WZQZ NEWS | AM 1180 Radio

February 22, 2026

Georgia Unemployment Claims Fall Sharply in Latest Report

Local News, Local News Items #EconomicUpdate, #economy, #GeorgiaJobs, #JoblessClaims, #LaborDepartment, #Layoffs, #northwestgeorgia, #Unemployment, #USJobs, #Workforce, #wzqznews, georgia 0

New filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped last week compared with the week prior, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Initial jobless claims in Georgia — often used as a snapshot of layoffs — fell to 4,070 for the week ending February 14, down from 5,350 the previous week.

Nationally, initial unemployment claims also moved lower. The U.S. total dropped to 206,000 last week on a seasonally adjusted basis, down 23,000 from 229,000 the week before.

Among the states, Iowa saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims rising 15.4%. Virginia recorded the largest percentage drop, with new claims falling 42.5%.

February 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Advocates Urge Stronger Enforcement of Georgia’s Mental Health Parity Law

Local News, Local News Items #BehavioralHealth, #CommunityHealth, #GeorgiaLegislature, #GeorgiaMentalHealth, #HealthcareAccess, #HealthCoverage, #InsuranceLaw, #MentalHealthAdvocacy, #MentalHealthCare, #MentalHealthParity, #ParityLaw, #PolicyNews, #wzqznews 0

Mental health advocates in Georgia are urging lawmakers to strengthen and enforce the state’s Mental Health Parity Act, arguing that too many people still face denials, delays, or limited access when trying to get behavioral health care covered by insurance.

February 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Drivers Could See Relief: Auto Insurance Rates Drop, Lawmakers Push More Reforms

Local News, Local News Items #AdairsvilleGA, #Allstate, #AutoInsurance, #BartowCounty, #CalhounGA, #CarInsurance, #chattoogacounty, #ConsumerRelief, #CostOfLiving, #CountryMutual, #FloydCounty, #GeorgiaAccess, #GeorgiaDrivers, #GeorgiaInsurance, #GeorgiaInsuranceCommissioner, #GeorgiaLegislature, #GordonCounty, #HealthInsurance, #InsuranceRates, #InsuranceReform, #JohnKing, #JonBurns, #LaFayetteGA, #LegalReform, #LegalSystemAbuse, #northwestgeorgia, #Premiums, #RateReduction, #RomeGA, #summervillega, #TortReform, #trionga, #WalkerCounty, #wzqznews 0

Georgia drivers may finally be seeing a break after years of rising insurance premiums.

This month, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King announced more than $25 million in auto insurance rate reductions, led by major carriers including Allstate and Country Mutual. State officials say the filings signal a potentially more stable and competitive auto insurance market—welcome news for families who’ve watched monthly bills climb.

February 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Hardee’s Comeback Brewing in Northwest Georgia After Late-2025 Closures; Hiring Underway in Rome, Calhoun, Adairsville

Local News, Local News Items #AdairsvilleGA, #BartowCounty, #BusinessUpdate, #CalhounGA, #chattoogacounty, #CorporateTakeover, #economicimpact, #FastFoodIndustry, #FloydCounty, #FranchiseDispute, #GeorgiaBusiness, #GordonCounty, #Hardees, #HardeesGeorgia, #LaFayetteGA, #LocalJobs, #northwestgeorgia, #NowHiring, #ReopeningSoon, #RestaurantNews, #RomeGA, #wzqznews 0

More than 30 Hardee’s restaurants across Georgia abruptly closed in late 2025 following a major franchise dispute between Hardee’s parent company, CKE Restaurants, and one of its largest operators, ARC Burger.

February 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

“The SpongeBob Musical” Coming to Rome Little Theatre March 20–29

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“Are ya ready, kids?!” SpongeBob SquarePants is headed to the stage as Rome Little Theatre presents The SpongeBob Musical at the historic DeSoto Theatre from March 20 through March 29.

Based on the popular animated television series, the high-energy production will feature performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Rehearsals are already underway, and RLT Executive Director Jessica Stewart says she is excited for audiences to experience the show’s uplifting message about friendship and community.

Tickets are now on sale, and Stewart anticipates strong attendance throughout the run. For tickets and additional information, visit www.romelittletheatre.org.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Saturday – February 21, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, February 21, 2026:

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rain and Thunderstorms Soak Chattooga County Today; Gusty, Colder Air Arrives Tonight

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Keep the umbrella handy across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today as a weather system brings widespread rain showers with occasional thunderstorms. The steadiest rain is expected through the daytime hours, and while the more significant severe weather threat is aimed farther south in Georgia, brief heavier downpours and isolated lightning are still possible locally at times.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Speak Life Special Needs Family Support Group Meeting Set for February 28 in Trion

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Families across Chattooga County are invited to attend the next Speak Life Special Needs Family Support Group meeting on Saturday, February 28, at 11 a.m. at The Ark, located at 2629 Spring Creek Road in Trion.

This month’s gathering will feature guest speaker Mr. Driggers, a board-certified behavioral analyst, who will offer insight and host a question-and-answer session focused on challenges many families face, including elopement, harmful stimming behaviors, and food refusal. Organizers say the event is designed to provide practical guidance and encouragement for parents and caregivers.

The support group is open to individuals of all ages with special needs and their families. Food, fellowship, and family-friendly activities will be part of the morning event.

Speak Life meets at 11 a.m. on the last Saturday of each month, except November and December, at rotating locations throughout Chattooga County.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Berry Farms Farmers Market Happening Today at Berry College

Local News, Local News Items #AngusBeef, #berrycollege, #BerryFarms, #BerryFarmsFarmersMarket, #CommunityEventsGeorgia, #JerseyMilkCheese, #LocalFarmersMarket, #NorthwestGeorgiaEvents, #romegeorgia, #ShopLocalGeorgia, #StudentRunEnterprises, #SupportLocalFarmers, #wzqznews 0

The Berry Farms Farmers Market is happening today at the Westcott Building on the campus of Berry College, offering locally raised products and student-made goods to the community.

The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is hosted by The Berry Farms: Angus Beef. Organizers say shoppers can purchase locally raised Angus beef produced right on Berry’s campus, with a variety of individual cuts available for stocking the freezer or preparing their next meal.

In addition to fresh beef, the market will feature Jersey milk cheeses from Berry’s dairy herd, along with products from other student-run enterprises. The event is open to the public and provides an opportunity to support local agriculture and student-led programs.

The Westcott Building is located on the Berry College campus in Rome. Community members are encouraged to stop by and shop local.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Man Arrested on DUI Charge After Traffic Stop on Highway 27

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A 60-year-old Chattooga County man was arrested February 13 following a traffic stop along Highway 27 that led to a driving under the influence charge, according to an incident report.