Good morning, Gainesville.

A 20-year-old man from Jefferson is accused of severely burning his infant son while the child was in his care on June 27 in Flowery Branch—he was arrested Monday in Barrow County and charged with felony cruelty to children after child services alerted the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

Federal education funds frozen by a recent action may force the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier to reduce after-school programs that serve children in Hall, Habersham, and Forsyth counties—potentially cutting tutoring, transportation, and other services for over 1,500 kids daily.

BGCL is urging community members to call their Congressional representatives to help restore the approved $3 million grant.

Hall County commissioners voted Thursday evening to put SPLOST IX on the November 4 ballot to fund projects such as road improvements, a judicial complex expansion, and a new sheriff’s office training center—if approved, an estimated $95 million will be shared among the nine municipalities. The Hall County Board of Elections will vote Tuesday, July 15 on whether to include the referendum on the ballot.

The Georgia Department of Revenue said more than $773 million in surplus tax refunds have been distributed since June 2, covering over 64% of the allotted state budget, and payments are being issued weekly.

Gainesville residents with direct deposit can check their refund status online using their Social Security number plus adjusted gross income.

Georgia’s congressional delegation asked the FDA to review its earlier rejection of the experimental drug elamipretide for 4-year-old Hope Filchak from Hall County, who has a rare mitochondrial disorder causing blindness, deafness, and serious heart defects.

The bipartisan letter questioned the six-minute walk test used in clinical trials, and Hope’s family remains cautiously optimistic about a positive outcome.

David Nail Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of David Nail live in concert.

DIY Tote Bag Painting Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $9.74 — Unleash your creativity with a fun evening of tote bag painting.

Canyonland | The Legends of 70's California Rock

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $— Experience an enchanting evening of 70's California Country Rock featuring Michelle Malone and Canyonland.

Elvis Tribute Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying sounds and legendary presence of Elvis Presley in an unforgettable tribute show.

Georgia Peach Women's Sprint Triathlon

7:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Lake Lanier Olympic Park — Registration fees apply — Compete in sprint or relay events amidst Georgia's scenic beauty.

The Georgia Thunderbolts Concert

8 PM – 2 AM — Smithgall Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy high-energy performances from the acclaimed band with their latest album.

First Friday Concert Series: Mary Kate Farmer

7-10 p.m. — Gainesville Square — Free entry — Enjoy the captivating sounds of two-time Georgia Country Female Artist of the Year, Mary Kate Farmer.

Greater Vision Gospel Concert

4-10 p.m. — Ramsey Conference Center — Benefiting Saint Jude's Children's Hospital — Enjoy an evening of uplifting gospel music with the award-winning trio, Greater Vision.

Hank Williams Jr. Tribute Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets available — Experience the ultimate tribute to Hank Williams Jr. with an energetic performance that captures the spirit of Bocephus.