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Friday, January 23rd, 2026

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Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Jackson EMC is bringing 150 contract workers from south Alabama and Florida to help restore power in Hall County amid an upcoming winter storm. The utility will have 450 employees working 16-hour shifts and supplies staged to address potential ice damage.  WSB-TV
  • Brad’s Coat Drive is distributing winter coats as cold weather nears+ helping local families prepare for lower temperatures. The drive will continue until the season brings more intense chill.  WSB-TV

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Longstreet Cafe on Riverside Terrace in Gainesville is planning a drive-thru upgrade that includes a new double-lane for quicker service and a protective canopy. The improvement will ease busy entry and exit in the coming months.  The Gainesville Times

EDUCATION NEWS

  • NGMC’s Psychiatry residency program was named a national model curriculum by the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (AADPRT) after a six-month peer review; it is one of only three nationally recognized for its focus on supportive psychotherapy that builds strong patient connections.  97.5 Glory
  • Winter Storm Fern will bring freezing rain starting Saturday, prompting schools to adjust their schedules. Hall County canceled after-school programs on Friday, while Brenau canceled classes for Saturday, Riverside Preparatory offered early cadet sign-outs, and Piedmont canceled classes on Friday and Monday (check school notices).  AccessWDUN

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Georgia lawmakers introduced House Bill 1013 to name lemon pepper the official chicken wing flavor in a nod to the state's culinary culture, and the bipartisan bill led by Rep. Eric Bell moved to committee during a legislative session in Atlanta.  FOX 5 Atlanta
  • A WalletHub study ranked Georgia first for racial progress as it measured job pay, education, and health factors; the report showed a 32-point earnings gap reduction and a 23-point improvement in high school attainment and was released around the MLK holiday.  FOX 5 Atlanta
  • The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has issued a winter weather guide that advises drivers to slow down, watch for black ice, and keep safe distances from plows today. The guide outlines steps for managing icy roads on local routes.  WSB-TV
  • Gov. Kemp proposed a one-time $2K bonus for state employees, including teachers, in his final State of the State address on Jan. 15. The bonus is expected to support educators and other workers statewide.  The Gainesville Times

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • Ahead of an expected winter storm, local HVAC experts advise residents to replace air filters, set faucets to a drip, and cover outdoor faucets to prevent pipe bursts. Homeowners should also check their furnace for LED codes (for quicker repairs) to stay safe.  FOX 5 Atlanta

SPORTS NEWS

  • Gainesville High School baseball coach Don Brewer, who led the Red Elephants in the 1980s and coached a local American Legion team, died on Wednesday. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.  97.5 Glory

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • The Boss Project: Bruce Springsteen Tribute

    7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets required — Experience a high-energy tribute to Bruce Springsteen that'll have everyone singing and dancing.

    Sat, 2/7/26

    View event
  • The Play That Goes Wrong

    7:30-9 p.m. — Hosch Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a riotous evening where nothing goes right in this comedic tribute to the chaos of live theatre.

    Fri, 2/13/26

    View event
  • Piano Man - The Music of Billy Joel

    7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets available — Experience a celebrated tribute to the legendary songs of Billy Joel.

    Fri, 2/20/26

    View event
  • AK-7 Live Concert

    9 PM – 1 AM — La Estación Mexican Grill — Ticket prices TBA — Experience an enchanting night of music with AK-7 and their romantic hits.

    Sat, 2/21/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

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