Norfolk State University’s Homecoming 2024 was a week filled with energy, excitement, and reunions. Alumni, students, family, and fans from near and far flocked to Norfolk to celebrate and relive cherished Spartan memories. The city saw thousands pour in, all dressed in green and gold or their respected organization-affiliated colors, ready for events like Spartan Fest, the Annual Homecoming Step Show, and, of course, the highly anticipated Game Day. Tailgaters claimed their spots early. Some arrived in the wee hours of the morning, and others even the night before! The parade kicked off game day early Saturday morning and had to be adjusted from the normal parade route due to a main gas line issue that had a portion of Corprew Ave blocked and detoured. However, with the beautiful day ahead, no detour would stop spectators from celebrating homecoming with the Spartans. I joined the WNSB Hot 91 team at the tailgate, where we kept the crowd moving. Hot 91 DJs played the hottest new school and classic tracks while everyone got on their feet with dances like the Wobble (which, by the way, has a few more twirls than I remember), the Cupid Shuffle, and the Spartan Shuffle—a signature NSU dance to Maze’s “Before I Let Go” that truly showcases the unique Spartan Spirit.

     In recent months, the grocery delivery landscape across the U.S. has transformed dramatically, with retailers like Walmart racing to meet skyrocketing consumer demand. However, this surge has not come without its challenges, particularly evident during a recent system crash that left many customers frustrated and waiting. Its undeniable that the pandemic accelerated a shift toward online grocery shopping, making it more than just a convenience—it became a necessity for many. Walmart, as one of the largest retailers in the country, expanded its delivery services, promising speedy and efficient order fulfillment. This move was aimed at capturing a market increasingly reliant on home delivery for everything from essentials to indulgent treats.

   Recently, however, Walmart faced a significant hiccup in its delivery operations. A system crash resulted in a backlog of orders that created chaos for both customers and delivery drivers. During this incident, many loyal customers found themselves at the mercy of an overwhelmed system. I recently witnessed one such customer who utilized Walmart’s delivery service experience firsthand the ramifications of this disruption. After placing her grocery order online, she realized that the delivery was taking an unusually long time. Faced with uncertainty, she finally decided to switch her original order from delivery to in-store pickup, hoping to secure her groceries more promptly.

     Unfortunately, the switch did not guarantee immediate relief. Upon arriving at the store, she encountered a long line of fellow customers in a similar predicament. Despite her proactive decision to change her order, she still faced a wait of over two hours to collect her groceries. This scenario highlighted not only the system's shortcomings but also the challenges that arise when demand outstrips capacity and manpower.