Good morning, Gainesville.

A student jumped from the roof at West Hall High on April 24—triggering partial lockdowns at both West Hall Middle and High before he was detained and charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass, and law enforcement later confirmed that schools are safely operating.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said it was searching for a man wanted in connection with an attempted abduction on April 24 — the incident occurred near Old Cornelia Highway and East Main Street.

Eight high school seniors from the Gainesville area have been named among 830 winners in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program; four are from Cumming and four are from Suwanee—sponsored awards offer renewable support for up to four years of college with annual stipends ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or a one-time payment between $2,500 and $5,000.

Jefferson, the No. 1 seed (13-3) in Class 3A, opened its playoffs at Memorial Stadium on April 24 with a 5:30 p.m. game against East Hall after a 10-0 win earlier this season.

Ten area teams competed in the first round, and Lumpkin County advanced on Wednesday with a 5-1 win.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick on April 24th to boost their pass rush.

Walker, a past Butkus Award winner seen as a hybrid linebacker & edge rusher, comes as the team also signed Leonard Floyd to a one-year deal.

Spring Preview Day 2025

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — John S. Burd Performing Arts Center — Free entry — Explore potential opportunities at Brenau University and learn more about what they offer.

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Gainesville

10:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — 3263 Tanners Mill Rd, Gainesville, GA — Ticketed event — Dive into the chilling tales of Poe while enjoying themed cocktails crafted for each story.

Lanier Technical College Foundation 5K

9:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Lanier Technical College — $TBA — Participate in a lively 5K run sponsored by Kings Hawaiian to support local education.

Watering Can Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $4.99 — Unleash your creativity by painting a charming spring watering can.

Public Art: block pARTy FUNdraiser

6-10 p.m. — Roosevelt Square — $60 — A vibrant celebration uniting artists and art lovers for a cause in public art.

AC/DC Tribute Concert in Gainesville

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Grab your tickets while they last — Experience high-voltage rock 'n' roll with an electrifying tribute to AC/DC.

The Venue Jazz Orchestra Performance

8 PM — Smithgall Arts Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience the energetic sounds of a modern big band featuring top local musicians.

Ultimate Music Wave Festival

4:45-10:30 p.m. — Smithgall Arts Center — Tickets available — Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of 'Sittin at a Bar' with live performances from Rehab and Mickey Avalon.

Midland Music Fest

5-10 p.m. — Midland Greenway — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening filled with music and community fun at the Midland Music Fest.