October 1st News Roundup: New DA Sworn In, Campus Threats Surface, and Local Cancer Research Breakthroughs Emerge

As the calendar turns to October 1st, several significant news stories are capturing attention across the region and beyond. In Monroe County, a new district attorney has officially taken office, while local universities are grappling with a wave of concerning bomb threats linked to a national social media trend. Simultaneously, promising advancements in the fight against deadly cancers are being reported by local research institutions, offering a beacon of hope.

Monroe County Welcomes New District Attorney Amidst Transition

Monroe County officially welcomed its new District Attorney, Brian Green, today following his appointment by Governor Kathy Hochul. Green steps into the role vacated by Sandra Doorley, who retired at the end of August. Doorley’s departure came after a state Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct recommended her public censure stemming from an incident involving a traffic stop in April 2024. Governor Hochul expressed confidence in Green, stating his commitment to continuing efforts in reducing crime and improving public safety, holding offenders accountable, and supporting crime victims. Green, a Democrat, brings extensive experience, having previously served as a prosecutor in the Monroe County District Attorney’s office, including as Deputy Chief of the Major Felony Bureau, and more recently as an Irondequoit Town Judge. His appointment marks a shift in party leadership for the DA’s office, which will be solidified further by a special election to be held next year. Officials and community leaders have expressed optimism that Green’s tenure will help rebuild community faith in the vital office.

Campus Communities on Alert Amidst Social Media-Driven Bomb Threats

Local university campuses were on high alert on Tuesday, September 30th, as Nazareth University and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) reported bomb threats. These incidents are believed to be part of a disturbing national social media trend, often referred to as ‘swatting,’ where false threats are made to provoke a significant law enforcement response. Students at Nazareth reportedly received text messages warning of a bomb threat, leading to investigations by campus security and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which ultimately deemed the threats not credible. RIT also issued a campus safety update in response to a threatening email. These events echo similar threats experienced by universities across the country, including Delaware State University and the University of Delaware, as well as institutions in Texas and other states. Authorities are working to identify the perpetrators behind these disruptive and potentially dangerous hoaxes, which place a significant strain on emergency services and create fear within academic communities.

Local Researchers Push Boundaries in Cancer Treatment Development

In more hopeful news, local researchers are making significant strides in the development of new treatments for deadly forms of cancer. Scientists at the Wilmot Cancer Institute are advancing a novel therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer, a disease notoriously difficult to treat. Drs. Darren Carpizo and Scott Gerber have secured a $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to further develop and test a treatment that combines an experimental drug with existing immunotherapy and radiotherapy. This comprehensive strategy aims to more effectively target and eradicate cancer cells that have spread throughout the body. This research represents a critical step forward in offering new hope to patients facing grim prognoses, highlighting the ongoing dedication of local medical professionals to combatting the deadliest diseases. Beyond this localized effort, broader advancements in cancer care are also emerging, with ongoing studies exploring precision radiotherapy and next-generation cell therapies for various cancers across the nation.

These diverse headlines underscore a day of significant activity, from shifts in local governance and urgent security concerns to life-saving scientific innovation. As October begins, the region navigates these developing stories, each carrying its own weight and implications for the community.