On Nov. 3, 2023, the parliament of Panama convened and vetoed a private business decision—a deal made with the Canadian drilling company First Quantum Minerals—after being subjected to a month of civil protests, with activists taking the streets, a decision which shows the true power of the civilian voice. This veto terminated a 20-year, possibly extending to 40-year, contract that would give First Quantum Minerals complete control over the extraction and selling of copper found in the country’s largest copper mine.

As time has progressed, the world has seen a devastating spike in sports injuries. Along with them being more common, they are becoming increasingly more severe as well. This not only impacts the athlete, but also their friends, family, and team. Far too many of these injuries are ruining the lives of those who were once extremely motivated individuals who were committed to perfecting their craft.

Early in the morning on Nov. 2, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at the Brooklyn home of Brianna Suggs, a fundraiser and ally of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Video from witnesses show FBI agents leaving the residence after hours of searching with at least one box in hand, which was later confirmed to include numerous electronics and hardware that contained sensitive campaign finance information. Allegations have swirled about the potential misuse of campaign funds through Suggs, including a scheme to funnel money from Turkey through a Brooklyn construction site.

It is that season again where the yearly vaccinations are being administered. During the cold months, it is expected that there will be an increase in illnesses all around the United States, and especially in populated areas such as college campuses. Each year it is recommended that during these times vaccinations for preventable illnesses like the flu vaccination should be administered. 

With Halloween fast approaching, it is important to consider safety measures to help ensure events remain fun and safe for everyone. In college communities there are often many gatherings the weekend before the holiday. While the Geneseo campus is a relatively safe place, there are measures that can be taken in order to encourage safe practices.

Composting is a healthy and eco-friendly way to recycle organic materials such as food scraps and leaves. The result is a fertilizer that will enrich soil and improve the health of plants. Not only is the return worth the minimal effort it takes, but by composting, there is a decrease in greenhouse gasses, pesticides, and more. Composting has been practiced in some capacity for thousands of years but is still overlooked by many people. 

On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas—an anti-Israeli Palestinian militant group that has resided in the Gaza Strip since 2007—engaged in an assault on several small Israel-controlled villages located outside the Gaza Strip blockade during the celebration of Shemini Atzeret. This assault, which consisted of the reported use of around 2,200 missiles, killed roughly 1,400 Israeli citizens and took more as hostages. The attack resulted in a near-instantaneous counterattack carried out by Israel, with them declaring war, a complete siege, on the area enclosed within the Gaza Strip, which continues to this day. The motives of Hamas are being called into question, seeming to be about retaliation and vengeance. In contrast, Israel’s motives seem to be self-defense, protecting their homeland from anyone deemed a threat. Yet, reportedly, according to AP World News, the leader of Hamas, Mohammad Deif’s reasoning was “...the assault was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, violence at Al Aqsa—the disputed Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount—increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians and the growth of settlements.” 

Over one month ago, on Sept. 11, 2023, the city of Derna, Libya, alongside adjacent towns, experienced the full frontal effects of “Tropical Storm Daniel” in a way that no one saw coming: an area-wide mass flood. This flood resulted from two central dams’ infrastructure failing, not built to withstand the force it was experiencing and broke under the weight, sending over 24 million tonnes of water hurtling toward several unevacuated, densely populated areas, leaving over 4,000 dead and 10,000 missing to this day. 

October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month. Dysautonomia International states that dysautonomia “impact[s] over 70 million people around the world.”

Among the many clubs on campus, Disabled Student Alliance (DSA) stands out for its consistent encouragement of inclusivity. DSA specializes in supporting students with disabilities and helping others become better allies. There have already been several notable advancements in the club since its founding last semester.

Students in SUNY Geneseo should take notice of the automated external defibrillator (AED) boxes located in the buildings on campus. After fighting a nine-month battle for approval, Pamela Kosmowski, the Addiction Counseling and Prevention Program Coordinator, has succeeded in shaping a safer campus: Starting on Oct. 13, every AED box on campus will include Narcan. 

For years, squirrels have freely roamed around the SUNY Geneseo campus: running up and down the trees, patrolling the sidewalk, or rummaging through trash cans, the furry friends have become a Geneseo staple. Students are often seen taking pictures of them, but this dynamic has now become problematic.