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SPORTS: Hokies Basketball welcomes a Storm

by Ian Hatcher, Ryan Cruze –

Storm Murphy recently announced his intentions to transfer from Wofford and use his one season of graduate eligibility for the Virginia Tech Hokies basketball team. He is reunited with Mike Young who coached the Wofford Terriers for 17 seasons. Murphy was a sophomore when Young left to become the Virginia Tech coach in 2019, but has blossomed since his departure. This last season he was First Team All-Southern Conference and averaged 17.8 points per game.

The Hokies have yet to take the court for the tournament, but with Murphy’s commitment it’s hard not to look into the future. Wabissa Bede and Cartier Diara and the only two graduating players for the Hokies. With their departures will Murphy be able to fill the void? In this podcast we’ll explore what the Hokies can expect in the upcoming season with Murphy in the fold.

LIFE/STYLE: Dietary Trends

by Kyle Graham, Juan Zapata–

A good diet can make a huge impact on somebodies life, but if not done properly, it could actually end up hurting more than it helps. There are many diets out there that if done correctly can greatly improve your health, however there are also many diets out there that make no sense but yet people still try them.

In this edition of the Newsfeed Podcast, Kyle and Juan will cover some of the popular dietary trends, how social media and celebrity influence has an impact, and lastly some of the pros and cons of dieting which includes some of the dangerous diets out there today. Most importantly, they discuss the importance of making sure that you research which diet is best for you.

ARTS/CULTURE: Debating Spotify vs Apple Music

by Madison Storm, Jillian Smith–

Millions stream music daily, and the preferences of music platforms are seemingly never ending. Two streaming services have continually held high ratings over time– Spotify and Apple Music. The question remains though, which is best?

Each platform offers similar plans in regard to pricing, with options set to best meet user needs. Many of the differences come to light when comparing access to music, new music discovery, and options for things outside of music like podcasts.

In this edition of the Arts and Culture podcast, The News Feed’s Madison Storm and Jillian Smith debate which streaming platform they think is best and why.

INTERNATIONAL: World response to U.S. Presidential Election

by Madison Storm, Reid Campbell–

With the close of the 2020 election, Joe Biden has been named the 46th President of the United States. Reactions to this news have been seen across the globe, with several international leaders offering their thoughts on the future that’s possible with Biden in the White House. Majority of these comments were positive and also offered congratulations to Kamala Harris for being the first female, first black, and first Asian American to be elected as Vice President.

Several international observers also commented on the disorderly conduct of current President Donald Trump. Criticisms over doubt cast on mail-in ballots, discriminatory statements, and falsely declaring victory were just a few of the opinions expressed.

SPORTS: NFL’s Sexual Assault Problems

football — Photo by ljv on Foter.com / CC BY-ND

by Reid Campbell, Emily Carter–

Yet again the NFL is finding itself in a controversy surrounding its handling of sexual assault cases. Antonio Brown, a star wide receiver and former New England Patriots players has been allowed back in the league despite numerous allegation of rape and an ongoing civil lawsuit filed against him for sexual assault.

This is not the first time this has happened in the National Football League. Nu merous players in the past have been accused of similar crimes, and have only been given suspensions from a handful of games, not forced out of seasons or outright banned from the league like many have called for.

The NFL has created programs in the past to change how people view the leagues handling of these situations, like a series of PSAs from 2014. In this podcast Reid Campbell and Emily Carter discuss the Brown case, prior issues in the league, and the failures of the NFL

SCI/TECH: Apple iOS Obsolescence Theory

by Jillian Smith and Emily Carter–

Planned Obsolescence is the theory that companies intentionally design products that they know will become obsolete after a short period of time. The theory states that this strategy is used to cause consumers to continue to buy new products and devices as older ones slow down or eventually stop working at all. Because Apple has recently released a new software update, iOS14, many people have already begun to speculate how this update will impact older devices.

In this science/technology podcast, Emily and Jillian discuss the ways that Apple has addressed these claims and made efforts to debunk this theory, as well as personal experiences that they have had with Apple products and their own opinions on the theory.

LIFE/STYLE: Campus ministry life during COVID

by Jillian Smith, Sarah Wormald–

Virginia Tech’s campus ministries look drastically different amidst Coronavirus complications. For example, Cru, a Christian campus ministry would usually have a large group service in Squires’ Colonial Hall every Thursday night. However, under the current circumstances, Cru is continuing their large group service online, encouraging students to have safe watch parties together.

Another ministry, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) is meeting in person on Tuesday nights for a socially-distanced, reduced capacity and masked service, similar to how some other ministries and churches in the area are operating.

There are elements of uncertainty when it comes to places and groups of worship during coronavirus, and those who find community in these groups will continue to adapt.

SCI/TECH: New Apple updates, what to expect

by Madison Storm, Kai Young–

Apple released their latest software update recently and users are already enjoying the new features. iOS 14 was rumored for several months before it’s actual release date which was re-scheduled multiple times due to COVID-19 related issues. This update is said to give users to ability to customize their device more than ever before. However, correction updates have already started being released to fix issues many are experiencing.

We also discussed new technology Apple users can be expecting to be released later this year including the rumored iPhone 12, a new watch, and iPads. Apple has also been working on Bluetooth connection devices and at home devices similar to the Amazon echo. It’s unclear the effect COVID-19 will have on the release of these new products. Check out this weeks podcast to hear more.

ARTS/CULTURE: Creatively adapting

Photo by JSmith Photo on Foter.com / CC BY-ND

by Bobby Trono, Sarah Wormald–

The performing arts world has drastically adapted in response to Covid-19. On a local level, Virginia Tech’s School of Performing Arts has moved all of its fall events online, except for the Progeny Film Festival which has physical and online options for viewing selected films.

Coronavirus complications have resulted in different creative ways for Virginia Tech artists to share their craft, one of which being an audio play called “The Cretans.” This audio drama surrounding ancient Greek myth will be presented online in three different parts early October.

Other online events include film screenings, artist lectures, and concerts that range from celebrating the 250th birthday of Beethoven to local ensemble performances.

The Moss Arts Center also has an online season with a variety of events that feature artists from their homes and performances through Zoom. However, the Moss Arts Center galleries will be open Sept. 10 for the public to view various art installations while proper protection and sanitation precautions are taken.

SCI/TECH: What scientists are doing to understand COVID-19

by Skyler Adkins, Christine O’Donnell–

Photo by EpicTop10.com on Foter.com / CC BY

As a result of the global pandemic, scientists and doctors are working diligently to try and find a cure for COVID-19. There are clinical trials taking place to allow doctors to study participants between the ages 18 and 55 and they are paid in order to incentivize people to help.

Major League Baseball is doing their part by participating in the largest nationwide COVID-19 study on antibodies. Out of the 30 MLB teams, 27 of them are involved in this study. The 10,000 participants range from players to stadium ushers who have all agreed to take blood tests in order to help doctors understand the infection rate and spread patterns of this novel coronavirus.

Scientists are also looking at HIV medications as a possible cure for the virus. An antiviral HIV medication known as Kaletra has emerged on the black market. According to doctors in China, this drug has showed promising signs to be a possible treatment for coronavirus.