UPDATE: Gas prices in Georgia have fallen to an average of $2.65 per gallon as of January 5, 2026, marking a significant drop of 3 cents from last week. This decline comes amid ongoing global uncertainty that could still impact future prices. According to AAA, the average price has decreased by 16 cents since last month and 25 cents compared to this time last year.
The specific average in Whitfield County stands at $2.58 per gallon. Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil prices closed on Friday at $57.32 per barrel, remaining stable as analysts assert that global supply is adequate despite international market volatility. Nationally, gas prices average $2.81 per gallon, with no major fluctuations expected in the short term.
In another significant development, Synovus Financial Corp. and Pinnacle Financial Partners have successfully completed their merger, officially effective as of January 1, 2026. This newly formed financial powerhouse will operate under the name Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc., combining assets worth approximately $117 billion across more than 400 locations in the Southeast and Atlantic coast.
The merger, initially announced in July 2025 and approved by shareholders and regulators last fall, saw Synovus Bank merge into Pinnacle Bank. Customers at the local Synovus branch located at 1501 N. Thornton Ave. in Dalton will continue to receive service as the integration progresses.
In a sobering report, the Georgia Department of Public Safety has confirmed that seven traffic fatalities occurred statewide during the New Year’s holiday travel period. The data, released this week, shows that Georgia State Patrol troopers recorded 368 DUI arrests, 482 distracted driving citations, and 645 seatbelt violations. Troopers investigated a total of 333 crashes, resulting in 156 injuries and three fatalities within Georgia State Patrol cases alone. An additional four fatalities were reported by other law enforcement agencies, bringing the total to seven.
This year’s New Year’s travel period was particularly active, with patrols focused on impaired driving and seatbelt compliance. Notably, none of the fatalities occurred in Whitfield County, underscoring the importance of ongoing traffic safety efforts.
As these developments unfold, residents are urged to stay informed about gas prices and safety measures while traveling. The merging of these financial institutions may reshape banking services in the region, providing more options for consumers and businesses alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop further.
