Dogs are helping the mental health industry daily

By Madi Poole, Health and wellness reporter

Humans rely on their pets more often then not, they rely on the comfort, the guarantee, and the emotional support dogs can give them daily. We sat down with two dog experts to find out a little more about both the mental and physical aspects dogs can have on humans’ mental health and well-being.

VT Campus Pushes for Financial Wellness

As they get further into young adulthood, many Virginia Tech students find it difficult to manage their finances. The university is working to provide resources for students looking to improve their financial wellness, including classes on financial literacy and financial planning, and workshops through Hokie Wellness.

ICAT Celebrates New Academic Building with Instillation

By: Zain Omar

The Institute of Creativity, Arts, and Technology at Virginia Tech has unveiled an art exhibit in celebration of the newest academic building on the Alexandria, VA campus.

“Carving Out Creativity”, is a multi-sensory experience that delves into the art of stone carving, how it effects our brain waves, and how art can connect others no matter how far away they are.

The installation was a collaboration of neuroscientists, engineers, and artists at Virginia Tech. Assistant Professor and Fellow at the Center for Health Behaviors Research, Dr. Julia Basso, has spent the last few years helping the team put together the scientific component of this exhibit.

The instillation, while limited time at the Cube in Moss Arts Center, will be up until May at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and the Torpedo Factory Arts Center in Alexandria, as well as The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke.

Know Your Rights: It Concerns Everyone


By Bianca Campoverde, crime, safety and justice reporter

Regardless of citizenship status, all U.S. residents should understand their rights to help create a safer, more informed community. Knowing their legal protections allows individuals to protect themselves, support others, and contribute positively to society.

Student organization host Town Hall to discuss the “Death of D.E.I”

Nyles Stone, Politics Reporter

The Department of Education’s new directive eliminates race-based scholarships, initiatives and programs, raising concerns about the future of diversity around college campuses in the U.S. Black Mindedness, an organization formed to educate and discuss current events held a town hall called “The Death of D.E.I”.

What does this new directive mean for campuses around the U.S.? Dr. Brandy Faulkner, a political science professor gives us insight on this matter.

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The solar shift in the New River Valley

by Alana Powell, environment and climate reporter

With energy costs on the rise, more homeowners and businesses in the New River Valley are turning to solar power. But what’s driving this shift, and what challenges could impact its future? Experts weigh in on what this means for affordability, sustainability and the future of the region’s energy.

A taste of Asian culture at VT’s APIDA+ Center

By Caroline Herbert, Arts and Culture reporter

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Virginia Tech APIDA+ Center, students and staff experienced something uniquely special. Asian food, culture, and games created a fun way to explore Asian culture and the origins of Asian food. These events bring the Virginia Tech community together to bond over both shared and diverse backgrounds. Led by Dr. Helen Schneider, this gathering added significant cultural value to everyone involved.

The uncertain future of antidepressants

By Julia Lagano, Politics reporter

On February 13, President Donald Trump established the “Make America Healthy Again” commission, with Robert Kennedy Jr. as the lead. The goal for this committee is to promote healthy living among all Americans. Planned initiatives include cutting Medicare and Medicaid, finding solutions to childhood chronic diseases, and placing a ban on antidepressants.