The Breeze 8.20.26

The Breeze

JMU’S AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1922

Aug. 20, 2026 VOL. 105 NO.1 BREEZEJMU.ORG

Parking deck closes, Starships roll back, Carrier opens, Flock cameras leave the ’burg and more 4 | News

Families of Dukes receive millions in wrongful death lawsuits 4 | News

Find your favorite fall study spot 11 | Culture

Former JMU linebacker sues NCAA, enters name in transfer portal 17 | Sports

Trump’s bill hurts students 18 | Opinion

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Letter from the editors Looking toward the 2026-27 academic year

To our readers, whether you’re moving in or moving bags, returning students or alumni, preparing lessons or preparing facilities, live in the Harrisonburg area or are a stranger to the Shenandoah Valley entirely, you have taken the time to support another year of student-led journalism at JMU. Over the summer, our nation celebrated its 250th anniversary.

At a college named for the author of the Constitution, and one of our nation’s greatest proponents of free speech and free press, it is our responsibility and privilege to exercise ideas James Madison penned into action.

As an entirely student-led and managed media organization, we get to experience the duality of living our college lives and

the responsibility of reporting to you, our readers. This year, we have much to look forward to; But, we also know through the fireworks of late-night football games and the changing leaves, we will ultimately be the ones who share hard realities affecting our community.

This is a responsibility we at The Breeze do not take lightly.

We’re the ones documenting many people in Harrisonburg’s worst days. However, we do this through a shared commitment of public record and the importance of community. We do it for you.

We show up so that our readers can understand what’s happening on every level in the city they live in. We ask the questions you need answers to. We raise the questions that perhaps you have not considered. We do this so you can be assured you live in an informed space where everyone from legislators to professors are held accountable for their actions.

In a 250-year legacy of our nation and 104th at The Breeze, we know our community and country deserve truthful, unbiased news in a timely manner. It is only through your continued involvement on any level that we’re able to create an accurate and informed draft of our history.

Sincerely,

Hannah Kennedy, editor-in-chief Preston Comer, print managing editor Emma Notarnicola, online managing editor

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Student Success Center (Main Floor)

ON THE COVER Find out what you missed this summer as we welcome faces, new and returning, to campus.

COVER BY: KIRAH VILLANUEVA / THE BREEZE COVER PHOTO: LANDON SHACKELFORD / THE BREEZE

NEWS

EDITORS Charlie Bodenstein & Emma Brown f

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EMAIL breezenews@gmail.com

Families of JMU students receive millions in wrongful death lawsuit

The settlement stemmed a from fatal fraternity crash 4 years ago in West Virginia

By NEWS DESK The Breeze Three families of JMU students and Pi Beta Chi (PBX) fraternity members John Fergusson, Joshua Mardis and Nicholas Troutman, who died in a car accident in 2023, received over $2 million collectively in wrongful death lawsuits on Aug. 14.

The families filed wrongful death lawsuits against the fraternity on June 29 in Henrico Circuit Court, naming its founder, John Marshall, and 35 of its members, with each lawsuit seeking $150 million. Currently, only two of the 35 members sued have paid out the settlement.

The lawsuits follow former JMU student and PBX brother Campbell Fortune’s conviction for his role in a fatal crash while driving from a fraternity-sanctioned event in West Virginia to Harrisonburg. Fortune and his lawyer did not appeal the sentence.

He was sentenced to one year in jail, with all except 90 days suspended, followed by seven years of probation in West Virginia’s Hardy County Circuit Court. It was the maximum sentence Fortune could receive

after pleading guilty to negligent speeding and homicide earlier that year.

Fortune crashed into a tree at roughly 90 miles per hour, killing the passengers Fergusson, Mardis and Troutman, all of whom were JMU students. Passenger and former student Baird Weisleder survived the accident.

The surviving passenger’s family members asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence on Fortune. They claimed Fortune was high on inhalant nitrous oxide — also called “whippets” — and marijuana during the night of the incident.

According to the court documents, “the defendants saw Fortune engaging in intoxicating activity before driving but still let him get behind the wheel,” according to WRIC News.

Read more online at breezejmu.org CONTACT the news desk at breezenews@ gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Families of the passengers speak to the press after the driver’s sentencing in a West Virginia courthouse in April 2025. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

Quick hits: What’s new at JMU

By NEWS DESK The Breeze

JMU’s campus and Harrisonburg city have seen several changes over the summer that may affect student life.

Parking deck reallocation

Multiple campus parking decks have undergone changes due to construction. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

After Monday, Aug. 17, levels two through seven of the Grace Street Parking Deck will be reallocated for faculty parking, according to the student parking and transit services’ website.

Now, the Mason Street Parking Deck will be reallocated for commuting students with additional information, including an updated parking map, available on the website.

The changes resulted from the Aug. 14 closure of the Cantrell Avenue Parking Deck, located between the College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS) Building and WinePrice Hall, to accommodate the statefunded $115.3 million expansion of CHBS announced earlier this month, a university spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement to The Breeze.

The reallocation of faculty parking to the Grace Street Parking Deck is intended to reduce vehicle traffic on Grace Street to improve pedestrian safety, according to the website.

Historically, commuter student access to the Grace Street Parking Deck

generated approximately 2,000 vehicle trips in each direction on a typical class day, the email read.

“With Carrier Library now reopened and expected to attract substantially more pedestrian activity, reducing potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians is an important step toward creating a safer campus environment,” wrote the university spokesperson.

Flock cameras removed from Harrisonburg

The Harrisonburg City Council voted to remove Flock cameras, also known as Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), from the city. This decision came after the grassroots movement ‘DeFlock Harrisonburg’ petitioned the City Council for months to take down the cameras, citing violations of the Fourth Amendment and government overreach.

While the Flock cameras stopped transmitting data to the Harrisonburg Police Department after the vote, the cameras were still situated around the city. Last week, the city officially removed them from city grounds.

DeFlock’s efforts in Harrisonburg are part of a larger anti-Flock movement around the country. Both Staunton and Charlottesville terminated their contract with Flock last December, while other DeFlock movements have sprouted up in Bridgewater and Rockingham County where the cameras are still used.

Carrier Library now open

After four years of renovation, Carrier Library will have its grand opening ceremony on Sept. 10 at 2:00 p.m. at its McCormack Historic Entrance, according to the JMU Libraries website. However, it is now open to students as of Aug. 3 with an Open House on Aug. 18 from 1-3 p.m.

Starship Technologies robots removed from campus

The Starship Technologies delivery robots have been removed from campus and replaced by AVRide robots, which are slightly larger and will operate through the Grubhub app, Marketing Manager for JMU Dining Heather Holsinger wrote in an emailed statement to The Breeze.

Champions Drive parking deck renamed

The Champions Drive Parking Deck next to Bridgeforth Stadium has been renamed to the Charlie Obaugh Auto Group Parking Deck due to Obaugh’s donation, according to the Fall 2026 student parking and transit changes.

Read more online at breezejmu.org CONTACT the news desk at breezenews@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @ TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

NEWS

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Gov. Spanberger appoints 5 Board of Visitors members

By CHARLIE BODENSTEIN The Breeze

Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed four new members, including one reappointment, to JMU’s Board of Visitors (BoV) last June. The appointments came into effect July 1, and they will serve four-year terms.

“The appointees bring diverse expertise in fields such as education, law, healthcare, and public policy, strengthening the university’s governing board,” according to a JMU press release.

The new appointees are: Lisa Winn Bryan from Chesterfield, Va; Jessica Killeen from Richmond, Va; John Lynch and Angela Reddix from Virginia Beach, Va; and reappointed member Jack White from Fairfax Station, Va. Winn Bryan is succeeding former Board member Michael Stoltzfus. She has over 25 years of experience in student affairs and is an assistant professor of African American studies at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She will serve on the Student Affairs

Committee, Philanthropy & Engagement Committee and the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee.

Killeen is succeeding former BoV vice rector Teresa Edwards.

She previously worked as Gov. Ralph Northam’s deputy counsel and as a private practice litigator. She will serve on the Student Affairs Committee, Philanthropy & Engagement Committee and the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee.

Lynch is succeeding former Board member Joely Mauck.

He has previously served on the BoV, and he currently serves on the JMU Foundation Board. Lynch will serve on the Executive Committee, Finance & Physical Development Committee, Governance Committee and as the Chair of the Athletics Committee.

Reddix is succeeding former Board rector Suzanne Obenshain. She is the CEO of ARDX, a healthcare management and IT consulting firm. Reddix and her husband recently founded the Reddix Center for First-Generation Students through their $1.1 million donation to JMU. She will serve on the Student Affairs Committee and the Enrollment & Marketing Committee.

White will succeed himself as Spanberger’s sole JMU reappointment. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served in the active-duty Army for five years and then continued to serve in the Army Reserve afterward. He previously worked as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. He will serve on the Governance Committee, the Executive Committee, the Academic Excellence Committee and as the chair of the Enrollment & Marketing Committee.

“We are grateful to Gov. Spanberger and genuinely honored to have these exceptional leaders join our Board. I welcome each of them personally,” University President Jim Schmidt wrote in the press release.

Spanberger has reshaped Virginia public university Boards at an unprecedented rate, but unlike other Virginia public

universities, none of JMU’s Youngkin-appointed members were removed.

She appointed 10 members to the boards of the University of Virginia, Old Dominion University and Virginia Military Institute. George Mason saw the biggest turnover, with 12 members being appointed. Four new members were appointed to Virginia Tech’s Board, and three members were appointed to VCU’s Board.

The student representative to the BoV, senior Gram Sher, said that all Board members share the same goal of helping the university, regardless of their background or political affiliations.

“The goal is to continue with the Strategic Plan and make sure that the university goes in the right direction,” Sher said.

Additionally, Sher said he anticipates some tougher conversations surrounding partisan issues during their meetings, but he believes the members can “see past political ideologies.” This school year’s Board consists of 10 Youngkinappointed members and five Spanberger-appointed members.

Sher was elected as the student representative during this year’s Student Government Association (SGA) elections. He says one of his goals this year in his new role is to “inform and educate the student body” about what the BoV does during the school year.

Sher continued that he plans to talk to student organization leaders — such as Greek life and the University Program Board — to gather student input and communicate that with the BoV. He said he plans to meet with each Board member individually before their first meeting in September.

CONTACT Charlie Bodenstein at breezenews@gmail. com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

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Photos courtesy of Board of Visitors

LISA WINN BRYAN

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Starships leave, AVRides roll in Grubhub delivery robots replace Starships’ smaller model after 6 years

By SARA HELWE PAGET The Breeze Starship Technologies’ autonomous mobile delivery services have been removed from JMU and college campuses across the country, Marketing Manager for JMU Dining Heather Holsinger wrote in an emailed statement to The Breeze.

Known for its sidewalk robots that deliver food to students on campus, Starship

Students are eligible for free Grubhub+.

Courtesy of JMU Dining

Technologies has operated at JMU since August 2020.

The robots came to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mobile delivery services quickly became an asset for students.

Students were drawn to the convenience, affordability and ability of the robots to handle harsh weather conditions.

In early June, Starship Technologies notified JMU Dining of the removal, citing a strategic shift from on-campus food delivery to off-campus grocery delivery, completing its final day on campus around June 12, Holsinger wrote.

Students could use their meal plan or credit card to order through the Starship mobile app, with 20 dining options including Starbucks, Mr. Chips, Subway, Steak ‘n Shake, Merge Coffee, Dunkin’ and more, according to the JMU Dining website.

AVRide’s autonomous delivery robots will be introduced on JMU’s campus this fall, replacing the Starship Technologies delivery service. These robots will operate through the Grubhub app, Holsinger wrote.

With the Grubhub collaboration, students are eligible for free Grubhub+ memberships which include lower delivery fees on qualified orders and other exclusive deals, according to the Grubhub website.

“AVRide robots offer a larger size, increased carrying capacity, and even blinking eyes that add to their friendly appearance,” Holsinger wrote.

AVRide has appeared on other campuses across the nation, including The Ohio State University, the University of Arizona, Indiana University Bloomington, Salisbury University and more, according to AVRide’s blog, on Medium. AVRide and Grubhub will provide students with access to a new generation of on-campus delivery, helping to deliver a more

“robust, convenient, and reliable experience for the JMU community,” Holsinger wrote.

CONTACT Sara Helwe Paget atpagetsh@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @ BreezeJMU.

New AVRide autonomous robots come onto campus. Courtesy of Chris Meyer / Indiana University

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New bus app ‘myStop’ replaces PassioGO!

By EMMA BROWN The Breeze

also just improve our relationship with the vendor,” Parks said. “PassioGO! was certainly getting the job done, but we believe the myStop is going to hopefully be a more seamless transition and process for everyone who uses it in Harrisonburg.”

The planning process for the transition took a few months, Parks said.

July 13, the Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation (HDPT) implemented myStop, an app to track Harrisonburg and JMU buses. myStop will replace PassioGO!, which has been in effect since 2022, Harrisonburg Director of Communications & Public Engagement Mike Parks said.

PassioGO! and myStop share similarities, Parks said.

Users can locate buses through location services or search for Harrisonburg after logging in to myStop. The app will show the various bus routes, and users will be able to see where each bus is and its estimated time of arrival at each location.

In addition, both apps include a feedback feature for users; however, Parks said myStop’s feature will likely provide quicker feedback than PassioGO!.

“We definitely feel like that is one of the things that myStop is focused on, is making sure that we have a good flow of communications and we’re getting all the information that we need as quickly as we need,” Parks said.

While there were no inherent issues with PassioGO!, the transition to myStop will likely be an upgrade, Parks said.

“We saw an opportunity to improve the service that our community members would be getting from the app, but The myStop app is now available for students to download. Breeze file photo

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“Any time that we enter into a contract with any service provider, we’re always looking at it and seeing what other options are out there and what is the best service, especially when it comes to using taxpayer funds for a project,” Parks said. myStop is a part of Avail, a national company that HDPT is collaborating with to tailor parts of the app to fit Harrisonburg’s needs. In addition, PassioGO! will no longer be supported in Harrisonburg, and all community members who ride the bus should now be using myStop, Parks said.

The PassioGO! GPS technology inside the buses has mostly been removed and replaced with myStop technology, and soon, PassioGO! will not be able to track buses. myStop is now fully launched and ready for use after a smooth “test period,” Parks said. Community members can provide feedback for HDPT in the myStop app.

“We want people riding the bus in Harrisonburg. It’s good for our community members. It’s good for our environment. It’s good for our transportation system. So we hope that this makes it as easy as possible for people to catch a bus and know that it’s a reliable service for them,” Parks said.

CONTACT Emma Brown at breezenews@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

CULTURE EDITORS Bella Arist & Audrey Fletcher

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EMAIL thebreezeculture@gmail.com

Fall into fall fashion — the right way Ballet flats

By SHISHIRA NAKKA The Breeze

As the leaves change and we enter yet another hopeful school year, there’s one thing that stays consistent: the excitement of back-to-school shopping. To find perfect pieces to start the semester off right. Here are the fall fashion favorites to keep in mind when crafting those Pinterest boards or planning your perfect closet.

Polka dot anything

Polka dots of every color and variety have taken the world by storm, pairing both fun and classy in one pattern. Polka dots are on everything — shoes, bags, socks, headbands, sweaters and pants. There’s no part of the fashion world that hasn’t been hooked by the polka dot craze, and personally, I think we should all hop on. Whether lowkey or not, let those dots dazzle you!

At first, I was afraid society was normalizing business casual, and personally, I wasn’t ready for that. However, the introduction of the sneaker-ified ballet flat has me stopped in my tracks.

Shoes like the Puma Speedcat Ballet Flats, the Adidas Mary Janes and so many more have made their mark on the shoe game, and I think they’re planning to stick around.

This trend can be appreciated by both men and women. In a recent advertisement, Puma featured male models showing off their Speedcat Ballet Flat, and it made me appreciate both the shoe and the brand even more.

Checks/plaid

Dart Resale & Trade is a popular spot downtown with trendy and affordable clothes.

It wouldn’t be a successful fall season without the arrival of a little plaid. But this season, we can expect to see a less busy and non-traditional colored version of the usual flannel — think navy, multi-colors or even a houndstooth.

And outside of the usual button-up, the print finds itself most popular in shorts, blazers and baggy pants.

Q-zip

Put down the Nike Tech and pick up that quarterzip your mom made you buy for formal presentations, because they are so in. Whether it be from alo, Ralph Lauren, lululemon — as long as that zipper stops right by the heart, you’re all good to go. Something about the combination of casual and classy has the population buzzing, and I’m here for it.

JMU student tries on a checkered dress at Dart Resale & Trade.

Photo illustrations by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

CONTACT Shishira Nakka at nakkasl@dukes.jmu. edu. For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Polka dots of every color is a new fashion trend.

Survival guide for a successful night out

By EDISON VRANIAN The Breeze

With the start of move-in week at JMU, so are the parties. Frog week marks one of the biggest weeks of parties for the school year. And when it comes to partying, safety is always the priority. Here’s what you need to keep yourself safe:

Don’t drive under the influence

Make unforgettable memories

a ev nu lla Vi he /T ze ee Br

Prepare and beware

One way to stay safe is to make sure you have food in your system, hydrate and don’t drink anything that’s left unattended.

Eating a big meal before drinking can help you feel the affects of alcohol less quickly, and it speeds up the elimination of alcohol in the bloodstream, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Drinking water before and between drinks is also important, as alcohol can dehydrate you, and dehydration plays a role in hangovers, according to ScienceInsights.

JMU Emergency Police can also be reached at 540-568-6911. Information is listed on the back of JACards and can be found on the City of Harrisonburg website.

If there’s ever an emergency, never hesitate to call for help.

h ra Ki

While it may feel like common sense not to drink and drive, it’s important to remember that 11,904 people died in car crashes related to drunk driving in the United States in 2024, according to the NHTSA. To make matters worse, driving under the influence (DUI) can also lead to legal trouble.

Anyone behind the wheel whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is at least a .08% is classified as DUI, even over the age of 21.

Anyone under the age of 21 whose BAC is between .02% or higher could also get in trouble for drinking underage, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Virginia also has strict consequences for a DUI offense, including having the license revoked for a year and being required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, according to the Virginia DMV. The first step to prevent injuries, deaths and getting yourself a DUI is simple: Don’t take the wheel after drinking. You have options.

If a friend is sober and willing to drive, they can take everyone home. If no one in the group

is sober, rideshare through options like Uber or Lyft are available.

Additionally, JMU offers a free alternative, SafeRides, a student-run organization providing “free, safe, and nonjudgmental rides home” on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m., according to the JMU website.

A student can get a free ride home by calling 540-568-7433 beginning Aug. 28; the phone number is on the back of JACards and on SafeRides’ Instagram page.

Another option is to walk if you live close to the party. However, it’s important to note that in Virginia, it’s illegal to hold an open container of alcohol in public, which includes sidewalks, according to the Food Handler’s Guide.

Nonetheless, walking and getting a ride back are safer options after drinking alcohol than taking the wheel.

In addition, recognize that leaving your drink unattended and accepting open drinks at parties is an unnecessary risk.

There’s always a possibility of drinks getting spiked, leaving you vulnerable.

How to contact emergency services

Amid the fun that comes with partying, it’s easy to forget about the potential risk of medical crises or overdoses.

Emergency services can be contacted by dialing 911 and local services at 540-434-4436.

Most importantly, focus on having fun, making memories and not overindulging on alcohol.

There’s excitement brewing during orientation week, including appearances from JMU’s 2026 Purple Reign opening band, Chakra, which is scheduled to perform at parties during the week, according to its Instagram page.

Additionally, during Weeks of Welcome, the JMU BeInvolved app shows events happening across campus, like karaoke and ice cream socials, which are good ways to meet new people.

Partying or not, meet new people and have fun, because that’s what college is all about; but most importantly, stay safe.

CONTACT Edison Vranian at vraniawe@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

CULTURE

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 | breezejmu.org

What’s your preference?

Popular JMU study spots

By AUDREY FLETCHER The Breeze

When it comes to studying, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some students may need complete silence and a desk, while others work best with a little background noise, surrounded by friends or with a coffee in hand. At JMU, there are many places to work across its vast campus — and finding the best spot for you can be a game changer for efficiency and making study sessions count.

Whether you’re a social student or someone who needs to touch grass between assignments, here’s a short guide to find the best space for you.

If you’re a nature person

Want to get some fresh air while knocking out assignments or get work done between classes? Well then, look no further than the Quad — a central and convenient location on Main Campus with plenty of space to spread out by yourself or with a friend on the wide grassy lawn surrounded by bluestone buildings. This space is ideal if you don’t want to work at a desk and instead get a little boost of energy with the sun shining down.

If your study session requires snacks or coffee

Need to grab a quick snack between classes? Is caffeine a must-have for all of your study sessions? Then the Student Success Center (SSC) is your best option.

The SSC has multiple food options, including Dunkin’ and Bistro 1908’s Italian Kitchen and Bistro Burger, which are great

for longer study sessions when you need to refuel. Additionally, if you need to take a quick study break or submit a last-minute assignment, the building offers individual booths, couches and benches with tables on multiple floors.

If you’re a social studier

Are you one of those students who works better when surrounded by people? Then Taylor Down Under might be the spot for you.

Located on the lower level of The Union, this 24-hour study space is great if you struggle to be productive in a quiet, traditional library setting. With a blend of tables, comfy couches and pool tables, there’s plenty of space to work either independently or with a group of friends.

If you need to lock in

Do you find yourself getting distracted if there’s too much noise or activity around you? JMU’s Rose Library and newly renovated Carrier Library could be your perfect fit. Both libraries have designated spaces that are accessible to students 24/7, which makes them optimal spots for students who want to settle in and work through longer study sessions. If you really need to lock in, head to the fourth floor on Rose, which is a designated quiet space, or try the third floor, which offers quiet booths and classrooms depending on whether you’re studying solo or with a group.

If background noise helps you focus

Does complete silence make it harder for you to concentrate? If so, then Festival

JMU’s iconic Wilson Hall on the Quad. Landon Shackelford | The Breeze

might be the ideal spot for you. The Festival Conference and Student Center offers a lively atmosphere with open areas for working. It serves as a good middle ground between total silence and complete chaos for students who prefer to have other people and activity around them while they work. Plus, if you need a break from the fluorescent lights, it offers outdoor seating.

REEL IT IN

If you need a change of scenery

Tired of studying in the same boring space or classroom? Wilson Hall might just be the change of scenery you need. The second floor of this historic building offers a quieter place to hunker down and get some work done, making it a great alternative compared to some of the busier spots on campus.

However, keep in mind that seating in this study space is limited, and finding an open seat can be difficult sometimes — so you may want to have a backup spot just in case.

While these are great options for studying around campus, they’re not the only ones — there are dozens of buildings around JMU that can become your next go-to spot for getting work done. If you’re still searching for that perfect spot, check out JMU Libraries’ “8 Tips for Finding Great Study Spaces at JMU” for additional advice.

CONTACT Audrey Fletcher at thebreezeculture@gmail.com.

For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Movie review| ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

By CALEB BICKMORE

contributing writer

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” hit theaters July 27 and quickly became the No. 1 movie in the world, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” at the box office. Opening weekend, “Brand New Day” grossed $360 million domestically (United States, Canada) and $932 million globally. It has continued to sell out theaters, and as of Aug. 12, it has surpassed $1.5 billion globally and is the second fastest film ever to reach that mark, behind “Avengers: Endgame.”

Numbers aside, this movie exceeds expectations of what a modern-day superhero film is. Spider-Man’s story in the previous film ended with him separating from society and completely erasing Peter Parker from the world through magical means. “Brand New Day” follows the story of dual identity and Peter’s departure from society. Peter Parker is no more, but Spider-Man still lives and breathes.

Work and social life balance is a core theme of the film. Taking place four years after the events of the last film, Peter lives in the shoes of Spider-Man 24/7, taking care of the street-level crime that has swept New York City.

Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of “Brand New Day,” wanted to emphasize a common problem in today’s world: male loneliness. In an interview conducted by IndieWire, Cretton was asked about Peter’s mental health struggle and how the portrayal of the character is relatable to this generation.

Cretton explained that in his 20s, he went through a dark period when he felt alone, even while surrounded by people who loved him. While this is a superhero movie, it’s a movie that shows the hardship of “adulting” and choosing to go through life alone.

Peter has no friends or family to lean on now; he’s just Spider-Man. Even though as a hero he’s beloved by the whole city, no one knows and loves the man behind the mask, and that has long-term effects on Peter.

Accompanying the wall crawler is a massive cast of characters that makes this version of New York City feel massive in scale. The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) makes his big-screen debut in a lovable big-brother dynamic with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. This friendship gives the film its heart and soul — the chemistry between the two carries scenes that make the audience want to both laugh and cry.

Read more online at breezejmu.org CONTACT Caleb Bickmore yw4jkx@dukes. jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @ BreezeJMU.

One entrance to the renovated and recently reopened Carrier Library. The Breeze file photo

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 | breezejmu.org

CULTURE

Bibliomania | 4 books that offer a cool summer reprise — even while at school Kirah Villanueva / The Breeze

By SIXUAN WU The Breeze

Ah, summer. Bright, brilliant summer. For me, summer has always been less of a season and more of a vibe, filled with opportunities, unexpected adventures and a type of simple, heartwarming joy.

And while your summer vacation may be over, that summer feeling doesn’t have to end with the changing of the seasons.

From magical realism to historical fiction, here are four books to bring back that perfect “summer vibe” of feeling fiercely alive, even when you’re getting ready to dive back into school.

‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

by Shelby Van Pelt

Let’s kick off the list with the book several people have been urging me to read this summer — a beautiful and witty story of love, loss and redemption.

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel (which was adapted by Netflix into a movie of the same name in May) tells the story of Tova Sullivan, a widow who works as a night cleaner in the Sowell Bay Aquarium, and her unexpected friendship with a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus. As he and Tova grow close, Marcellus, with his remarkable intelligence, figures out what happened to Tova’s 18-year-old son, Erik, when he mysteriously vanished on a boat 30 years ago.

While I wasn’t initially impressed by the book, I quickly realized that “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a rare jewel of a story for our fast-paced modern time. The slow pace and friendly nature of Sowell Bay made me reminisce about a simpler time when a “perfect day” meant a slow walk by the water, a nice book to read on the porch and a cat who snoozes at your feet. Whether it’s reading about Tova’s quiet evenings with Marcellus in the aquarium or the playful banter between her and her old lady friends (the “Knit-Wits”), every interaction in this book feels like catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in a long time.

Charming, clever and utterly heartwarming, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is about how love — even the most unexpected kind — will lead us to the family we never knew we had. This book is a must-read for those who love magical realism, slow-burn mysteries and the uncomplicated beauty of human connections.

‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’

by V. E. Schwab

For readers who long for adventures and are always looking for new hidden wonders of the world, look no further than V. E. Schwab’s bestseller, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.” This novel begins when a young woman named Addie LaRue makes a desperate bargain with a mercurial god on the eve of her wedding day, begging for time to do more with her life.

The god grants Addie eternal life, but the price is that Addie is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. For the next 300 years, Addie travels across the world. She reads, falls in love and repeatedly attempts to leave her mark on the world, only to be forgotten over and over again — until one day, Addie stumbles across a young man in a bookstore who remembers her.

I loved reading about Addie’s adventures throughout the centuries, and despite the many heartbreaks she experiences, Addie never gives up hope or ceases dreaming about the world.

Every year on her birthday, the god whom Addie bargained with visits her and asks if she’s ready to surrender her soul, yet Addie never says yes. She never stops looking for new adventures or connections. And eventually, she succeeds in being remembered in her own unique way — captured as a fleeting shadow in a photograph, or as the inspiration behind an artist’s most famous work.

From the unique premise to the lyrical writing, and eventually to Addie’s final sacrifice, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” is a reminder that life isn’t meant to be watched from the sidelines, but rather lived, even when one can only exist as a whisper in the margins.

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‘The Last Nude’ by Ellis Avery

Inspired by the life of Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka and her most esteemed work, “La Belle Rafaela,” “The Last Nude” is a hidden gem of art, passion and the blinding nature of love.

Set in 1927 Paris, the novel begins when a young ItalianAmerican woman named Rafaela gets into the car of the dazzling Tamara de Lempicka. Poor and rapidly sliding toward prostitution, Rafaela agrees to model for Tamara. As the summer passes and the two become lovers, Rafaela not only inspires some of the painter’s most renowned pieces, but also learns more about Tamara’s murky past as a once-glamorous aristocrat forced to flee the Russian Revolution with her husband and daughter.

More importantly, Rafaela discovers that Tamara’s love for her isn’t as simple as she once thought it was, but rather inextricably intertwined with the painter’s desire for fame and power.

“The Last Nude” is one of those few books that left me utterly obsessed with the world the author has portrayed after reading it. I loved the vivid characterizations, the lyrical writing and, of course, the plot twists. Rafaela as a narrator has a deeply compelling voice that makes me giddy with love and weeping with heartache while reading her story. This is what it means to be young and alive, I think — to fall fiercely in love with someone, to have one’s heart broken, and to find the strength to carry on and come out of the other end as something stronger than before.

‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ by Gabrielle Zevin

While there are no long, languid summer nights or romantic walks by the beach in this book, something about “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” inexplicably screams “summer”.

Two best friends spend a college summer designing a video game, experiencing messy romances that span decades and the transformative power of being loved by someone who understands you like no one else.

The novel begins on a cold day at a Boston train station, when Sam Masur sees his childhood friend Sadie Green amidst the crowd. Sam and Sadie first met as young adolescents while playing video games together at a children’s hospital, and shortly after reuniting as college students, they decide to design a game together. The game, “Ichigo,” turns out to be a blockbuster, and Sam and Sadie become rich and famous overnight.

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From there, a journey about love, betrayal and creative ambition begins, spanning across the next 20 years, where Sam and Sadie remain often in love, but never lovers.

The most ingenious part of this novel is that, while it’s a story about video games, you don’t have to be a game lover to enjoy the book. Instead, video games — or rather, the act of play — are transformed into a language of trust and intimacy in this novel. Through portraying Sam and Sadie’s ups and downs over the years in both their professional and personal lives, the book captures a beautiful paradox of platonic love: It’s messy, and it can be challenging, but you hold onto it nevertheless. And even when one person starts breaking away, the other one will always hold onto every little thread that connects them together, not wanting to let go.

Sixuan Wu originally published some parts of this column on Goodread.

CONTACT Sixuan Wu at wu3sx@dukes. jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts, and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @ BreezeJMU.

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EMAIL breezesports@gmail.com

Thomas was a starter for JMU’s 2025 Sun Belt Championship season, where he tallied 68 total tackles. Caden Burch / The Breeze

‘He doesn’t take a day off ’ JMU football’s Amar Thomas brings veteran mentality in final season

By MADI PERINI The Breeze

Thomas has spent his entire collegiate career with JMU. Caden Burch / The Breeze

Redshirt senior edge Amar Thomas has struck the perfect balance between on-field wisdom and intelligence, while being able to “have fun with it.”

Named a Preseason First Team All-Sun Belt defensive lineman, Thomas has spent his entire collegiate career with the Dukes. Through 34 appearances, Thomas has recorded 68 total tackles and four sacks. However, accolades and statistics don’t weigh on Thomas.

“It doesn’t change who I am or how I’m going [about] my leadership,” Thomas said. “Everything is going to be day by day, trying to build up this mood team, making sure the bond comes together and we just become one.”

In the age of the transfer portal, a player remaining on one team for their entire career has become less common.

Entering the 2026 season, Thomas almost left JMU. On Dec. 27, he announced he would be entering the portal — 10 days later, he posted a video on X saying, “I’m back.” “[The new coaching staff ] made me feel wanted,” Thomas said. “They just told me I would be keeping the same role, that leadership role, that I had last year, but it would just be more elevated. Why would I run away from that? I love it here.”

Thomas is stepping into his leadership role by focusing on more than just on-field performance, “spreading the culture that has been here since before I was here to the new players.”

“The competitive spirit, the [cheering] each other on when we’re winning — even if we’re losing, we still got to keep that energy high so that we can still fight back,” Thomas said.

In his first year at JMU, head coach Billy Napier has maintained the Dukes’ long-standing rich culture, Thomas said.

“He’s [come] in and kept it up in the good way,” Thomas said. “Just the support system, making sure to check with the current players, the old players, making sure the staff feels like a family and not so much a business.”

Thomas was a part of a JMU team that broke records, making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season. With that comes Power Four school fanbases looking at mid-major programs as underdogs, which Thomas hopes continues.

“I’m not really big on the media and what people have to say,” Thomas said. “I do hope they’re still doubting again, because that’s what fuels us — we continue to prove and show them every year.”

Aside from his passion and leadership, Thomas receives high praise from the coaching staff for his apt football intelligence and mindset.

“He doesn’t take a day off — I think that’s the biggest thing,” edges coach Jireh Wilson said. “He has the wisdom and intelligence of understanding that the work is the work, right? The mindset that he brings every day — he’s able to kind of pass that knowledge off to some of those young guys.”

Napier added to the praise, saying, “he’s mature and smart, he’s steady, he’s an elite special teams player, and he’s done a great job.”

With the home opener against Liberty around the corner on Sept. 5, Thomas is “extremely excited,” he said.

“Everybody wants to show up their new talent, show up their capabilities, what they can do on the big screen and in front of the big crowd,” Thomas said. “It’s going to be a great season.”

CONTACT Madi Perini at breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

SPORTS

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Late coach DJ Looney powers

JMU football’s offensive line

By LIBBY MERCER The Breeze

Having five core players on the offensive line means more to JMU offensive line coach Rob Sale than just numbers.

When Sale and JMU football head coach Billy Napier worked in the same positions at Louisiana, late coach DJ Looney coined the phrase “five equals one.”

“His deal was five equals one. That was the saying back then,” Sale said. “I’ve always kept it and honored it and carried it everywhere I went.”

Looney died of a heart attack during a team workout on Aug. 1, 2020, at Louisiana.

“DJ was an incredible young coach [who] made significant impact on the players at his position,” Napier said. “One of his strengths was his ability to connect with every single person that he met. He was just one of those unique personalities that lived life always positive [and] always had an incredible attitude.”

Looney’s motto means “playing together” and having “five guys playing as one,” Sale said.

“You got to be all on the same page, speaking the same language,” Sale said. “It’s very important.”

With the saying repeated at practices and written on Sale’s hat, redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Evan Bushong said all five players “have to be in the same mindset” with the “same goal in each play.”

“Just making sure that we keep pounding the rock and keep running the ball and protecting the quarterback,” Bushong added.

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Tyler Brown spent three seasons at Louisiana from 2019-21 and rejoins Sale’s offense this season as a transfer from Colorado. Brown said the offensive line really embodies the “five equals one” motto.

“We’re such a tight-knit, close group; we love each other, and we care about each other,” Brown said. “When you have a group that loves and cares about one another, they play harder, they play better, because you don’t want to let the guy next to you down or the guy behind you down.”

The new coaching staff has emphasized the installation of new systems, and “with that knowledge comes power,” Sale said.

“It’s hard … you got five guys trying to be on the same page and trying to communicate inside-out and outside-in as well,” Sale said. “Taking the next step forward [is] all being on the same page, all playing fast, all playing physical.”

Factoring in the tight ends to the offensive scheme, the unit also likes to play off Looney’s “five equals one” motto.

“Then the tight ends join in like, ‘Coach, what about six equals one, seven equals one?’” Sale said.

Looney’s motto contributes to him being a “differencemaker,” Napier said.

“I mean, the memories that we have of that guy,” Napier said, “he was special for sure.”

CONTACT Libby Mercer at breezesports@gmail.com. For

more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.

DJ Looney coached with Napier and Sale at Louisiana during the 2018-2020 seasons. Photos courtesy of Louisiana Athletics

Photos by Landon

Shakelford / The Breeze

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Vol. 105, No. 1

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Georgia hosts JMU at Sanford Stadium in ‘massive moment for women’s soccer’

By TOMMY GURGANOUS The Breeze

The NCAA attendance record is 14,410 for a women’s soccer game and 22,512 for a men’s soccer game. Courtesy of Georgia Athletics

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Georgia women’s soccer will play within the lines of its football stadium for the first time on Thursday.

JMU women’s soccer will travel to Athens, Georgia, for the match, and the Bulldogs want the game to be the most-attended NCAA soccer match — men’s or women’s — ever.

“We anticipate our fan base and their fan base because JMU travels well,” Georgia women’s soccer head coach Keidane McAlpine said. “Our fanbase is supporting the game and putting people in the stands — I think it’s a massive moment for women’s soccer.”

The NCAA attendance record is 14,410 for a women’s soccer game and 22,512 for a men’s soccer game. McAlpine said over 24,000 tickets have been claimed for “Soccer in Sanford” as of last Friday.

With weather potentially being a factor, McAlpine hopes to get up to 22,000-23,000 people or even “anything close to 8,0009,000 people” in attendance.

“But, if we were able to kind of get to that full on 22-23[,000] number and beat the overall collegiate soccer record, that would be absolutely amazing,” McAlpine said.

McAlpine said the idea of playing in Sanford Stadium was “thrown around for a couple years,” but gained traction when it was noted that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary

of the 1996 United States women’s soccer team’s win in the Summer Olympics gold medal match. That game was played at Sanford Stadium and drew 76,481 fans.

“Once we saw that, then it was time to kind of take a look and see if the stars would align with the football schedule to see if it was something we could do,” McAlpine said.

The match details were decided after ironing out activities surrounding Georgia’s football preparation and student orientation on campus. McAlpine added that the school and its athletic department both being on board with the idea was “the most exciting part.”

“I have to give a massive shoutout to the grounds crew for both the stadium and our field, because they have to do a lot of heavy lifting for us to kind of piece it together and make it work,” McAlpine said.

Thursday’s game will be more than an anniversary of an event; it will be part of a movement for McAlpine. He said the 1996 gold medal win has helped advance soccer in the state of Georgia and the U.S. “It all kind of bled into this moment where, ‘here we are,’” McAlpine said.

The 30th anniversary of a team that kind of helped jump-start a lot of that momentum, or continue the momentum, I should say.”

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Vol. 105, No. 1 JMU head coach Joshua Walters said he and McAlpine had already planned a road game at Georgia — but at the soccer stadium. McAlpine was confident Walters would be on board despite the stadium change; he was right.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for a program and for girls to go and play at the football stadium in front of that many people, so we’re excited about that,” Walters said.

McAlpine said he felt the setup would work because he and Walters had already been a part of high-attendance games.

McAlpine was the head coach at USC from 2014-21, and Walters was an assistant coach from 2013-16 and associate head coach in 2017 at UCLA. Two of the four USC-UCLA games from 2014-17 reported over 10,000 attendees — 10,128 in 2014 and 11,925 in 2017.

“Outside of the Final Four College Cup games, the next three best-attended games were UCLA-USC games when we were there,” Walters said.

JMU senior forward Samantha DeGuzman said playing in Sanford Stadium will be an “electric environment” and it will be a “good experience.” DeGuzman added that it’s “kind of fun to be the underdog” in a game and thinks the Dukes will “bring the energy.”

JMU redshirt junior midfielder Aleigha Arndt said Walters told the team about Sanford Stadium and the potential for history with the attendance. Arndt said the

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | breezejmu.org match is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” but is also grateful for the attention on “women’s soccer as a whole.”

“It’s something very unique that’s happening that we haven’t faced before to have that amount of people in attendance,” Arndt said. “But I trust the discipline, and I trust the focus of our team, and we’re very focused on the goals that we have in mind for that game and the season in general.”

The Dukes (1-1) beat George Mason 2-1 on Sunday after losing 3-1 to NC State in the season opener. Junior forward and preseason Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year Ginny Lackey has factored into every JMU goal this year recording two goals and one assist.

Georgia (0-0-2) opened the year with consecutive ties at Illinois and Minnesota — both road matches. The Bulldogs opened the year ranked No. 19 in the United Soccer Coaches’ preseason poll.

“Soccer in Sanford” will be broadcast on the SEC Network on Thursday at 7 p.m.

CONTACT Tommy Gurganous at breezesports@gmail.com. For more womens’s soccer coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

Former JMU linebacker granted TRO for fifth year, enters transfer portal

By SPORTS DESK The Breeze

Former JMU linebacker Trent Hendrick was granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in a Louisiana lawsuit against the NCAA. The TRO allows Hendrick and other players across the country to enter the transfer portal for their fifth year of eligibility, On3’s Pete Nakos reported.

The TRO is a short-term court order that keeps the NCAA from enforcing transfer and eligibility rules against players while a larger court case is yet to be decided. The players claimed the NCAA didn’t act in “covenant of good faith,” according to ESPN. This follows a Colorado court ruling on July 31 that granted athletes who began their collegiate careers in the 2022-23 season a fifth year of eligibility for the upcoming season. One of the main stipulations of the ruling stated players would not be allowed to enter the transfer portal.

The TRO states “The NCAA is ordered to open the transfer portal … for one week from entry of this order,” according to Nakos.

Soon after, Nakos reported Hendrick is entering the transfer portal.

In a statement, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs Tim Buckley said “Courts across the country granting relief to ineligible athletes who already had every opportunity to compete in college — sometimes without even having a hearing — are failing to appreciate the destabilizing effect their rulings are having on college sports.

“The lawyers bringing these cases seemingly won’t be satisfied until every professional athlete can treat college sports as a fallback option, regardless of the opportunities it strips from those who will never have a chance to begin their collegiate sports experience.”

In the report from ESPN, Sam Ehrlich, a Boise State associate professor of law, noted that the lawsuit is an added protection in the case the July 31 ruling is appealed in favor of the NCAA. An appeals court is expected to make a decision within the next few days.

CONTACT the sports desk at breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

Former JMU linebacker Trent Hendrick was granted a TRO for a fifth year and entered the transfer portal. Caden Burch / The Breeze

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OPINION EDITOR Katie Mae Yetter

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EMAIL breezeopinion@gmail.com

Trump’s new bill affects aid and makes it harder to stay at JMU CALI GILMER | Breeze columnist

Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts & Pats is the place to do it. Submit your own at breezejmu.org.

A “sarcastic-thanksconstruction” dart to trucks blocking every road.

From a driver with even more road rage.

An “I-love-lazy-moving” pat to storage units for making my life so much easier.

From a student who lives far away from campus.

A “why-is-it-so-loud” dart to The Harrison construction making so much noise outside my apartment.

From someone who wants to unpack in peace.

An “I’m-finally-reading” pat to my friends making a book club.

From someone who missed summer reading.

Editorial Policies

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President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1) has made changes to federal aid, making it more difficult for students who rely on financial aid to stay enrolled at JMU. This potentially forces students to work more, change their schedules or reconsider how they pay for college.

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4, 2025. The changes to federal student aid took effect July 1, 2026.

JMU has confirmed that the law changes Pell Grant eligibility, Parent PLUS loans, graduate lending, and other aid requirements, with major changes taking effect July 1, 2026. For JMU students who rely on federal aid, these changes mean increased financial pressure and working hours as well as less time for coursework and social lives.

The important changes JMU has identified matter to all who rely on financial aid for many reasons. These grants and loans aren’t abstract government programs — they determine how much a student has to pay out of pocket. A change in eligibility can create a gap between what a student expected to receive when they enrolled in university and what they will actually receive during their years at JMU. Although JMU is making efforts to keep us informed, students shouldn’t have to wait until they receive a financial aid package to discover that the rules have changed.

The increase in financial pressures starting in the fall will mean students who lose or receive less federal aid have to find additional income. Instead of using summer break to rest, take internships, participate in social activities or take time to prepare for the fall semester, students are having to work more hours to cover educational expenses.

On top of that, financial pressure doesn’t stop when tuition is paid. Students also need to continue paying for housing, food, transportation, books and other costs. If students have to spend more of their college experience working simply to stay enrolled, the consequences extend beyond bank accounts.

These financial aid changes are interfering with the academic success of students, because additional work hours affect a student’s schedule. They may have to change class schedules to accommodate new jobs, meaning some students will be forced to choose classes based on when they can work rather than what best fits their academic plans.

More work means less time for studying, less time for extracurriculars and less flexibility when professors assign projects or exams. All of this leads to increased stress.

Students shouldn’t have to choose between earning enough money and succeeding academically. College is supposed to be a student’s primary responsibility, but the new financial pressure makes that increasingly difficult.

JMU as an institution is also being threatened by these new federal aid changes. Any changes to financial aid create

pressure around enrollment status. JMU specifically lists “Less Than Full Time Loan Adjustments” among the areas affected by this legislation. Some students may feel they need to go from part-time to full-time in order to remain eligible for certain forms of aid or make sufficient academic progress.

Others may wish to remain where they are because they need to work, creating a difficult contradiction. The new pressures in enrollment could lead to more students

The Breeze welcomes and encourages readers to voice their opinions through letters and guest columns.

The Breeze reserves the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and if material is libelous, factually inaccurate or unclear.

The Breeze assumes the rights to any published work. Opinions expressed in this page, with the exception of editorials, are not necessarily those of The Breeze or its staff.

a uev illan V h Kira

Whatever the political intentions behind the One Big Beautiful Bill, its financial aid changes could put additional pressure on JMU students who depend on federal assistance, forcing some to work more, sacrifice summer opportunities, alter their class schedules or reconsider how they can afford to stay enrolled.

Students need clear information, transparency and support as these changes take effect. JMU students should be focused

ze ree eB h T /

dropping out or taking fewer classes, leading to a lack of income for JMU. Students who need to work more may need a more flexible academic schedule, but changes to aid rules make flexibility harder to maintain.

Federal policy becomes real when a student has to decide whether they can afford another semester. The full impact of the bill will depend on individual circumstances and how the new rules are implemented. JMU itself says information is continuing to develop and encourages students to stay updated.

on earning their degrees, not wondering whether the next change in federal financial aid rules will force them to reconsider whether they can afford college at all.

CONTACT Cali Gilmer at breezeopinion@ gmail.com. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Letters and guest columns should be submitted in print or via e-mail and must include name, phone number, major/year if author is a current student (or year of graduation), professional title (if applicable) and place of residence if author is not a JMU student.

OPINION

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | breezejmu.org

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The conflict in Iran is being handled wrong COLLIN EYLER | Breeze columnist Several months after the Feb. 28 strikes began the war in Iran, we stand at the crossroads of finishing a war or conceding the public perception of the exceptionalism of our armed forces.

Our nation finds itself at the center of an international legal conundrum in which the world will determine who reigns supreme — the hegemony or a consortium of states which oppose the actions of the hegemony. Unfortunately, this appears to be a losing battle for us, despite the weakened Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

The strikes in Iran have been justified by the State Department as a result of repeated Iranian provocations and attacks on United States forces over the past 12 years. In a March letter to the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Michael G. Waltz stated the following reason for the timing of the strikes undertaken by the U.S.: “Since June 2025, the regime has also massively expanded its ballistic missile production for the purpose of overwhelming regional air defenses in order to provide a shield for its efforts to reconstitute its nuclear program, which it refuses to relinquish.”

The same letter continues to document over 100 attacks against U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq over the last four years by proxies of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

If we are to assume that attacks against U.S. personnel and territory were perpetrated by proxies of the IRGC, as U.S. intelligence agencies appear to believe they were, then anti-Iranian action is necessary from nearly any understanding of justice.

While U.S. action against Iran was justified, many argue that the U.S. went too far in its attempts to limit Iranian power. Notably, both sides have caused large numbers of civilian deaths with airstrikes, including the deaths of hundreds of children who died in a mistargeted strike on Feb. 28 by U.S. forces.

drawn into the conflict. Concomitant with these strikes, the U.S.’ NATO and Middle Eastern allies (with the exception of Israel) have largely refused the U.S. military services and aid, with the most notable example being Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. forces access to joint military bases.

The actions of the U.S. in Iran, which have further estranged the U.S. from its allies, have challenged the international system in a time-tested manner. The U.S. has maintained its international status through the grace of its allies which, with open arms, accepted a global economic hierarchy imposed by the U.S. and protected by mutual interests, assurances and American military force. With increased pressure to support U.S. action in the Middle East, the willingness of U.S. allies to accept American hegemony may begin to erode.

For the same reason that states formed opposition to British hegemony in the early days of World War I, America’s pushand-pull tactics towards its allies and beneficiaries may further the deterioration of global American power. President Trump’s forcefulness in making allies work alongside him in Iran may be just another step in the downward journey that America’s global footprint has taken.

Furthermore, the actions Trump has taken against the countries that refuse to help him, like his threats to cut off trade with Spain, have further alienated the U.S. from international alliances.

Ultimately, U.S. global involvement in recent years and in the Iran case has led the U.S.’ global position to remain in question.

Whether international law, a relatively new concept, or the power of global hegemony will reign supreme (which has been debated for decades) appears closer to being determined now than it has in any previous moment in modern history. Regardless of the result of this challenge, may these United States be blessed by the freedom which the rest of the planet looks to them for.

With the understanding that some sort of anti-Iran retaliation was necessary, the back-and-forth strikes carried out between the U.S. and Iran will contribute to continued regional instability. Already, dozens of neighboring countries have been

CONTACT Collin Eyler at EylerCJ@dukes. jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on X @TheBreezeJMU and on Instagram @BreezeJMU.

Kirah Villanueva / The Breeze United States Capitol building. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

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Vol. 105, No. 1

Vol. 105, No. 1

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Atlantic Union Bank Center Aug 18, 2026

“Soldier of Love”

by Pearl Jam “Break Free”

by Dave Mathews Band “Drown”

by The Smashing Pumpkins “Harbor”

by Clairo “The Air That I Breathe”

by The Hollies “The Feeling”

by Steve Lacy “Lost Boys”

by Phoebe Bridgers “Thriller”

by Michael Jackson

The JMU Lineup

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

JMU leadership gathers at the Atlantic Union Bank Center for the University Welcome ceremony.

Seated in the front row are (right to left) University President Jim Schmidt, Vice President of

“White Daisy Passing”

by Rocky Votolato “Highway Tune”

by Greta Van Fleet

Student Affairs Tim Miller, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communications Christine Hutchins, and Board of Visitors member Kay Coles James, alongside university delegates.

“Turning Page”

by Sleeping at Last

w

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find the answers online

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stumpe

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October 30th, 2026

Vol. 105, No. 1

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Vol. 105, No. 1

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LET’S GO DUKES!!!

EAT LIKE A DUKE!

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