In the NFL, news out of Foxborough today is that the New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery this Friday.

After leaving last weekend’s game against the New York Jets and not returning, Gronkowski was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. This will be the third time since 2009 that Gronkowski will undergo surgery on his back for a herniated disk, with the recovery time this time expected to be approximately two months.

This isn’t the first time this year that ‘Gronk’ has been bit by the injury bug, as the 27 year old missed the beginning of the season dealing with a hamstring injury, and missed the Patriots’ game two weeks ago against the San Francisco 49ers with a punctured lung.

Gronkowski has appeared in eight games this season, only starting in six of them, but has still recorded 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Even if the Patriots were to advance to Super Bowl LI, the game is scheduled for February 5^th; meaning Gronkowski’s season is likely over, barring a New England playoff run.

Oswego, NY- For the last month there has been dramatic changes in Oswego’s weather.  The fluctuations in weather have lead to snow, rain, 60 degree weather, and various other conditions. Rumors have been spiraling around campus that this change in weather has lead to many people getting sick.  However, this rumor has been proven false.

“The reason you have a big flux in rhinoviruses like the common cold in the fall season, and in the spring season is because that’s just when it spreads the most.  That’s when those viruses peak, ” WTOP-10 Chief Meteorologist Alec Zuch said. “And then, on top of that in the winter time that’s when flu is the most common.  So it has nothing to do with temperature, it has more to do with you know, when that virus actually goes around.”

Several studies at universities across the United States have proven this statement to be true as well. Bacteria and viruses are the reasons for people’s illnesses.  The cold temperature typically makes it easier for the bacteria and viruses to survive.  Meanwhile, the warm weather lets allergens into the air more easily.  These things have made it a great environment for both allergens and bacteria to survive.  Plus, the elements Oswego has provided recently has not helped conditions either.

The Mary Walker Health Center is providing students with treatments for common cold like symptoms.  If symptoms become more serious, it is advised that students see a doctor or another medical professional as soon as possible.

by Ilyssa Weiner, WTOP10-TV

Moderated speak-out series “Oz Speaks” held the most recent talk in their series on Oct. 25. The topic was on the issue about Blue Lives Matter.

Students, faculty and members of the community were encouraged to speak about their thoughts and feelings about the situation without it being a debate. Some participants shared stories of family members in law enforcement while others discussed the impact of both the Blue Lives Matter and Black Lives Matter movements on their personal lives.

Sophomore Keonna Wren was one of the participants of the event. One of the issues she spoke about was her identity as a black woman and how the two movements, [Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter] shaped her life.

“I absolutely love events like this because it’s not a debate,” said Wren. “I’m happy I got to spoke my truth and that’s what I came here for.”

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jerri Howland is one of the organizers for “Oz Speaks.” She says this speak out is different from the others because of the structure for how Blue Lives Matter came about and how this movement contrasts to Black Lives Matter.

“It’s not only important for students, but it’s important for everyone in our society to make sure we listen to all points of views,” Howland said. “I think it’s when we don’t listen to others and don’t understand their point of view that we don’t really get to the heart of what diversity is.”

Howland says the goal of the “Oz Speaks” series is to create a space for the SUNY Oswego community to freely speak about their thoughts on issues. She believes the series has successfully done that so far.

The next “Oz Speaks” talk will be Nov. 1 at 6:30 PM in the Campus Center Auditorium.