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Shared Responsibility: Construction Safety on I-81

by Bianca Campoverde, crime, safety, and justice reporter

Photo courtesy: Virginia Department of Transportation

Construction on I-81 near Salem, aimed at improving safety with added lanes and widening projects, has created work zones that increase the risk of accidents due to narrowed lanes, sudden lane shifts, and uneven surfaces. Drivers must follow posted speed limits and remain cautious in these areas to avoid collisions. This becomes even more important during the bad weather the New River and Roanoke Valleys have seen in recent days.

Why it matters: Implementing the necessary measures to protect everyone on the road and the cooperation of travelers in following posted guidelines are crucial to keeping families and friends within our community safe.

Construction began in December 2021 on the section between exits 137 and 140 to widen the road to three lanes and is expected to be completed by January 2026.

The big picture: The shoulders are closed off, forcing vehicles to stay within the narrower lanes, which are often merged or shifted to accommodate the construction zone. Signs encouraging attentiveness within these zones are posted.

“I have a big fear around the construction zones, the roads are narrow and there isn’t much space for cars if something were to occur,” said Tulio Ceballos, Junior at Virginia Tech.
The ground is uneven in several places, creating bumps and dips that disrupt the smooth flow of traffic, presenting a challenging and somewhat chaotic driving environment.
“There is definitely an increased wear and tear on my car due to rocks and potholes, and the construction markers and signs are not easy to follow; they typically have only one sign instead of multiple throughout,” said Laura Funes Quiñones, who uses I-81 to commute to and from work.
The implementation of consistent and clearer signage, visible and reflective lane markings, and upkeep of road conditions are needed to ensure safety and minimize disruption for travelers.

*Photo courtesy:* Virginia Department of Transportation

Yes, but: Travelers must also be vigilant and adhere to posted signals, where increased hazards are present, which encourage safe driving behavior, such as reducing speed and following lane keeping signs, ensuring their own safety as well as the safety of others.

“Switching lanes and exceeding the speed limit in these areas puts everyone at risk, but people seem not to care and ignore what is meant to keep themselves and others safe” Quiñones said.
By ignoring safety guidelines, the risk within these zones increases immensely, contradicting the purpose of the project of creating safer travel conditions despite efforts to encourage safer and precautions within these areas.
“The zones are maintained well, but it is others who bring danger in these areas due to their carelessness while driving,” Ceballos said.

What we’re watching: With construction in the area estimated to last year-round, the consideration of enforcing penalties and fines to maintain safety guidelines is underway.

While authorities can create safer environments with better signage, lane markings, and road upkeep, it’s ultimately up to drivers to follow rules, adjust their behavior, and reduce risk.
“It would be a lot easier to navigate if everyone did their part to keep each other safe,” Ceballos said.

Maintaining a safer road environment is a shared responsibility between drivers and construction workers, as their cooperation is essential to ensuring safe driving in construction zones through collective vigilance and active participation.

Mill Mountain Theater welcomes in new Producing Artistic Director

By Will Frank, arts and culture reporter

Photo courtesy of https://www.visitroanokeva.com

The Mill Mountain Theater’s Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole, has officially retired, placing the theater’s future in new hands.

Mill Mountain Theater has been a symbol of arts and culture in Southern Virginia for over 60 years, hosting hundreds of talented artists and programs on its stage since 1964. What makes the theater unique is its emphasis on supporting the arts with various performances and programs, not just the typical musical or theater performances expected at a theater.

Ginger Poole, the previous Producing Artistic Director of the last 15 years, is credited for revving the theater twice through financial struggles and leading it through the COVID-19 pandemic. During the economic struggles, she continued to open the doors by hosting classes and a holiday show once a year for four years, while being the only full-time employee at the theater.

“It’s an interesting take to apologize for a problem that you didn’t create. I knew the past of Mill Mountain and the quality of productions, and it would have been a detriment to the community if it were lost. That was my thought line to keep fighting for the theater, while we were digging ourselves out of a big, big hole. The other part was I truly enjoyed the people that I was working with”, stated Poole.

While at the top of their game, like most other art organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic lowered the theater’s curtains. Poole led the charge of navigating the theater through this difficult period and was able to skillfully revive the theater to its present-day stature.

“Through COVID, however, it was different, because the first round of debt was Mill Mountain’s problem, and it was Mill Mountain’s problem to fix, where COVID was out of all of our control. It wasn’t just a Roanoke-centric problem, we were all in it together, nationally and globally. It had a different flavor [than the debt] but I had the same drive of wanting to keep Mill Mountain going. I wanted to keep my staff and my guest artists in my community and my volunteers safe. We were all in it together, and that comradery, and accountability, kept us going”, remarked Poole.

Poole journeyed to Roanoke 18 years ago to pursue her career in acting and was asked to perform and choreograph in the MainStage Seasons, which turned into an opportunity to join the Mill Moutain Theater family as the Director of Education. She became the first female to hold the position of Producing Artistic Director at the theater.

“My first time in Roanoke, I was brought in as an actor, and then I was brought back as a director, choreographer, and actor. I would come and go from Flatrock, North Carolina to Roanoke, for probably two years, back and forth, just being a guest artist in productions. From that, I built the relationship with Mill Mountain and became their Director of Education in a pinch”, Poole recounted.

After a staggering 35-year career in the industry, 18 of which were with Mill Mountain, Poole will step down from her leadership role but will remain on a consulting contract with the theater to ensure a smooth transition.

After a grueling 11-month period and reviewing hundreds of applicants, Matt Shields, a Radford University alum with a BS in theater, was selected to fulfill Poole’s position.

Shields grew up outside of Washington D.C. and fell in love with Southwest Virginia after his time studying in Radford. He has worked in the Mill Mountain Theater family for seven years, learning the ins and outs of every corner of the theater, previously handling the responsibilities of Director of Productions, prop master, costume manager, teaching artist scenic designer, and company manager.

When asked what about Southwest Virginia influenced Shields to stay he remarked, “I loved the lack of traffic and how beautiful it is. The mountains, the rivers, the streams, we don’t have anything like that where I’m from, and lastly its sense of community. Roanoke is still a city, but it has a small-town feel. You get to meet your neighbors and the community members have so much support for what’s going on around here. That was awesome, to be a part of a community.”

Shields plans to continue in the direction that Poole has been leading the theater down and wants to embody the leadership that he saw Poole demonstrate.

“Always lead with compassion. I don’t think any leader is successful unless they’re compassionate about the people who work with them and the staff around them. Secondly, it is being a servant leader. I try not to just sit at my desk all day, I try to be up helping the production staff build the show, or a development person write a grant or our business person write a budget. We are a team and it’s important that your staff sees that you’re still a working member of the staff”, said Shields.

Poole and Shields have been working closely with each other during this period process to ensure a smooth transition between responsibilities.

“Ginger and I have a great working relationship, so I think it makes the transition a lot easier, knowing that I can call on her when I need help. She is still in an advisory role while I put everything in my name. We are going to continue to prioritize our staff, our people, and our community. I want Mill Moutain to be a full experience as opposed to a ‘just come and see a show’. There will be small changes, but it’s still going to be the Mill Mountain that people know and love”, expressed Sheilds.

Everyone in the Mill Mountain teams seems to believe that Shields is the perfect replacement to fill the gap that is left with Poole’s departure.

International Art Exchange Gets It’s Start at Virginia Tech.

By Zain Omar

The Art, Research, and Technology Exchange (ARTx) was founded in collaboration with Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology (ICAT) and hosts conferences in specialized performance venues with universities on the advancement of technology’s role in art.

The idea of ARTx came to fruition when Kyle Hutchins, assistant professor of practice at Virginia Tech, played a piece that was composed specifically to be played at the Cube in Moss Arts Center. He realized that certain works could not be duplicated or transferred to digital media because the experience of the performance is affected by the environment.

ARTx allows for professionals and students in the art space to research the impact that advancements in technology affect the way art is shared, learned and taught. Universities and organizations have the opportunity to be awarded grants for their research to keep advancing multimedia performance spaces on their campuses. Virginia Tech was awarded the SEAD grant to fund future projects at the Cube during the spring 2024 ARTx conferences.

ARTx features guest lectures at their event where researchers and art faculty from around the world can share how they found that technology has impacted the learning and performance landscape. Music therapist, Grace Carr, has experienced first-hand how technology has affected the way we learn art. “As a music therapist, I have seen first-hand how teaching music and understanding it have changed because of technology. It is my opinion that technology has allowed for teaching to become much more accessible and readily available to people,” said Carr.

ARTx research focuses on advancements in technology and how they impact the way art is shared, whether in educational environments or in specialized performance venues, such as the Cube. According to Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology, “The initiative emphasizes collaborations with peer institutions that feature spatial audio and multimedia performance spaces and festivals.”

Advancements in technology also play a role in art classrooms. As new technology is being introduced each year, students and teachers must adapt to new ways to create.

Advancements in technology change the learning landscape for students who are pursuing careers in artistic fields. Former music education student and Music Therapist Grace Carr found that technology has enhanced the learning environment when it comes to artistic fields. “I would say that technology has changed the way we learn art, in that it had simply added on to what we learn. That is not to say that I didn’t learn anything the “old fashioned” way. When I was learning to transcribe music, I would first learn on paper, then on a computer software. So, I would say that in leaning art, technology can help us enhance what we already know,” said Carr.

With the rise of art created for specialized research environments, institutions have found that sharing their work in other settings can be difficult. “When institutions have highly specialized research spaces for art-making, sharing work with other institutions can become challenging, if not impossible,” according to ICAT. ARTx is a way for these institutions to team up to find ways to develop these works to be shared in other space.

Through ARTx, researchers are finding ways to better be able to share these works that have been composed to fit only certain environments. This research will open doors or new ideas and innovative ways that art can be created.

ICAT hosts collaborations with festivals, universities, and organizations throughout the year. They have currently teamed up with 11 partners with locations all around the world. Currently, ARTx has partners in Canada, California, Ireland, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Virginia Tech hosts the New Music and Technology Festival every two years, where faculty and researchers apart from ARTx convene to share their research through lectures, performances and installations. The festival also features student works and is an environment for art and technology disciplines to learn and collaborate with each other. According to ICAT, “the festival highlights diverse disciplines, including music, theatre, cinema, dance, visual art, creative coding, computer science, neuroscience, molecular biology, robotics, and cybersecurity.”

Events for this festival are held in specialized research and performance spaces around Virginia Tech’s campus, such as the Cube, the Sandbox, and Perform Studio.

When Virginia Tech is not hosting the organizations that are part of ARTx, faculty is sent to attend conferences all over the world hosted by other institutions in the art exchange. The most recent conference that Virginia Tech attended was a five-day conference at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology in Montreal, Canada.

Through the collaboration with ARTx and ICAT, along with the other universities and organizations that have joined the art exchange, new understandings of the way technology and art intertwine will start to change the way we share and view art.

The Cost of Distance: Push for a Kidney Transplant Center in Southwest Virginia

by Elizabeth Ann Miller, health and wellness reporter

Carilion Clinic is fighting to provide Southwest Virginia its first kidney transplant program, bringing life-saving care closer to home. The biggest obstacle remains support from state regulators.

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Photo by Emily Schabacker.

Southwest Virginia is one of the few regions in the state without a kidney transplant center, forcing patients to travel up and down the east coast to facilities in Richmond, Charlottesville, or North Carolina. Carilion Clinic believes a local program would limit that burden and save more lives. However, the proposal lacks support from select state regulators. This hurdle highlights the broader challenges in providing specialized medical care to rural communities, where patients often face long wait times and logistical barriers to treatment.

According to a report by Cardinal News, The Roanoke-based health system defended its proposal during a four-hour hearing in Richmond. Eight individuals, including a kidney transplant recipient, Joey Shervey, spoke in support. The state’s Certificate of Public Need division recommended denying Carilion’s request, raising concerns expressed by the University of Virginia (UVa), which currently operates the only transplant center in the region.

Patient Struggle

Joey Shervey spoke during the hearing to represent local patients. At 28, Shervey has already endured the emotional and financial burden of kidney failure and transplant. He was diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney failure at 26. Throughout the treatment and transplant process, Shervey and his wife, Jessica, were living in Roanoke. Appointments required them to frequently make the nearly two-hour drive to Charlottesville, straining their finances, careers, and daily lives. During the hearing, Shervey expressed that for patients like him, Carilion’s proposal represents a shot at a better life.

“I’ve become the person I did not want to be. I am a 30-year-old man living in my parents’ basement. That’s not the goal I want to set for my future family,” Shervey said during his testimony.

The Sherveys traveled to Richmond to advocate for Carilion’s proposal, hoping future transplant patients in the region won’t face the same struggles. Jessica Shervey took on the role of primary caregiver and spoke about the sleepless nights, constant travel, and anxiety that came with her husband’s health crisis.

Opposition and Support

UVa is the only health system opposing Carilion’s plan, arguing that the biggest barrier to kidney transplantation is the limited availability of donor organs in Southwest Virginia. In their opposition letter, UVa noted that it already operates outpatient transplant clinics in Roanoke, Martinsville, and Lynchburg, allowing Southwest Virginia patients to receive most of their care closer to home.

Dr. Marlon Levy, CEO of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System and Senior Vice President for VCU Health Sciences, disagrees with UVa’s statement. VCU, one of the largest transplant centers in the country, often works closely with UVa. Levy noted that many donated kidneys go unused due to logistical challenges such as organ transfer delays and overwhelmed surgical teams.

“Sometimes it’s because of organ quality. Sometimes it’s because of geography that prevents the organ from being transferred to the organ center. Sometimes it’s because the surgical teams are too busy to accept another organ,” Levy said during the hearing.

Dr. Marlon Levy, CEO of VCU Health. Photo by Allen Jones.

In an interview, Levy emphasized that access to a transplant center is key, as quality of life improves significantly post-transplant compared to being on dialysis. He explained how a transplant center in Roanoke would help increase organ utilization rates by reducing the distance organs must travel and alleviate strain on existing transplant centers.

“In 30 plus years of surgery, I’ve learned that it’s all about the patients,” Levy said, stressing the importance of better serving patients across the region. “Kidney transplantation is not just about survival—it’s about quality of life.”

Carillion’s Plan

The transplant program in Roanoke is led by Dr. Arnold Salzburg, Carillion transplant and general surgeon. Carilion has performed well in organ procurement, securing more deceased kidney donors over the past three years than any other Virginia health system. However, without a local transplant center, these organs are sent to other hospitals for transplantation.

“As many as 5,000 people in our region are experiencing advanced stages of kidney disease—more than any other region in Virginia—and around 2,300 people in the state are on the transplant list, often staying on the list for two or more years before they can schedule a transplant,” Salzburg said in an article published by Carilion Clinic.

For many in Southwest Virginia, access to a kidney transplant program isn’t just about convenience. Patients requiring transplants must undergo frequent medical evaluations before and after the procedure. For those living in Roanoke and surrounding areas, traveling to Charlottesville or Wake Forest adds a layer of difficulty and financial strain.

“We have the infrastructure, we have the ability, now we just need the approval,” Salzburg said during the hearing.

The Virginia Department of Health is set to close the public record on Feb. 28. The state health commissioner will review the case before issuing a final decision in the spring of 2025.

Beyond the immediate decision, debate over Carilion’s proposal has sparked broader discussions about healthcare access in rural regions. Advocates argue that the regulatory process should prioritize patient needs, while opponents warn against creating programs without established records of success. If Carilion’s plan is approved and successful, it has potential to encourage other health systems to pursue transplant programs in areas currently lacking access.

Virginia Tech provides Safe Ride services to ensure transportation safety

By Sophia Gerni, crime, safety, and justice reporter.

Virginia Tech Safe Ride van. Photo by the Virginia Tech Police Department.

Blacksburg, Va. — Walking around campus or the greater Blacksburg area during late-night hours can bring uneasiness and possibilities of feeling unsafe. Virginia Tech’s Police Department provides Safe Ride, which ensures safe and free transportation for anyone who may feel unsafe.

Virginia Tech’s nighttime safety escort, “Safe Ride,” starts in the evening and runs well into the night. Through a request on the TransLoc Rider app, they will provide walking escorts as well as car pickup by trained student drivers. Safe Ride is there to help students, faculty and staff, visitors of the university and Blacksburg locals get to their next destination around the Virginia Tech campus safely. With the usual form of transportation being a van, there are times when the van is not in operation. In this case, a member of the Virginia Tech Police Department will drive a police car to your location or give a walking escort if requested.

TransLoc Rider app showing the outline of Safe Ride pick up area. Screenshot from the TransLoc Rider app.

Kendrah Cline, Administrative Captain and Safe Ride Supervisor at Virginia Tech Police Department, said she wants people to be and feel safe when walking around Virginia Tech.

“The premise of Safe Ride is that you feel safe going from one place on campus to the next. Whether that’s in the van, an officer comes to pick you up, a security officer comes to pick you up or we walk.”

Cline knows that requesting a Safe Ride could be intimidating to those who have never used the service before, which is why the drivers are instructed to not to ask questions regarding the reason for the ride.

“We don’t really need to know your business or why you want a Safe Ride; we shouldn’t be asking you,” Cline said. “Whether it’s a safety thing or you just really don’t feel like walking, we don’t ask. I don’t want to say that we don’t care, but that’s not our judgment to make; we’re always going to say, ‘Okay, where do you need to go?’

Brooke Nicholes, a junior at Virginia Tech, called Safe Ride to avoid walking alone in the dark. “I was in my car and ordered a Safe Ride to get back to campus. I didn’t want to walk alone at night,” Nicholes said. “They didn’t ask me any questions; it was great.”

Nicholes understands the importance of having someone with you when walking alone, especially for freshmen who don’t have easy or quick access to their cars.

“I remember when I was a freshman, I wouldn’t want to go to my car at night if I had to go somewhere. I would only go places during the day because I was too scared to walk alone at night,” Nicholes said. “I think it’s nice for freshmen, especially because at night you park so far away from your dorm. I think a Safe Ride is nice because you can get picked up from your car and go straight to your dorm safely.”

Safe Ride’s goal is to provide comfortable, easy, and safe access around the Virginia Tech campus. Cline understands that in some circumstances, some may feel unsure about calling, especially if the van isn’t running and a police officer comes to help instead.

“We’re very well aware that if you call for a Safe Ride, maybe you’ve had a little too much to drink and you don’t want an officer to come pick you up. Because of this, we want to have more student drivers so those requesting a ride feel more comfortable.”

Safe Ride’s goal for student drivers is to provide a friendly face when being picked up. The Safe Ride service runs from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Friday in the fall semester and 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the Spring Semester. On Saturdays, both during the spring and fall semesters, Safe Ride service begins at 4 a.m. With many students not ready to commit to the late work hours, these positions have been hard to fill.

Cline would like to have these positions filled sooner than later. “One way that Safe Ride can be improved is to try to get these positions filled so that it’s a really efficient, full set of drivers, every night of the week,” Cline said.

While Safe Ride is available for use, Cline understands that people may use other forms of transportation alone. With Uber and Lyft being popular for students at Virginia Tech, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and with another person if possible.

“There are going to be occasions where you will need to order an Uber or something, and you are getting in that vehicle by yourself. In that case, I think it’s good for someone to know where you are and that you have taken this Uber,” Cline said. “Try to have a good, trusted group or friend with you, even if you are walking across campus or out in Blacksburg. Whether you’ve had some drinks or not, I think it’s good just to stay with a trusted group, or at least one person.”

Transportation safety of any kind is always important. When you are in the car with someone that you don’t know, stay focused and aware at all times.

Virginia communities brace for change in light of Trump’s immigration orders

U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, U.S., January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

By Julia Lagano, Political reporter

Since his inauguration, President Trump has issued eight executive orders on immigration, sending waves of uncertainty through communities across the nation. In Virginia, where immigrants make up about 12.6% of the population and approximately 227,100 individuals are undocumented, the impact is expected to be significant. With Virginia’s proximity to Washington, D.C., many fear it is only a matter of time before federal enforcement actions begin.

One policy at risk under these executive orders is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program initiated by former President Obama in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to undocumented individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children. While it is not a direct path to citizenship, DACA has allowed thousands of recipients, “Dreamers,” to pursue higher education and secure employment.

Cities all over the state have already begun to prepare. In the New River Valley, help can be found in Roanoke and Blacksburg. Virginia Tech organizations, like Latin Link, are coming together to support those who are at risk of being affected. Latin Link is one of the largest Latinx student organizations on campus that strives to be a tight-knit community and a safe space for minority students attending a predominantly white institution. The club promotes its members’ cultures and heritages on campus through educational, cultural, and social events. Jennifer Lopez-Perez, senior and president of Latin Link, emphasized the importance of advocacy at this moment, “There is a community here at Virginia Tech that will not stand down and that will continue to fight for their [immigrants’] rights. They [Immigrants] are here for a better future, and they are seen.”

One way that the club takes a stand is by participating in Undoculliance, a week-long event hosted every year by the Latino Association of Student Organizations (LASO). With the goal to raise campus awareness about immigrant rights and the undocumented experience, the event shows support for DACA recipients and children of immigrants. “We have various guest speakers on a panel, hosted by a few organizations, that will talk about their experiences throughout college and within the workforce,” Lopez-Perez describes, “On social media, there are more organizations that will provide informational videos and provide resources for students both in and out of VT.”

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A post shared by LASO of Virginia Tech (@laso_vt)

Outside of Virginia Tech, Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) is making efforts to support immigrants all over Virginia. The CCC has been serving vulnerable populations in Virginia since 1923. They offer a range of services, including but not limited to housing assistance, refugee resettlement, legal support, language education, and permanent residence status. The order, Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program, put a freeze on refugee admissions by suspending applications, and ceasing federal funding to resettlement programs. Katie Dillion, Communications Manager for the CCC, explains the impact of this, “Without federal funding, we are struggling to provide these services to newcomers during their first 90 days, which is the most intense time of support.” The CCC’s immigration team is small to begin with, their Roanoke office only has one staff person, making the capacity to help low.

For many in Virginia, the fear is not hypothetical —it’s personal. Lopez-Perez, like many others, has witnessed the hardships and sacrifices made by her parents to provide a promising future for their children. “As a daughter of immigrants, I have seen first-hand the battle that my parents have struggled through and continue to struggle through to be able to provide a better future for myself and my siblings. There are countless people that are just trying to live day by day to provide the same for themselves and their families,” she shared, “There are systems that are set in place that leave so many at a disadvantage and yet, they continue to fight and continue to work for that opportunity.”

Double trouble: the impacts of Trump pulling out of Paris Climate Agreement, again

by: Gracie Gosier, environment reporter.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements,” instructing the United States to immediately pull out of the Paris Agreement on January 20, 2025.

UNFCCC at the 2015 UN climate change conference that resulted in the Paris Agreement. Photo from Britannica.

The Paris Agreement, first signed in 2015 at the UN Climate Change Conference, is a legally binding treaty where nations all over the world committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintain the global temperature increase below 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels, in an attempt to control global warming and slow down the effects of climate change.

In September 2016, the United States and China, the world’s two greatest emitters of greenhouse gases, confirmed their combined commitment to the deal, boosting its worldwide momentum. In June 2017, President Donald Trump announced his intention to remove the United States from the Paris Agreement. The formal withdrawal procedure began in November 2019 and was completed on November 4, 2020, making the United States the first country to leave the deal. On January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order to rejoin the Paris Agreement, highlighting the need of combating climate change. The United States formally rejoined on February 19, 2021, reiterating its support for global climate policies.

Why it matters: Despite the fact that 2024 is the world’s hottest year on record, President Trump wants to shift the federal government away from former President Joe Biden’s climate program and toward a wider embrace of fossil fuels. Climate change raises the probability of storms, causes more severe rainfall, and increases the likelihood of intense and devastating wildfires.

During his first term, Trump fulfilled a campaign promise by withdrawing the United States from the climate accord, joining Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only countries not part of the agreement.
When Biden resumed office in early 2021, he quickly rejoined the Paris Agreement after a brief absence of less than four months. Biden’s climate change policy focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and many of the actions taken by the Biden administration reversed or attempted to reverse the first-term policies of Donald Trump.
In 2022, Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act . The legislation allocated hundreds of billions of dollars to promote renewable energy, electric vehicles, and greener manufacturing. He also developed comprehensive new regulations to reduce pollution from automobiles and power plants during his term.
Environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club, Sunrise Movement, and Earthjustice, say that President Biden performed more environmental policy than any other president in history.

The big picture: Trump’s announcement to withdraw again from the Paris Agreement marks a return to isolationism at a moment when collective global action is most needed. Exiting the deal twice is enough to damage U.S. credibility internationally and sabotage global climate diplomacy. It would also serve as a risky model for other countries to ignore their climate obligations, which could have a cascading effect and undo the progress that has been made collectively.

Countries must submit emission reduction targets and give quarterly progress updates under the terms of the Paris Agreement. Before leaving office, Biden declared a new US goal: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% from peak levels by 2035, which would likely require a quick transition away from fossil fuels.
During Trump’s inaugural address on January 20, 2025, he proclaimed a “national energy emergency” and urged oil companies to “drill baby, drill,” that would allow him to reverse many of Biden’s environmental regulations and open up additional places for oil and gas production on protected lands.

Donald Trump at Capitol One Arena giving his inauguration speech. Photo by USNews.com.

Zoom in: Environmental activist groups such as the POWHR Coalition, have taken the next step into fighting against the withdrawal with their own plans. Their current campaign is towards defunding the new Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP).

The MVP has been associated with several negative environmental and social impacts such as deforestation, water quality degradation, and lower property value for surrounding areas of the pipeline.
POWHR goes after JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, MUFG, TD Bank, PNC, and Wells Fargo, the top investors of the pipeline.

Zoom out: U.S Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), as well as many other experts and officials, have shown their support for the Paris Climate Agreement.

“From sea level rise in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore to hurricanes in Southwest Virginia, climate change is affecting us all and threatening the safety of our communities,” said Kaine. “I’m disappointed, but not surprised, by President Trump’s short-sighted withdrawal from the Paris Accords, and that’s why I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this resolution to express support for the goals of the climate agreement. I remain committed to building on our progress in recent years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resiliency, accelerate clean energy production, and keep Americans safe.”
The America Is All In coalition, which formed following the United States’ initial departure from the Paris Agreement, continues to motivate climate action. These initiatives have increased in power, with bipartisan leadership from the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of 24 states (including Virginia) and territories that represents more than half of the US economy and committed to fulfilling the Paris Agreement’s targets.

What we’re watching: The pullout was a component of a larger plan to decrease funding for renewable energy sources and increase support for fossil fuels. The administration is giving traditional energy sectors precedence over renewable projects and underlying the significance of energy independence.

With the globe experiencing more severe climate consequences, the U.S. decision has prompted other big polluters, such as China, to reevaluate their own pledges to the Paris Agreement. Despite the U.S. position, many nations are moving forward with their climate initiatives.

Relying on fossil fuels might be detrimental to the nation’s long-term interests. The energy transition has great promise for job creation, economic vibrancy, and global competitiveness, as well as for the environmental health of the United States and the world. The U.S may find it more difficult to control those developing sectors in the future if it continues to concentrate on fossil fuels.

The Price of Education: Unpacking the Financial Strain on First-Generation College Students

Image Credits: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

By Janae Neely, Education reporter

The bold “Congratulations!” and confetti bursting from a college acceptance letter evoke feelings of exhilaration, pride, and the promise of endless opportunities. However, for first-generation students, those initial feelings quickly fade as they are faced with an overwhelming question; how are they going to pay for it?

According to a 2024 study, the average cost of college tuition has risen 141% over the last 20 years. And while resources such as student loans and grants are available, those systems can be faulty and don’t succeed in helping first-generation students. Citizens and Everfi reported, “51% of first-generation students said they were nervous about paying for college” and 11% of students said that the price of college wasn’t worth it.

Over 6,000 first-generation students have found a home at Virginia Tech, and the university has taken strides to make sure that first-generation students have easy access to education and resources regarding finances and how to pay for higher education.

GenerationOne, a living-learning community created solely to provide a support system for first-generation college students, held an event this Thursday called Thinkful Thursday: Being Fruitful with Your Finances/FAFSA. This event, hosted in collaboration with Virginia Tech’s Financial Aid Office, educated students on the federal student loan process and provided tips on how first-generation students can manage their finances over the next four years. Hannah Banks, a sophomore at Virginia Tech and a Student Leader in GenerationOne is extremely familiar with the stresses of the financial aid process, “On a scale of one to ten, I would say the stress of financials was a seven when I was deciding where to go to college. Finances were my deciding factor to come to Virginia Tech rather than JMU because they gave me more money.”

Financial Aid Specialist, Diane Roberson headlined the event and gave thorough tips on how to navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and questions from other students on how to navigate the strain of finances on the college experience.

“It’s extremely important to have events like this,” said Banks, “When you’re coming to a large university like this, it is refreshing to be in a community where people have gone through the same experience as you.” A 2022 study conducted by The Ohio State University found, “First-generation students were significantly more likely to use federal student loans, private student loans, money from a job, scholarships/grants, and credit cards to fund their education…” (Rehr et al., 2022). However, the study also showed that first-generation students have less knowledge than their counterparts when it comes to financial literacy and financial self-efficacy. This highlights a clear issue in the education and resources that first-generation students receive.

One of the resources that first-generation students have access to is scholarships. However, only two scholarships out of the 3,000 that Virginia Tech offers are designed for first-generation students. This by far is not enough to help first-generation students with grants and funds. Savannah Stephens, a first-generation senior felt like she didn’t receive the proper education when applying to college, “The FAFSA process was so confusing, and no one in my family had done it before, it was hard trying to find the right information and figure out what to do.” The lack of resources only felt like it continued once Stephens reached Blacksburg, “There were and are plenty of social, emotional, and academic resources but I didn’t need any of those, which wasn’t helpful. I received no financial help as a first-generation student which was extremely stressful at the time.”

In a 2024 article discussing the difficulties of the FAFSA process, the CEO of iMentor, Heather Washington explained, “…I think students are generally sort of frustrated, but I think the real frustration starts to set in, and I think we’re starting to see this with each passing day as the acceptances come in,” Washington continued, “It almost undermines their excitement about getting in and going, because they either haven’t completed the FAFSA, they’re stuck getting it in, or they just submitted it so they know that this acceptance letter isn’t really telling them yet what they can do with this college acceptance that they have” (Anderson, 2024).

In almost every area, first-generation students are starting at a disadvantage. It is constantly an uphill battle that needs to be recognized by universities, advisors, and organizations like FAFSA. There needs to be sectors to help these students so that they can succeed to the best of their ability. Experiences continue to show the significant impact that finances have on first-generation students, highlighting the delicate balance between their success and discouraging them from pursuing higher education altogether. “There is definitely more to be done,” Banks concluded, “ First-generation students still don’t have the resources we need. I think it would be interesting to see a first-generation center where thousands of Virginia Tech students who are first-generation can have access to more resources.”

Virginia Tech’s Quiet DEI Removal Sparks Student Outrage and Uncertainty Across Campus

By: Nyles Stone, Politics Reporter

Editor’s note: As of February 10, 2025, the “Inclusive VT” site appears to be live

Virginia Tech quietly removes web pages dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion following President Trump’s Executive Order, Sparking concern among the student body.

For months Virginia Tech has been implementing small changes to its inclusion initiatives, But President Trump’s executive order to dismantle DEI has led into the quiet removal of Virginia Tech’s DEI-related websites, raising questions about the future of inclusion and belonging at Virginia Tech.

“It feels like they’re taking advantage of everything happening around us to secretly get rid of everything,” said Emon Green, a senior majoring in philosophy, politics, and economics at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech has not provided any information or explanation about the quiet removal of the websites, leaving multiple students concerned about their safety and the protection of marginalized groups on campus. Other schools like the University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and James Madison University all still have their own websites and DEI statements on the pages even though the executive order prohibits the practice of anything DEI related.

The now missing pages on the Virginia Tech websites offered various information, from certain links to specific college mission statements about DEI to a page dedicated to the certain required course modules for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty to take to learn about DEI.

Many students expressed their frustration and confusion about the lack of transparency about the changes, Leo Hoffman, a senior majoring in wildlife conservation at Virginia Tech, said “I think it’s unfortunate they got rid of the DEI websites, they provided a safe space for BIPOC students, and I haven’t heard it be talked about much. It’s a bit of a bummer.” reflecting a broader concern among the student body.

Despite the removal of the DEI websites, Virginia Tech University Spokesperson Mark Owczarski provided a website dedicated to “Inclusive VT”, a broader initiative of Virginia Tech’s commitment to diversity and inclusion but it fails to directly address the recent website changes. Owczarski, who has been at Virginia Tech since 2003, was not able to clarify the reasons behind the removal of the websites and the lack of response from the school.

For Green, the removal brings “ a sense of urgency and persecution,” Green said” Attacks on DEI are really just attacks on the progress we made, it’s crazy that something so ingrained and useful is now being dismantled.”

Green also emphasized his belief that Virginia Tech’s lack of response in regards to DEI lines up with Virginia Tech’s own political interests. “Virginia Tech will always acquiesce to the broader system. The responsibility falls on us to protect what we’ve built and find new ways to support each other.”

The timing of the removal of the websites directly ties to the recent changes in political climate. On January 23^rd, President Trump signed an executive with the intention of dismantling all federal DEI agencies across the U.S. including public universities, which are primarily funded by grants. President Trumps attempt to get rid of DEI promotes the importance of Merit Based Hiring ,with President Trump saying, “My administration has taken action to abolish all discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion nonsense – and these policies were absolute nonsense – throughout the government and private sectors.” told to the World Economic Forum.

Many universities across the country are scaling back their own DEI programs in response to the new executive order, with many programs across the country being cut, or paused. While Virginia Tech has not acknowledged the changes, the website’s quick removal aligns with the national trend toward dismantling diversity-focused initiatives across higher education in America.

Blacksburg Virginia, Emon Green talking on the phone inside the Black Cultural Center in Squires Student Center.

“It’s frustrating because it’s not impossible to say something, I’m more worried about if Virginia Tech is going support its students through action,” Green said, “If they’re not going to support students through action, we need to take an approach to push back and shift the university’s priorities,” believing activism will be able to hold Virginia Tech accountable for the administrations’ lack of response.

Green also encourages students to get involved in advocacy efforts, saying, “It is on us to sustain what we have and push back,”

The removal of DEI impacts various students and faculty who have relied on these resources to make their work and school environment safe. With the uncertainty in these resources many claim there is a “fear of being protected.” Additionally, the removal raises even more questions about the University with what happens to the dedicated DEI courses, certain organizations dedicated for minorities, grants and scholarships.

As the concerns for transparency grow, students and faculty will be able to attend Virginia Tech President Tim Sands’ State of the Union address on February 5^th in the Moss Art Center, in hopes that the removal of DEI resources will be acknowledged, and more of the unanswered questions hopefully being answered. It is uncertain whether President Sands will address the removal or not, but for students like Green, this is just one step in the for inclusion at Virginia Tech.

Claytor Lake emerges from Hurricane Helene’s aftermath

*Dublin, VA, Feb. 1, 2025 – Heavy machinery remains at Claytor Lake following the completion of cleanup efforts. Photo by Alana Powell*

by Alana Powell, environment and climate reporter

A usually serene Claytor Lake was turned into a debris-laden nightmare following Hurricane Helene back in October. Luckily, concerted efforts by federal agencies and local volunteers have successfully restored its recreational availability.

In the wake of the natural disaster, Claytor Lake was submerged under 300 acre-feet of debris, disrupting the ecosystem and local recreation. Over the past two months, the Norfolk District of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Friends of Claytor Lake have diligently removed over 27,000 cubic yards of debris and transported 6,000 tons to the landfill, concluding their efforts on Dec. 21, 2024. This extensive cleanup has not only cleared the waste and litter, but also reinstated the lake as an important community hub.

According to the USACE, this was the largest debris removal mission in Virginia since Hurricane Isabel struck in September 2003. The team provided specialized equipment such as survey vessels and hydraulic excavators to help the non-profit, Friends of Claytor Lake, with the overwhelming task.

Amanda Bishop, a ranger at Claytor Lake State Park, gave a chilling description of the lake immediately following the hurricane. “If you were here a couple of days after it hit, I personally compare it to what a horror movie kind of would look like.” She adds, “Usually when you look at the lake, you can see how the water’s moving. It was so still and debris sticking out of it and trash, propane tanks, just all kinds of people’s belongings that they didn’t think the flood would take.”

Jacob Ward, a local resident and frequent visitor, shared his initial shock at the damage. “I was so surprised. I was not expecting [the hurricane] at all and then I came here the day after and saw like everything floating in the water and I was just shocked because usually that doesn’t happen,” he recounted, highlighting the unexpected devastation to the region.

The cleanup process involved not just trash removal but also significant safety measures due to hazardous materials. “We had men in hazmat suits working to remove dangerous waste, making sure that the lake was safe for public use again,” Bishop added, indicating the complexities involved in making the area safe for visitors and wildlife.

Local businesses felt the economic impact deeply, especially those reliant on lake tourism. “There’s a guy who runs a business down here renting out boats, he was hit pretty hard,” Bishop noted, “he saw a huge decrease in funds.” This downturn reflected the broader economic challenges posed by the lake’s temporary closure.

In an inspiring display of community solidarity, volunteers of all ages offered to assist in the cleanup, specifically helping with shoreline debris. “Our local middle school came and there were like over 150 kids that showed up and asked, ‘What can we do?’ There was a lot of trash that came in with the flood and plugged our shoreline with all the rocks,” Bishop stated.

Community members found other ways to assist if they were unable to participate in clean-up efforts. Several local churches provided meals daily to those who had extensive damage or lost their homes completely along the water.

“The lake means a lot to the community. We get our electric from the dam and people from all over come to visit. It’s a relief to see it back to its normal state.” Ward added.

Photo by Alana Powell

With the cleanup complete, the park’s management has worked hard to keep the public informed. “We have a website that is, if you search Claytor Lake State Park, it comes up within DCR, which is the Department of Conservation and Recreation. We try to keep alerts on our page of what’s going on, what can you do or not do, where can you go, where can you not go, please stay out of these areas,” Bishop explained about the ongoing communication efforts to ensure visitor safety.

The reopening of Claytor Lake has been met with enthusiasm from the community, eager to return to their normal activities. “Now that we’re open again, people are coming back, eager to enjoy the lake. It’s great to see the community bounce back after such a challenging time,” Bishop concluded.

The collective efforts at Claytor Lake are a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and community engagement, effectively addressing, and overcoming the aftermath of natural disasters to restore and strengthen communal bonds and natural resources.