Category: News

Differences in diet around the world

By Elizabeth Ann Miller, Evvy Fite and Madi Poole, health & wellness reporters.

Recently, on The Newsfeed podcast, we discussed the differences in diet within the U.S compared to other countries around the world. From the ingredients used in the food to the outside of food factors that we see worldwide, and the effects this may have on people and their daily lives. The group speaks on personal experience in and out of the country and knowledge learned from a Virginia Tech professor, Sean O’Keefe, from Canada. 

Health Implications Of The Red Dye Ban

By Evvy Fite, Elizabeth Ann Miller and Madi Poole, health & wellness reporters.

Recently in the United States there has been a movement to ban artificial food colorings, in particular Red 40. Following the January 2025 ban on Red Dye No. 3 from food and ingested drugs, people have been speculating on whether more food dye bans are on the horizon. Sean O’Keefe, a Virginia Tech professor in the Food Science & Technology department, shared his thoughts on the bans and the health implications of food coloring.

Dismantling of the Department of Education brings uncertainty for rural schools  

By: Kyndall Hanson, Elizabeth Hill, & Janae Neely – education reporters  

Many rural school districts utilize federal funding to support initiatives and resources to support underserved and low-income student populations. Recent federal actions have called for the closure of the Department of Education, reducing the staffing of the department and its role in supporting public education on the national level. Charles Lowery, associate professor of educational leadership in the School of Education at Virginia Tech, discusses the potential impact of the closure on local schools, students, and educators. 

Local company manufactures eco-friendly biochar

By Evan Hull, Alana Powell, and Gracie Gosier – environment, climate, and sustainability reporters

In Floyd, a growing company continues to innovate specially produced charcoal with extensive environmental benefits. SWVA BioChar manufactures carbon chips and powders with a variety of applications.

General manager, Jeff Wade, discussed the company’s products, goals and environmental mission with the News Feed.

Early intervention in Childhood Behavior Key to Preventing Bullying and Tragedy

By Sophia Gerni, Bianca Campoverde and Bethany Lenhardt, crime, safety and justice reporters

The tragic loss of Autumn Bushman, a 10-year-old girl from Roanoke, VA, who died by suicide due to bullying, is a reminder of the urgent need for early intervention and consistent support systems for young children. Addressing behavioral and development needs early promotes empathy, resilience and long-term success. A proactive approach by caregivers and educators can significantly reduce future social and emotional challenges.

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.