Good morning, Gainesville.

Local community programs are preparing to help residents as SNAP pauses—officials say they are boosting outreach and staffing to meet increased demand when the benefits pause.

Remedy Distillery opened its new Flowery Branch location at 5540 Atlanta Highway earlier this month and now serves five unique whiskeys in an industrial—vintage setting.

The Hall County Board of Education reviewed a plan on Monday to ban cellphones and other devices for K-8 classes and said a final vote has not occurred.

If approved, the new rules—required by the Distraction-Free Education Act—will take effect in the 2026 school year.

Hall County Schools reported that high school ACT scores exceeded the national average this year.

The Hall County School District will open in-district transfer applications for the 2026-27 school year on November 3 and will accept requests through December 12; parents residing in the district can request transfers for rising 1st-12th graders (if space allows) and must arrange transportation if approved. A separate process for rising kindergarten students and out-of-district applicants will begin in March.

University of North Georgia President Michael Shannon said UNG is redefining higher ed by investing in innovations like the Institute for Peak Performance and the strategic 'Moving the Needle' dashboard—supporting record fall enrollment of 20,317 students, $4.9 million in scholarships, and major capital projects in Gainesville, Blue Ridge and Cumming. He added that the university is also boosting its military and health programs with top ROTC cadet achievements, a nationally ranked nursing track, and plans to train 3,000 nurses, 250 physical therapists and 200 mental health counselors in the next five years.

Due to heavy rain, the high school softball state tournament in Columbus has been delayed until today—North Hall and Cherokee Bluff are set to compete in the Class 3A championship.

Cherokee Bluff's Lady Bears lost the state final to Whitewater on Oct.

29th — ending a historic season with a 31-14 record — and now reflect on their notable achievements.

Riverside Prep senior Michael Omeh ended his high school football career with 13 tackles — including five for loss and one sack — and two rushing touchdowns while helping his team win 48 to 21 over King's Academy last Friday at Maginnis Field.

Drake Milligan Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check local listings — Experience the authentic country sound of rising star Drake Milligan.

SkynFolks - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $15+ — Experience the authentic sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd performed live by tribute band SkynFolks.

Bob Ross Paint Party

2-4 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — Free participation — Create your own Bob Ross landscape painting in a relaxed, guided setting.

Dueling Pianos Friendsgiving Celebration

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $20 — Enjoy a night of high-energy music and festive fun with the Andrews Brothers' dueling pianos show.

Rodney Atkins Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening filled with heartfelt country music and stories from Rodney Atkins.

Ryan Montgomery Concert

6:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of country music with rising star Ryan Montgomery.

PiCATso Paint Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Downtown — $10 supply fee — Unleash your creativity with a cat-themed paint workshop in celebration of National Cat week.

Watercolor Workshop with Vicki Paulus

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hall County Library North Hall Technology Center — $2.94 — Unleash your creativity at this engaging watercolor workshop.

The Carole King & James Taylor Story - Tribute Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $ — Experience the musical journey of two legends through a critically acclaimed tribute show.

That Arena Rock Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost varies — Experience high-energy classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s performed live.