Georgia Focus To Highlight Music’s Impact On Alzheimer’s And Brain Health

This weekend on Georgia Focus, hear how artistic engagement could help promote brain health and emotional well-being for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The program will spotlight research involving Dr. Monica Parker, a neurologist with the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory, and the work of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which recently awarded $200,000 to support research in partnership with Arts + Health Laboratory: Georgia’s NeuroArts Coalition.

Researchers are studying how music and other forms of art may improve mood, behavior, and daily functioning for people living with cognitive impairment. The two-year project is designed to gather more data on how music-based interventions can positively affect brain health and overall well-being.

Dr. Parker says research already shows music can benefit people with cognitive impairment, but more study is needed to better understand what kind of music and what level of exposure may be most effective.

Tune in this Sunday morning at 6 a.m. to Georgia Focus on WZQZ to hear more from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Dr. Monica Parker as they discuss the positive effects of music on people with brain-related conditions.

Georgia Tax Rebate Bill Heads To Governor Kemp

Georgia lawmakers have approved House Bill 1000, a measure that would provide a one-time state income tax rebate for eligible taxpayers, and the bill is now headed to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature.

Under the proposal, taxpayers who filed timely Georgia income tax returns for both the 2024 and 2025 tax years would qualify for the rebate. The bill sets the rebate at $250 for single filers or married people filing separately, $375 for heads of household, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.

The rebate would be funded using part of the state’s budget surplus, which lawmakers say currently stands at around $14 billion.

If signed into law, the measure would mark another round of tax relief for Georgia residents, continuing a series of rebates issued by the state in recent years as lawmakers return surplus revenue to taxpayers.

Advocate Health Offering $200,000 In Scholarships For Students Pursuing Health And STEM Careers

Advocate Health has announced it will award $200,000 in scholarships to students pursuing education in health care and STEM-related fields, helping support the next generation of professionals in those industries.

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Hee Haw Tribute Shows set for March 20-21 in Summerville

The City of Summerville will host Hee Haw Tribute Shows on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21 at the Summerville Train Depot. The event will feature tributes to classic Hee Haw skits including “Rindercella,” Samples Sales, Gossip Girls, and more.

Organizers say a cast of more than 18 performers will bring 90 minutes of laughter and interactive fun to the stage. Showtimes are set for Friday at 7 p.m., with three performances on Saturday at 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.

Advance tickets are available at Summerville City Hall for $15, with additional tickets available at the door if space allows. Concessions will also be available, and seating will open 15 minutes prior to each show.

Youth, Mobility-Impaired Hunters get Early Start to Turkey Season March 21-22

Youth and mobility-impaired hunters in Georgia will get an early start to turkey season during a special hunt set for March 21-22, 2026, on private lands. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says the opportunity allows eligible hunters to harvest a gobbler before the statewide season officially opens.

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Lucky Charm Cheer Classic Set For Sunday In Trion

The community is invited to attend the 1st Annual Lucky Charm Cheer Classic, a cheerleading competition and fundraiser benefiting Georgia Elite Allstars and Trion High School Cheerleading. The event will take place Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. in the Trion High School gymnasium.

The competition will feature recreation, performance, school, and all-star cheer and dance teams from across the region. Organizers say 21 teams and more than 200 athletes from surrounding counties are expected to compete, promising an afternoon full of energy, entertainment, and community spirit.

Proceeds from the event will support athlete development, competition opportunities, uniforms, and program needs for both organizations. Event organizer Tashia Knapp says the goal is to give athletes a fun platform to perform while strengthening local cheer programs, adding that community support has been overwhelming.

Menlo Easter Egg Hunt March 28, 2026

Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk Suspends Campaign

Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk has announced he is suspending campaign activities following the recent medical emergency involving his opponent, Republican candidate Lanny Thomas.

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Arrest Report – Tuesday – March 17, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, March 17, 2026

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Another Hard Freeze Tonight – Warm Up on the Way

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another hard freeze tonight into Wednesday morning, as temperatures remain well below normal for mid-March.

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