Issue No. 8 Fall '25

The Signal

Men’s basketball splits NJAC opening week

By Joseph Caruso Sports Editor

The College’s No. 19 basketball team began New Jersey Athletic Conference play this week, opening with a victory over William Paterson 85-68, and suffering a loss on the road at Stockton, 64-80, respectively.

First year head coach Evan Elberg has had big shoes to fill after the departure of longtime coach Matt Goldsmith, but he has delivered on continuing the College’s recent success, and then some.

The Lions started the season 4-1, including a thriller overtime victory in the Greg Grant Tip-Off Tournament. Led by multiple All-NJAC caliber upperclassmen, the College’s hot start is no fluke, regardless of the young leadership on the sidelines.

The College hosted their first NJAC matchup in Packer Hall, welcoming William Paterson University for the opening conference game. The Lions would like to continue their NJAC dominance from a season ago, where they finished 12-6 in the conference during their 2024 campaign.

Senior Matt Solomon was the story of the matchup, dropping 20 points and a game-high 15 rebounds in a brilliant effort. His heroics allowed the Lions to open up a

double-digit lead heading into the halftime locker room.

Another integral part of the Lions first half show was senior guard Jonathan Okocha, who caught fire burying four first-half three pointers on his way to a team-high 21 points. Okocha finished the game with five three pointers on just six attempts.

The Pioneers, who entered the matchup at 4-1, continued to battle in the second half, playing a pesky brand of basketball to keep the contest within 20, but the Lions continued to stiff arm William Paterson, and held strong for a 85-68 victory in their opening NJAC matchup.

Along with the two stars Okocha and Soloman, senior guard Nick Koch bolstered his incredible season, posting a statline of 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists. More importantly for Koch, he moved into tenth all time on the College’s all time scoring list, an impressive milestone for one of the best guards the College has ever seen.

Sitting 5-1 and atop the NJAC, the Lions traveled to Galloway to take on the Ospreys of Stockton on Wednesday. Coming into Wednesday, the Lions climbed the rankings all the way to No. 19 as a result of their win streak.

Stockton sat at just 1-3 heading into the matchup against the Lions, but were eager to play spoiler as they

Student Government leaders shape campus change with style and heart

By Raeanne Raccagno News Editor

Red lips, bookish glasses, high heels and a shining watch have become the statement pieces of the College’s Student Government Executive President Jackie Anderson, and Executive Vice President Michael Bulluck. While the two have been seen around campus, running from one responsibility to the next, their kindness and devotion to students and the College have become as apparent as their fashion statements.

Anderson, a senior psychology and women’s, gender and sexuality studies major, and Bulluck, a junior political science major, have differing personalities. Anderson is a bit more outgoing than the more introverted Bulluck. Once the two teamed up in spring 2025 for the SG election, they found their diverse personas made a perfect “opposites attract” match for representing students.

The pair acknowledged how the campaigning week before elections can be a bit exhausting, due to putting themselves in the limelight almost 24/7. They both said that while the hard work was “definitely” worth it, their true desire is to do the labor behind the positions they gained.

“I’m not a politician, I’m a professional and I’m a representative,” Anderson said. “I am there to represent the student body in spaces and I’m there to do the actual work.”

For Anderson, she had a drive to become very active at the College after graduating high school, where she was involved in 18 different extracurricular activities. She commented on how SG can come off as an intimidating and bureaucratic organization, but after she joined and met more of her peers, she gained “a deep love and passion” for its structure at the College.

As for Bulluck, he said he was not involved in high school and never thought he would be capable of holding the position he is in today.

“Joining initially, I didn’t run for anything, and I was like, there are people who are definitely more qualified than me,” Bulluck said. “As I adjusted and as I got more confidence within myself, I learned that there isn’t one type of leader, there isn’t one type of person who is best for student government. It’s as long as you have a passion for advocacy and frankly, just people, there is a place for you, and I eventually found that.”

See STUDENT GOV. page 2

jumped out to a commanding 38-25 lead after the first half concluded. It was an uncharacteristically poor showing from the Lions, shooting an abysmal 5-31 from beyond the arc. Koch did his best to carry the Lions in the scoring department, pouring in 24 points, and was helped by Okocha who had 16 of his own. However, those were the only two Lions who cracked double-digits, neither of which eclipsing 50 percent from the field, with Okocha hitting just four of 16 shots.

A season-worst effort saw the Lions shoot 32.4 percent from the

floor, compared to a blistering 55.8 percent from the Ospreys. The shooting disparity was too much to overcome, as the Lions dropped their first NJAC match 80-64.

Despite the disappointing loss, this should be considered a minor speedbump in an otherwise extremely fruitful season for the College thus far, and with players like Soloman, Koch and Okocha, the Lions should be considered one of the best in the country.

They will look to get back on track when they host Kean on Saturday, Dec. 6.

TCNJ Board of Trustees wraps up unfinished business for 2025

By Isabella Darcy Editor-in-Chief

The College’s Board of Trustees met for the final time this year on Tuesday, Dec. 2, via a Zoom Webinar that lasted 15 minutes.

The board heard reports from three of its committees, passed motions and discussed the U.S. Department of Education’s recent move to exclude nursing from its definition of a professional degree.

Trustees representing the board’s Executive Committee, Business and Infrastructure Committee and Risk Management and Compliance Committee delivered the reports.

Following reports, the board voted in favor of resolutions that:

• Approve the appointment, change in status and reappoint of numerous College employees.

• Approve emeritus status for two retirees.

• Approve selected vendors to do work for the College’s business purposes without a publicly advertised bidding process.

• Approve the audited Fiscal Year 2025 financial statements.

Just before the meeting was adjourned,

trustee Eleanor Horne asked her fellow board members, “About the situation with nursing degrees, what are the implications for our students?”

College President Michael Bernstein said that neither the College’s office of Academic Affairs nor the dean’s office for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences has determined any related implications for the Department of Nursing. The College is watching closely for changes, he added. The meeting concluded with board Chair Carl Gibbs wishing students good luck on their upcoming final exams, as well as a happy and healthy holiday season to students, faculty and staff.

The board’s next public meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the time and location still to be determined.

Features

STUDENT GOV. / Student Government leaders shape campus change with style and heart

Continued from page 1

have a passion for advocacy and frankly, just people, there is a place for you, and I eventually found that.”

Bulluck also realized that his personality would help him relate and connect to some students more, whereas other leaders may not be able to.

Anderson said she wants their term to be “highly collaborative” and “projective,” so the two have been working with the College’s administration to develop a shared goals list for SG, the “TCNJ Blueprint,” to create continuity and consistency within the organization.

“Student Government over the past 45 years has done so much great work, but with the yearly turnover, it’s often lost,” Anderson said. “As devastating

as it is interpersonally for our seniors to leave, we also lose information when they leave.”

Anderson said that while all the SG members are working toward improving the student experience, they’re doing so in different ways. According to Bulluck, the College’s blueprint will help expand SG’s past, current and future legacy beyond them and keep their goals aligned.

In their first semester term, the two have been working on a slew of initiatives to help broaden the student experience, including bringing back tailgating at football games. Tailgating was banned from the College after too many injuries occurred, but the two were able to “reframe” tailgating into something that revolves around connection by bringing back alumni and involving the community.

Andrew LoMonte reflects on

By Ashley Ragone Features Editor

While most college students spend their time juggling classes and campus life, junior political science major Andrew LoMonte is preparing for something different: a seat on the Bloomfield Board of Education.

LoMonte, who graduated from the Bloomfield school district himself, said the opportunity feels deeply meaningful.

The executive duo has also been working on alumni engagement in general as part of their semester endeavors. When asked about what they are most proud of this semester, the two uplifted their team of cabinet officers for their achievements and commitments to their roles. They noted how a lot of ambitions, like the TCNJ Blueprint, are highly collaborative in their cabinet.

Being a grade apart, the two did not truly get to know each other until they both were serving on the cabinet. When it came time to choose a campaign partner, each of them knew who to look to.

“There will be times where we have to lean on and support each other through decisions and I knew that he could be one of those people for me,” Anderson said about Bulluck. “He is a person that really respects everyone in a very deep and true way.”

Bulluck commented, saying Anderson is “the sweetest person on the planet” and could not imagine anyone better for a running mate or making a “perfect president.”

Throughout their campaign, the two acknowledge their personality and leadership differences and how it made them a robust pair.

“I think that’s what makes us an especially great team, is that we are very different types of leaders,” Bulluck said. “We have different leadership styles, we have different communication styles, but at the end of the day, we advocate for the same people.”

As for what’s to come next in advocating for students, Anderson and Bulluck plan to continue to work on some of their accomplishments they made so far, like the blueprint, alumni relations, meeting the College’s key performance indicators and maintaining working groups for the college-wide strategic plan. They also want to continue to work on establishing a reservation system at

the library.

There’s also a focus on working opportunities for students, like making sure student workers get paid appropriately and on time, safeguarding research and enhancing OpportuniTCNJ, a combined career center event that aims to make internships more accessible through student testimonials.

SG has also been working on a resolution, advocating for students on the state and federal level, for developing a system for having statewide electronic submission of mail-in ballot applications.

Internally, they have been working on enhancing training systems, developing a system of accountability in SG and they have also been reaching out to other New Jersey colleges’ student governments to see where they can all act collectively. They also plan to have another SG and Student Finance Board open town hall next semester.

As for their futures after their executive term, both of the SG leaders have a pre-law track and are preparing to continue their education. After Anderson graduates this spring, throughout her lifetime, she plans to obtain her MA, PhD and JD degrees as a “proud daughter” of two teachers.

Bulluck plans to stay with SG, which he has found to be his “home,” after his junior year. He also recently realized he wants to go into the law field and will begin preparing for law school applications.

While the two hope their term is remembered logistically for their collaborative efforts, they also want to be remembered on a more personal scale.

“I want to be remembered for my kindness and my empathy as a leader,” Anderson said. With Bulluck echoing her, saying, “Being known as kind people who maybe could even inspire other people to take our place one day is something very powerful.”

public service and Bloomfield prospects

“I believe that it is invaluable to have the voice of a recent graduate on the Board of Education, as I can directly speak to my own experiences in the schools,” he told The Signal.

For him, the position is not just a public role, but also a chance to give back to the system that significantly shaped him.

At the College, LoMonte has built a record of involvement through TCNJ Democrats and the College’s Ambassador program that mirrors his passion for civic life. He describes his on-campus experience as one defined by growth and unexpected opportunity.

“I would have never expected to run for office as a college student, but it is an experience that I am truly proud of,” LoMonte said. “I am very lucky to go to such a great school that is also in close proximity to home, which allowed me to frequently connect with my community in Bloomfield during my campaign, and will allow me to be successful as a board member.”

Along with his time on campus, his role in statewide politics through New Jersey College Democrats and exposure to political lobbying has sharpened his interest in public service. He has also worked to elevate civic engagement at the College, including by helping register

hundreds of students to vote.

“My college experiences…have all built on my perspectives and helped to reinforce my love for public service,” he said.

“Working with Andrew has been really fun in both SG and Ambassadors,” Carl White, a sophomore electrical engineering major, told The Signal. “It allows you to see various aspects of his personality and character.”

White, who works with LoMonte in Student Government and Ambassadors, said he was impressed not only by LoMonte’s ability to run a strong campaign on top of a demanding work load, but also by his approach to leadership.

“...[LoMonte] does so much on campus you wouldn’t even think he’d have time to work on such a big accomplishment,” White said. “He has always made me feel included and cared for. Andrew cares about the student body and has helped me explore different initiatives and leadership style.”

As he looks ahead to his threeyear term, LoMonte is preparing for the responsibilities that come with the position. Board members like himself are tasked with setting policy, managing the district budget and establishing accessible goals. This year, Bloomfield will

additionally be responsible for choosing a new superintendent.

Beyond these formal duties, LoMonte placed great importance on the need to listen to his constituency, or having “a pulse on the needs of students, parents and staff members, and to bring their concerns to the table,” as he described. During his own campaign, LoMonte emphasized engagement, using forums, questionnaires and townwide events to build and maintain connections within his community.

As he begins to balance Board responsibilities with his relationships at the College, LoMonte is excited to contribute to his hometown’s growth and inspire future generations. He encourages students to pursue public service with two words of advice, “do it.”

“Running for office at any age, especially as a college student is a challenging endeavor, but public service comes in all different forms,” he said. “If you care about the betterment of your community, get involved!”

As a personal motto, LoMonte quoted former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to explain his passion for public service.

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Watch parties show how friendships can grow

By AJ Mun Staff Writer

After Netflix released Volume One of “Stranger Things’” fifth season, students buzzed all around campus the moment that they returned from Thanksgiving break.

“I specifically remember watching season three with my friend group in 2020, and given everything that was going on in the world, it was nice to have that moment of seeing the episodes for the first time while surrounded by people that I love. I look back at that time with such nostalgia and I truly think my friend group was benefitted from the experience,” said Dallas Marcoon, a junior communication studies major who recently watched the newest episodes of “Stranger Things.”

Everywhere you turn, nostalgia is filling conversations; people are talking about where they were when the show first aired, and theories they’ve had since the start. These conversations have allowed for students to bridge the gap between old and new fans by bringing them together

to discuss their shared interests.

It comes as no surprise that students are excitedly brought together over this season, as they anticipate the plot twists, follow character progression and await the ultimate finale of a franchise that is almost a decade old.

“It’s kind of crazy to think that 10 years of this show is coming to an end. It’s silly to say, but I really do believe that my friends and I were able to see ourselves in these characters and grow up with them,” Marcoon said. “The show may be ending, but I think its impact is something that will stick with us.”

While Thanksgiving week gave way for the release of “Stranger Things,” it also wrapped season 34 of “Dancing With The Stars.” In dorm room beds and living room couches alike, friend groups gathered together to see which one of their favorite pairings would take home the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy. In college, it becomes easy to neglect plans, but the weekly releases of entertainment give students the motivation to keep consuming new media with their favorite people.

“I liked that a lot of my friends are dancers, so ‘Dancing With The Stars’ gave a common interest between my dancer friends and nondancer friends. It felt nice to have something to bring us together and to talk about every week,” said Kamryn Super, a junior education major.

Each week, students posted their reactions with friends to new eliminations, and encouraged voting so that their personal favorite would live to dance another week. This consistent schedule of Tuesday premieres aided the structure of plan-making from student to student, giving them something to come together for each week.

“If we were free, there was no doubt that we’d be sitting on our couch at 8 p.m. every Tuesday night to see who would go home that week,” Super said.“It became a top priority.”

These releases, however, aren’t limited to the living room. Year after year, a new box office film captivates theater audiences, and this year just so happened to be “Wicked: For Good.” The film, which is the second half of the

story following “Wicked: Part One.” All throughout social media, friends posed in their pink and green, and gathered together to shed tears while watching the newest part of the story of the most magical friendship in Oz.

In fact, so many friends went to celebrate the best witches in Oz that “Wicked: For Good” brought in $147 million domestically and $223 million globally. The film broke the record for the biggest global and domestic opening for a movie based on a Broadway show.

The concept of movie culture has been relatively revived in recent years. One of the biggest booms included the releases of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” The cultural impact that the two films had on society is undeniable, and the experience was something that no one wanted to have alone. “Barbie” opened with $162 million in the U.S. alongside “Oppenheimer” with $174 million, making both global phenomena that sold out weeks ahead of time, according to Empire.

What makes the release of entertainment impactful to the College’s campus is the difference in perspectives amongst the student body. With an amalgamation of student backgrounds, everyone consumes media in different ways and through different lenses, thus sparking new and insightful conversations from student to student.

“Personally, I feel like Max, Robin, Jonathan, Eleven and Murray are all not making it out of season five alive,” says Marcoon. “But I know my brother has different opinions and he thinks Will is gonna die instead of Eleven. Who knows, though? All I know is that I’ll be in that theater on New Year’s Eve watching it all come together.”

Whether you’re fighting demagorgons, melting witches or dancing the quickstep in the ballroom, everyone has that special person, or people, that you want to watch the newest premiere with. No matter where you watch it, just make sure you have a full bowl of popcorn by your side.

Final exams are often scheduled poorly at TCNJ

Students should not be having finals scheduled for the same time or multiple exams scheduled back to back.

By Tasnim Oyshi Staff Writer

Finals season is a time that many students associate with stress. All that they have learned throughout their courses during the semester culminates into big exams at the end, which count for at least 15% of their grade at the College. This puts a lot of pressure on students to do well in their finals.

A good final exam schedule can be crucial in these times for students to be able to thrive. However, for many at the College, this does not end up being the case. It is up to the College what schedule each student ends up getting and oftentimes, students end up being unfortunate.

In the two and a half years I have been a student here, I’ve experienced various different finals schedules. Sometimes,

I have been lucky and occasionally, I’ve had back to back finals scheduled for the same day. Or even worse, two exams scheduled at the same time.

In an ideal situation, every exam would be on a different day. This scenario is not fulfilled for many, however, and that is understandably so.

With the amount of classes that each semester offers, it can be hard to plan out a time and day for each exam based on the availability of all the students in a class as well as the professor.

Luckily for students with accommodations, the Accessibility Resource Center allows them to schedule their exams for a different period, depending on their accommodations. This may include the need for extra time or a lack of distractions.

For those without accommodations, back to back exams are nearly unavoidable. It is only when there are more than three exams on the same day or if multiple exams are arranged for the same time that they get to request a change.

“Students must not have three outof-class or in-class final assessments due in a 24-hour period,” according to the College’s Final Assessment policy for the 2025-26 year. If this occurs,

the policy states, “In even numbered years, the final assessments falling third should be rescheduled and in odd numbered years the first final assessment should be rescheduled.” With the amount of worry and exhaustion that students already face during the finals season, having to complete multiple exams within the same day can be taxing. At such a demanding time of the semester, the College should seek to lessen the pressure students face. Perhaps exams should not be allowed to be scheduled ten minutes after one another. Although, the amount of coordination that it takes to curate a student’s exam schedule might not permit for this to be possible. In that case, maybe students should be allowed to request rescheduling for exams if this happens. It is helpful that the College discourages students having more than two assessments within 24 hours. If that is the policy, however, students’ finals exam schedule should reflect that. While students should be responsible for keeping track of their finals schedule, it should be up to the College to take their own policy into account when making final exam schedules.

Streaming can’t replace the theater experience

By Jack Salaki Correspondent

Everyone is streaming movies now. According to a recent poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about three-fourths of U.S. adults watched a newly released movie on streaming rather than going to the theater in the past year. About 16% say they go to a movie theater monthly.

But in trading the theatrical release for convenience, we lose something.

When we go to the movies, something interesting happens. It’s

one of the few times when a variety of people come together to partake in something. All kinds of people from different backgrounds come together to watch a movie. They all react in unison to whatever is on the screen, whether that’s laughing, crying or just remaining silent. Movie theaters create a kind of shared experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Then there’s the movie itself. When you watch a movie at home, you’re only one click away from scrolling or leaving. Or maybe you’re even on your phone, half-paying attention.

Maybe something is going on in the background that has you distracted. But at the theater, the experience demands your full attention. There are no distractions, there’s no skipping ahead, and no buffering. A YouTuber, filmmaker, and writer who I sometimes watch named Robert Meyer Burnett uniquely describes this as “a sensory deprivation chamber.” Theaters are a space where a film can hit you in the way it was designed: in its purest form, both emotionally and through your senses with the large screen and gigantic speakers.

Part of what theaters provide is a built-in structure for people’s attention. Leading up to the actual movie, the pre-show ads and trailers, along with the dimming lights, act as cues that shift people into a more focused state. At home, this does not exist.

The viewer controls every variable, which means that distraction is easier. In a theater, when you surrender control and are forced to pay attention, it actually strengthens your enjoyment of whatever you are watching. Simply put, the movie theater creates the conditions to watch a movie in the way it was intended.

Finally, going to the movies is less convenient. You travel, have to pay more than you would for streaming, and maybe deal with annoying crowds. And maybe that’s part of the point. That small bit of friction makes the experience more worthwhile. It turns it into an event rather than just another film. When you can watch anything you want at any time, the value of that thing becomes diluted.

Streaming has its place. It’s made it easier to keep up with different directors and watch things you might not have been able to watch otherwise. And it’s a fair alternative when everything is as expensive as it is in the modern age. I still enjoy streaming things. But theaters offer something more than streaming could. They offer a collective experience that can only be replicated in a certain environment. And I’d argue that’s worth preserving.

The artificial intelligence utopia is a myth

By Jack Salaki Correspondent

Elon Musk has painted a bold vision of the future: a world where artificial intelligence and robotics make work optional and money irrelevant. According to the billionaire businessman, we will eventually live in an AI operated utopia. He first floated this idea on Joe Rogan’s podcast a few weeks ago. He also returned to it at the U.S.Saudi Investment Forum on Nov. 19.

When asked about the long-term impact of AI and robotics on work, Musk said, “I don’t know what long term is, maybe it’s 10, 20 years or something like that. My prediction is that work will be optional.”

Musk added that work will be like “playing sports or a video game or something like that.” It won’t be required, but it will still be something that you can do.

On Rogan’s show a few weeks back, he went into great detail on this point, further describing how he believes AI will make work optional. Musk also believes that a universal basic income will be introduced at some point to allow people to purchase goods. Although he did acknowledge that there will be many problems, stating that “there will be a lot of trauma and disruption along the way,” he mainly focused on the positives.

Even though Musk briefly mentions that there will be problems

getting to this utopia, I don’t think it’s realistically achievable for the average person or for society as a whole. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has also mentioned how he believes AI will make life immensely better.

But why should we listen to billionaires on this topic? They are already living in a utopia. They don’t need to work, and for them, it is optional. To me, the idea that AI will make work irrelevant and everyone will get to do nothing all day is nothing more than a pipe dream, a projection of what life is like for some of these people already.

Musk’s idea is seductive. Ironically enough, despite Musk being fervently right-wing, his idea of a moneyless

paradise where work is optional is the core of Communism, where people’s basic needs are covered and everyone is free to do what they want. Although this idea has never been achieved in practice and is impossible to implement, Musk endorses his own version of it.

The biggest issue with Musk’s vision is that it glosses over the constraints of reality. AI and robotics are likely to massively disrupt the economy. Many white-collar jobs are already being eliminated. But work will still be needed. Things like energy production, acquiring raw materials, creating new infrastructure and maintaining that infrastructure will require human labor. We are a far way from robotics being able to uphold the roots of modern society.

Additionally, AI ownership matters. If this technology isn’t equally distributed, then it’ll likely only cause more problems than the ones it claims to fix. As of today, the U.S. Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality, stands at 0.49, which is relatively high and has continuously increased in the past 30 years. Work is more than survival. It gives people purpose and structure. It has been the backbone of mankind for thousands of years. And the transition itself of moving toward AI could create immense instability before any utopia comes to pass, and it will likely cause more problems than the benefits it creates.

Musk’s idea of an AI paradise isn’t grounded in reality; it’s more of a thought experiment from someone unaffected by the changes that AI will bring. Technology alone doesn’t fix anything. It’s up to people to change the systems that cause inequality to persist, not the machines.

The Signal’s Holiday Grams

Mia Andre Merry Christmas, I love you tons! To many more, for- ever and ever :)

Ally <3 Izzy

My Ithy baby! I’m so beyond proud of you and so excited to see all of the beautiful things you will do!

AlenaIzzy& Eddie

I’m so lucky to have you both as my managing editors! So excited for next semester :)

Dearest Alena Ally <3 My little baby I am so proud of you! You’ve come so far and your passion is so beautiful!

SamuelMartin Alena Thinking of you, Alena Bitonti. Finish the semester off strong!

Lake Ash Happy Holidays Ash! Meeting you through The Signal has been the absolute highlight of college so far!

EddieAlly The KING of Managing! I am so proud of all the work you did this semester! Stay lit. See you at Rho

AllyIzzy

You have been such a wonderful EIC. I love you so much <3 Love, Izzy

Max OgramMichael Darcy Congratulations newlywed!! My dance floor playlist is almost done!

LakeAsh

To my signal husband, happy holidays! Thank you for making my college experience 100 times better

Merry Christmas Alena!! You are the funniest person I know

Dr.Bates & ProfRaeWebber I am so lucky to have the best advisors on campus! You guys are the best! <3

Alena

Olivia B. MY ROOMIE!<3 I’m so glad to have met you freshman year and I’m so grateful to call you my best friend.

Aeryn Smith Sean Happy holidays!! Can’t wait to spend winter break together :) I love you

Justin Rosa

Alena Elizabeth H. Merry Christmas Justin!

Michael Jr. Friends

I WishAVery Merry Christmas To Stephanie, Michael Sr., Fiona and Charlie as well as all reading! Have a Great Day!

NataliaSandra

Thanks for being a stinky butt :p love you!!

Phoebe Bridgers Ash Thank you for being at the top of my Spotify wrapped and I hope you come back soon <3

Friends EliseF To my good friends in the glique group chat: Hi, I love you all dearly

Prof. Webber The Signal Wishing the staff of The Signal the best holiday. Thank you for all you do for our campus.

Hope your break is a flurry of

Editorials Letter from the editor: The beauty of journalism

By Ally Uhlendorf Former Editor-in-Chief

When I was 15 years old, I accidentally enrolled myself in an elective. I was just starting high school and had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life or what my passion was. After completing the first class of the random elective I took, I knew I had found something that I truly loved; that elective was journalism. What started as a small scheduling mistake turned into the moment I realized my passion for the value of storytelling. Journalism is not just writing articles and interviewing people. Journalism is the art of giving people a voice and an opportunity to tell their story. Journalism holds such an incredible amount of power: the power to challenge, to educate, to share passion and to spark change.

Journalism teaches the value of listening. It pushes reporters to ask questions, dig deeper and be open to outside perspectives. It taught me how to be more of a wellrounded individual, how to utilize my curiosity to get to the bottom of things. It

taught me empathy and responsibility that I had never known before.

It not only provides others with a way to tell their story publicly, but it also gives you, as a journalist, a platform to amplify what you believe is important. It provides confidence in finding your voice and not being afraid to share your opinion.

Storytelling is an art that can build bridges between people, experiences and ideas that may not have otherwise crossed paths. It provides a sense of community when reading stories similar to yours.

This early passion for storytelling and journalism that I found at the pivotal age of 15 has shaped who I am today. Each story I encounter reminds me of why I fell in love with this field as a teenager. Behind every headline, interview and every detail is a real human being trusting you to share their story.

I continued to write and edit stories throughout my entire high school journey, working my way up to editor-in-chief of The Wessex Wire, my high school’s newspaper. I will never forget where I started and

learned about the beauty behind storytelling. Journalism consumed my life, and I am so thankful for that. When I committed to the College, I knew what I wanted to do with my life and major in.

And that’s where The Signal came in. It is hard to describe in words how much love I hold for this organization and all of the work we have created. I started as a scared staff writer for the features section my freshman year, and ended the fall semester of my senior year as editor-in-chief.

Aside from teaching me how to professionally manage time, mentor others and keep stories moving, being a part of The Signal has taught me so much about the sheer amount of heart it takes to be a journalist.

Through The Signal, I had the opportunity to write stories I would have never imagined writing. I interviewed a wide variety of individuals and had the honor of giving their stories a public platform. I wrote challenging editorials and expressed my feelings through articles that connected with others. Through The Signal, I found my own voice.

But, The Signal was not just about the writing and editing to me. I gained a second family through this organization. Some of my closest friendships were formed during the late nights we spent in AIMM 227. Through all of the production nights and editorial meetings, there was so much love shared between all of us, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

I could not be prouder of the work my editorial board has done this semester. Each and every one of the editors and staff worked so hard to make The Signal the best it can be, and none of this would be possible without them. To my lovely Managing Editors, Izzy and Eddie, you guys truly made this semester so amazing. All of your dedication and passion made being editor-in-chief all the more special, and I am eternally grateful to work with you both. “Big Three”

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Ally Uhlendorf Former Editor-in-Chief

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forever and always! To Alena, our newest Managing Editor, I am so beyond proud of you and so excited to see you flourish in this role. Watching you grow in The Signal has been such a beautiful experience. You’re going to do an outstanding job, and I will be cheering you on so loudly through it all. To my entire board, I hope you know how much I appreciate and love you, and how endlessly proud I am of you.

I want to give a special thank you and message to my right-hand man through it all, Izzy. There are truly not enough words to describe how incredibly grateful I am to have met you through The Signal, and especially not enough words to tell you how proud I am of you. There is truly nobody else I would want to pass the torch to, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will do so many amazing things as editor-in-chief in the spring.

Ending my term as editor-in-chief is an extremely bittersweet feeling; it has been seriously hard to get past my tears while writing this. This has been my dream since I committed to the College, and it is crazy that I am already at the end of my journey. But, I’m carrying everything it taught me into whatever comes next. No matter where I go, a part of me will always be that wide-eyed freshman walking up to The Signal’s table at the involvement fair, ready to discover what stories are waiting to be told.

The Signal did not just help me grow professionally as a journalist; it shaped me to be the person I am today. It taught me resilience and confidence, and reminded me that no matter what people say about their beliefs on whether journalism is “necessary” or not, there is a reason I am where I am.

To any aspiring journalists or storytellers, here are my words of wisdom: There is a reason behind your passion for this art, and the best journalism comes from those who truly care about the words they are writing. Your words hold so much power; don’t let anyone silence you.

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SThe Signal is published bi-weekly during the academic year. It is an independent publication. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors. All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal.

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The Signal willingly corrects mistakes. If you think we have made a mistake, contact us signal@tcnj.edu.

Winter Wonderland Crossword

ACROSS

5. every single one is different from another

6. a type of sled for snow activities

7. a dark, brown, warm drink, usually consumed in cold weather

9. something you give someone

10. a popular winter scent

11. a winter storm

DOWN

1. not skiing but...

2. a magical snow creature

3. what you wear on your feet to protect yourself from the snow

4. another word for tests or exams that happen at the end of the semester.

8. a way to describe the winter season

Multiple Chinese astronauts trapped in space following repeated complications

By Sarah Sankel Correspondent

Three Chinese astronauts from the Shenzhou-20 mission were trapped on the Tiangong Space Station with no ride home, returning to Earth after a nine day delay. According to Space.com, the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft used to rescue the astronauts left three more astronauts on the space station who are now stuck without a ride home. It is unclear when exactly the next mission, Shenzhou-22, will launch to rescue this second trio of

astronauts.

The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA), which can be seen as the Chinese equivalent of NASA in the United States, oversees China’s space missions, including the Shenzhou-20, 21 and 22 trips.

The Tiangong Space Station, which was completed in 2022, is China’s first space station and is about onethird the size of the International Space Station.

Other CNSA projects include a moon landing by 2030 and a robotic rover currently on Mars, according to AP News.

The astronauts from the first mission, Shenzhou-20, stayed on the station for 204 days. This was nine more days than planned and was the longest any astronaut has stayed on the Tiangong Space Station, according to AP News.

According to Reuters, the astronauts were unable to fly back to land on the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft due to cracks in the return capsule’s window, which was caused by space debris hitting the capsule.

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said, according to Reuters, “The capsule does not meet the safety requirements for a crewed return, Shenzhou-20 will remain in orbit and conduct relevant experiments.”

Four mice who were also stuck in space accompanied the three astronauts of Shenzhou-20 back to Earth. According to AP News,

they were brought along to study the effects of weightlessness and confinement.

As for the three astronauts from the Shenzhou-21 mission, they are currently still in space. According to a Space.com article, they were originally waiting for a spacecraft to arrive and bring them back to earth, with China aiming for Nov. 25 as the launch date for a second rescue mission, entitled Shenzhou-22.

According to Space.com, China’s Shenzhou-21 crew is instead set to spend the remainder of Their six-month mission aboard the station, continuing their research in the meantime, until they will be relieved of their duties by the Shenzhou-23 crew, which is expected to launch in April 2026.

Astronauts being stuck in space is not an unusual occurrence in space history. Earlier this year, American astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore’s space voyage was lengthened from eight days to ten months after system failures occurred near the International Space Station, according to BBC News.

Although the delay of Shenzhou-20 was only nine days, Reuters writers found it unusual for the CNSA to experience a delay like this after having worked like clockwork over the past year. It remains to be seen whether this delay will impact other Chinese space projects.

About 250 Venezuelan immigrants reportedly tortured after they were sent to mega prison in El Salvador by Trump Administration

gang known as Tren de Aragua. The detainees, who reportedly had no criminal records were accused without trial and held incommunicado, meaning they were unable to communicate with other detainees around them for months.

President Trump allegedly utilized the Alien Enemies Act of 1789 and “other mechanisms” to deport Venezuelans under alleged gang affiliation with the Salvadorian government providing miniscule oversight of accountability, as stated by the Miami Herald.

Juanita Goebertus, director of the Americas Division at Human Rights Watch, said in a press release, “The Trump administration paid El Salvador millions of dollars to arbitrarily detain Venezuelans, who were then subjected almost daily to brutal beatings by Salvadoran security forces.”

A Human Rights Watch report stated, “The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the ‘Mandela Rules,’ recommend that the ‘number of prisoners in closed prisons should not be so large that the individualization of treatment is hindered.’ CECOT’s design is inherently inconsistent with this international standard.”

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 40 senators and representatives have cosigned a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem raining concerns over the reported incidents that transpired at CECOT.

By Zo Terrana Staff Writer

Approximately 252 Venezuelan immigrants in the United States were reportedly flown during night time hours to El Salvador where the migrants were indefinitely imprisoned at the Salvadoran mega prison known as CECOT, or the Terrioism Confinement Center. A recent Human Rights Watch report published on Nov. 12 broke the allegations of the alleged abuse that transpired in March and April 2025.

The 252 Venezuelan immigrants had no way of contacting the outside world from the mega prison with their

whereabouts unknown to their various family members before they were released in a Venezuelan prisoner exchange, according to Democracy Now.

The former detainees of CECOT were reportedly beaten, sexually assaulted and faced starvation inside the mega prison. Many migrants remarked on their time and experiences at the facility as “hell,” according to the Miami Herald. The prisoners stated that the prison was overcrowded, had poor ventilation and food with lack of medical care.

The main reason the migrants were sent to the facility were reportedly charges of belonging to the Venuzulan

Goebertus added that the Trump administration is “complicit” in torture, enforced disappearances and other serious human rights violations. She then stated that the Trump administration should halt the movement of immigrants to El Salvador where they are at risk of being tortured, according to the Miami Herald.

The CECOT mega prison according to Human Rights Watch was established in 2023 and spans approximately 236 acres. The mega prison encapsulates other buildings such as housing modules, kennels for guard dogs, staff buildings, an armory and a security equipment warehouse.

An excerpt from the letter states, “Longstanding domestic and international law prohibit the United States from transferring any person from our jurisdiction or effective control to any place where the person would face such serious human rights violations. Yet, the Department of Homeland Security sent these individuals to El Salvador to be detained at CECOT, and the Department of State provided $4.76 million dollars to cover the costs “associated with” their detention.”

The Senators ended the letter stating that the prison violations are a “stain on the moral conscience of our country” and they urged Noem and Rubio to take proper steps to ensure the U.S. does not continue to be complicit in the unlawful behavior happening at CECOT.

Tennessee Judge blocks National Guard from deployment in Memphis

By Isabella McHugh Staff Writer

The United States National Guard crowded the city of Memphis, Tennessee for an operation launched by President Donald Trump to crack down on crime rates. A Tennessee judge had something to say about it, according to Action News 5.

Governor Bill Lee had the troops sent to the city on Oct. 10th courtesy of Trump’s task force he set up a month prior, according to News Channel 3.

It isn’t confirmed how many individuals from the National Guard

were stationed in Memphis, however it is estimated to be close to 700.

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal said on Nov. 17 that it was unlawful for Governor Bill Lee to deploy the National Guard. The crime rates, she stated, were neither a “grave emergency” nor a “disaster” enough to send troops to the city Reuters reported.

This decision aligned with the Democratic state and local officials who sued the Governor. This put the National Guard to a temporary halt, according to the Tennessee Lookout.

She agreed with the plaintiffs that it is likely the action violated

the “terms and conditions of Tennessee’s Military Code,” wrote the Tennessee Lookout.

Among the plaintiffs were “Mayor Harris, Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley, Shelby Co. Commissioners Erika Sugarmon and Henri Brooks, State Representatives G.A. Hardaway and Gabby Salinas, and State Senator Jeff Yarbro,” wrote Action News 5.

A White House Spokesperson responded to this ruling stating that the task force “removed countless dangerous criminals off the streets” and that deploying the National Guard was “necessary” to keeping

the city safe according to Action News 5.

Joshua Salzman, senior counsel with Democracy Forward Foundation agrees with the Judge’s stance, believing the Governor’s actions were against the law.

He regarded the Judge’s decision stating, “It recognizes that the residents of Memphis have a strong public interest in not being subjected to domestic military occupation for law enforcement purposes under circumstances where it’s not statutorily authorized.” He said on News Channel 3, “We’re incredibly gratified that Judge Moskal recognized and affirmed that principle.”

In Trump’s second term he has continuously pushed the military deeper into domestic affairs in an effort to enhance public safety, stifle protests and essentially lay more of an iron fist on crime in the U.S., NPR reported.

However, this method is controversial and potentially unlawful when determining which cases are necessary for taking this extreme action and when it crosses the line.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harri responded to the judge blocking the National Guard. In his response, he criticized President Trump’s plan which initiated the military engagement.

“There’s no clear reason why the National Guard was sent to town,” the Mayor said “… except to comply with the orders of Donald Trump,” News Channel 3 reported.

In News Channel 3 Harris said that the state of Tennessee owed Shelby County “tens of millions of dollars” since they are providing shelter to those arrested by the task force. “You can’t break the law in the name of trying to tame lawlessness.”

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister sentenced to death

for her role in the death of students by using lethal force.

By Abigail Holliday Copy Editor

The former Prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has been sentenced to death on Nov. 17 for her decision to use lethal force on student protestors, causing the death of almost 1,500 people.

Hasina was sentenced on five counts of crimes against humanity by using lethal force against student protestors, killing 1,400 and injuring 25,000 people. This “crackdown” is now being referred to in Bangladesh as the “July Uprising.”

Protests began in June of 2024 when students began to peacefully disagree with Hasina’s decision to reintroduce an unfair quota system that reserved jobs for veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971 and their families, according to Al Jazeera.

The “July Uprising” truly began when Abu Sayed, a student protestor, was shot dead on July 16 by police. According to Al Jazeera, this is when the whole nation responded and protests escalated.

Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah al-Mamun was sentenced to only five years in jail in the same trial because he had “turned a state witness,” meaning he would testify against Hasina for a more lenient sentencing, according to Al Jazeera.

Hasina’s aide, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, has also been found responsible for the crimes against the students. Both Hasina and Khan fled to India in August 2024, where they remain, putting an end to Hasina’s 15 year rule over Bangladesh, according to PBS.

Al Jazeera Investigative Unit (I-Unit) has obtained access to Hasina’s recorded phone calls from the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC). One call on July 18 to an ally shows her allowing security forces to use “lethal weapons” on student protestors objecting to her rule.

The phone call, assured clear from

any AI use or manipulation by the I-Unit, reads, “My instructions have already been given. I’ve issued an open order completely. Now they will use lethal weapons, shoot wherever they find them. That has been instructed. I have stopped them so far… I was thinking about the students’ safety.”

Shabir Sharif, a doctor at the Popular Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, reported that shots were being fired from a helicopter aiming directly for the hospital entrance, as reported by the I-Unit team from Al Jazeera. Hasina and Khan were sentenced to death by hanging by three judges from the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Bangladesh’s court dedicated to domestic war crimes, according to CNN. India has not yet cooperated and hand over the two criminals, prolonging their sentences, according to PBS.

After the court decision was made, families of the students shouted and applauded in joy, getting the vengeance they felt was deserved after how their children were treated.

After the verdict, which Hasina called “biased and politically motivated” was named, she released a statement saying that herself and Khan “acted in good faith and were trying to minimize the loss of life.” She said, “We lost control of the situation, but to characterize what happened as a premeditated assault on citizens is simply to misread the facts.”

Reflections of time and space through music: A TCNJ soundscape

By Devyn Briones Staff Writer

The main stage in Kendall Hall held yet another performance, but this time, three groups were featured: the Concert Band, Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

Each ensemble took their turn on stage, performing four to five pieces that ranged from lively and celebratory pieces to more somber and reflective works. Together, the performances created a musical journey titled, “Reflections: Time & Space,” which showcased their talent and dedication.

The performances offered the audience an engaging mix of moods and styles, showcasing the talent of both the student performers and the expertise of their conductors.

The Concert Band was led by Matthew Pettis, an assistant director of bands at the College. He is also the director of bands and marching band director at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, Pa. and serves

as the associate director of the Doylestown Symphonic Winds, according to the School of Arts and Communication faculty page.

“This group is about 95% music majors,” Pettis said. “We meet twice a week for about an hour and 20 minutes. And we have a good time, right?” he jokingly asked the Concert Band.

The Concert Band set the tone for the evening by opening with “Celebration” by Randall Standridge, an upbeat piece with an almost Christmas-like feel.

The next selection performed was “Dusk” by Steven Bryant. This piece was contradicting to the one played before, which can even be assumed from its title.

Although “Dusk” had a more somber feel, the Concert Band captured its emotion beautifully. This piece was also led by student conductor, Hriday Parikh, a senior music education major.

“In the Bleak Midwinter,” composed by Gustav Holst and arranged by Robert W. Smith, and “Tarantella” by Carol Brittin Chambers completed the Concert Band’s portion of Friday’s program.

The Wind Orchestra took the spotlight, conducted by Adam Warshafsky, another Assistant Director of Bands at the College. Along with working at the College, Warshafsky also conducts the Montgomery High School Wind Ensemble, where over 220 of his students have performed at Carnegie Hall, Richardson Auditorium, the Nicholas Music Center and many other venues, according to the School of Arts and Communication faculty page.

“Danza No. 2” by Bruce Yurko was

‘Wicked: For Good’: Even more obsessulated with Oz

By AJ Mun Staff Writer

Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked: For Good” is a spellbinding film that takes everything you know from the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” and turns it oz-side out.

“Wicked: For Good” is the second half of the movie franchise based off of the 2003 Broadway musical. The first movie follows the origin stories of the witches of Oz, Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, as they grow from enemies to best friends at Shiz University.

The first film concludes with the beloved ballad “Defying Gravity” as Elphaba renounces the Wizard of Oz in an act of protest against his mistreatment of the animal race. As she flies into the distance, unsure of what her future holds, Glinda is taken deeper into the heart of the emerald city by their professor of sorcery, Madam Morrible.

In the franchise’s newest release, Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, has

the first piece performed. This mournful composition was inspired by a tragic accident. Before the ensemble began to play, Yurko himself took the stage to explain how he came to create this work.

The piece was written in memory of Matthew Hornick, a music educator. During his second year of teaching, he was driving to class where he was struck in a car accident and lost his life. Hornick graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the wind ensemble.

“He was a solo clarinetist for four years in a row, and that shows you the type of musician Matthew was,” Yurko said.

“Shenandoah” by Omar Thomas followed, and then “Spoon River: An American Folk Dance” by Percy Aldridge Grainger, arranged by Glenn Cliffe Bainum.

The last piece was “Hands Across the Sea” by John Philip Sousa, and was led by student conductor Matthew Brown, a senior studying music education at the College.

The Wind Ensemble finally took their turn on stage, led by Eric Laprade, the ensemble’s conductor. Laprade specializes in wind band conducting and serves as an associate professor of music and director of bands at the College, according to the School of Arts and Communication faculty page.

“Fanfare on Amazing Grace” by Adolphus Hailstork, transcribed by Don Patterson, was first in line to be performed. This piece was also led by a student

conductor, senior Gabriella Kaniuk, a music education major.

Next came “Chester” by William Schuman, and “Folk Music” by Louis Stewart, which featured a special guest on the trumpet: Jonathan Heim. Heim is a top call orchestral and commercial trumpet player in New York City who currently holds the co-principal chair with the NYC Ballet at Lincoln Center. Along with playing at the Metropolitan Opera and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, he has also played in Broadway films such as “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Carousel” and more.

“City Lights and Night Skies,” a composition by Parikh followed.

Born and raised in Rajkot, India, Parikh was introduced to Hindustani music at an early age. After moving to America and joining his school’s band and choir, he was then exposed to Western music.

Now, he works to blend the two types of music to represent his personal identity as an Indian-American. Parikh has also finished two works for a large ensemble, a clarinet quartet, a piece for a string ensemble and other works for mixed ensembles.

The ensemble ended the night with “Baron Cimetiere’s Mambo” by Donald Grantham.

The evening very much showcased the talent of the College’s student musicians, as each ensemble brought their own energy to the performance. The concert was a fitting tribute to the theme, “Reflections: Time & Space,” blending emotion, skill and precision in each piece.

‘Dancing with the Stars’: Another showstopping season finale

By Heather Halperin Correspondent

The Season 34 finale of “Dancing with the Stars” took place on Nov. 25, bringing us back into the ballroom with the top five couples.

Weeks of lood, sweat, and tears have led them to this moment — to see who will be crowned the winners and receive the Len Goodman MirrorBall Trophy.

After votes from inside and outside the ballroom, stepping onto the dance floor tonight were Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron and Danielle Karagach and finally Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten.

gone full vigilante and been named the Wicked Witch of the West. Meanwhile, Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, has become Glinda the Good, a public figure whose job is to uplift the people of Oz and give them hope for the future.

It’s been years since either one has seen the other and a lot has changed. Glinda is to be married to Fiyero, who is now the captain of the Wizards guards known as “The Gale Force” a clever nod back to the it girl in gingham, Dorothy Gale.

Simultaneously, Elphaba is working hard to enforce any help available to stop the Wizard’s regime. But best friends can’t stay away for too long, as Elphaba pays her most popular, and only, friend a visit on her wedding night before confronting the Wizard.

Needless to say, Erivo’s work in both films truly prove to audiences that she was an irreplaceable casting choice, who delivers a performance filled to the brim with nuance, craftsmanship and pure talent.

Read more on our website!

For the finale, each couple was tasked with three challenges. First, they were each given a brand new style they had never danced before by one of the judges.

Round two is the instant dance, where each couple randomly selects their dance and music from the styles they did earlier in the season. They have five minutes to prepare everything and perform it.

Finally, each couple has a freestyle routine where they get to select any styles, props and other dancers they wish to include in their performance.

Round one began with Earle and Chmerkovskiy performing a samba chosen for them by judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Then, for their instant dance, they were given the cha-cha.

She ended with the freestyle incorporating paso doble, Argentine tango and many other elements into her dance. She brought fierceness, precision and confidence to the stage, allowing her to

get a perfect total score of 90. Next onto the stage were Efron and Karagach, with Bruno Tonioli choosing the paso doble for the couple. In round two, the fox trot was given to them for their instant dance.

Efron’s freestyle touched the hearts of everyone around him, using the performance to show his growth. His dances were crisp and structured, allowing him to showcase his ability to lead, causing him to get an overall score of 88. Third to the floor were Hendrix and Bersten. Derek Hough dropped into rehearsal to tell them they would be performing a rumba. Next, they selected the quickstep for their instant dance.

Elaine’s freestyle to “A Chorus Line” brought so much personality. She shined on stage, accentuating her movements and bringing light to all her performances. This allowed her to get a final score of 87.

Next to enter the ballroom were Irwin and Carson Derek returned, giving this pair the challenge of dancing the quickstep. Then, for their instant dance, they drew a cha-cha.

A dangerous necessity: Is turf the best option for the College?

By Tyler Fennell Staff Writer

Turf provides a piece of nostalgia for me. Coming home from practice, your parents yell at you for dragging all the tiny black rubber bits into the house. Your shoes are filled with them, and it’s like walking with a pins and needles sensation that won’t end. Not only that, but those beads seemingly never want to come out. However, turf is more than just the nuisance at the end of practice or a game, it’s way more dangerous.

With the World Cup coming up, the discourse around turf has increased. FIFA will be swapping out the turf in many stadiums across the United States for grass. Not only that, but once the World Cup has concluded and the NFL season starts back up, the grass will be swapped out for turf. Why?

At every level of play, there is a drastic increase in non-contact injuries on turf compared to grass. These injuries are career altering. In most recent memory, New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered an injury that tore his ACL, meniscus, partially tore his labrum, and turf toe, all in one non-contact play at MetLife Stadium, a stadium notorious for its turf injuries. In that same game, week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Chargers right tackle Joe Alt suffered a high ankle sprain.

This isn’t a coincidence. The NFL Players Association has conducted studies every year regarding the increase in noncontact injury numbers on turf compared to grass. According to J.C. Tretter, former president of the NFLPA, “Now, 10 of the previous 11 years show the same exact thing — grass is a significantly safer surface than turf.”

This came from a study conducted by the NFLPA in 2023, where the only year where the statistics did not reflect the claim was in 2021, a year considered to be an outlier.

On top of the increase in injuries, synthetic turf fields have been found to leech PFAS into our bodies. These chemicals are commonly found in products such as non-stick cookware and food packaging. These chemicals don’t go away and build up in our bodies over time, hence their nickname “forever chemicals.”

These PFAS have been linked to multiple types of cancer, high cholesterol, low fertility and developmental issues with children or infants. The PFAS problem gets significantly worse during the summer months. According to Pennenvironment, turf can reach up to 170°F, as opposed to grass rarely going above 100°F.

Due to the dangers of turf fields, a few NFL teams and universities have already made the switch to real grass or are in the process of making that switch. The Las Vegas Raiders have switched from turf to grass, and the Atlanta Falcons are in the process of switching. The University of North Carolina as well as the University of Nebraska, two schools with prominent Division I athletic programs, have made the switch as well.

If turf is so dangerous, why does the College use it for all of its fields? The College’s athletic director Liz Shatkus said, “We utilize turf at TCNJ for a few reasons. Turf fields provide a reliable, year-round playing surface that can withstand heavy use. Turf offers consistent, all-weather conditions, reducing cancellations and ensuring a safe, predictable environment for athletes. Turf also supports multiple sports on the same surface and can accommodate high activity levels, allowing varsity teams, club sports, and

recreation programs to all utilize the fields. Grass fields in New Jersey face significant limitations in both usage and climate. They cannot sustain heavy activity and must be shut down from November through March due to freeze–thaw cycles and a dormant growing season. In contrast, North Carolina’s milder weather and longer growing season support more durable warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, which recover quickly from athletic use. New Jersey’s climate supports primarily Kentucky bluegrass, which is far less resilient under high-traffic conditions. These regional differences make turf a necessary solution at TCNJ to ensure yearround access, durability, and consistent field quality.”

Not only is turf easier to maintain, it’s also significantly cheaper. There are also differences in turf fields. Head coach of the College’s football team, Tyler Moody, said, “I have experienced really bad turf - really bad turf definitely increases non-contact injuries. I must say, I think the turf here is much better than some Division I fields that I’ve had experience with. I think the dream scenario is always perfect grass… but that’s not realistic for most places, no matter what the level. This topic is a hot one at the pro level because it can be.”

For a school as small as the College, the reality is that properly maintained grass fields are not feasible. Climate is the biggest factor that limits the College from switching to grass. Those same limitations are not applicable to the NFL. The NFL has no excuse to not use grass. The cost of maintenance is a non-issue with the NFL being a multi-billion dollar company. The NFL already has injury problems because of the nature of the sport. There is no reason to exacerbate this problem by allowing teams to cut costs monetarily by risking the careers of their players.

Ongoing sports betting scandal haunts the NBA as FBI gets involved

By Aaron Rigby Correspondent

On Oct. 23, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach, basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, were two of multiple people arrested in connection with a sports gambling investigation launched by the FBI, which involved approximately tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

According to CNN, Rozier was charged in a scheme, which officials say he allegedly rigged games to support sports bettors. In addition, the NBA veteran allegedly shared roster information with bettors, indicating who would or would not be active, giving bettors an upper hand on those who did not have access to such insider information.

Though Rozier has only now been arrested for these actions, the NBA had initially launched its own investigation into Rozier in late January this year for his manipulated performance in a game played back in March of 2023, which was linked to unusual betting patterns surrounding the then Charlotte Hornets guard.

The interviews and phone searches that came as part of the NBA’s initial 2023 investigations did not find enough evidence of foul play to further prevent him from suiting up. However, the league never completely cleared Rozier either, according to spokesperson Mike Bass.

“As is typical for an NBA investigation, this conclusion was subject to any new evidence we might receive,” said Bass. Amidst January’s government-led investigation, Rozier’s attorney Jim Trusty stood confident that his defendant would remain uncharged, and that government investigators would “come to the same conclusion.” Just months later, Rozier was

arrested and placed on immediate leave without pay.

Chauncey Billups, also arrested and placed on immediate leave, was allegedly paid to participate in illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons, all of which involved members of no less than three New York mafia families, according to officials. In a press conference later that day, Patel emphatically highlighted the mafia crime family connections.

“Not only did we crack into fraud that these perpetrators committed on the grand stage of the NBA, but we also entered and executed a system of justice against La Cosa Nostra to include the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Luchese crime families,” said Patel.

Most recently, the NBA has requested that multiple teams around the league hand over documents and other property, such as cell phones, as part of its investigation into illegal sports gambling. Notably, the Los Angeles Lakers are a part of this investigation due to their ties to Damon Jones, a former NBA player and former shooting coach of LeBron James, who was another one of the dozens arrested in the FBI’s illegal gambling probe.

These relations resulted in investigators from the outside law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Kats seeking documents, including cellphones and phone records from over 10 Lakers employees, according to The Athletic.

Though none have been charged with a crime nor mentioned in federal charging documents, prosecutors say that Jones occasionally used information disclosed to him by a team trainer to gamble, and on at least two occasions, sold injury information on star Lakers players to bettors.

This search for new information is presumably perpetuated by the persistent

scrutiny the league is under by the United States Congress, who hope to gain understanding as to “how the NBA investigated and handled these allegations as well as what steps the Association is taking to maintain the public’s trust.”

“This Committee needs to understand the specifics of the NBA’s investigation and why Rozier was cleared to continue playing basketball,” said Senator Ted Cruz, Republican chairman of the Commerce Committee.

A House Committee also inquired about “gaps in existing regulations that allow betting schemes to occur,” according to the Associated Press.

Also, according to ESPN, the NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams just four days after the indictments were made, stating that they are reviewing policies regarding injury reporting, training and education of NBA personnel, and safety measures for players, all in an effort to enhance its integrity.

“With sports betting now occupying such a significant part of the current sports

landscape, every effort must be made to ensure that players, coaches, and other NBA personnel are fully aware of the dire risks that gambling can impose upon their careers and livelihoods; that our injury disclosure rules are appropriate; and that players are protected from harassment from bettors,” the memo states.

Chauncey Billups agreed to appear in Eastern District Court in New York on Nov. 24, in the meantime forfeiting his passport and gambling as a whole, according to The Athletic.

Rozier, who offered his multi-million dollar home up as collateral, will appear in court in Brooklyn, New York, on Dec. 6. Rozier was also required to surrender his passport, any weapons he possessed, and was forbidden from gambling and contacting any individuals involved with the case.

New details surrounding the league’s investigations are coming out frequently, and more details are presumed to be developed with two notable court cases beginning imminently.

Wrestling continues dominant start

The College climbs to No. 2 in the country

By Joseph Caruso Sports Editor

The College’s wrestling squad continued their hot start with a 31-6 victory over No. 7 ranked WisconsinWhitewater, and participated in the Concordia University Wisconsin Invitational, where they earned three titles.

Prior to their trip to Wisconsin, the College started their season winning all four of their matchups in dominating fashion, winning four matches by a combined score of 171-22. Head coach Joe Galante has

seen a special beginning to the 2025 campaign, and the Lions aimed to continue when they traveled to Wisconsin.

Their first contest was against No. 7 Wisconsin-Whitewater. The College, ranked No. 2 in their own right, were set to face their first ranked opponent of the year, in a good litmus test to see where the Lions stand on the season.

Junior heavyweight Matt Coon got things started with a 2-1 victory. The College then took home three consecutive decisions led by juniors Matthew Griffin and Garrett Totten,

winning their matchups with scores of 17-5 and 14-3, respectively.

Other noteworthy matchups include junior Vinnie Santaniello who had an impressive win over a ranked opponent, defeating him 113. Junior D.J. Henry, who is ranked No. 2 in the country, dismantled his opponent 21-5, as his matchup was over before they could play a third period.

Coon, Griffin, Henry, Santaniello, along with juniors Hunter Mays and Jimmy Dolan have yet to lose a dual this year, an impressive stat that will fuel some nice friendly

competition for the Lions as the season continues.

With a final matchup score of 316, the College flexed their muscles in this top ten showdown, proving they are leagues above other schools at the moment. They would look to wrap up this road trip at the CUW Invitational on Saturday.

Similarly to their matchup against the Warhawks, the College showed how talented they are again in the CUW Invitational that included Totten, Mays and Henry living up to their hype as they all took home individual titles.

Mays, ranked No. 1 in the nation at his weight, clinched a title with an 8-2 victory, after getting there with a hard-earned 9-6 decision a few matches earlier. Henry, also now ranked No. 1, had an impressive 8-0 shutout of No. 3 Gunnar Garriques of Chicago to clinch a title of his own.

It was another great showing from Santaniello, who remained unbeaten despite not being able to clinch a title because of a medical forfeit. He garnered three consecutive technical falls to reach the semifinals where he was victorious via a 5-3 decision.

All in all, Galante’s squad reinforced belief that they are one of, if not the best wrestling team in the country. With a plethora of wrestlers ranking top three in their weight class, the sky is the limit for the College this season. They are looking to grab their fifthconsecutive double-digit victory season under Galante, and 11th consecutive if the Covid-shortened season is removed.

Before the College can come home, they must travel to York, Pennsylvania for the New Standard Invitational on Dec. 5 and 6 where the Lions will try and bolster their strong season thus far.

Women’s basketball earns first win over Stockton

By Joseph Caruso Sports Editor

The College’s women’s basketball team opened up play in the New Jersey Athletic Conference this week, losing against William Paterson University 54-64, and beating Stockton University 69-43, respectively.

A very tumultuous start for the College saw them start the season 0-5 heading into NJAC competition, a stark contrast to their 2024 campaign, where they lost just six games over the course of the entire season.

With that being said, the winless record is a little deceiving as the College has faced a brutal schedule to start the season in non-conference play, while also dropping their last game against Stevens in heartbreaking fashion via a game-winning buzzer beater.

It’s a changing of the guard for the College, who feature as many sophomores as they do seniors in their starting lineup, as a result of losing tons of talent from the previous seasons. Trying to get back in the win column, the Lions hosted William Paterson for their first NJAC game of the season on Saturday.

Right from the start, it was a

difficult showing for the Lions who failed to build off of a promising performance in their last game against Stevens, especially offensively, where they shot just 30% from the field and 23% from deep, with sophomore Maddie Bernhardt reaching double figures.

Luckily for the College, the Pioneers failed to be much better, shooting 18-51 and just 2-10 from three. The game was tight through three quarters, with the two teams tied heading into the final period.

Unfortunately, the College ran out of gas, and William Paterson closed out the game on a 23-13 run to close the game and secure the victory 6454, handing the Lions their sixth straight loss and first in conference play.

On Wednesday, the College traveled to take on Stockton, trying to secure their first win of the year. Playing inspired, the Lions finally saw everything come together and were finally firing on all cylinders, leading to a double-digit halftime lead.

The key to the game was a very balanced attack from the College, with three different scorers in double figures, led by sophomore Brooke

McFadden with a career-best 15 points. Senior Grace Kowalski also chipped in 11.

Leading 39-24 heading into the third quarter, the College were not going to let their first win slip away, continuing to pour it on with a 21-6 run in the third quarter to balloon the lead to 30, before concluding the game and grabbing their first win in dominating fashion, 69-43.

Contrary to their game against

William Paterson, the Lions shot a season best percentage from the field, and shot a scorching 12-27 from beyond the arc. Luckily for the College, the season is still extremely young. Especially with NJAC play just beginning, this is make or break time for the Lions, who need to string together wins quickly. They will have a chance to start a win streak when they are back in action hosting Kean on Saturday, Dec. 6.