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February 27, 2026

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 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Senate Approves Mid-Year Budget with Tax Rebates, Mental Health Funding Boost

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The Georgia Senate on Friday approved its version of the $42.3 billion amended state budget, keeping major tax rebates for Georgians while increasing funding for mental health services and rural infrastructure.

February 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Advocates Urge Georgia Lawmakers to Seek Broader Medicaid Waivers and Expand Coverage

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Health care advocacy groups and some Georgia lawmakers are pushing state leaders to pursue broader Medicaid waiver authority and expansion efforts to increase access to health coverage for low-income residents. The calls come amid ongoing debate over the state’s current Medicaid “Pathways to Coverage” waiver program and efforts to close the coverage gap that leaves hundreds of thousands uninsured in Georgia — one of the states that has not adopted full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Supporters argue that expanded waivers and coverage would help more Georgians gain essential care, while critics caution about potential costs and administrative challenges under existing waivers that include work requirements and narrow eligibility criteria.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

PSC Commissioner Tricia Pridemore Won’t Seek Reelection, Weighs Possible Run for Congress

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Republican Georgia Public Service Commission incumbent Tricia Pridemore announced Tuesday that she will not seek reelection this year, a move that adds fresh uncertainty to the balance of power on the five-member panel that regulates monopoly utilities such as Georgia Power.

February 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trump Makes Whirlwind Rome Stop, Visits The Varsity and Holds Rally at Coosa Steel

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President Donald Trump made a whirlwind visit to Rome on Thursday, stopping at The Varsity before ending the day with a rally at Coosa Steel where he praised his tariff policies to a loud, energized crowd.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

“Country Democrats Rising” Event Set for February 21 in Walker County

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A political and community event titled “Country Democrats Rising” is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Walker County Ag Center located at 10052 North Highway 27 in Rock Spring. Organizers describe the gathering as a mix of political discussion, entertainment, and music.

The event will feature comedian Corey Ryan Forrester, also known as the “Redneck Liberal,” along with appearances by local and congressional candidates, including U.S. Congressional candidate Shawn Harris and Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard. A cornbread and chili lunch is also planned for attendees, along with live country music from Abston/Mast Trio.

Tickets are priced at $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $15 for youth ages 16 to 30, with organizers noting the event is for adults only. Prepaid tickets are available online through ActBlue.

February 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

President Trump to Visit Rome on Thursday

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February 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Advance Voting Starts Today in Special Election for 53rd State Senate District

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Voters across Northwest Georgia can begin casting ballots today in a special election to fill the vacant Georgia State Senate District 53 seat following the resignation of Colton Moore, who stepped down to run for U.S. Congress after the vacancy created by former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation.

February 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Republican Party Announces March Qualifying for Local Offices

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The Chattooga County Republican Party has officially announced qualifying dates for local Republican candidates seeking elected office in 2026.

Qualifying will begin Monday, March 2, 2026, and conclude at noon on Friday, March 6, 2026. Hours will run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Qualifying will take place at 136 Highway 48 in Summerville (Law Offices, PC). Candidates must submit qualifying fees by cashier’s check or money order made payable to the “Chattooga County Republican Party” in the amount specified for the office being sought.

The notice was signed by Meredith Rosson, Chairwoman of the Chattooga County Republican Party.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact party leadership ahead of the qualifying deadline for additional details.

February 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Clay Fuller Campaign Hosting Meet-and-Greet in Summerville as Crowded GA-14 Special Election Nears

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A campaign meet-and-greet for Clay Fuller is set for Monday, February 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Jefferson’s, 10096 Commerce St., Summerville, with organizers saying no RSVP is needed and the public is invited to stop by and talk with the candidate.