A proposed federal budget championed by Republicans in Washington, D.C. may cut important funding for services that support over 170,000 Georgians with developmental disabilities, threatening the state’s disability support network. The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network in Georgia, including the Georgia Advocacy Office, University Centers for Excellence, and Developmental Disabilities Councils, could face significant program reductions or termination.
A Weaver, Alabama, man is facing felony charges after allegedly failing to return a rental truck he rented in Northwest Georgia, valued at $57,000. Ahmad Malik Robinson, 28, was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Tuesday, according to jail records, on a warrant charging him with theft by conversion. The warrant states that Robinson rented a 2022 International MV607 truck from Penske rental on Shorter Avenue in Rome on May 8th. The rental agreement stipulated the truck was to be returned on May 20th. When the truck was not returned as agreed, Penske sent demand letters to Robinson’s address. However, those letters were returned as undeliverable. Authorities eventually located Robinson in Turner County, Georgia, still in possession of the missing vehicle. He was subsequently arrested and is now awaiting further legal proceedings in Floyd County.
Today is the first day of summer and Northwest Georgia is bracing for a surge in temperatures as a warming trend is expected to peak early next week, bringing potentially hazardous heat conditions to the region. After a week of stable temperatures, meteorologists are predicting a significant increase, culminating in heat indices of 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service is advising residents, particularly sensitive groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Outdoor activities, especially during peak heat hours, should be carefully considered and potentially avoided. “These elevated heat indices can pose a significant risk if proper precautions are not taken,” stated a local meteorologist. “Staying hydrated, seeking shade, and limiting strenuous outdoor activity are crucial to staying safe during this period.” Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts for updates and heed any advisories issued by local authorities. The intense heat is expected to last for several days, requiring proactive measures to ensure public safety and well-being.
A Chattooga County woman was arrested after neighbors witnessed an assault, according to a report released this week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Brooke Machelle England, 31, of Summerville, was arrested and charged with Simple Battery on June 11, 2025, following a domestic dispute at a residence on Stenitt Road. According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies were dispatched to 637 Stenitt Road at approximately 10:31 PM in response to a report of a verbal and physical altercation between England and Larry King. Upon arrival, deputies heard a female yelling and a male attempting to calm her down. Observing England stumble and fall backwards, deputies initially believed a physical altercation was in progress. However, they determined that England had fallen on her own. England reportedly told deputies that she and King had been at the hospital with her daughter and that she had consumed alcohol. She stated that they were arguing but that no physical violence had occurred. However, witnesses at the scene provided conflicting accounts. One witness, a resident of the home, stated that England had struck King multiple times prior to the deputies’ arrival. Another witness corroborated this account, adding that England was responsible for a cracked front window on a vehicle at the residence. King confirmed that he and England had been arguing because he had removed the car battery to prevent her from driving under the influence. Based on witness testimony and the damage to the vehicle, deputies arrested England for Simple Battery. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a sixth case of measles in the state for 2025. This latest case involves an unvaccinated individual who is a family member of the confirmed measles case reported in May.
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that Georgia’s unemployment rate for May 2024 has fallen to 3.5%, a decrease of one-tenth of a percent from the revised 3.6% in April. This rate is also significantly lower than the national unemployment rate by seven-tenths of a percent.
Georgia Highlands College (GHC) has kicked off a major renovation project at its Floyd Campus, centered around a near-$12 million overhaul of the Lakeview Building, home to its highly successful Nursing and Dental Hygiene programs. This revitalization project, one of the most significant in GHC’s history, aims to modernize facilities and enhance the learning environment for future healthcare professionals.
AARP has announced that Walker County has been selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant to expand digital connectivity at the county’s first signature park, Adventure Acres.
North Georgia residents are bracing for a line of strong storms expected to move into the region late this morning and early this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory, warning that a few of the storms could become severe, with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts. The forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms likely, primarily before 3 PM. Despite the potential for severe weather, the day is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A southwest wind will be blowing between 5 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is estimated at 70%, with new rainfall amounts expected to range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, potentially higher in areas experiencing thunderstorms. The threat of storms diminishes into Thursday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 8 PM. Patchy fog is expected to develop after midnight. Otherwise, the night will be partly cloudy with a low around 66 degrees. Friday will see areas of fog before 10 AM, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 89 degrees. The good news is that the weekend forecast looks drier, with highs in the low to mid-90s and overnight lows in the upper 60s. Residents are urged to stay informed about the weather and take necessary precautions during the potentially severe storms expected later today.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 19, 2025:
