Georgia’s Unemployment Rate Remains Low

Georgia’s unemployment rate remains notably low, even as many regions across the country see a rise in joblessness. Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson highlighted this achievement, stating, “While most regions across Georgia experienced a slight uptick in unemployment, our state continues to lead the way with an unemployment rate well below the national average.”

In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.4 percent, up one-tenth from the previous month. This figure is higher than the 3.0 percent recorded a year ago. The labor force in the region decreased by 368 individuals over the month but saw an increase of 7,334 compared to last year, totaling 448,048.

The number of employed individuals in Northwest Georgia also saw a decline, dropping by 1,097 over the month but increasing by 5,176 year-over-year, bringing the total to 432,631\. Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose by 157 from the previous month and by 552 from last year, reaching 2,436.

Despite these fluctuations, Thompson emphasized that Georgia’s economy is designed to endure challenges and continue thriving. The state’s focus on sensible policies and a strong workforce contributes to its economic resilience.

Attorney General Carr First Republican To Announce Plans To Run For Governor In Georgia

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has announced his candidacy for governor in 2026, making him the first Republican to enter the race. Carr highlighted the recent GOP victories and emphasized the need for strong conservative leadership to prioritize better jobs, community safety, and immigration policies. Other potential candidates include Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, with Jones possibly gaining support from President-elect Donald Trump. Both Carr and Raffensperger faced unsuccessful primary challenges from Trump in 2022. Carr’s work as attorney general includes combating human trafficking, gang violence, and fentanyl while also promoting business-friendly policies in Georgia. Previously, he served as commissioner of the state Department of Economic Development and as chief of staff to U. S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. Carr was appointed attorney general in 2016 and has since won elections in 2018 and 2022.

Six Men Sentenced In Federal Court For Northwest Georgia Drug Trafficking

A joint federal and local drug trafficking sting operation in 2021 culminated in the sentencing of six men in federal court on Thursday. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Drug trafficking is a societal scourge that poses serious risks to the public health and safety of our communities. The dedication of our federal, state, and local enforcement partners resulted in the disruption of this drug trafficking organization and led to the successful prosecution of these defendants.”

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Berry College Added To Princeton Reviews Of Green Colleges

 

The Princeton Review, a premier college search aid, recently named Berry College in their annual Guide to Green Colleges.

There are 2,600 four-year collegiate institutions in the United States. The Princeton Review profiled only 511 schools in this year’s Guide to Green Colleges, which includes schools based on exceptional programs, policies and practices related to sustainability and the environment.

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Chattooga County Sees High Rates of Solo Commuting Among Workers

About 7 in 10 Americans drive alone to work, making it the primary commuting method in the nation. Truck Parking Club analyzed Census Bureau data to identify areas where solo commutes are most common, ranking Georgia counties by their drive-alone rates.  Chattooga County tied with Butts County at number 20 in the top-40 counties in the Peach State for solo commuters.

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WZQZ Will Video Stream Trion vs Telfair County Playoff Game on Friday Night

WZQZ received confirmation on Thursday from the GHSA that since Telfair County is not an NFHS-stream-capable school, WZQZ will be able to purchase video streaming rights to the Trion vs Telfair County playoff game on Friday!  The GHSA broadcast fee for the game has been paid for in full by Equipment Outlet and LS Tractors in Armuchee.

Therefore, the Trion vs Telfair playoff game will be live video streamed on the WZQZ Facebook page and also will be broadcast live on the radio on 99.1 FM and AM 1180.  WZQZ’s Paul Cavin, Jeremy Burke and Jim Warnock will provide live coverage from Telfair County on Friday night.  The pregame show will begin at around 7:15 pm and kickoff will follow at 7:30 pm.

Arrest Report – Thursday – November 21, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, November 21, 2024:

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AAA Thanksgiving Travel Predictions

AAA anticipates record-high travel numbers for Thanksgiving, with over 2. 3 million Georgians traveling 50 miles or more, an increase from last year. Nationally, about 79. 9 million people are expected to travel, marking a 2% growth from last year’s figures. Economic improvement, lower inflation, and rising incomes are contributing factors, potentially increasing consumer spending by 4. 6% compared to the previous year. The AAA travel period for Thanksgiving has been extended from Tuesday, November 26 to Monday, December 2, allowing for better comparison with past years.

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Walker County Sheriff Still Searching For Murder Suspect

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Brayden Whatley, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Dakota Bottomlee on Halloween night. The investigation into Bottomlee’s tragic death has led authorities to detain three individuals, but Whatley remains at large. Brayden Whatley, a 23-year-old black male, stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Authorities have classified Whatley as armed and dangerous, urging the public to remain vigilant. The Sheriff’s Office is working tirelessly to locate Whatley, and they are appealing to the community for assistance. If anyone has seen Whatley or has information regarding his whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

Georgia DHA Collecting Gifts For Seniors

The Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) is collecting holiday gifts for the more than 1,300 older Georgians and adults with disabilities who are under guardianship as part of the annual Light Up the Holidays gift drive. These adults may be residents of long-term care communities, have low incomes, or no family or friends in their lives to celebrate the holidays with, and your generosity makes all the difference.

There are two ways to get involved:

  • Buy items from our Amazon Gift List which contains a variety of requested wish list items.
  • Reach out to the DAS Gift Drift Coordinator at dasgiftdrive@dhs.ga.gov to sponsor an individual wish list and learn more about how to donate.

Gifts are due by Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. To learn more about DAS’s Light Up the Holidays Gift Drive and the difference you can make in someone’s life this holiday season, please visit aging.georgia.gov/get-involved/sponsor-vulnerable-georgian.