Virginia Tech experts are available this week to talk about issues in the news, the drought, and Autism Acceptance Month. To schedule an interview with any of them or if you need analysis on other topics, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.

Virginia Tech experts available to discuss headlines in the news

U.S. blockades Iranian ports in response to peace talk breakdown

Following the failure of peace talks between representatives of the U.S. and Iran, the Trump administration sent U.S. Navy ships to start a blockade of Iranian ports as a response to Iran’s continuing shutdown of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as mediator, has said efforts to resolve the differences between the two countries continue. Foreign policy experts Ariel Ahram and Yannis Stivachtis can discuss.

Gas prices continue to rise amid Middle East conflict

Experts warn that gas prices in the U.S. will continue to rise following failed negotiations over the weekend and the President’s plan for a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Virginia Tech economist David Bieri is available to discuss the increase in gas prices, the impact of a long-term blockade of the Strait, and how long it will take for things to return to normal when the Strait reopens.

Pope responds to Trump criticism

This morning, Pope Leo XIV dismissed insults from President Trump, saying he does not fear the Trump Administration but also does not want to get into a debate with him. This comes after the President took to social media on Sunday, criticizing the Pontiff. Religion expert and historian Matthew Gabriele is available to discuss the back-and-forth between the leader of the Catholic Church and President Trump, how politics have crept into religion, and the evolution of the Pope's role on the world stage.

Trump ally Viktor Orbán loses election despite administration support

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, recipient of public support from the Trump administration, decisively lost his reelection. Orbán’s policies and governing strategies have served as a model for Trump and conservatives who support him, raising questions about the significance of Orbán’s defeat and its political implications in the U.S. Political scientist Karen Hult and political communications expert Cayce Myers can elaborate. 

1 week before Virginia redistricting vote

Virginia is in the final week before its April 21 redistricting vote. Political science experts Nicolas Goedert, Karen Hult, and Cayce Myers are available to discuss the implications, last-minute political communication, and what happens next.

High temperatures are expected to worsen drought conditions

The East Coast will experience an early heatwave this week, making it feel more like summer than spring. Experts say this will likely make already bad drought conditions in the South and part of the East Coast worse since there’s no rain in the forecast for the next two weeks. Virginia Tech has several experts available to discuss the drought conditions in Virginia, as well as other parts of the country, and how to maintain lawns and plants during drought. 

April is Autism Acceptance Month: Emotional overload

Emotional overload is common, but for autistic individuals, it can happen more often and with greater intensity. It happens when the demands of a situation exceed a person’s ability to cope.  Angela Scarpa, director of Virginia Tech’s Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, explains why overload happens, how it presents across different ages, and strategies to recognize and manage it. Read more here.

Podcast: How to interpret food labels and the complexities of additives

Melissa Wright, director of the Food Producer Technical Assistance Network at Virginia Tech, joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about navigating food, food ingredients, and nutrition. She explained how people should interpret labels and discussed the complexities of topics such as raw milk, protein, and color additives. Wright also offered practical advice for consumers and producers to make informed decisions about food safety and nutrition.

“Curious Conversations” is available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.








                      

 

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