As the year wraps up across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, the final days of December are a key window for anyone trying to get organized for tax season—especially when it comes to charitable giving and last-minute tax planning. Here are a few reminders to consider before the calendar turns:
The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is inviting the community to kick off the new year with a fun afternoon of Bingo at the Trion Library.
The event is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the library, located at 15 Bulldog Boulevard in Trion. Organizers say participants will have the chance to play several rounds of bingo, with prizes awarded to winning cards.
The event is open to the public, and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. Library staff say the bingo event is part of ongoing efforts to provide engaging and social activities for residents in Trion and across Chattooga County.
Anyone with questions about the event can contact the Trion Library at 706-734-7594.
AdventHealth Redmond has reached a major milestone in cardiac care with the completion of its 100th MitraClip procedure, providing a life-changing treatment option for patients who are too high-risk for open-heart surgery.
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped last week compared with the week prior, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
New jobless claims in Georgia — often used as a snapshot of layoffs — fell to 3,952 for the week ending December 19, down from 4,895 the previous week.
Nationally, U.S. unemployment claims also moved lower. The Labor Department reported 214,000 claims last week, down 10,000 from 224,000 the week before on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Across the country, Nebraska saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with filings rising 63.3%, while West Virginia posted the largest percentage drop, down 39.7%.
Economists often watch weekly claims as an early indicator of labor market changes, with sustained increases potentially signaling rising layoffs and continued declines pointing to steadier employment conditions.
Debit card scams continue to target consumers across Northwest Georgia, often leaving victims with money missing from their checking accounts and limited time to stop further charges. Scammers commonly use tactics like card skimmers at gas pumps and ATMs, “phishing” texts or emails pretending to be your bank, and fake online purchases designed to capture card numbers and PINs.
A popular North Georgia attraction is keeping the chills going this winter with the Haunted Heart of Chickamauga Ghost Tours: Winter Walks, with a walk scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
The race to replace U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene continues to grow, with four more Republicans filing paperwork, bringing the total to 20 candidates registered with the Federal Election Commission so far.
Georgia health officials have introduced a $1.4 billion, five-year plan aimed at improving health outcomes in rural communities through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, created in this summer’s budget reconciliation law.
The Cherokee County (Alabama) Sheriff’s Office says one suspect has been taken into custody as authorities continue searching for two other suspects connected to an armed robbery investigation out of Floyd County, Georgia.
Habitat for Humanity–Coosa Valley is inviting Chattooga County residents to learn more about its homeownership program, which helps partner families achieve safe, decent, and affordable housing while reflecting God’s love through service and community support.
