Good morning, Gainesville.

More than 40 No Kings events will boost voter participation across Georgia on Saturday, Oct.

17. Gainesville residents can join the activity at Poultry Park (noon to 2 p.m.) to learn about early voting.

First-time claims for unemployment insurance in Hall County dropped by 50% compared to last year, falling a half percentage point from August — the Department of Labor announced Thursday — and statewide claims decreased by 5.7% from August and 16.5% compared to last year.

Assistant professor Shane Toepfer of UNG starts his day with coffee and a varied schedule.

On Gainesville campus days he holds morning office hours (with an 11 a.m. class and busy meeting intervals) then continues grading assignments at home.

More than 1,000 volunteers joined this year’s Lake Lanier Shore Sweep on Thursday to remove about 110 tons of trash from the lake and shoreline, working at 17 sites using boats (jet skis, kayaks) and on foot.

The Lake Lanier Association reported the final numbers and praised the community effort.

State data show the drought slowed in much of Georgia after Hurricane Isaias, but Hall County remains dry with the northwestern part moderately dry + Lake Lanier holding steady at 1063.7.