Inspiring the Next Generation: HVCC Hosts 12th Annual Girls in STEM Conference

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Lindsay Powers || Staff Writer || Issue 18

The last weekend in March, Hudson Valley Community College hosted its 12th annual Girls in STEM Conference, a free event for girls in 4th through 8th grade. The conference is designed to inspire girls to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and math through interactive learning. 

Students who attended the conference were able to explore the STEM field through hands-on activities aimed at nurturing interest in science- and technology-based careers. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), only 35% of STEM graduates globally are women, making programs like STEM even more essential for girls. 

Girls in STEM Event, The Troy Record

The conference kicked off with a youth-focused lecture in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center on the main campus from 9 a.m to 11:30 a.m, featuring Molly Mulligan, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker. Mulligan, a space medicine researcher who has collaborated with NASA, spoke to students about careers in science and working in space-related fields.

Following the Keynote, students rotated through their selected 45-minute workshop, which included operating robotic arms, building and testing electronic circuits, using engineering tools to construct small projects, and dissecting owl pellets. 

There were also sessions that introduced students to architecture design, applied mathematics, and environmental science through small-group instruction. HVCC faculty members and STEM professionals led the workshops, which emphasized experimentation, collaboration, and real-world applications. 

This year, organizers limited attendance to only two hundred students to allow small-group workshops and for students to make mistakes while interacting with instructors in a supportive learning environment. Organizers believe this format will encourage participation and make students feel more comfortable while exploring subjects that they may be unfamiliar with. 

HVCC has hosted this conference for over ten years and plans to continue hosting the STEM Conference as part of its ongoing efforts to connect girls with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Doublespeak: The Philosophical and Political Relevance of 1984

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Aisha Mustafa || Staff Writer || Issue 18

1984 is a classic dystopian novel published on June 8, 1949 by George Orwell. It has become so relevant that several terms from the novel have been adopted into everyday language. 

One example of this is the word “orwellian” which is used to refer to situations characteristic of the totalitarian themes covered in the book.

One of the most philosophically—and politically—relevant themes is how language controls thought. Can thought occur without language? Two terms that are used by Orwell to express these themes are Newspeak and Doublethink. Doublethink is the ability to hold two contradicting beliefs while knowing that they are contradicting. Classically, the quote “war is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength” illustrates this phenomenon. Cognitive dissonance is psychological discomfort experienced when two held beliefs contradict. In Orwell’s society, this discomfort is suppressed and neutralized through control of thought. Newspeak directly ties into this as it is a controlled form of language that limits what thoughts people can have. There is even a term—crimethink—that demonizes opposing views entirely.

In the application of Orwellian language to everyday life, the term doublespeak was coined to refer to real-world deceptive language. This is demonstrated through obscure, euphemistic statements that are used by officials to make unpleasant actions sound better. This minimizes pushback and creates less extreme associations. Some examples of doublespeak include saying “downsizing” when referring to layoffs, “revenue enhancement” for tax increases, and even “ethnic cleansing” to refer to forced deportations and genocide.

Language and thought are interdependent. The same way language is used to express thought, language also shapes it. 1984 brings awareness to this concept and can serve as a reminder to consider how language affects consciousness in everyday life, doublespeak is much more common than most people acknowledge. The thought-provoking nature of Orwell’s novel allowed it to persist over time as a classical and highly educational piece of literature. It is for this reason that I encourage everyone to give it a try and engage in productive consideration and discussion of its major themes.

Journalist Allegedly Abducted in Iraq as Officials Launch Ongoing Investigation

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Jaydan Miles || Staff Writer || Issue 18

A report published on March 31 details a developing and serious situation involving the reported kidnapping of a journalist. According to the article, a female reporter, whose identity and professional background have not been publicly disclosed, was allegedly abducted Tuesday afternoon by individuals identified as members of the country’s Ministry of Interior. The circumstances surrounding the abduction remain unclear, including the exact location and whether the journalist was targeted specifically due to her work or presence in the area.

In response to the reports, an Iraqi government spokesperson stated that officials are “closely tracking these reports” but declined to provide further details, citing “privacy and other considerations.” The limited public response comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly involving the United States and Iran, raising concerns about the broader geopolitical implications of the incident. Observers note that incidents involving journalists in politically sensitive regions often draw international attention, especially when state-affiliated actors are allegedly involved.

ABC News

Authorities have confirmed that initial steps have been taken in the investigation. Security forces reportedly arrested one suspect and seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction. In an official statement, the Ministry of Interior emphasized that efforts remain ongoing to locate and apprehend additional individuals involved, secure the journalist’s release, and pursue legal action against those responsible. Officials also indicated that intelligence units and specialized investigative teams have been deployed to assist in gathering information and coordinating search efforts.

While specific details remain limited, reports suggest that checkpoints and security measures in surrounding areas may have been increased as part of the response. Law enforcement agencies are said to be reviewing surveillance footage and conducting interviews with potential witnesses in an effort to reconstruct the timeline of events. Authorities have not disclosed whether any communication has been received from the individuals responsible or if ransom demands or political motivations are suspected.

The investigation remains active, with few confirmed details released to the public. Given the region’s complex political climate and history of conflict, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about press safety and regional stability. Journalists operating in conflict zones or politically volatile environments often face heightened risks, including threats, detention, and violence, which has been widely documented by international press freedom organizations. Officials have not indicated whether the case is linked to broader international tensions.

Efforts continue as authorities work toward resolving the situation and ensuring the safe return of the journalist. Government officials have stated that updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available, though they emphasize the importance of maintaining operational security during the investigation. The situation remains closely monitored both domestically and internationally as developments unfold.

FBI Director Hacked

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Samarun Suhana || Copy Editor || Issue 18

As tensions within the United States and around the world continue to rise, the FBI has recently come into a concerning matter.

Around March 27, 2026, a hacking group known as “Handala Hack Team” claimed to have hacked the United States’ FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal Gmail account. Although mostly old emails and photos, many say that the goal of the Iranian-linked hackers was to embarrass US officials as the US-Israeli war continues.

Al Jazeera, Patel

This produced more than 300 emails and many photos of Patel, ranging from personal and work communication, between 2010 and 2019. A video of Patel dancing to “Sun Sahiba Sun” from a 1985 Bollywood film, also released from the Gmail breach, has been “going viral.” Many of the photos show the FBI Director sniffing cigars, being next to a jet, standing beside a convertible, posing in restaurants and hotels, and taking pictures with a bottle of alcohol. Although many news outlets have not been able to independently verify the documents.

The Gmail address that Handala claims to have hacked matches a Gmail linked to Patel from a previous data breach by District 4 Labs, a dark web intelligence firm.

Gil Messing, chief of staff at Check Point, an Israeli cybersecurity company, has said that the hacking operation is a part of Iran’s plan to “make [U.S. officials] feel vulnerable,” and that the Iranians are simply doing whatever they can with whatever they have.

Many people who have been observing this incident in the media have concerns when it comes to the security and cybersecurity of not only major government authorities, but also their personal information.

The agency is offering $10M for aid in identifying members of the Handala Hack Team.

Values for Vikings: Successful Students

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Molly Graiff || Staff Writer || Issue 17

Hudson Valley offers a plethora of services to students! The Values for Viking column has been spotlighting a variety of on-campus support services that help you save money. This week we look at the Student Success Center located in Suite 230 on the second floor of the Siek Campus Center.

The Student Success Center serves students from a variety of backgrounds through programs including Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and First Generation student meetups. These programs offer specific resources for students and incentives for attending events centered on wellness as well as a major lifeskill, budgetting. A few highlights of activities sponsored by the center include the Let’s Taco About It series featuring a free taco bar. First Generation students are invited to attend office hours on Mondays, 10–11:30 am and Wednesdays, 3–4:30 pm. Students looking for peer guidance on any question regarding college and campus resources. Many events are also geared towards fighting financial stress. To access upcoming events, students can view the events page on the HVCC website or visit the Wellness Wall outside of the food pantry.

Students experiencing housing needs and food insecurity can also benefit from the Student Success Center. Students are provided resources for finding basic need support near them. The Viking Cupboard food pantry next to the Interfaith Chapel gives students access to food and hygiene items. This is a free service available to all current HVCC students. Stop by Student Activities on the second floor of the Siek Campus Center in Room 310 for access. Check out the Student Success Center to level up your campus experience!

Scream 7: Was It Worth the Wait?

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Matthias Mojallali || Opinions Editor || Issue 17

WARNING: MILD SPOILERS

Scream 7 has finally been released after its extreme hype over the past year. Opening weekend, people did everything from dressing up as the killer from the movie, Ghostface, to the premiere to waiting in line outside the cinema door for Ghostface popcorn buckets. Despite Scream 7’s rocky past with the frankly uncalled for firing of Melissa Barrera (fired for speaking out against the genocide in Palestine), this film still managed to turn Scream into a billion-dollar franchise. But was it worth the wait?

This film starts out exciting with a cool opening scene and rather solid acting from the main characters. There’s many scenes that made me excited in the theater, such as the return of an important past villain. Ghostface’s scenes are also quite terrifying in this film. There’s a lot of scenes of him coming out of the dark in creepy ways and attack scenes that add horror into the film. However, that’s where the great parts of the film end. 

The Scream franchise is known for its self aware commentary on horror films, and this film tries to add that in. However, it falls flat since there’s no more self aware commentary to add. Especially with the token inclusion of some characters who were known for adding self aware commentary into the last two films. There’s a little bit of self aware commentary when “nostalgia-bait” films are mentioned, but that’s about it.

The acting from the lead actors, while solid, sometimes feels like they just want to get this movie over with. This makes the audience feel the same type of “Alright, let’s get this over with…” sort of feeling as well. Even Roger L. Jackson, who plays Ghostface’s infamous voice, feels like he’s not trying very hard.

Scream over the years has kind of lost its soul, but I still did enjoy Scream (2022) and Scream VI a great deal. Nevertheless, I was having a good time while watching this film until the end. Every Scream film has a shocking killer reveal, but this film’s freaks felt like they grabbed two random characters and had them in the costumes. That completely took me out of the movie and made the earlier scenes feel like they weren’t building up to anything.

Overall, while this film is fine, I feel like its whole excitement and horror falls short in the end. I’d say watch this if you’re a Scream fan, but be prepared for the disappointing parts. This is a scary movie that needs work, but maybe Scream 8 will redeem it.

Pre-Law: What to expect on the LSAT

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Aisha Mustafa || Staff Writer || Issue 17

Most pre-law students will eventually have to take the LSAT; the Law School Application Test administered by the Law School Admissions Council or LSAC. This exam lasts up to three hours containing two scored sections and one random unscored section. However, students are not informed on which sections are scored so adequate performance on all sections is necessary.

The first section that shows up on the LSAT tests logical reasoning, abbreviated LR. In this part of the exam, students are given a short paragraph explaining a situation followed by a question stem that requires application of logical principles and reasoning skills. For example, a question might ask you “which of the following arguments is most similar in structure to the one above?” Another may ask “which of the following assumptions would be necessary for the argument to proceed?” These questions test your ability to analyze arguments and situations as well as apply tools to determine the correct answer. 

The second section that shows up on the LSAT is reading comprehension, abbreviated RC. Rather than the short paragraphs in the previous section, RC provides you with long, heavy passages followed by a set of questions testing your critical thinking and information retention. The key to the RC section is to recognize that the LSAT is a standardized test. That means for every question, there is only one single correct answer. For this reason, any correct RC answer will have a clear, citable, and inarguable quote from the passage that renders it correct. Don’t fall for tricks set-up to trigger personal associations, if the author didn’t mention it then it cannot be correct. Unless the question is an inference question in which it’s necessary to search for a clear implication in the text.

Finally, the LSAT contains an unscored argumentative writing sample. This can be taken at a completely different time and location from the LSAT itself within a range. In this section the test-taker is provided with a prompt and given 15 minutes of planning time. After the time is either over or the test taker chooses to proceed, the 35 minute essay-writing limit begins. While completing the sample a proctoring system is utilized and a webcam must be used. This sample is not graded but is visible to admissions councils. 

The final question concerning the LSAT is about preparation. Should students invest in a preparation course? Prep courses are expensive and can even be a waste of money unless specific conditions call for it. Instead, free online sources — such as Insight LSAT’s 8 video guide to the exam— can provide students with all they need to succeed on the exam. What’s important is practice. The LSAT is a test of reasoning, not content. Students should take the practice LSAT tests directly from the LSAC site and spend careful time on review.

The City of Albany Facing $22 Million Budget Deficit

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Lindsay Powers || Staff Writer || Issue 17

Albany City Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs announced the city will have a $22 million deficit by 2026, while facing backlash over her administration’s spending decisions. According to Mayor Applyrs, the city was already dealing with a structural deficit of $15 million. 

In a memo to city workers on March 19, Mayor Applyrs announced that she had instituted a freeze on non-essential positions, reduced non-emergency overtime, and limited travel and equipment purchases. 

In a statement released to CBS 6, Mayor Applyrs said, “This week I implemented a series of citywide financial measures across every department,” Mayor Applyrs said. “This included, number one, a hiring freeze.”

WAMC

Some city officials still have unanswered questions and concerns about Mayor Applyrs’s administration’s financial choices, such as $1,800 spent on life-sized vinyl record-themed handouts for her State of the City address and a recent trip to Baltimore, Maryland. The mayor’s office has also created new positions and increased salaries for city workers, including a 13% increase in Mayor Applyrs’s salary, from $143,000 to $160,000. 

During a council hearing on February 19th, Councilmember Deirdre Brodie said, “We need to know that we can afford these salary raises this year, and how we are affording them in the future”.  Councilmember Brodie’s other concern is “This bill was put forth within days of starting the fiscal year gives me very little confidence that these unsustainable increases will slow.” 

Despite the backlash over Mayor Applyrs expenditures, she continues to defend her administration’s decisions, saying, “We have been learning about our city’s fiscal picture in real time,” adding. “And even with that, there is essential work that still must happen. I stand behind every decision that my team has made to this point.” Mayor Applyrs cited economic pressures, such as inflation, rising interest rates, and declining federal support, as the culprits behind the city’s growing deficit. 

City officials said they will announce additional steps to address the fiscal challenges the City of Albany will face in the coming months.

Rising Tensions: The Escalating Conflict Between the U.S., Israel, and Iran

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Isabelle Holt || Editor-in-Chief || Issue 17

The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified sharply in early 2026, evolving from long standing geopolitical tensions into a direct and ongoing military confrontation. What began as a strategic rivalry over nuclear capabilities, regional influence, and security concerns has expanded into a broader crisis with regional and global implications. Decades of mistrust form the backdrop, with Iran’s nuclear program, its development of ballistic missiles, and its support for allied armed groups across the Middle East remaining central points of concern for both the United States and Israel. Diplomatic efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions persisted into early 2026 but ultimately failed to produce a durable agreement, contributing to the current escalation.

In the opening months of the year, the United States increased its military presence across the Middle East, citing rising instability and concerns about Iran’s weapons development. Soon after, coordinated strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces targeted Iranian military and strategic infrastructure, marking a turning point from indirect confrontation to direct conflict. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at Israeli cities, U.S. bases, and allied positions in the region, setting off a cycle of retaliation that has continued to intensify. Israeli forces have carried out additional strikes on sites linked to Iran’s military capabilities, including missile production facilities and infrastructure associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Iran has demonstrated its ability to sustain repeated waves of attacks.

The United States has taken on a complex role, supporting Israeli operations while also pursuing its own military and diplomatic objectives. This has included troop deployments, strategic deterrence measures, and at times calibrated pauses in strikes to allow space for negotiations. One of the most sensitive flashpoints has been the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but vital waterway through which a large share of the world’s oil supply passes. Iran has used its geographic position to threaten or disrupt shipping in the area, raising fears of a wider economic and military crisis. In response, the United States has warned of potential action to ensure freedom of navigation, underscoring the global stakes of the conflict.

The humanitarian consequences have been significant, with airstrikes and missile attacks causing civilian casualties, displacement, and damage to infrastructure in multiple areas. The conflict has also drawn in regional actors, as groups aligned with Iran have launched attacks on Israel and contributed to a widening of instability across the Middle East. This expansion has increased concerns that the confrontation could evolve into a broader regional war involving multiple states and non-state actors.

Economic effects have been felt well beyond the immediate conflict zone. Oil prices have risen amid fears of supply disruptions, contributing to inflationary pressures and volatility in global markets. Trade routes and energy security have become central concerns for governments worldwide, highlighting how closely interconnected the conflict is with the global economy.

Despite the intensity of the fighting, diplomatic efforts have not ceased. The United States has put forward proposals aimed at de-escalation, including restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, while Iran has signaled cautious openness to continued negotiations even as it rejects certain terms. Occasional pauses in military activity suggest that backchannel discussions remain active, though fragile and uncertain. The situation reflects a delicate balance between continued confrontation and attempts at negotiation, with neither path clearly prevailing.

As it stands, the trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain. All sides have demonstrated both capability and resolve, yet also appear aware of the risks associated with a prolonged and expanding war. The coming weeks and months will likely determine whether diplomatic efforts can gain traction or whether the cycle of escalation deepens further, drawing in additional actors and reshaping the geopolitical landscape in lasting ways.

Laliga Dominates the Round of 16: Epl Squads Out of the Tournament

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Rhyme Anwar || Sports Editor || Issue 17

Considering the prestige that the Premier League teams have over every other regional football league in the world, they were utterly battered by their opposing LaLiga teams in the recent Round of 16 second leg placements in the Champions League. Real Madrid continued their domination against Manchester City, with Vinicius scoring 2 more goals against the English team, ending the Match in a 5-1 aggregate win. They are facing Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid put up a good defense against Tottenham as Tottenham still won the second leg match with a score of 3-2 but it still was not enough to get to the quarter finals as Atletico still held 2 more goals above them from their lead in the first leg against each other.

Barcelona tied 1-1 against Newcastle at St. James’ Park in the first leg match against them. Newcastle United stood no chance against the Catalonian team as they demolished the English team in Camp Nou scoring 7 goals against them, with Raphina and Lewandowski each scoring two goals. The match ended 8-3 on aggregate and they look forward to facing Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.