Fall 2025 e-Edition

THE SOUTHERNThe Student Voice of Florida Southern College since 1918

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Lakeland

Thursday, December 11, 2025

News
- Athletics Campus Campus Safety Coronavirus Coronavirus
  
  Academic freedom or political influence?: New College of Florida signs federal agreement
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  The New College of Florida became the first school to sign the Trump Administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. As reported by the New York Times on Oct. 28, 2025, the college is embracing this partnership as a move to help maintain the U.S. as a premier destination for higher education.
  
  November elections chart path for city of Lakeland
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  November 4th marked yet another election in the books for countless cities across the country. Though not a presidential or congressional election, several city-level positions, and even the governorship in one state, were up for grabs.
  
  Government reopens, but Thanksgiving travel may still face delays
  
  November 25, 2025
  
  After the 43-day shutdown, President Donald Trump signed a bill on the night of Nov. 12 to reopen the government, allowing air traffic controllers and other essential airline workers to return to paid work. While this is good news for travelers—especially those going home during Thanksgiving—The FAA does warn that flight delays may continue in the coming days.
  
  AI Under Fire: Teen Suicides Raise Questions About Chatbot Safety
  
  November 7, 2025
  
  The AI Industry is facing backlash after family files a wrongful death lawsuit- a legal term used to describe intentional harm done to another party-against ChatGPT following the death of their 16-year-old son, Adam Raine.
  
  AI in the classroom and how teachers weigh the pros and cons
  
  November 7, 2025
  
  Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a popular topic in the last five years, as everyone has their own thoughts about it and how it should be used. AI has slowly been integrated into the classroom.
Features
- Alumni Alumnus Faculty Lakeland MSC
  
  How FSC seniors leave their mark and guide those who follow
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  As we come to the end of this semester, seniors begin to graduate and leave their lasting impressions. Sienna Caldwell is one of the many seniors graduating from FSC, she was involved in sorority, environmental studies and worked at the wellness center as well.
  
  Tasting season in Lakeland with a review of local coffee shop menus
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  Three Lakeland coffee shops — Foxtail Coffee Co., Rogue Coffee and Concord Coffee — are embracing the winter season with warm, comforting drinks and holiday-inspired treats.
  
  Sound-tracking the season as FSC students share their go-to winter picks
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  As we head into the winter season, our routines and our playlists begin to change. The crisp air, shorter days and cozy atmosphere bring a different kind of energy compared to fall.
  
  Sidney Zhao’s mission to support FSC students and be a leader
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  “So my first week here, I had a miserable time,” said student Sidney Zhao on her introduction to Florida Southern College. “I was honestly so sad, it was the Thursday [after classes had started] and I was doing laundry and I was like, ‘I have no friends here.’ I was so lonely.”
  
  Explore fall in Lakeland with pumpkin patches and downtown
  
  November 7, 2025
  
  When you think of autumn, you might picture crisp air and colorful leaves. But in Lakeland, fall brings its own flavor, slightly cooler days, a burst of community energy and plenty of outdoor festivals, Halloween thrills and harvest-style fun.
Southern View
- Columns Editorial Letter to the Editor Politics Southern View
  
  Is NYC mayor-elect Mamdani the best choice for the city?: No, Mamdani isn’t good for New York
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  Is NYC mayor-elect Mamdani the best choice for the city?: Mamdani is a refreshing breath of air
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  The New York City mayoral race is officially over, with the voters deciding that the young, enthusiastic Zohran Mamdani can lead their city to a brighter future.
  
  Children’s lives should not be treated like entertainment
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  In the age of endless scrolling and algorithm-driven entertainment, one disturbing trend has quietly rooted itself into mainstream culture: children becoming the backbone of online content.
  
  Social media influencers are not real-world professionals
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  If you’re a well known figure in the on-line space and you don’t have a food product, book or music career you’re trying to sell, then are you really even an influencer?
  
  Movie sequels: Continuations aren’t always necessary
  
  November 7, 2025
  
  Between Happy Gilmore 2 and Joker: Folie à Deux, there have been some pretty massive sequel flops as of late.
Sports
- Baseball Basketball Cross Country eSports Golf
  
  Rewriting records and exceeding high expectations
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  Good things come in three’s and women’s basketball is tripling down on their identity of tough, quick and team-oriented basketball.
  
  Women’s soccer coach Lucey announces retirement
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  Following the FSC women’s soccer team’s elimination in the second round of the SSC playoffs, head coach Gerry Lucey announced his retirement. He plans to move to Long Island with his family at the end of the year.
  
  More than a game: how intramurals shape student life
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  Intramural sports at Florida Southern College have become more than just a recreational option; They’re a cornerstone of campus life. With nearly 70% of students engaging in activities at the wellness center and about 30% participating directly in intramural (IM) sports, these programs serve as one of FSC’s most impactful student experiences.
  
  Esports travel to South Carolina for Peach Belt Conference Championship
  
  November 8, 2025
  
  The conference season finale for three esports teams took place on November 8, but not without tremendous controversy and a tumble off the stage.
  
  BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK: Men’s cross country three-peats at SSC Championship
  
  November 7, 2025
  
  Before the season, the men’s cross country team was slated to win the Sunshine State Conference Championship for the third year in a row in the coaches poll. The Mocs did exactly that.
Arts & Entertainment
- Art Comedy Comics Movies Music
  
  Dance Program celebrates 10-year milestone
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  This fall, FSC celebrated a milestone: the 10-year anniversary of its dance program and the Fall into Dance show.
  
  Music majors perform for junior and senior recitals
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  Talent has been blooming over the past few weeks with junior recitals here at FSC. These recitals are a way for music students to showcase their talent and hard work to their friends, families and professors while feeling a sense of accomplishment.
  
  From scripts to the stage in Legally Blonde: ‘What, like it’s hard?’
  
  December 5, 2025
  
  What do you get when you mix sorority girls, law school and big musical numbers? “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” closing Sunday, Dec. 7 at FSC’s Buckner Theatre.
  
  Graphic design students bulid community through LAME club
  
  November 7, 2025
  
  At FSC, students are encouraged to explore their passions beyond their major. The campus offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations, each providing something unique for students to get involved in and enjoy.
  
  How TikTok is influencing the music industry
  
  November 7, 2025
  
  Over the years, the core method of promoting music has shifted from live performances to radio play to MTV, and now we have streaming platforms to add to the mix, but most importantly, TikTok, to help promote upcoming or existing songs.
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