Good morning, Gainesville.

RaceTrac opened a new location on Tuesday, May 19, at 3505 Kubota Way.

The convenience retailer offered fuel and grab-and-go food & beverage options, including its signature Crazy Good Coffee and a free drink for first responders.

AAA projects record holiday travel for Memorial Day weekend, though rising fuel prices may drive travelers to shorten trips or delay plans.

Gainesville motorists may face heavy traffic from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday — peak hours predicted by AAA.

North Hall High School Principal David Wagner will become the new principal at Gainesville High School effective July 1, replacing retiring Roberto Rivera.

Emergency crews rescued an injured hiker from the Cohutta wilderness after over four hours of delay due to creek crossings and rough terrain.

Lanier College & Career Academy held its 32nd commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 19 at Brenau University's Pearce Auditorium, where graduating seniors crossed the stage in a milestone event.

High school graduations began Wednesday at Free Chapel on McEver Road (ceremonies at East and West Hall caused traffic delays) and will continue through Friday; Gainesville High seniors are set to graduate Friday night as local police prepare for extra traffic.

West Hall High School announced four new head coaches on Wednesday for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year—Ashley Donatucci will coach cheerleading, Kalee Hodgson will lead girls soccer and flag football while Alex Reynaud and Josh White take charge of boys soccer and cross country programs.

Heather Duren of Everwood Elementary was named the 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year by Hall County Schools on Tuesday afternoon and will now compete for Georgia Teacher of the Year while receiving a check for 10,000 dollars from the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation.

The Corps of Engineers is monitoring lower water levels at Lake Lanier and other reservoirs as below‐normal rainfall is forecast to continue (bringing underwater hazards such as tree stumps and old roadbeds closer to the surface); officials advise boaters and swimmers to wear life jackets during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Seniors in Gainesville have raised concerns over a bus stop closure that forces them to walk an extra half-mile for services — local officials are reviewing the change to address the issue.

GlowBand - Tribute to The Eagles

6-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classic rock favorites performed live including iconic hits from The Eagles.

Diamond Art Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — All materials provided — Create your own stunning diamond art masterpiece in a fun and relaxed setting.

The Ultimate Doors Tribute Concert

6:00 – 10:30 PM — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost not specified — Experience a time machine to The Doors' music with this faithful tribute band.

Squirrel Nut Zippers Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticketed event — Experience the swing and soul of the iconic Squirrel Nut Zippers as they revive their classic hits.

Food Truck Fridays at Lake Lanier Olympic Park

5-9 p.m. — Lake Lanier Olympic Park — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of food trucks, live music, and community vibes by the lake.