By Jill Nolin | Editor
“It seems that it’s most problematic on grapes. That’s the industry we expect to be most directly impacted, but it will also feed on things like peaches and plums, and potentially affect those crops as well.” - Elizabeth McCarty, an associate professor at the University of Georgia who studies invasive insects.
The spotted lanternfly. Courtesy Georgia Department of Agriculture
ENVIRONMENT
By Ellie Fivas
These invasive insects may not be a familiar sight yet, but researchers predict the spotted lanternfly population in Georgia will continue to increase in the coming years, which could spell trouble for the state’s fruit crops.
Elizabeth McCarty, an associate professor at the University of Georgia who studies invasive insects, said the spotted lanternflies thrive while feeding on trees of heaven, a fast-growing and highly invasive tree in Georgia. She emphasized the importance of tracking the growing spotted lanternfly population.
The invasive insect was first seen in Georgia in 2024 but has so far only been observed near Atlanta.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, speaks at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., in December. CMS last month released guidance on how states should implement new Medicaid work requirements. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
HEALTH
By Shalina Chatlani
State Medicaid agencies are concerned that many sick and disabled enrollees will lose their coverage because the Trump administration is narrowing the definition of who is “medically frail” enough to get an exemption from new work requirements.
Under the tax and spending law President Donald Trump signed a year ago, states that have expanded Medicaid to cover more adults under the Affordable Care Act — 40 states plus the District of Columbia — must mandate that those adults work, go to school or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month.
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ICYMI FROM THE RECORDER
Guest commentary: Georgia can do more to protect health coverage for its youngest residents | Dr. Keisha Reneé Callins
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