The Virginia Tech media relations office has the following experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.

Virginia Tech experts available to discuss headlines in the news

Looming effects of tariffs and stock market volatility

President Donald Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on 25% on all imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as an extra 10% on products from China. The U.S. has been putting tariffs on Chinese goods for a long time. Some of the more recent tariffs were even able to push Mexico back into the top trading spot with the United States, says Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten. Wooten and Dan Rodriguez, a professor of practice in the Department of Finance, Insurance, and Business Law at Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business, and Jason Grant, a professor with the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, can speak on why the U.S. imposes tariffs even though they increase costs for American consumers. Wooten can also discuss recent stock market volatility related to AI technology. All are available starting Tuesday.

What will the black box tell us about the helicopter-plane collision over the Potomac?

Crews have begun pulling wreckage from last week’s crash from the Potomac River. Over the weekend, two black boxes from the American Eagle passenger jet and a helicopter device were recovered. Aerospace expert Ella Atkins is available to discuss what we know so far, what it tells us about what happened, and how crashes like this could be prevented in the future. More here.

Ongoing ceasefire in Gaza: Netanyahu and Trump to meet

Negotiations on the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire begin today, with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States as mediators. A successful negotiation would end the war and Hamas return the 60 or so remaining hostages to Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Trump on Tuesday — Trump’s first visit with a foreign leader since assuming office. Reportedly Netanyahu will discuss “victory over Hamas.” Virginia Tech foreign affairs expert Ariel Ahram, a specialist in international security and Middle East politics, can provide context for these developments.

Trump’s birthright citizenship challenges long-established law

President Trump’s executive order to deny citizenship to people born in the United States challenges a law that is more than 150 years old. Virginia Tech communication law expert Cayce Myers can discuss the history of birthright citizenship in the United States and the pros and cons of Trump’s order. Karen Hult, a Virginia Tech political scientist, can discuss the order’s policy implications and presidential power in this instance.

Concerns continue surrounding highly contagious avian flu

Following the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), poultry owners are being urged to take action to protect their flocks. Virginia Cooperative Extension is joining the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in offering guidance to help prevent the spread of the virus in Virginia. Michael Persia, a poultry expert with Extension and professor in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, stresses that a proactive approach to biosecurity – whether managing backyard coops or large-scale commercial operations — is essential. More here.

What to know about New York Fashion Week and fashion trends

Thousands of fashion industry insiders will gather in the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week, with new outfits on view on the catwalks starting Thursday. Stephany Greene, Virginia Tech fashion merchandising and design expert, can talk about what’s trending this season, controversial choices made by designers, the psychology of style, how fashion can affect your mood and improve your life, and more.

Super Bowl LIX Stories

Despite the history on the line, fans may feel Chiefs, Taylor Swift fatigue

When the Kansas City Chiefs meet the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans Sunday, Feb. 9, they will be aiming for a historic three-peat. And yet, even as interest in the team and the NFL spiked last year, especially with the introduction of Taylor Swift fans to the game, that enthusiasm may be waning. Virginia Tech sports media expert and former ESPN analyst Anthony Amey has already encountered this with his students. “They are tired of the Chiefs, they are exhausted that it's the same matchup from two years ago, and they are fatigued with seeing Patrick Mahomes in commercials, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift storylines, and seeing Swift shown in the luxury suite after everything positive that Kansas City does during the course of games,” said Amey. More here.

How do brands make an $8 million ad worth it?

Early planning, engagement, understanding the targeted audiences, and creating memorable marketing moments are just a few of the essential elements needed to create strong brand ties, says Virginia Tech marketing and brand management expert Donna Wertalik. “Brands who advertise in the Super Bowl have to be category leaders to sustain the cost,” she says. And at a whopping $8 million for 30 seconds of airtime, brands must come up with ad-stopping power and utilize the social media platforms their target audience is on. “By using social media and social listening, now more than ever brands can track and provide much more personalized content, which then provides consumer value,” says Wertalik. She can also discuss user-generated content, influencer marketing, and AI, which are all major marketing strategies this year.

Significance of Kendrick Lamar headlining halftime

Hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar returns to the Super Bowl halftime show this Sunday, only the second time that rap has taken center stage for the big game. Craig Arthur, who directs the Hip Hop Studies program at Virginia Tech, can speak to the genre’s history at the Super Bowl, as well as the cultural significance of Lamar’s performance. He also can weigh in on Lamar’s rap-turned-legal battle with Drake — and what the implications could be if he performs the hit song “Not Like Us” on Sunday.

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