First wave of storms due by 8 this morning. Updates all day on Hometown. April's jobless rate drops here -- but so do number of people working.

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Today's first round of storms on the way:

-No watches or warnings so far other than a note about 45-mph winds earlier today.

-We have a 70% chance of storms with up to a half inch of rain possible.

-Continuing weather updates from Hometown all day, evening.

 

Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: 70% rain chance, high of 85, low of 63.
-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 82, low of 59.

 

Northwest Georgia's jobless rate falls in April . . .

- . . . but the caveat: Fewer people held jobs in Floyd, Gordon, Bartow counties than in April 2010.

 

Latest storm recovery updates:

-June 1 deadline for disaster unemployment assistance.

 

Georgia Chamber rates local lawmakers on past session:

-First-year Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, scores the highest, A+; delegation's two Democrats rated "U."

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

PowerBall jackpot jumps to $171 million; no big winner Wednesday.

 

Today's Buzz:

-Dr. John Tarpley named principal of St. Mary's Catholic School.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Ward waltzes away with 'Dancing With the Stars' trophy.

  

Rome Braves:

-Braves pounded by Lexington in the opener.

-Rome at Lexington through Saturday.

-Rome to honor Bobby Cox at June 18 game.