Good morning, Gainesville.

After several stormy weekends, Northeast Georgia is enjoying clear skies this weekend and a variety of events already kicked off on Friday & will continue today and tomorrow across several towns.

The schedule features food truck gatherings in Gainesville, art and wine festivals in Dahlonega, outdoor concerts in Gainesville & Cumming, and family-friendly activities in Duluth, Buford, Cornelia, and Sugar Hill.

Gainesville-based Syfan Logistics, which employs hundreds, was named a General Motors 2024 Supplier of the Year—an honor that recognizes its quality shipping services.

Authorities continue a search for Dustin Valencia, a 43-year-old father of five who vanished while kayaking near Lake Lanier on Wednesday — a dockworker later found his kayak and paddle and turned them in after seeing news reports.

Gainesville police arrested 31-year-old Richard Whidby after he allegedly stole two packages—worth over $600—from a home porch on Friday, May 16.

Property crimes investigators at the Hall County Sheriff's Office arrested Damond Jarquice Cantrell (39) for burglary at Lara’s Truck Sales after he broke into an outbuilding just before 10:45 p.m. on May 8, stole two pressure washers and an air compressor, and was taken into custody on Dorsey Street on Wednesday while held without bond at the Hall County Jail.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has released a trade policy update that shows new deals with China, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia and a pause in tariffs that may help Georgia companies in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and aerospace.

The report encourages businesses to stay informed as changes (including a rise in port container volume) could shape future planning.

Gainesville officials announced that nearly $600K in grant funds will improve nine roads in the city and that work will begin later this year to ease traffic and reduce damage.

Incoming Solicitor General Inez Grant was sworn in Friday, May 16—she said she wanted to restore public trust after a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe led to former Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard’s resignation.

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.

Forge Your Own Path: Tiger TTRPG Camp

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Brenau Trustee Library — $250 with early bird rate — Unleash creativity in a camp that blends storytelling and tabletop role-playing games.

USPA The Iron Beast Powerlifting Meet

All day — The Beast Sports Center, LLC — Registration required — Compete in various lifting categories and aim for the best lifter award in this prestigious powerlifting event.

Diamond Art Painting Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $5 supply fee — Create beautiful diamond artwork in a relaxed environment.

Movies Under the Stars

7-10 p.m. — Braselton Town Green — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars while dining from local restaurants.