give their communties a voice
STUDENT JOURNALISTS School newspapers
Mercury st. MFA candidates experiment with ideas and media in thesis exhibition
wrestling No. 18 Rutgers loses close battle to
see opinions, page 6
see InSIDE BEAT, page 8
No. 1 Penn State, 25-15
SEE Sports, back
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Serving the Rutgers community since 1869. Independent since 1980.
rutgers university—new brunswick
online at dAilytargum.com
monDAY, January 29, 2018
New editorial board rings in 150 years of Rutgers student news
After a 14-hour day of intensive individual questioning, editors of the Targum’s 149th board caucused new members into the paper’s editorial staff — marking 150 years of student journalism at Rutgers. THE DAILY TARGUM / JANUARY 2018
Kira Herzog Staff Writer
On Friday, through a 14-hour long interview process, The Daily Targum caucused in its 150th editorial board. Comprised of both newcomers and seasoned editors, the new board plans to tackle the transition from print to online publication by seamlessly integrating multimedia reporting into campus coverage. But the highest priority, according to newly appointed managing editor, Saige Francis, is carrying forward the century and a half long tradition of keeping the Rutgers community informed. “I have been part of The Daily Targum since my sophomore year and I have seen first hand the power and impact of student journalism. It was a no-brainer for me to continue for another board, especially in a managerial position,” Francis said.
“I see so much potential in the Targum and I know with the team we have for the upcoming year, we will produce some amazing stories that have a real impact on the students and staff at Rutgers.” Over the course of the last year, Board 149 covered a wide range of student movements from the fight to raise the minimum wage on campus to a community-wide effort to prevent ICE from deporting a Rutgers student. It kept the campus up to date during emergencies like the fire at The Yard @ College Avenue and the bomb scare at Alexander Librar y and closely followed the University’s efforts to keep tuition down, prevent sexual assault and draw the line between free speech and hate speech. Board 149’s award-winning journalism made national headlines and Francis said she is confident that the new editors will build on the accomplishments of their predecessors
while also transitioning the paper into a new medium. “We will not have a daily paper forever,” Francis said. “So it is essential that we have a solid and engaging social media to fall back on. Not just a media account that regurgitates our articles, but rather one that engages with the Rutgers community and sparks important conversations and debates among students.” The news team — comprised of news editor Christian Zapata and associate editors Erica D’Costa and Ryan Stiesi — intends to move the desk forward by working with video editor Nicole Lagos to create a wider variety of video content. They plan on continuing the weekly “Targum Takeaway” segment, while also working on a series of original documentaries, broadcasts and investigations. “I am excited to take The Daily Targum into its 150th year of
publication,” said editor-in-chief Khaula Saad. “I know some people don’t always see the importance of university newspapers like the Targum but we’re here making histor y ever y day.” Saad, who worked as the opinions editor last year, said she is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, whatever they may be. “I know this coming year will be challenging,” she said. “But I also know that we will be helping students to become more aware of issues that concern them and that is worth the challenge.” The newly-caucused board also includes a new photo desk, led by Declan Intindola and Tom Boniello, a features desk led by Clarissa Gordon and a sports desk run by Rob Sanchez and Coby Green. Its design editor, Shreya Murali, will put together the page each day, and the copy editor, Cheyenne Terry, will ensure that everything that
Knights play Titans in game of blind softball
U. professors weigh in on raw milk movement
Erica D’Costa ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
Andrew Petryna Staff Writer
Alongside an increased demand for organic foods, the desire for raw milk has increased. Raw milk contains more fat than pasteurized milk and has not been processed in any way, according See movement on Page 4
goes to print is fact checked and ready for publication. Stephen Weiss, formerly an associate news editor, is taking over the opinions desk and hopes to facilitate discourse by integrating politics and philosophy into his work. “During my time as opinions editor, I plan to approach the discussion of issues with a philosophical perspective and to deliberate about topics with the goal of reaching an opinion that mirrors the philosophical concept of truth by way of facts and reputable views,” Weiss said. “In the vein of Aristotle’s teachings, to get at real truth one must examine all possible arguments.” This is the first paper of the 150th editorial board’s tenure and its editors are optimistic about the future of student journalism at Rutgers. “The Targum is by students, for students,” Zapata said.
The sale of unpasteurized dairy products, like raw milk, is currently illegal in New Jersey. Much of the raw dairy consumed by Americans comes in the form of cheese. FLICKR
The Rutgers softball team played its game Sunday morning blind. Held at the Rutgers Bubble, the team played the New Jersey Titans Blind Baseball Team in a Beep Baseball Exhibition — an adaptive version of America’s favorite pastime for blind, legally blind and visually impaired athletes, according to the National Beep Baseball Association.
VOLUME 150, ISSUE 1 • University ... 3 • opinions ... 6 • INSIDE BEAT... 8 • Diversions ... 9 • SPORTS ... BACK
Blind athletes can connect with beep baseball through sounds, and they literally, “play it by ear.” The ball and bases make different sounds so players know where to swing and run. In this alternate version of the game, players do not circle bases like they normally would — outfielders can get a runner out by picking up the ball before they See softball on Page 4