University of Georgia Weather Network Director Pam Knox provides updates and analysis on the projected impact of Hurricane Helene, expected to strengthen to a Category 4 storm before making landfall. “I am running out of words to describe the catastrophe this may be, but most people that live in these areas have never experienced a storm like this before,” said Knox, agricultural climatologist in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “They will be totally unprepared for what they will have to deal with.”

The University of Georgia climbed two spots to No. 18 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 ranking of the best public universities in the nation. This marks the ninth consecutive year that UGA has placed in the top 20. UGA shares the No. 18 rank with Purdue University and the University of Washington. “The University of Georgia has consistently strengthened its standing among the best public universities in the nation, and I am pleased to see this recognized for nine years in a row by U.S. News & World Report,” said President Jere W. Morehead.

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive insect pest that first arrived in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to 16 additional states in the Eastern U.S., has state governments urging residents to be on the lookout and to use caution when moving firewood. The insect’s preference for feeding on the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) — another invasive species — has led to significant pest reservoirs, affecting vineyards and other agricultural sectors, including hardwoods and other ornamental and fruiting trees.