Experts discuss impact of tech on kids’ mental health at phone-ban conference

by Noah Zweifel

The New York State Union of Teachers convened experts and educators for a discussion about how phones and social media are influencing children’s lives both at home and at school as Governor Kathy Hochul, who kicked off the event, is fighting to ban phones in classrooms statewide. 

Overdose deaths down slightly in Albany County amid outreach efforts

by Noah Zweifel

The number of overdose deaths in Albany County dropped at a similar rate that overdose deaths have decreased nationwide last year. However, unlike the national trend, which saw fewer deaths from fentanyl and other opiates, Albany County saw a higher density of fentanyl-involved deaths in 2023.

‘A testament to the enduring human spirit’ on display at NYS Museum

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Sadako Sasaki, in 1955, folded a tiny origami crane using the red wrapper of a methotrexate medicine container, a treatment for her leukemia. That crane is now on display at the state museum.

Photos: Family Farm Day

Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County, the event was hosted at the Patroon Land Farm in Knox, which is operated by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. In 1997, Pauline Williman entrusted 167 acres of her farmland to The Patroon Land Foundation, which the Regional Food Bank has managed since 2006, gradually increasing vegetable yields to nourish the community. Today, the farm produces up to 100,000 pounds of produce annually for the Food Bank, totaling over 1.6 million pounds to date.

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