Atlanta-area unemployment jumps in June

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, July 28th, 2014, 8:04am

(WXIA) -- The unemployment rate in metro Atlanta climbed again last month.

June's rate was 7.6 percent, up from 7.2 percent in May, but much lower than last June's 8.6 percent.

Fulton County's unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in June.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said the increase is due to end-of-summer job loss among non-contract school workers, an influx of graduates and students entering the workforce, and temporary layoffs in manufacturing.

So far, metro Atlanta has gained slightly more than 58,000 jobs in 2014 -- a good sign for those who are looking for work.

Metro Athens had Georgia's lowest June unemployment rate, at 6.3 percent. The highest was 10.4 percent, in the Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region.

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Submitted by Don Buckindail, Director of Digital Operations

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014, 10:39pm

For complete results visit www.11alive.com/elections

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Fulton County needs input on consolidated planning document, annual action plan

Submitted by FeleciaChurch on Tuesday, July 22nd, 10:45 am

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Fulton County is in the process of planning and preparing its 5-year Consolidated Planning Document to determine the needs of the community in developing viable urban communities. The plan provides decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities principally for low and moderate- income persons.

The Consolidated Planning Process uses Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Emergency Solution Grant (ESG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The final Consolidated Plan document will describe the County’s plan to pursue the goals for all community planning and development programs serving Fulton County communities outside of the City of Atlanta, Roswell and Sandy Springs utilizing these federal grant dollars from HUD.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Friday, July 18th, 2014, 3:00pm

Rain could cancel road projects for the weekend

(WXIA) -- The threat of rain this weekend could provide some welcome relief for Atlanta-area drivers.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has already postponed a handful of road projects, thanks to the weather.

WEATHER | 11Alive meteorologist Tracy Humphrey has your weekend forecast

Resurfacing on Interstate 20 in Rockdale and Newton counties, and concrete replacement on the west side of I-285 have been canceled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

GDOT said it plans to move ahead with scheduled resurfacing on I-20 between Douglasville and Villa Rica, as it is very close to finishing the work -- well ahead of its projected November completion date. However, rain may briefly halt crews.

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Fulton County Fire Rescue advises residents to maintain smoke alarms

Submitted by AprilMajors on Monday, July 14th, 8:15 pm

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the first thing in a home that can alert families to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Whether you're awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke,” says Fire Chief Larry Few of the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department. “As firefighters, we continually remind residents to check their smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.”

The NFPA offers the following tips to help residents safeguard their homes from home fires:

Where do I put smoke alarms in my home?

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Fulton County’s after school program begins August 11

Submitted by FeleciaChurch on Saturday, July 12th, 10:40 am

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Fulton County parents or guardians searching for after school programs can take advantage of the after school program offered by Fulton County Parks and Recreation. Registration is now open for the program, which begins Monday, August 11 at four recreation centers located in unincorporated South Fulton.

The Parks and Recreation Afterschool Program will be open from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session. The program services children between the ages of 5 and 12. The cost is $40 per child per week for unincorporated Fulton County residents, with a one-time registration fee of $15 per child. Space is limited, so interested parents or guardians are urged to register now.

The after school program locations include:

Burdett Park
2945 Burdett Road
College Park, 30349
Phone: 770-996-9145

Cliftondale Park
4645 Butner Road
College Park, 30349
Phone: 404-613-3061

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Friday, July 11th, 2014, 3:00pm

(WXIA) -- Metro Atlanta drivers enjoyed a break last weekend when the Georgia Department of Transportation postponed road projects for the July 4 holiday.

But now that the fun is over, the work begins again.

Crews will be on several interstates throughout the metro, working on much-needed improvements. Delays are expected in all areas where roadwork will be performed.

As always, projects are weather permitting. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms could temporarily halt or delay work.

Here is some of this weekend's scheduled roadwork:

Cobb County
* Two right southbound lanes of I-285 will be closed between Paces Ferry Road and South Cobb Drive from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for slab replacement and repair.