Georgia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.4% in August, unchanged from July and nearly a full percentage point lower than the national rate. The state added 1,900 jobs last month, bringing the total to just under 5 million. Over the past year, jobs rose by 32,300, with major gains in health care, hospitality, and state and local government. August saw job losses in construction, information, and professional services. Georgia’s labor force grew slightly to 5.38 million, while employment increased by over 8,600. Unemployment dropped by more than 4,000, continuing a year-long decline. Initial jobless claims also fell, both month-to-month and year-over-year.
LaFayette’s Marsh House is celebrating Heritage Day tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 308 North Main Street. The event features house tours, local history exhibits, authentic arts and crafts, a Heritage Bake Sale, and a vintage sale in the gift shop. Local and regional artists or crafters can sign up for a free vendor space by emailing [email protected] or calling 706-764-2801.
The month of August was the 13th wettest August in the last 131 years in Walker County. We were nearly two inches of rain above normal in August of 2025. We’re over 4 and a half inches above normal for the year. These numbers were released yesterday by the U.S. Drought Monitor. You can find out more at Drought.gov.
Big news from Emory University — starting fall 2026, students whose families earn $200,000 or less will attend tuition-free. The new program, Emory Advantage Plus, dramatically expands financial aid, aiming to ease the burden of college costs. Interim President Leah Ward Sears says the goal is simple: to ensure qualified students can choose Emory without worrying about money. All eligible domestic undergraduates will be considered automatically.
Homecoming at LaFayette High School is tonight. The Ramblers face Adairsville. If you can’t make it to the game tonight, we’ve got it all for you on Georgia 93-7 and DiscoverWalker.com. Just click that listen live button.