of Regents meeting

BY TYLER LAULAND @TLauland

The Louisiana Board of Regents held its second meeting of the school year Wednesday, voting on a variety of academic initiatives and receiving a visit from LSU President William F. Tate IV a day earlier. Here are the key takeaways:

Enrollment cliff

Tate in his speech to the regents Tuesday hinted at an end to LSU’s ever increasing freshman class sizes, as the school is beginning to struggle to accommodate the new students.

“You won’t probably hear me next year say, ‘We broke an enrollment record,’ unless it’s by like 10 or 15,” he said. “…We’re not trying to grow it anymore.”

Tate cited the strain on campus facilities such as dorms and the growing workload on faculty as reasons for the halt in student expansion.

New budget

The Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget presented by Deputy Commissioner Matt LaBruyere was passed unanimously. The objective of this budget is to “Facilitate a risk assessment process to develop a risk focused internal audit plan in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute,” according to the Board of Regents.

New Center of Research at LSU

AgCenter

The new Center of Research

Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species for the LSU AgCenter passed unanimously as well. Those in partnership with this collaboration have helped raise $24 million in the last five years, and secured an additional $22 million annually for the next five years going forward, according to Blake R. David, chair of Academic

and Student Affairs for the Board of Regents.

New degree programs

The Board also passed a motion to receive and accept the year one list of planned new degree programs, the recently approved program progress report and to approve the requested program terminations.

“The 54 new degree programs, proposed by institutions from all four systems, provide us with an opportunity for state-wide collaboration in program development and stronger alignment with state and regional labor needs,” the Board of Regents Talent Development Pipeline Analysis said.

Master plan

The year four update of the Board’s Master Plan was provided, which focused on mapping a successful pathway to 2030. By that point, The Board of Regents aims for 60% of the Louisiana population to have a credential of value, said a regent.

The next Board of Regents meeting will be on Oct. 18.

REAGAN COTTEN / The Reveille

Water flows onto the concrete on April 12 on the Mississippi Riverfront in Baton Rouge, La.

REAGAN COTTEN / The Reveille

Papers sit on Sept. 20 in the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge, La.

REAGAN COTTEN / The Reveille

The powerpoint projects onto the slide Sept. 20 in the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge, La.

ENTERTAINMENT

THIS WEEK IN BR

BY MADELON DAVIS @madelondavis

Monday at 4 p.m. SEPTEMBER 25th

Want

Dessert with the Dean

The French House Honor College students can get of getting desserts with the dean of the Honor College at the French House in the Sternberg Salon. From 4 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Tiger Town Hall

LSU Student Union

Students can ask the Student Government representatives questions at this event. This meeting will be held at the Student Union in the International Room. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday at 9 a.m. SEPTEMBER 27 th

Flu Shots on the Geaux PFT

The Student Health Center will be offering flu shots at Patrick F. Taylor Hall from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Shots are free for students and $25 for faculty and staff.

SEPTEMBER

Tuesday at 5 p.m. 26th

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ actor co-owns Pilates studio by campus

BY AVA FRANCIS & EMILY POIRRIER @avamohsochic & @Emily_Poirrier

SWTY, a new Pilates studio, has opened just minutes from campus to introduce reformer classes to the community.

You may already be familiar with one of the co-owners, actor Jay Ellis of “Insecure” and “Top Gun: Maverick” fame. Ellis’ business partner Vince Purpera, Louisiana native and LSU alumnus, have been friends for years. They both consider fitness to be a big part of their lives.

Walking into the studio, you’re immersed in shades of blue, creating a tranquil space surrounding the eight reformer machines.

Ellis and Purpera first met in Los Angeles, and the friendship quickly grew. Purpera owns Body Factory, a fitness boutique in Lafayette where Ellis trained for his first big show, “The Game.” So when the idea arose of a second studio opening, Ellis knew he wanted to be involved. The only question was: Where would SWTY’s first location be?

Purpera said he knew he wanted to create a company that grew in his home state. Ellis, knowing that he’s constantly passing through Ba-

ton Rouge going from Lafayette to New Orleans, figured this location was the perfect place. Of course, the fact that they’re both huge LSU fans and are always trying to catch a football or basketball game may have played a role.

“The campus is amazing, the city is beautiful, so to me, it was just a no-brainer,” Ellis said.

After Ellis did Pilates for the first time, he knew it would be a part of his workout routine. Ellis thinks it’s important to leave the misconception that Pilates is only for women in the past.

“I’ve done a lot of workouts, I’ve done a lot of stuff to get prepared for roles. I played college basketball. This is the best full-body workout you could do that doesn’t put stress on your body. What I realized about Pilates was I’m getting that flexibility, I’m getting that stretch while working out. The benefits are fast. You see results really, really quick,” Ellis said.

Ellis explained that the focus you have in Pilates carries outside of class. Most of his roles have a lot of physicality involved. Whether it’s portraying a football player in “The Game” or learning how to fly a jet for “Top Gun,” Pilates comes in clutch, he said.

“To go shoot a movie like ‘Top

Gun,’ a show like ‘Insecure’ or ‘The Game’ – that was very physical –the mental preparation that goes into something like that, well, just because you’re an actor doesn’t mean you know how to prepare for those roles or that your body is physically ready for those things,” Ellis said. “I think that for me, Pilates has always given me a base to go do those things and push myself.”

Pilates can be a great place to hang out with friends, the pair said. Ellis has some iconic friends and castmates, such as Issa Rae/President Barbie, Yvonne Orji and Kendrick Sampson. Despite starring in the hit HBO show “Insecure,” the group has never done Pilates together.

“We should do a class when I get back home to LA. That’s actually a great idea,” Ellis said. “I’ve worked out with Yvonne, we used to live two streets away from each other… We used to hike quite a bit. I’ve never worked out with Issa before, although I know she’s a big walker.”

Ellis has a playlist acting as the soundtrack to his workouts. Notable artists like Drake, Future, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Lil Yachty are featured.

He doesn’t just stick to Pilates

though; the average workout week for Ellis is filled with excitement.

“So I do fasted cardio every morning at 7 a.m. for 20 to 30 minutes depending on what time I wake up, and how much time I have, but that’s the first thing I do. Then on Monday, Wednesday, Friday I lift weights at noon for an hour. On Tuesday and Thursday, I do Pilates in the afternoon, and then on Saturdays I just run and that’s my week,” Ellis said.

First new client sessions are $10, and students get unlimited classes for $105 a month.

“I’ve been fortunate enough in my career to meet a lot of really amazing, professional athletes. Women’s basketball, men’s basketball, football, baseball, tennis, you name it and I will say there are a lot more professional athletes who use Pilates than what you would imagine,” Ellis said. “The doors are always open at SWTY.”

The co-owner’s said his mission is to make everyone who comes to SWTY have a great experience. Ellis described Pilates in three words: “tough, sweaty and gratifying.”

Many people are intimidated when they walk into a Pilates studio. Maybe it’s the machines or just that feeling of walking into unfamiliar territory, but there’s nothing

to fear, Ellis said.

“What Pilates does for you long term is huge, the benefits in your day-to-day life are amazing but what you get out of it in terms of longevity is massive,” Ellis said.“If every single person on the LSU campus came to the studio we’d be happy.”

SWTY plans to grow throughout Louisiana within the year. The owners have been looking at New Orleans and Metairie locations and hope to open several locations. They also hope to bring the brand to Los Angeles at the top of the year.

REAGAN COTTEN / The Reveille The sign sits on ept. 10, at SWTY Fitness Boutique on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, La.

KEEPING THE BOOT

LSU football beat Arkansas 34-31 earning the Golden Boot trophy Saturday, Sept. 23 in Tiger Stadium.

Photos by Reagan Cotten and Morgan Cook

LSU football players gather to pray for Greg Brooks Jr.

The LSU football team runs onto the field.

LSU football senior defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (99) and senior safety Andre’ Sam (14) tackle their opponent.

LSU football junior running back Logan Diggs (3) is tackled by his opponent.

LSU football senior safety Andre’ Sam (14) celebrates a tackle.

LSU football sophomore placekicker Damian Ramos (34) kicks the gamewinning field goal.

LSU football players take The Boot trophy toward the team.

LSU football 5th-year senior center Charles Turner III (69) prepares to hike the ball.

LSU football offensive line redshirt junior Miles Frazier (70) guards.

LSU football sophomore placekicker Nathan Dilbert winds up for a kick.

LSU football senior safety Andre’ Sam (14) celebrates.

LSU football senior quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) pushes forward.

LSU BEATS ARKANSAS

LSU grinds out win in second-half shootout

BY PETER RAUTERKUS @peter_rauterkus

As the first half clock wound down, Jayden Daniels dropped back and looked to take a shot on first down.

After scanning the field, he found Brian Thomas Jr. wide open, and hit him in stride to cut LSU’s deficit to three right before halftime.

It was the touchdown LSU desperately needed, down 13-3 with less than a minute in the first half, and it set up another 49-yard touchdown to Thomas to start the second half.

“I feel like it brought the energy back to the whole team,” Daniels said. “Giving him [Thomas] the chance to make a big play right before the half and then come out at halftime to make another big play, it gave everybody energy.”

After a Harold Perkins sack on the final play, LSU went into the half down 13-10, feeling like it had the momentum after a sluggish start. Then, what was once an offensive struggle turned into a shootout that LSU needed a last-second field goal to escape.

Daniels’ first half was one of his worst in an LSU uniform. Before the final drive he was 8 of 14 passing for 70 yards and an interception. Missed throws were constant, and a misread

FOOTBALL

of the Arkansas coverage led to his second interception of the season.

After that start, though, Daniels was almost unstoppable.

From the last drive of the

first half onwards, he was 12 of 15 passing for 250 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Something seemed to click after the touchdown pass to Thomas, and according to head coach Brian Kelly, it was

rhythm.

“He was out of rhythm. If you watch him a little bit, his drop was a little bit off and then he was rushing into his

FOOTBALL

3 takeaways from 3431 win vs. Arkansas

BY PETER RAUTERKUS @peter_rauterkus

It wasn’t pretty, but LSU stayed undefeated in Southeastern Conference play on Saturday, beating Arkansas 3431 with a last-second field goal.

The game had everything from turnovers to bad offense early on before turning into a shootout in the second half. LSU’s offense woke up when it needed to and grinded out the much-needed win.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

This won’t be the last shootout LSU gets into Saturday night proved that the defense’s performance against Mississippi State may have been a fluke. Just a week after giving up only 14 points and 201 total yards, Arkansas gashed the LSU defense for 31 points and 426 yards.

Many of LSU’s problems from the Florida State loss resurfaced. A mobile quarterback unlocked the LSU defense again as KJ Jefferson threw for 289 yards, ran for 48 yards and consistently made plays outside the pocket when LSU couldn’t

Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers salvage victory over Arkansas

BY JASON WILLIS

@JasonWillis4

For the fourth time in four years, The Battle for the Golden Boot was decided by three points.

When kicker Damian Ramos booted through a 20-yard field goal to take the 34-31 lead, punctuated by a game-sealing interception by Zy Alexander as time expired a play later, yet another wildly entertaining and unexpectedly close rivalry matchup came to an end.

Despite LSU being favored in betting lines of -17.5, this game was a fight to the finish. The No. 12 Tigers had to claw their way to victory over an unranked Arkansas squad. The win was not pretty; it was a matter of survival, especially with LSU likely needing to run the table to maintain its hopes of making the College Football Playoff.

Last year’s matchup saw Arkansas dictate the nature of the game. The defensive battle that ended in a 13-10 win for

LSU played into the Razorbacks’ strengths as a tough defensive team with offensive limitations.

This year, the game initially unfolded in much the same way. Arkansas’ pass-rush, which entered the game ranked No. 7 in the nation in sacks, made life difficult for LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. He was sacked twice and pressured once in the first half.

Even accounting for the effect of the Razorbacks’ pressure, Daniels was off; he wasn’t playing like himself. Coming into the game as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country, he was making uncharacteristic mistakes.

He missed on a handful of deep shots early on, slightly underthrowing them. He had throws that were behind his receivers or too low.

“He was out of rhythm,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “His drop was a little bit off, and he was rushing into throws.”

With 48 seconds left in the first half and after five drives of offense, LSU had mustered only

three points to Arkansas’ 13. Then, the duo of Daniels and junior wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. worked together to or-

chestrate a two-minute drill that gave the Tigers life. Thomas first caught a 25-yard pass and followed it up with a 49-yard bomb

a play later that went for six. Thomas Jr. got single coverage

REAGAN COTTEN / The Reveille LSU football junior wide reciever Brian Thomas Jr. (11) stomps in celebration on Sept. 23 during LSU’s 34-31 victory over Arkansas in Death Valley.

REAGAN COTTEN / The Reveille LSU football junior wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) reaches out for the ball on Sept. 23 during LSU’s 34-31 victory over Arkansas in Death Valley.

TAKEAWAYS, from page 9

get him on the ground.

LSU’s secondary continues to be its biggest weakness. Against teams with good quarterbacks and receivers, LSU will struggle and will need its offense to bail out the defense like it did against Arkansas.

Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. might be the best receiver duo in the country

While the LSU defense got carved up in the second half, LSU’s offense was equal to it. That was in no small part due to the play of Nabers and Thomas, who combined for 13 catches for 263 yards and four touchdowns.

Nabers showed his ability to be elite against Mississippi State, but when Thomas is equally as dangerous on the opposite side, LSU’s passing attack is hard to stop. Both receivers can consistently burn man coverage, creating bad matchups when teams try to bracket or double team one of them.

Nabers is now third in the

WIDE RECEIVERS, from page 9

and blew past his defender, with Daniels placing it on the money despite his previous struggles.

“I feel like it brought the energy back to the whole team,” said Daniels.

Three plays into the second half, Thomas came up big again to give LSU the lead. On a free play with Arkansas offsides, Daniels took a deep shot to Thomas in double coverage. The pass was severely underthrown, but Thomas having to come back to the ball shook off his defender. He bobbled the pass but walked into the end zone after making the last man miss.

“We pride ourselves on, like, when he gives us a shot to go make a play, we do our best to go

VICTORY, from page 9

throws,” Kelly said of Daniels in the first half. “Once he was able to speed up his drop, he was in much better rhythm, and it took off from there.”

The first half made Daniels’ Mississippi State performance look like a flash in the pan, a fluke against what might’ve just been a talent mismatch. But the second half proved that his progression and comfortability in the offense is real.

As the season continues, the comfortability seems to gradually increase each game, not just with Daniels, but with the entire unit. Thomas credited the progression to the extra time Daniels and the wide receivers spend together.

As the offense found its rhythm, though, the LSU defense lost any rhythm it had. Arkansas scored on each of its first three drives, and consistently wore down LSU with long drives throughout the

country in receiving yards and Thomas is 15th. Both have five touchdowns already on the year, which ties them for second in the country. They are the best receiver tandem LSU has had since 2019, and their continued dominance will be needed as LSU’s defense continues to struggle.

LSU’s running game is its most underrated attribute

What got lost in the shootout and Jayden Daniels’ second half performance was how well LSU moved the ball on the ground. Logan Diggs led the effort, running for 97 yards on 14 carries. He made big run after big run and picked up a few crucial first downs on the ground.

Whenever LSU needed just a few yards, it could rely on the running game to get it. Diggs has been one of LSU’s most consistent players since entering the rotation, and his contributions are huge in a game like the one against Arkansas.

There could be many more games this season where LSU needs to run the ball and burn clock, and the last three games

make the play. That makes him more confident with us,” Thomas said.

The play was indicative of the day. Daniels was nowhere near his best, but Thomas, who finished with 133 yards and the two touchdowns, and LSU’s other weapons stepped up to claim a win from the jaws of defeat. According to Kelly, Thomas received the game ball for his efforts.

Through four games, Thomas had 413 yards as LSU’s secondleading receiver, already more than he’s had in any of his previous two years at LSU. He’s emerging as a legitimate threat, not just a second option, thanks to improvement in his game to become a more well-rounded receiver.

Also coming up big to give

game.

“Defensively, there’s a lot that has to continue to get better, and most of them are selfinflicted wounds,” Kelly said.

The biggest of those wounds came late in the fourth quarter when LSU had a chance to ice the game. Arkansas faced a third-and-18 in LSU territory, and just when it looked like it had the stop on an incompletion, Harold Perkins was flagged for roughing the passer to extend the drive.

“[The referee] thought it was unnecessary. My response was, ‘He’s 252 pounds, you try to tackle him,” Kelly said of the call. “All I can tell you is that there was no blow to the head. There was no blow to the neck area.”

KJ Jefferson was the key to unlocking LSU’s defense.

He finished the game 21 of 31 passing with 289 yards. He also ran for 48 yards, and constantly hurt LSU with his legs and his ability to make plays

outside the pocket.

“KJ Jefferson was outstanding tonight. Kept plays alive, couldn’t get him on the ground,” Kelly said.

Jefferson nearly willed Arkansas to a win, but just didn’t have enough possessions to do so. He took advantage of LSU’s weak secondary, but LSU’s offensive response was too much.

With every blow from Jefferson and the Arkansas offense, LSU had a counter-punch ready. For every long, gritty, Arkansas drive, LSU had a quick answer to keep the momentum from shifting.

An unexpected second half shootout adds to the strange history this rivalry brings. LSU was favored by multiple scores, but for the fourth straight year, The Battle for the Golden Boot ended in a three-point margin.

“It’s just the nature of two teams in proximity playing for a rivalry trophy,” Kelly said. “These are the games you have to find a way to win.”

have proven it could do that. Diggs isn’t the only back either. Josh Williams and Kaleb Jackson have proven to be

LSU’s offense a boost was star wide receiver Malik Nabers. During the first-half drought, Nabers was one of the bright spots for the struggling offense. Despite seeming to reaggravate a right shoulder injury, he came down with big third down catch after big third down catch to keep drives alive.

In the second half, he came up with two touchdowns and was always there when needed, finishing with 130 yards. On LSU’s final drive, he took the Tigers into Arkansas territory with a 36yard catch and converted a crucial third down that allowed LSU to milk the clock and not give Arkansas a chance to answer.

Nabers’ production opened things up for Thomas, as well, with him drawing bracket cover-

reliable, and both got carries against Arkansas. Combining that with the threat Daniels poses with his legs, LSU has

age and multiple defenders consistently.

“When they double Malik, it opens up more one-on-ones for me, Kyren [Lacy] and Aaron [Anderson]. I feel like we just got to go out there and win our one-onones,” Thomas said.

LSU needed every bit of the contributions from its two most dangerous weapons. After a quiet first half from the Arkansas offense, the Razorbacks caught fire, pushing LSU to keep its foot on the gas.

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson continuously evaded pressure and was almost impossible to bring down. Like he always does, he played mistake-free football and made the easy plays, guiding Arkansas to 18 secondhalf points and 157 yards in the

a rushing attack that brings a level of balance to the offense it hasn’t seen much of over the last few years.

fourth quarter.

The Tiger offense answered the challenge. They scored touchdowns on each of their first three second half possessions and capped it off with the putaway drive.

Though he bounced back in the second half and regained his rhythm, it wasn’t Daniels’ best day. It didn’t have to be. With receivers like Nabers and Thomas, LSU has a margin for error on offense, knowing that its best skill players can single-handedly pull the team out of funks.

LSU’s win was the type that a team with championship aspirations needs to see. The Tigers now know they can pull out victories and dominate on offense even when everything doesn’t go right.

MORGAN COOK / The Reveille

LSU football senior wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) and junior wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrate after a touchdown Sept. 23 during LSU’s 34-31 win against Arkansas at Tiger Stadium.

MORGAN COOK / The Reveille

LSU football senior quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball Sept. 23 during LSU’s 34-31 win against Arkansas at Tiger Stadium

OPINION

The U.S. needs more politicians like Mitt Romney and Nancy Pelosi

run for office. It’s cynical—not just skeptical—to assign them to every politician.

Politicians are some of the most reviled people in society. Congress, in particular, is comically unpopular.

At best, they are seen as greedy, corrupt egomaniacs; at worst, they are literal demonic hatemongers.

This perception and some genuine examples have led some to embrace the famous Reagan quote that the “nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”

This, in turn, has led to both the dehumanization of political opponents and low belief in one’s ability to affect change through civic life. These issues give rise to a range of dangerous outcomes like populist demagoguery and consistently low voter turnout.

These ends need to be avoided, and the best way to do that is to reexamine the popular notion of the bad politician.

There certainly is greed, corruption and hate in government, but these are not universal traits shared by every person to ever

In reality, the problem with government is not the job of “politician” as a concept. It’s the specific brand of self-serving behaviors and dispositions that many people who enter politics possess and promote.

This truth raises an important question: What makes a good politician? Blind dismissal and sweeping hatred for elected officials distract from this question, but it’s essential to answer if society is ever going to cultivate a government that is actually, not just officially, responsive to the needs of every individual, group and community. It cannot be answered if we simply think that good politicians can’t exist.

So, to find current examples of quality officeholders, look no further than Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah and former Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Why these two? Because they are perfect encapsulations of the complexity, humanity and devotion that ultimately defines a good politician.

Romney recently announced he would retire at the end of his

term rather than seek a second one next year. Pelosi, conversely, announced to her San Franciscobased district that she would seek to extend her tenure to nearly 40 years by running for reelection.

Romney, son of the late Michigan Gov. George Romney, spent most of his adult life in business (which in this case includes some controversial events that should be neither overlooked nor essentialized as fundamental parts of his character). He was later the governor of Massachusetts and the 2012 GOP nominee for president. In 2018, he was elected as senator for Utah.

Pelosi, daughter of the late Baltimore Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1987 after years as a mother and Democratic party operative. She was speaker twice, once from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.

From these heavily condensed biographies, two things should be immediately clear.

First, they come from powerful and wealthy political families. This tends to make people harder to relate to, but people with privilege are still human beings. There’s no better evidence for this than a sim-

ple photo of Romney smiling with his family or the revealing documentary Pelosi’s daughter made about her last year.

Second, they aren’t exactly spring chickens. Then again, not all elderly politicians are incapable of doing their jobs, like California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, or, at the point of selfparody, Iowa GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley. Age and experience do bring wisdom; it just helps to actually be able to communicate it.

Additionally, both Romney and Pelosi are incredibly complex figures.

They aren’t perfect. No one is. They are, however, committed to their jobs and in government, at least partially, for the right reason.

In a 2022 documentary for PBS, Pelosi talked considerably about how many of her colleagues across the aisle (Republicans) simply don’t believe in the task of governing. She didn’t mean they were necessarily selfish or hateful, but rather that they literally didn’t think that the government should play a substantial role in society.

She disagreed and has proven it over and over again. During the first two years of both the Obama and Biden administrations, Pelosi shepherded legitimately trans -

formative legislation through the House. Sometimes, she sought compromise, but she wasn’t afraid to work within her party when the other side was unwilling to come to the table.

Romney too has spent much of his only term in the Senate as a dealmaker and defender of democracy. That second title may seem like the bare minimum, but given the current state of his party, it’s honorable. Before, on and since the Jan. 6 insurrection, he has stood up to the more powerful and (sadly) popular figures in the GOP and done what is right.

Romney and Pelosi, for all their shortcomings and even outright flaws, are good politicians.

They believe in democracy. They believe in the importance of their offices in carrying and preserving that democracy. They believe in governing.

For these reasons, they should be treated as the models of what good governance looks like. Take or leave their policies and perspectives. Embrace or critique their strategies and styles. But always value their intentions.

Beauty companies use toxic chemicals to sabotage your hair

Hair is important. It empowers people to feel worthy—to feel beautiful. For some, it holds cultural significance. But regardless of its significance to any certain individual, one thing remains true; it’s the first thing people notice about you.

Companies know this, and they have created an industry centered around the way your hair looks. Corporations create products that promise to smooth split-ends and enhance shine. They provide pills and potions that “guarantee” positive results, all while turning a profit.

But what allows them to sell these “miracle” products for relatively cheap?

Harmful chemicals. Some of these chemicals, however, are toxic and condemn scalps everywhere to endure as cracked, itching wastelands to line corporate pockets.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Claire Sullivan Editor in Chief

Managing Editor Lauren Madden

Cross Harris News Editor

Sulfate is the signature chemical that allows shampoo to form its rich lather. However, sulfates may be carcinogenic if, and only if, they come into contact with 1,4-dioxane (a solvent used in cosmetics), according to Healthline.

This is not to mention the moisture-killing nature of sulfates that may lead to scalp irritation.

There are also several forms of sulfates all possessing slightly different names that just make it harder for consumers to differentiate what is safe and what isn’t.

Another common ingredient contained within your average hair care bundle is formaldehyde. Yes, the formaldehyde that preserves dead animals in jars.

When used in extremely small batches, formaldehyde is safe for the human body and can prevent the growth of microorganisms in conditioners and style products.

However, skin can become irritated and dry out when exposed to formaldehyde for long periods of time.

And, fun fact, corporations

don’t have to list formaldehyde as an ingredient when it’s bonded with something or used in small enough doses, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The most infamous ingredient in most conditioners and styling products is silicone. When put in products, silicone wraps hair follicles in a beautiful silky smooth cocoon.

The issue is once the silicone is on the strand, it tends to keep

moisture out. Think water hitting an oily surface—it beads right off. Silicone tends to end up drying hair out in the long run, according to Healthline.

And, like everything else, brands will avoid saying “silicone” on the ingredients list, so be on the lookout for dimethicone, cyclomethicone, phenyl trimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane.

Those are just a few of the common ingredients that may be contained in any of the hair products we hold near and dear. But, why do companies put these potentially dangerous substances in their products? Because they suck.

Corporations don’t care about the consumer. All they want to do is keep you buying, so if that means damaging your scalp so you buy their new “ultra thickening snail mucin aloe vera soothing scalp spray” for $43.99, well that’s just more money for the suits.

The worst part is most of these ingredients have alternatives that are much better for people. For ex-

ample, silicones and cold-pressed plant-derived oils accomplish the same thing.

But one is much cheaper and less labor-intensive to put in a product. Obviously, the corporate overlords choose to go with the cheaper chemical that causes more damage and will keep consumers crawling back hoping for a different result.

Unfortunately, the world is slow moving when it wants to be. Companies are unlikely to change unless people make a big enough of a fuss, so by all means, please cause a ruckus.

Here’s what you can do to try and stay on the up and up. Try and switch to more natural products, be on the lookout for items lacking some of the aforementioned chemicals when buying mainstream products and always remember one thing, the corporations will never care about you so long as they turn a profit. You have to care for yourself.

Editorial Policies and Procedures Quote of the Week

Deputy News Editor Oliver Butcher

Colin Falcon Opinion Editor

The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to editor@lsu.edu or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

“People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know; I’m never there.”

present

Matthew Pellittieri is a history and political science sophomore from Ponchatoula.

Garrett McEntee is an 18-year-old English freshman from Benton.

GRAPHIC BY MADDIE FITZMORRIS

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