Category Archives: News

Republican runs on pro-pot platform in longshot House bid

By Yahaira Torres Ledesma
Bronx, NY

Steven Uccio, the Republican House candidate in New Jersey’s 12th District, is hoping to appeal to voters in his predominantly liberal district through libertarian policy positions like drug decriminalization. But the inexperienced, largely unknown candidate still faces long odds in November against Democratic incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman.

At a press conference August 6 at the Middlesex County Fair, Uccio, 30, discussed the war on drugs at length. “The drug war has been a total failure,” he said. “I will be more independent-minded and follow my values.” He believes that possession of marijuana or heroin should be decriminalized so that addicts are sent to rehabilitation instead of jail. Continue reading →

At Princeton, the debate over Wilson’s legacy rages on

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By Berenice Davila and Katie Okumu
Texas City, TX and Berea, KY

In the basement of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, an exhibit tries to provide a fuller understanding of Wilson’s complexities: He was a U.S. president, a university president–and a bigot. One dimly lit section is dedicated to arguments scribbled on bright orange four-by-six index cards.

“Black Lives Matter, but not to Wilson,” reads one card.

“Way overblown, get over it,” says another.

It’s a sign of how the debate surrounding Wilson’s legacy refuses to die. Continue reading →

New Jersey loses faith in Christie

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By Taylor Fetty and Maria Gonzalez
Hundred, WV and Mattawa, WA

Residents of Princeton, N.J., expressed frustrations about Gov. Chris Christie on a recent evening, saying his failed presidential campaign and support of Republican nominee Donald Trump distracted him from the affairs of his home state.

Elected as a Republican in a Democratic state, Christie was initially popular because of his brash and candid style, but voters said they started to lose faith in him after “Bridgegate,” a high-profile political scandal involving the George Washington Bridge in 2013. “He is extremely short-sighted and self-serving,” said Michael, 73, a professor at Princeton University who declined to give his last name due to his position at the University, citing the scandal in which Christie’s aides deliberately caused traffic with lane closures on the George Washington Bridge to punish one of Christie’s political opponents. Continue reading →

Princeton residents bash Governor Christie

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By Kieona Buchanan and Katie Marciniak
Rolling Fork, MS and Chicago, IL

Residents of Princeton say they dislike their governor both as the state’s leader and for his role in the current presidential election. Chris Christie’s endorsement of Donald Trump, they believe, is merely a political move to win a cabinet spot after his term is up in 2017.

Devon Davis, a 24-year-old Princeton resident, said he recalls Christie’s budget cuts resulting in a decline in field trip opportunities when he was in high school. So Christie’s decision to work alongside Trump, Davis said, “doesn’t surprise me. They’re for themselves.” Continue reading →

Steven Uccio: red candidate in a blue state

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By Mirna Rodriguez and Xuan Truong
Mission, TX and Springfield, MA

The carnival played out in the distance underneath last Saturday afternoon’s baking sun. The sunlight perfectly lit up a sign that read Middlesex County. Laughter and screams rang out from the twisting rides, drowning out a man’s demure voice as he stood in a field. Face clean shaven and hair neatly cut, he looked down at his pin, the sun blaring against the name: Steven Uccio.

Behind him were two other men in bright red shirts with large, bolded letters saying “Uccio For Congress: It’s Our Time.” Beyond the three were a crowd of young journalists, with pink umbrellas and notebooks on their laps, awaiting his answers. Continue reading →

Princetonians discuss Christie and Trump

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By Ashley Standafer and Xuan Truong
Hyden, KY and Springfield, MA

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is a polarizing politician who inspired both outright anger and respect among those interviewed on a recent Saturday night in Princeton, N.J.

“He’s a bully and it shows who he really is as a person,” said Robert Delanty, 47. He believes that Christie “sold himself out on the Trump endorsement,” referring to the governor’s support of the Republican presidential candidate. Continue reading →

Expired food and drugs found in multiple Trenton stores

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By Vayne Ong
with Samuel Lee, Jeannie Regidor and the staff of The Princeton Summer Journal

In a Krauszer’s Food Store in Trenton, New Jersey, five two-liter bottles of Barq’s root beer collect dust on the bottom shelf of the soda aisle. When the dust is wiped away, text reveals these bottles all passed their sell-by dates in June 2014.

These were just five of the 272 expired products, ranging from food to over-the-counter drugs, found in an Aug. 4 Princeton Summer Journal investigation. In a survey of convenience stores and pharmacies in Trenton, a team of 23 Summer Journal reporters discovered a wide range of products that have passed their sell-by, best-if-used-by, use-by, and expiration dates. Continue reading →

University’s Arts ‘neighborhood’ draws community criticism

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By Marlee Kelly
Pine Ridge, S.D.

With its brick, cottage-like building, surrounding foliage, and an outdoor shelter, the old Dinky station at Princeton University is like a scene from a fairytale book. The station has been a beloved landmark at Princeton University since its original construction in 1865. For the past hundred and fifty years, the Dinky has transported staff, students, and community members alike to and from the Princeton campus. The recent relocation of the station, however, has caused some ripples throughout the town.

Students and community members who rode the Dinky were skeptical about the relocation of the site and the “destruction of history” that the new station would bring. One group, Save the Dinky, has openly expressed their displeasure with the project. “The University has been saving the Dinky for a very long time,” University Vice President and Secretary Robert Durkee said in response. Continue reading →

Creation of Arts ‘neighborhood’ stir debate

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By Jocelyn Molina
Roma, Tex.

Most of Princeton University looks as if it’s still stuck in the 1740s. Gothic Architecture. Creeping Ivy. Ghost tours. One would think it’s in dire need of modernization. Geometric foundations. Minimalistic hues. Futuristic flourishes. The introduction of Princeton’s Arts and Transits project did just this, but the public was not on board with the transition completely.

The public’s response to Princeton University’s $330 million “Arts and Transit” project has been mixed since 2013. The project is aimed at expanding opportunities in the arts, improving the area’s aesthetics, and mitigating traffic. The project proposed moving a train terminal known as the “Dinky” and a Wawa adjacent to it. Continue reading →

In prison, profs find their most eager students

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By Juliana Kim
Queens, N.Y.

When Gillian Knapp first walked into the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, she remembers the doors clanging shut behind her and the smell that lingered in the hallways. It was an odor familiar only to those who’ve ever been to a prison. As she walked through security, she didn’t know what to expect.

But Knapp wasn’t heading for a cell. Instead, she was going to a classroom.

Knapp, a retired astrophysics professor, now leads the Prison Teaching Initiative (PTI). After more than 25 years teaching at Princeton University, she decided she needed a change. With four other astrophysicists, she decided to take on the prison education crisis in the United States. Continue reading →