An invasive species has been impacting Virginia and more than 40 other states in the U.S. The Tree-of-heaven can get up to 8 feet tall. The appearance is similar to native sumac and walnut species. The plant got here after being used as an ornamental species.

In 2020, when Amy Coney Barrett came before the Senate for confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, one of her closest friends told a story on TV about their year together working as law clerks in the nation’s capital.