The Georgia Promise Scholarship application period starts on March 1st, offering $6,500 to eligible K-12 students for private school tuition or home-schooling costs. This scholarship aims to give educational opportunities to students from the lowest performing 25% of schools in Georgia.
In a move to address the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, the University System of Georgia (USG) is launching its first baccalaureate program in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The Board of Regents approved the new Bachelor of Science degree at Middle Georgia State University’s Warner Robins campus on Tuesday. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, business, and cybersecurity, all of which are increasingly reliant on AI technologies. This initiative comes as Atlanta solidifies its position as a major technology hub, creating a surge in demand for qualified IT professionals. Furthermore, Georgia’s key infrastructure, such as the Port of Savannah and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, heavily utilizes AI for optimizing supply chains, route planning, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. The Applied AI program is projected to enroll an initial cohort of 65 students, with anticipated growth to 168 students by its fourth year. Classes are scheduled to commence this fall, offering a timely opportunity for aspiring AI specialists to enter this rapidly expanding field. This new program underscores the USG’s commitment to providing relevant and in-demand educational opportunities that will contribute to the economic growth and technological advancement of the state of Georgia.
A bipartisan group of Georgia lawmakers has introduced House Bill 82, known as the Georgia Guest Worker Act, to tackle labor shortages by creating a guest worker program. This program would allow qualified immigrants to come to Georgia to fill jobs in industries with a lack of available workers, following federal rules. The bill aims to establish a legal way for foreign workers to address labor gaps while protecting current workers. Before launching the program, the Labor Commissioner must study whether a true labor shortage exists and identify the industries in need. Only if there are not enough qualified citizens and hiring guest workers won’t harm existing employees can the program begin. The bill sets strict eligibility rules and employer responsibilities, including paying fees and providing health insurance, housing, and meals. Violations could result in fines, and the program requires identification cards for guest workers and their families. The bill would start three months after approval by the Georgia Attorney General.
The Georgia legislature is bolstering its commitment to school safety with significant funding increases included in the upcoming budget, according to State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee).
On Friday afternoon, Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen announced that Fullerton Road, Lyerly is now closed due to the bridge is washed out. There is standing water over the location where the bridge should be, do not attempt to cross over this area. Drivers were being asked to detour around the area. The commissioner says that due to the level of water over the area of the bridge there will not be any repairs attempted until Monday, February 17, 2025.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, February 14, 2025:
Residents of Northwest Georgia can expect a roller coaster of weather conditions over the next seven days, transitioning from pleasant sunshine to heavy rain, potential thunderstorms, and even the possibility of wintry precipitation, according to the National Weather Service. Today offers a brief respite with high pressure bringing sunny skies and highs in the 50s. However, a cold air damming wedge will begin to develop overnight, setting the stage for significant changes.
Trion School Superintendent Dr. Phil Williams has publicly criticized State Senator Colton Moore for threatening local legislation if the Trion School Board chooses to opt out of House Bill 581, a bill limiting property tax increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement clarifying the details of its jail-based 287(g) program, a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following a public meeting held on Wednesday.
The next regularly scheduled meeting for the Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration is April 15, 2025 at 5 PM. The meeting will take place in the Registrars Office located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. They will have an agenda for the meeting closer to the meeting date.
