Category: News

CDC Diverts Research Funding to Study the Debunked Claim that Vaccines lead to Autism

by: Gracie Gosier, health reporter

Members of the scientific community are voicing their concerns about the upcoming CDC study to examine the link between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism. This announcement comes during a measles outbreak, despite extensive scientific research that has disproven and failed to find evidence for this claim. The continued promotion of debunked vaccine theories only serves as a distraction from the critical research needed to better understand autism. The conversation must shift to the public health issues that actually affect the autism community, such as access, affordability, and quality of healthcare services.

Micro pollutants, big impact

by Alana Powell, environment and climate reporter

Learn about microplastics, how they form and how they’re showing up in the New River Valley. Local researchers are uncovering their presence in wildlife, raising important questions about environmental health and what communities can do to combat this growing issue.

Blacksburg ranked high for safest cities in Virginia

By Bianca Campoverde, crime, safety and justice reporter

Blacksburg has recently been ranked one of the safest cities in Virginia, a distinction that highlights its low crime rates and strong community focus. This is especially important for families, students, and residents, as it fosters a sense of security and well-being in daily life. The safe environment promotes a higher quality of life, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for both long-term residents and newcomers.

Aiming for precision, not perfection

By Caroline Herbert, Arts and Culture Reporter

Perfectionism can hold people back from not only starting a new thing, but also completing a new challenge. But at Virginia Tech’s Newman Library, Studios Network Coordinator Ellen Boggs is helping students unlearn perfectionism, one stitch at a time!

The Art of Panda Diplomacy

Julia Lagano, Politics reporter

Cultural diplomacy is a major way countries use to foster relationships with other nations. In modern history, China has used panda diplomacy as both a diplomatic and economic strategy since the 1950s, and more recently, a political tool.