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July 18, 2026

Georgia Sets New Records for Labor Force and Employment

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Georgia’s workforce continues to grow, with the state reaching new all-time highs in both labor force participation and employment during June, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

The state’s labor force increased by 7,179 people during the month to a record 5,477,859 workers, while employment rose by 10,359 to an all-time high of 5,294,229 employed Georgians. Georgia’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4 percent, well below the national rate of 4.2 percent.

Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said June marked the sixth consecutive month that Georgia has set new records for both labor force participation and employment.

Despite the strong employment numbers, total nonfarm jobs declined by 10,100 in June to 5,040,900. The largest monthly job gains were reported in the health care and social assistance sector, while losses occurred in transportation and warehousing, local and state government, finance and insurance, arts and entertainment, and nondurable goods manufacturing.

Compared to one year ago, Georgia’s labor force has grown by nearly 69,500 workers, employment has increased by more than 65,000 jobs, and the state has added approximately 61,500 nonfarm payroll jobs, highlighting continued long-term growth in Georgia’s economy.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Friday – July 17, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 17, 2026:

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hot, Humid Weather Continues With Daily Afternoon Storm Chances

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Hot and humid conditions will continue across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia through the weekend, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms providing only temporary relief from the heat.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion High School Work-Based Learning Meeting Scheduled For July 27

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Trion High School students participating in the Work-Based Learning program and their parents are reminded to attend a mandatory informational meeting later this month.

The meeting will be held Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. in the Trion High School Media Center.

The meeting is required for all juniors and seniors enrolled in Work-Based Learning, along with a parent or guardian. School officials will review the Work-Based Learning program, discuss new state requirements and complete mandatory paperwork required for student participation.

Students enrolled in the program are also required to be on campus all day Thursday and Friday, July 30-31. School officials encourage students to notify their workplace supervisors of that requirement as soon as possible.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Megan Mills at megan.mills@trionschools.org.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Two Men Arrested Following Fight At Circle K In Summerville

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Two men were arrested yesterday morning (July 16, 2026) at 12:30 AM, after Summerville Police responded to a physical altercation in the parking lot of the Circle K convenience store on Highway 114.

According to citations issued by the Summerville Police Department, officers were called to the business at 650 Highway 114 at approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16.

Sean Alan Sammons, of Menlo, was charged with disorderly conduct. According to the citation, Sammons was observed by two witnesses swinging a closed fist at another individual, resulting in a physical altercation.

William Matthew Pledger, of Summerville, was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

Police allege Pledger became involved in the physical altercation and then physically resisted officers after being given lawful commands. The citation also states Pledger admitted to being intoxicated, and officers reported detecting a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person.

Both men were issued citations and are scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court. The incident remains under investigation.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Power Unveils Customer Protection Pledge As Debate Over Data Centers Continues

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Georgia Power has announced a new Customer Protection Pledge, saying it is designed to keep electricity affordable while meeting the state’s rapidly growing demand for power from new industries, including data centers and manufacturers.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lottery Player Wins $4 Million Mega Millions Prize

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One lucky Georgia Lottery player is celebrating a $4 million win after Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing, although the game’s massive jackpot continues to grow.

The winning numbers for the July 14 Mega Millions drawing were 2, 4, 10, 48 and 56, with the Mega Ball 22. While no one matched all six numbers to win the $637 million jackpot, one Georgia player matched all five white balls and had a 4X multiplier, turning a $1 million prize into $4 million.

The Georgia Lottery has not yet released where the winning ticket was sold.

With no jackpot winner, the Mega Millions grand prize has climbed to an estimated $672 million, with a cash option of approximately $293.3 million, making it the largest lottery jackpot in the United States this year and the 10th largest in Mega Millions history. The next drawing is tonight.

The Powerball jackpot is also on the rise, reaching an estimated $498 million, bringing the combined jackpots for the two games to nearly $1.2 billion.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Requires Schools To Enroll Foster Students Within Three Business Days

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A new Georgia law designed to reduce educational disruptions for children in foster care is now in effect, requiring public schools to enroll foster students within three school business days of a request for enrollment.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Fifteen Graduate From GNTC Electrical Lineworker Program

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Fifteen students graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony held Wednesday, July 15, at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Multicultural Festival And Train Arrival Celebration Set For Saturday At Summerville Depot

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Coming up tomorrow, the City of Summerville will welcome residents and visitors downtown for a Multicultural Market and special train arrival celebration at the historic Summerville Depot.

The free community event will be held Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will celebrate friendship, international cultures and foods from around the world.

Special seating will be available inside the depot’s freight room, where visitors can enjoy food and entertainment throughout the day.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum passenger train is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1 p.m. The arrival will be followed by the turning of the steam engine on the Summerville Turntable, an event that is especially popular with railroad enthusiasts.

The public is invited to welcome arriving passengers and take part in the celebration. Organizers hope the event will encourage friendship, positivity and a shared commitment to making the community and the world a better place.

For more information, visit the City of Summerville’s Facebook event page or contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900.