#FloydCounty | AM 1180 Radio

March 1, 2026

Georgia Jobless Claims Dip as U.S. Filings Tick Up; Northwest Georgia Watches Trend

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New unemployment benefit filings in Georgia declined last week, a sign layoffs may be easing slightly statewide even as national claims moved higher. The U.S. Department of Labor reports Georgia initial claims fell to 3,979 for the week ending February 21, down from 4,293 the week before (a drop of 314).

Nationally, seasonally adjusted initial claims rose to 212,000, up 4,000 from the prior week, according to the same weekly report.

In the week’s state-by-state movement, Rhode Island posted the largest percentage jump (from 1,154 to 2,677, about +132%) while Michigan saw the biggest percentage drop (from 7,315 to 3,667, about -49.9%).

February 28, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Low Clouds and Fog Give Way to Warm Weekend in Chattooga County; Cooler Start to Week Before Big Warm-Up Returns

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Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are waking up to low clouds and patchy dense fog this Saturday morning, but brighter skies and unseasonably warm temperatures are on the way.

February 27, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rain Today and Tonight With A Dry and Mild Week Ahead

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Widespread showers and a few isolated thunderstorms will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today and into tonight as a cold front tracks south through the region. Early activity has included occasional lightning, but storms have remained scattered and disorganized with no strong or organized severe threat showing up in the near-term pattern.

February 27, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rep. Lumsden Highlights Data Center Protections, Campus Safety and Foster Care Reforms as Session Passes Midpoint

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), who represents all of Chattooga County and part of Floyd County, says the Georgia House has passed the halfway point of the 2026 legislative session after completing Legislative Day 22. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol following the President’s Day holiday and moved several bills forward during a busy week.

Lumsden highlighted passage of House Bill 1063, which would prevent electric utilities from shifting certain costs tied to large data centers onto residential and small business customers, while codifying Public Service Commission cost-allocation rules into state law. He noted Georgia’s rapid data center growth is driving increased energy demand statewide.

The House also approved legislation to increase access to naloxone on college and technical campuses, expand protections for foster placement caregivers, support autism screenings for children in foster care, strengthen student-athlete health requirements, and improve roadside safety during traffic stops as work continues toward Crossover Day.

See Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:

February 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Atrium Health Floyd Lifts Temporary Masking and Visitor Restrictions

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Atrium Health Floyd has lifted the temporary masking and visitor restrictions that had been in place since December, citing a steady decline in respiratory illness cases among patients and staff.

February 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Mild Temperatures and Rain Chances Ahead for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

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Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect average to slightly above-average temperatures to continue through the weekend, along with several opportunities for rainfall and a few thunderstorms heading into Thursday and Friday.

February 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rome Police Investigating After Woman Struck and Killed by Train Behind Rome Kroger

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The Rome Police Department is investigating a deadly incident that happened Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after a person was struck by a train behind the Rome Kroger.

According to Floyd County Coroner Gene Proctor, the deceased is a female, and her body is being sent to the GBI Crime Lab.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are being released at this time.

Authorities are reminding the public to use extreme caution around railroad tracks. Trains can be quieter than expected, move faster than they appear, and require a long distance to stop.

February 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Floyd County Superior Court Dismisses Vehicular Homicide Charges in 2023 Fatal Crash

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Charges have been dismissed in connection with a 2023 fatal crash that claimed the life of a LaFayette motorcyclist, according to documents filed in Floyd County Superior Court.

February 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Gas Prices Drop to $2.69; Chattooga Among State’s Lowest

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Georgia drivers are seeing some welcome relief at the pump this week, with the statewide average falling to $2.69 per gallon, three cents lower than last week, the same as a month ago, and 30 cents below this time last year. At that price, filling a standard 15-gallon tank costs about $40.35.

February 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arctic Start to the Week; Fire Danger Builds Tuesday, Widespread Rain Returns Late Week

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Northwest Georgia is getting the coldest day of the week today as strong northwesterly winds keep a sharp chill in place even with sunshine overhead. Morning wind chills across Chattooga County and surrounding communities are running in the teens, with the coldest spots in the region dipping into the single digits, especially in higher elevations. High temperatures this afternoon will stay mostly in the 40s locally, while the mountains hold in the 30s, and it will still feel wintry through the day as breezy conditions continue.