News

Experts warn of growing cancer incidence among young adults, citing lifestyle and environmental factors.

Recent studies reveal that cancer rates are on the rise among young adults, particularly for colorectal and breast cancer, two types traditionally more common in older adults. Data from Cedars-Sinai shows that diagnoses for these cancers in younger age groups have steadily increased over the past few decades, with individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s facing higher risks than before.

Experts aren’t entirely certain why these rates are rising but believe changes in lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors might contribute. Factors such as processed food consumption, sedentary habits, and rising obesity levels are under scrutiny. Additionally, genetics and family history remain important aspects, with some individuals more susceptible to cancer at younger ages due to inherited genetic factors.

The rise in these cases has led to adjustments in screening recommendations. For example, the American Cancer Society now suggests that individuals begin colorectal cancer screening at 45 instead of 50, in response to the increasing diagnoses in younger adults. Breast cancer screenings are also being reconsidered, with recommendations for early screenings for those with a family history or higher risk factors.

Dr. John Leppert from Cedars-Sinai explains that “Catching cancer early can be a huge factor in treatment success,” adding that, especially with early-onset cancer, “regular checkups and knowing family history are more important than ever.” Doctors recommend that young adults stay proactive about their health, report unusual symptoms early, and advocate for screenings if they believe they might be at risk.

The rise in cancer rates among younger adults is alarming, but there are positive steps that can be taken. Young adults can reduce their risk by making lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and staying on top of regular health screenings. While there’s still much to learn, researchers and health professionals are working to understand this trend, offering strategies to help younger populations stay vigilant and informed.

Blood donations are crucial to maintaining the health and well-being of patients across the country, and with the need for blood constantly rising, there has never been a better time to give. On Wednesday, November 13, the Red Cross is providing an excellent opportunity to allow those who wish to donate blood. At 9:00AM through 3:00PM in the Bulmer Telecommun-ications Center (BTC), students and staff are able to schedule an appointment for the donation through the Red Cross website.

To ensure that blood donations are managed efficiently and safely, it’s required to schedule an appointment ahead of time.

When booking an appointment, there will be two options: Power Red or Blood. These appointments mean different things and are different types of donations. Power Red donation does collect the red blood cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. To do this, there are specific requirements such as having type A Neg, B Neg, or O blood. On the other hand, Blood is the most common type of donation where one pint of blood is usually taken.

There are some requirements that need to be taken into account when someone is interested in donating blood. The person must be in good health with a maintained iron level. Moreover, there are height and weight requirements for those who are 18 or younger listed on the Red Cross Website. Those donating blood should weigh 110 lbs or more. It is also important to have forms of ID like a student ID or driver’s license. If unsure about the eligibility to donate, the Red Cross website provides an excellent webpage about the requirements for those interested at “Eligibility Requirements – Red Cross Blood”.

Veterans Day was yesterday, November 11th, and as the nation pauses to honor those who served in the military, HVCC is committed to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans and active-duty service members. This day is an important reminder of the courage and dedication that these individuals demonstrate in serving our country, often at great cost. As a college community, there is great importance in the acknowledgment of their efforts, and providing support as they may transition to civilian life or continue their education.

On campus, the Vet-Roc (Veterans Resource and Outreach Center) plays a vital role in assisting veterans.

The center offers a wide variety of services tailored to the unique needs of veteran students, including academic advising, counseling, and help navigating benefits such as the GI Bill. Additionally, the center provides a welcoming space where veterans can connect with one another, share experiences, and build a sense of community. This support system is crucial for many veterans as they adjust to academic life, often after their military service.

The Vet-Roc also helps educate the campus community about military culture, encouraging all students to understand and appreciate the challenges faced by those who have served.

By fostering this awareness, the center ensures that veterans feel recognized and valued on campus, creating an inclusive environment

where they can thrive both academically and personally.

Throughout this week following Veterans Day, The Hudsonian and Hudson Valley invites the entire college community to reflect on the bravery and dedication of our veterans and active-duty military members. It’s an opportunity to thank those who have served and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them in their journey forward.

Through campus resources and the shared spirit of respect, we stand united in honoring veterans- not just on one day, but throughout the year.

Four Arrested Amidst Devices Found Onboard a Plane in a Germany Airport…

Western Security Officials have spotted two incendiary devices placed on passenger aircraft from Europe to the U.S., and Russia is the suspected perpetrator. Four people have currently been arrested for the scheme, and an investigation is still pending. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on this matter, and Polish authorities have taken the suspects into custody.

The incendiary devices were tracked by the DHL while at Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany, and state that there is no current threat to U.S.-bound aircraft. The White House and CIA declined to comment at this time. There were two other incidents in July reported by Britain and Germany that were also suspected to be of a Russian plot. This incident was “to test the transfer channel for such parcels” (NBC). The U.K. counterterrorism police also decline to comment at this time.

Many nations of Europe have recently accused Russia of aggressive sabotage campaigns, which are presumed to aim at disrupting Western support to assist Ukraine in the ongoing war.

This attempted sabotage was also set to hurt Germany by a plot to ‘bomb or set fire to military bases in Germany.

International spokespeople of Russia have denied these accusations and have claimed that all of the information is fake and that the sabotage against United States aircraft was ‘one of such fakes’.

The feud between Russia and NATO continues with the war in Ukraine, and it is possible that Russia is heating up the conflict through these sabotages.

Photo Credits: ENS Schlueter/Getty Images

The city of Albany’s newly installed school zone speed cameras have issued a stunning 12,000 speeding tickets in just 10 days. Located near school zones, these cameras are active during school hours and have a strict tolerance, drivers going even just over the limit receive a ticket. Each fine is set at $50, which adds up fast, considering the volume of tickets issued in this short time.

The speed cameras aim to make school zones safer for students by deterring speeding and raising awareness about speed limits in high-traffic areas.

However, some Albany residents feel the cameras are catching too many people unaware, especially since they were recently introduced. As Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan pointed out, the city has a responsibility to make school areas safe, and the cameras are a direct response to the increase in reckless driving observed in these zones.

Yet, some drivers feel the strictness of the system is too much and too fast. Critics argue that the city should give more warnings before issuing fines and question if the cameras are more about revenue than safety.

According to city officials, however, the cameras are meant to serve as a deterrent, and the fines are just a consequence of drivers failing to follow posted limits.

Albany officials are monitoring public feedback, but with safety as the priority, the cameras are likely here to stay. Whether or not ticket numbers decline in the coming weeks will show how effective these cameras are in achieving their goal of slowing down drivers and protecting students.

OpenAI has announced a shift from its original nonprofit structure to a capped-profit model. This change is designed to attract the substantial investments necessary to fuel its ambitious goals in artificial intelligence (AI). As people begin to learn about and understand the implications of this decision, it’s clear that the tech landscape is undergoing a transformation that raises questions about the balance between innovation and ethics.

     Originally founded in 2015 as a nonprofit committed to ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity, OpenAI has recognized that the growing costs associated with AI research demand a new approach. Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, says “The only way to make progress in AI is to invest heavily in it.” This sentiment reflects a reality in which the competition for cutting-edge AI technology is intensifying, and the financial stakes are higher than ever.

The decision to switch over to a capped-profit model is primarily driven by the high expenses tied to developing advanced AI systems. As Altman pointed out, building AGI that is aligned with human interests requires a lot of resources.

With giants like Microsoft and Google now heavily investing in AI, OpenAI must position itself competitively. Microsoft’s $1 billion investment in OpenAI in 2019 illustrates the kind of financial backing that can propel the organization forward.

Partnering with Microsoft has enabled OpenAI to tap into essential cloud computing resources, speeding up its research efforts.

     However, this shift has sparked concern among some critics. There’s a fear that the move toward this new model might compromise OpenAI’s foundational principles, leaving people to wonder, will prioritizing financial gain become the priority over ethical considerations? The history of tech companies suggests that profit motives can sometimes lead to neglecting social responsibilities. 

     In defense of the change, Altman insists that the goal remains to continue to do good. The capped-profit model is intended to balance the need for financial sustainability with the commitment to ethical responsibilities. By offering a limited return on investment, OpenAI aims to fund its research without sacrificing its mission to benefit humanity. But this raises a critical question: Can a company truly uphold its ethical commitments while being influenced by turning a profit?

This debate also intersects with the ongoing discussions about regulating AI technologies. As these systems become more embedded in our daily lives, issues surrounding accountability, transparency, and bias have come to the forefront.

The concern is that in the pursuit of profit companies might overlook the importance of ethical AI development.

     OpenAI’s transition reflects a broader trend in the tech industry. Many startups are reevaluating their funding strategies as the demand for advanced AI solutions continues to surge. Altman remarked, “We need to adapt to the realities of AI development, which requires an unprecedented level of investment.” This adaptation, while necessary, can create tension regarding the long-term implications for ethical AI development.

     While the transition to a capped-profit model may provide OpenAI with the resources needed to accelerate its projects, the larger ethical concerns remain in focus. As OpenAI embarks on this new journey, the eyes of stakeholders across sectors will be observing how the organization balances profit motives with its commitment to responsible AI advancement.

     At this crucial juncture in AI evolution, we must keep the conversation centered on the ethical considerations that must accompany technological progress. OpenAI’s shift to a capped-profit model could be a necessary step toward sustainability, but it also serves as a prompt for broader discussions about the future of AI and the responsibilities that come with it. 

Recent reports of a small house located in Rome, lacking an atrium but decorated with preserved frescoes has been discovered in the roman city of Pompeii, which was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

Pompeii was a flourishing resort city in the south of Rome, that was built around 8-9th  century B.C. by the oscans. But along the coast of the city was the shadow of a volcano called Mount Vesuvius where its famous eruption occurred which devoured the city in ash and rubble in 79 A.D.

Photo credits: Archaeological Park of Pompeii

Aside from the famous eruption, Pompeii was most known for its buzzing city life, from the artifacts, the cult of Isis, Fashion, and its art. Mostly it’s frescos. Frescos is an art technique that consists of its mural painting, the process would include mixing water and powdered dye pigment  with a plaster that would be applied to a wall, which would result in a mural.

The site has been named “The House of Phaedra” after the mythological queen of Athens, who is depicted in one of the paintings with her stepson Hippolytus, who refuses her advances.

On the other walls depicting patterns, scenic views from nature, an encounter between a satyr and a nymph, and gods who may or may not represent Venus and Adonis. Unlike many of the houses excavated at the site, it was not built around the traditional atrium, which is an open space with a pool for collecting rainwater. Despite its small size, the house is stated to “strike us for the high level of its wall decorations,” which means they were of similar quality to much larger and more opulent homes near the discovery, which lies at the center of the site.

     Three of the world’s largest tobacco companies, Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco (BAT), and Japan Tobacco—have reached a tentative settlement of C$32.5 billion (US$23.6 billion) to resolve a massive class-action lawsuit brought by nearly 100,000 Canadians. These individuals, many suffering from severe health conditions linked to smoking, accused the companies of failing to accurately inform them of the deadly risks of tobacco for decades, despite knowing the dangers.

     The settlement comes after a nearly decade-long legal battle in Quebec, where the tobacco giants were originally ordered to pay billions in damages in 2015. The lawsuit claimed that the companies failed to properly warn consumers about smoking’s health risks, with some plaintiffs alleging they had developed life-threatening diseases like lung cancer and emphysema due to decades of misleading advertising and lack of clear warnings. Philip Morris, BAT, and Japan Tobacco have agreed to pay the staggering settlement, but are finding themselves in deeper controversy surrounding how they’ll fund it.

     “This is an important step toward resolving this matter and focusing on the future,” said Jacek Olczak, CEO of Philip Morris International​. What Olczak didn’t mention, and what is fueling this controversy, is that the settlement will be funded through current and future sales of tobacco products in Canada, essentially forcing future smokers to pay for the damage caused by past smoking.

     Critics have slammed this arrangement, calling it a slap on the wrist for companies that continued to profit despite the massive health risks associated with their products. Jacob Shelley, a professor at Western University, pointed out that the settlement “missed the chance to incorporate stronger policy terms” that could have curbed or slowed the tobacco industry’s harmful practices​.

     The plaintiffs now have until December 2024 to accept or reject the deal, which is expected to receive final approval by mid-2025 if accepted.

     While the settlement may seem like a victory for the plaintiffs, some say it’s a financial band-aid that allows

the tobacco industry to walk away relatively unscathed, still able to market and sell its deadly products. The tobacco companies appear eager to move on, with Imperial Tobacco Canada stating it supports the framework of the deal, which will be paid out over several years.

The plaintiffs, many of whom are elderly or dealing with severe health issues, had long fought for justice, accusing the companies of knowingly selling products that caused irreversible harm. 

“This is about holding them accountable for decades of lies,” one plaintiff said when the settlement was first proposed. However, with the tobacco companies funding the settlement through future sales, some wonder if any real accountability has been achieved—or if this is just another calculated move by an industry that has dodged responsibility for years.

This settlement, one of the largest of its kind in Canadian history, highlights the enormous toll smoking continues to take on public health, and raises the question: Will this be enough to force meaningful change or just another payday for Big Tobacco?

New York State just crushed its expectations for solar power as stated in the 2019 State Climate Law. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (or NYSERDA), stated that they installed 6 Gigawatts of solar energy, which crushed their expectations by a year. 

The NYSERDA has been trying to produce cleaner and more efficient energy since the State Climate Law was introduced. “This is not only a huge benefit to consumers, a huge benefit to our environment but also a huge benefit to our economy,” President and CEO Doreen Harris states. These new solar farms have not only produced $9.2 billion in private investments but also created over 14,000 jobs nationwide.

This giant influx of energy has powered over 1 million homes in New York State. With solar energy being clean, this is a huge win for environmentalists and climate change activists. The NYSERDA has claimed that they expect to distribute 10 Gigawatts of solar power by the year 2030.

The NYSERDA is doing its best to make New York State a healthier and cleaner place, by producing cleaner energy more and more every day.

The transition into a ‘low-carbon future’ would be critical in the fight against climate change and global warming. In accordance with the State Climate Law, the NYSERDA is striving to make dramatic changes in the economy, environment, and people, by cleaning up the world one state at a time. 

     You can read more about the NYSERDA by scanning the QR Code here: 

Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding was just accused of leading a violent international drug ring.

The FBI says that Wedding orchestrated the shipment of tons of cocaine from Columbia and Mexico to the USA and Canada, along with the ordering of multiple killings. It’s been also said that Wedding is in Mexico, a federal warrant was issued for him one month ago in the US central district court in LA.

A grand jury indictment was filed in June charging Wedding with numerous counts of felonies, He currently is the lead defendant in a superseding indictment that was unsealed this week that named 16 people.

    “They have triggered an avalanche of violent crimes, including brutal murders… Wedding, the Olympian snowboarder, went from navigating slopes to contouring a life of incessant crimes.” Matthew Allen, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles division, said in a statement.

     Authorities say that the drug conspiracy operated at a large scale, from Columbia, Mexico, to three California counties, that being LA, Riverside, and San Bernardino. Agents were able to monitor the actions of the group earlier this year due to a mole who relayed coded messages about the alleged drug shipments.

  As a part of federal investigation – dubbed Operation Giant Slalom, echoing at an Olympic event Wedding once competed in, Law enforcements caught the defendants with a total of 1.8 metric tons of cocaine along with some weapons as well.

 It was estimated to be around $255,450 in cash, and more than $3.2 million in crypto currency.

If Wedding is convicted “would face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison on the murder and attempted murder charges,” according to the Justice Department.

This is the second time that the US authorities have leveled serious drug charges against Wedding, as he was previously convicted in 2009 with conspiracy to distribute cocaine where he served a year in prison. He’s also been investigated by the Canadian authorities with prior drug investigations.

Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

     A brand-new and exciting club has hit the scene, The Hiking Club! As described by the president of the club, Chris Kolowski, “The Hiking Club is a place for hikers of all skill levels to come together and share their love of the outdoors. It’s a place where hikers of all levels can learn preservation and protection of trails, safety tips, hiking locations, and meet new friends!”

     The Hiking club is currently looking for new members who may have a “slight interest” in the outdoors and hiking or would like to be more involved in campus activities. The current goals of the club are to turn beginner hikers into the best of the best, by giving them the knowledge, tools, and drive to pursue this fun activity even after they graduate. Kolowski states “I want to form a tighter-knit community at HVCC. Being a commuter can make it hard to socialize, and I want hiking club to be a way for people to find their ‘niche’ during their time here.”

In the long run, this club can educate and inspire future members to enjoy and protect the outdoors. It could be a great way for people to explore mother nature and expand their horizons while also learning more about themselves and others. “I want the club to continue working towards developing a tighter knit community at HVCC.” If you may be interested in further details or possible participation in this exciting new club, please email m-medeiros2@hvcc.edu for further details.

    The town of Colonie had just introduced a large stone honoring Canadian pilot Natalie Gillis, who had suddenly crashed suddenly after leaving Albany International Airport. “Upon this rock, we build this memorial…The important part for me was to not only recognize her, but also to recognize the miracle that took place.” Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey said. Although Gillis Family could not be in attendance, they had sent a letter to the memorial expressing their gratitude and humanity that was shown through these hard times.

     “We’d like to thank the first responders, and the local people of Colonie, for the outpouring of support and kindness that we have received.” In commemoration, an exhibit has been added to the Albany International Airport showcasing poetry, artwork, and photography by Gillis. “Thank you for being a bright light, in a dark and lonely place, there is now an entire town in Upstate New York, who has learned your story and is forever changed, by your angelic face” stated Colonie Town Councilwoman Melissa Jeffers.