Georgia Milestones test scores show post-pandemic improvement

ATLANTA – Students showed continued improvement in the latest Georgia Milestones tests that cratered during the pandemic, the state Department of Education (DOE) reported Friday.

Rise in unemployment caused by seasonal, student workers

Georgia’s Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced July 25 that all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported a rise in June unemployment rates. The Georgia Mountains Commission (GMRC), which encompasses Hart County reported a rise of six-tenths of a percent to 3.5 percent.

Ossoff’s bill banning stock trading clears Senate committee

ATLANTA – Legislation U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., first introduced two years ago to prohibit members of Congress from stock trading has cleared a key hurdle. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the bill Wednesday, sending it to the Senate floor.

Ossoff introduces bipartisan bill to support families of fallen U.S. servicemembers

Georgia’s U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff continues his bipartisan streak reaching a cross the aisle on a bill to support the families of fallen service members. Sen.

Georgia sees slight rise in unemployment

ATLANTA – Georgia’s unemployment rate rose slightly last month to 3.3%, up from 3.2% in May, the state Department of Labor reported Thursday. Commissioner of Labor Bruce Thompson said joblessness typically rises during the summer when school is out.

Oxendine sentenced to prison in health-care fraud scheme

ATLANTA - Former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine was sentenced to three and a half years in prison Friday for conspiracy to commit health-care fraud in connection with unnecessary lab testing.

Oglethorpe upping commitment to natural gas

ATLANTA - Oglethorpe Power is going all-in on natural gas as a source of electrical generation. The Tucker-based utility, which serves 38 electric cooperatives, announced plans Thursday to build two new natural gas projects in Monroe and Talbot counties.

Sacred Heart Hospital nationally recognized for providing high-quality stroke care

For the second year in a row, Lavonia’s St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital was awarded the Get With the Guidelines stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award from the American Heart Association (AHA).

‘Outdoors Beyond Barriers’ initiative to help mobility-challenged hunters

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative earlier this year, and already new events are planned for mobility-challenged hunters this upcoming season.

State signing up veterans to serve as poll workers

ATLANTA - Georgia voters will be getting help from veterans on Election Day this year, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Tuesday.