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Cleveland mourns sudden passing of former Police Chief John Foster

By
Joy Purcell
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Former Cleveland Police Chief John Foster passed away on July 12, 2025. (Cleveland Police Department of Georgia/Facebook)

The City of Cleveland is mourning the sudden loss of former Police Chief John Foster, who passed away from a massive heart attack on Saturday, July 12. He was 70 years old.

A U.S. Army veteran and respected law enforcement officer, Foster began his career with the Cleveland Police Department in 1997. He was appointed chief in January 2003 and led the department for 17 years until his retirement. In total, he dedicated more than two decades to serving and protecting the Cleveland community. Before joining the Cleveland PD, Foster served with other area law enforcement agencies, including the Clarkesville Police Department and in Hart County.

His retirement at the end of 2020 was unexpected. At the time, he said no one thing led him to decide to retire, but admitted to experiencing some health issues. He said that one health scare, in particular, “made me realize that I need some time for me.”

“Chief Foster was a dedicated and lifelong public servant,” said current Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker. “He shaped the Cleveland Police Department and the officers within. His legacy lives on in the culture of professionalism and service he helped to instill in this department.”

Foster was the police chief when Josh Turner became mayor. He said he and his wife, Lacy, were saddened to hear of Foster’s death.

“I appreciate his service and dedication to Cleveland and the advice he provided me early in my administration,” Turner said.

Foster is remembered for his steady leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland is handling the funeral arrangements, which have not yet been announced.

Wildfire destroys a historic Grand Canyon lodge and other structures

By
Felicia Fonseca
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The Grand Canyon Lodge, built in 1936-1937, was one of the park's iconic historic structures. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire destroyed a historic lodge and dozens of other structures on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, forcing officials to close access to that area for the season, the park said Sunday.

The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, was consumed by the flames, park Superintendent Ed Keable told park residents, staff and others in a meeting Sunday morning. He said the visitor center, the gas station, a waste water treatment plant, an administrative building and some employee housing were among the 50 to 80 structures lost. “Numerous” historic cabins in the area also were destroyed, the park said.

Two wildfires are burning at or near the North Rim, known as the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire. The latter is the one that impacted the lodge and other structures.

In this photo provided by the National Park Service, smoke from wildfires settles over Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Joelle Baird/Grand Canyon National Park)

Started by lightning on July 4, the Dragon Bravo Fire was initially managed by authorities with a “confine and contain” strategy to clear fuel sources. They shifted to aggressive suppression a week later as it rapidly grew to 7.8 square miles

because of hot temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts, fire officials said.

No injuries have been reported.

Millions of people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually, with most going to the more popular South Rim. The North Rim is open seasonally. It was evacuated last Thursday because of wildfire, and will remain closed for the rest of the season, the park said in a statement.

Firefighters at the North Rim and hikers in the inner canyon were evacuated over the weekend. The park said along with the fire risk, they could potentially be exposed to chlorine gas after the treatment plant burned. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and can lead to blurred vision, irritation or respiratory problems if high amounts of it are breathed in, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rafters on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon also were told to bypass Phantom Ranch, which has a set of cabins and dormitories along the river.

Historic lodge burned

The Grand Canyon Lodge was often the first prominent feature that visitors see, even before viewing the canyon. A highway ends at the lodge, which was known for its sloped roof, huge ponderosa beams and massive limestone facade. By walking across the lobby and descending a stairwell, visitors could get their first view of the Grand Canyon shining through windows across the “Sun Room.”

A firefighter stands near smoldering debris and active flames amid the charred remains of burned structures near the Grand Canyon Lodge. (Credit: National Park Service)

“It just feels like you’re a pioneer when you walk through there (the lodge),” said Tim Allen, a longtime resident of Flagstaff, Arizona, and yearly visitor to the Grand Canyon. “It really felt like you were in a time gone by.”

Allen said the North Rim felt special and more personal because of its remoteness and reduced number of tourists. He often spent time there camping and doing rim-to-rim hikes, trekking all the way to the bottom of the canyon and back out.

“It’s heartbreaking,” he said of the destruction caused by the fire.

Aramark, the company that operated the lodge, said all employees and guests were safely evacuated.

“As stewards of some our country’s most beloved national treasures, we are devastated by the loss,” said spokesperson Debbie Albert.

An original lodge burned down from a kitchen fire in 1932, four years after construction was completed, according to the Grand Canyon Historical Society. The redesigned lodge using the original stonework opened in 1937.

Thomas Sulpizio, president of the historical society, said the lodge contained some valuable archives that he wasn’t sure were saved.

The lobby also contained a famous 600-pound bronze statue of a donkey named “Brighty the Burro.”

On July 10, 2025, firefighters and emergency vehicles position themselves in front of the Dragon Bravo Fire, with intense flames and thick smoke. The sky glows orange from the fire’s heat and intensity. (National Park Service/Facebook)

Meanwhile, officials reported progress in battling a second wildfire burning north of the Grand Canyon. Fire lines on the White Sage Fire that forced evacuations at the North Rim and in the community of Jacob Lake were holding, officials said. By Sunday afternoon the fire had charred 63 square miles of terrain.

On the southern edge of the fire, hand crews and bulldozers were working uphill, and the spread of the blaze had been minimal.

But to the east and north, the fire has spread rapidly, with grasses and standing dead trees contributing to the fire’s intensity, officials said. The fire was pushing downhill toward the Vermilion Cliffs area, and crews were assessing opportunities to create buffer zones that help slow or halt the fire’s progress.

Wildfire closes national park in Colorado

Elsewhere, one of several wildfires burning in Colorado that closed Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, about 260 miles southwest of Denver, has burned 5.6 square miles and forced the evacuation of homes near the park. The fire was started by lightning on Thursday on the south rim of the park, a dramatic, deep gorge carved by the Gunnison River.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration on Sunday because of it and other fires burning in western Colorado. His office said they were all started the same day by the same storm.

Another wildfire burning near the Colorado-Utah border near La Sal, Utah, also started Thursday and has burned around 14 square miles.

When the laughter is silenced

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
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(NowGeorgia.com)

The wind howled in the darkness as rain pounded relentlessly on the tin roof. The floods raged, and the children clung to each other, terrified and holding on for dear life. When dawn broke on that Texas morning, an eerie silence enveloped the air, and the shock of death and destruction stretched as far as the eye could see. How can families survive the trauma of losing the sound of a child’s laughter forever? How do we endure the heartache caused by such a catastrophic weather event?

On Valentine’s Day, teenagers gathered in front of their high school in Florida. It was a typical Wednesday morning, promising a regular school day ahead. The bell rang,  signaling the start of classes. However, what began as an ordinary day quickly transformed into an afternoon of tragedy. Seventeen students and faculty members lost their lives, and eighteen others were injured. Parkland, Florida, would never be the same.  How do parents cope with the loss of their child’s laughter forever due to gun violence?

In the Middle East, children beg for scraps of food amid the horrors of war. “Will today be my last day?” a little boy asks his sister, who has no answer. Clean water and safety are scarce, and finding them takes all her energy.  With their parents and baby sister gone, she struggles to keep going and dreams of a day when laughter will return and the war no longer claims innocent lives.

Earthly beings will always coexist with tragedy. We will see horror, experience pain, and search for joy. What is most surprising is that we continue onward, never giving up, and remain hopeful.

After learning about his children’s deaths in Texas, their father said, “I know they are safe with God.” In the aftermath of floods, tornadoes, fires, and hurricanes that devastate communities, those most affected often declare, “God will help us!” They express this belief with such certainty, and I genuinely believe it to be true. Grief will come, but so will exceptional strength and resilience. It is their unwavering faith that sustains them in the face of such overwhelming loss.

In the face of disaster, we often witness the best of humanity emerging in the most challenging conditions.  The question then becomes, must it take a raging river, a school shooting, or a war to bring out these qualities?

I met a lovely woman who had recently lost her husband. She also lost both her sons due to one tragic event after another. Yet, if you could see her face, you would be amazed.  Her faith lights up the room, and she openly shares how God saved her by sending her reminders that all her loved ones are doing well, living with Him.

Michele Davis, the mother of Carter Davis, who was tragically killed by a mentally ill young man wielding a gun, has channeled her grief into helping others who experience similar pain. Along with other mothers who have lost children, they formed the group Warrior Moms. Together, they have written a book titled “Grieve Like a Mother, Survive Like a Warrior” to provide guidance and support for those needing help to heal.

Time and time again, we are blessed by those who possess such faith even in the worst of times. They are the inspiration, reminding us all to appreciate the time we have and fill it with happiness.

Oh, they have their moments when they wish they could watch their children marry, meet the grandchild they will never see, or wonder why such horrible things happen. They doubt, they question, but their faith takes over and they continue to walk life’s journey one day at a time, holding onto memories and God’s mighty hand.

Kindness is what saves lives, and faith supplies hope.

From the pain we endure, we gain wisdom. Tragedy has a way of shifting our perspective, making us acutely aware of life’s fragility.  Yet, it also reveals the resilience and compassion that lie within us. In the face of disaster, we often witness the best of humanity emerging in the most challenging conditions.  The question then becomes, must it take a raging river, a school shooting, or a war to bring out these qualities?

Did anyone ask the man drowning if he was a liberal or conservative, rich or poor, legal or illegal, gay or straight, before pulling him out of the floods? The answer is “No.” So, why do we condemn others in the calm of a typical day? Kindness is what saves lives, and faith supplies hope.

Today, it is unwise to complain about the hot sun, nor do I want to fuss over what to serve for dinner. I won’t nag my husband to water the grass or whine about the price of eggs.  Instead, I will remember the raging river, the sounds of gunfire, and the bombs exploding in a world far away.  If I can set aside my selfish behavior, perhaps that will honor the child whose laughter was forever silenced.

God, please hold tight those who need your comfort.

__________

Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Tennessee-raised, Georgia-residing author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.

Jannik Sinner beats 2-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Wimbledon title

By
Howard Fendrich
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Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after winning the men's singles final match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Sunday, July 13, 2025.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

LONDON (AP) — Jannik Sinner insisted early on at Wimbledon that he put an excruciating loss to Carlos Alcaraz in their epic French Open final behind him. Sinner was sure that one defeat wouldn’t haunt him, wouldn’t prevent a quick recalibration and certainly wouldn’t mean a thing at the All England Club.

Sure was right about all of that.

Exactly five weeks after the devastating defeat at Roland-Garros against his rival, Sinner reversed the result, defeating two-time defending Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to win his first championship at the grass-court major.

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how you win or you lose the important tournaments. You just have to understand what you did wrong. Trying to work on that — that’s exactly what we did. We tried to accept the loss and then just kept working,” Sinner said Sunday, his shiny gold hardware in his hands. “And this is, for sure, why I’m holding this trophy here.”

The No. 1-ranked Sinner earned his fourth Grand Slam title overall, moving him one away from No. 2 Alcaraz’s total as the two no-longer-rising-but-firmly-established stars of the game separate themselves from the rest of the pack in men’s tennis.

Sinner, a 23-year-old Italian, put an end to several streaks for Alcaraz, a 22-year-old Spaniard.

Alcaraz had won their past five matches between the pair, most famously across five sets and nearly 5 1/2 hours on the red clay of the French Open on June 8. Sinner took a two-set lead, then held a trio of match points, but couldn’t close the deal.

Asked during Week 1 at Wimbledon whether that created lingering doubts, Sinner immediately replied: “Why negative feelings? Because I lost in (that) final?”

Then he continued: “No. Look, it’s a new tournament, new Grand Slam, new surface. I’m not concerned about my level I can play. … I’m not concerned that one loss can influence you for so long a time. I believe that here is a new chance that I can do something good.”

Great, even.

This time, he didn’t waver, asserting himself in a match that featured moments of terrific play by both men, but also the occasional lapses — and one memorable, brief, interruption right before a Sinner serve when a Champagne cork came flying out of the stands and settled on the turf.

With Prince William and Princess Kate in the Royal Box, along with King Felipe VI of Spain, Alcaraz stepped into the sunlight bathing Centre Court with a career-best 24-match unbeaten run. He had won 20 matches in a row at the All England Club.

“It’s difficult to lose,” Alcaraz said. “It’s always difficult to lose.”

The last man to beat him at Wimbledon? Sinner, in the fourth round in 2022.

So this served as a bookend win for Sinner, who would be forgiven for at least thinking a bit about his collapse in their last match — especially when facing two break points while serving at 4-3, 15-40 in the fourth set Sunday.

But he calmly took the next four points to take that game, then soon was serving out the win after a chorus of “Car-los! Car-los!” rang out from spectators.

“Very happy that I (held) my nerves,” Sinner said.

When it ended, he put both hands on his white hat. After embracing Alcaraz, Sinner crouched with his head bowed, then pounded his right palm on the grass.

“Thank you for the player you are,” Sinner told Alcaraz. “It’s so difficult to play against you.”

Sinner has participated in four consecutive major finals, including triumphs at the U.S. Open — shortly after the world learned about a doping case that eventually led to a three-month ban — and the Australian Open.

Wearing the same tape job and white arm sleeve to protect his right elbow that he has been using since falling in the fourth round, Sinner never showed any issues, just as he hadn’t while eliminating Novak Djokovic on Friday.

In the final, Sinner and Alcaraz produced scintillating points, with few, if any, half-measures. They sprinted at top speed and swung away with full force, rarely bending to the other’s will.

From 4-2 down, Alcaraz took four games in a row. That spurt included a 140 mph ace that sprayed the air with a cloud of white chalk dust and a set-capping, flick-of-a-backhand winner at an impossible angle after barely getting his racket on the ball.

As fans rose and roared, Alcaraz pointed to his ear and spun around, then pumped his right fist overhead.

Sinner was undaunted, quickly breaking to lead the second set. He returned exceptionally, even as Alcaraz served aggressively, which did lead to 15 aces — but also to a 53% first-serve percentage and seven double-faults.

Much like at the French Open, there was often an unrelenting intensity to these three-plus hours, and any slight misstep created problems. It was Alcaraz who had more of those, although Sinner might have had the most memorable, blowing an overhead right after coming up with a behind-the-back, through-the-legs half-volley in the third set.

In all, these guys showed why they combined to win the past seven Grand Slam trophies, and nine of the last 12.

Fittingly, this marked the first time the same two men faced off in the title matches at the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year since Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal did it in 2006, 2007 and 2008. It hadn’t happened for more than a half-century before that trilogy.

“I’m just really, really happy about having this rivalry with him,” Alcaraz said about Sinner. “It’s great for us, and it is great for tennis.”

Crowd packs Pitts Park for Red, White, and Tunes

By
Staff Report
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The Dylan Armour Band performs for the second consecutive year at Clarkesville's 'After the Fourth' patriotic summertime celebration. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

For a while on Saturday, it looked as though Mother Nature would have a fireworks show of her own. Shortly before 5 p.m., thunder roared and rain fell on Clarkesville just as the city’s annual Red, White, and Tunes celebration was getting underway at Pitts Park.

Event organizers held their breath and kept the faith. They assured the public they had their eye on the weather and cautioned that, at worst, there would be a delay.

They were right.

The weather soon cleared, and the highly anticipated annual event took off under pastel summer skies. The planned bounce houses didn’t materialize (possibly due to the weather), but there was face painting, along with food trucks, and a playground full of children to keep the young ones entertained. Some even brought bubbles to chase.

Packed the park

This year’s Red, White, and Tunes was one of the largest in recent memory. Hundreds of people packed into the park for the free community event. The parking lots in downtown Clarkesville filled up fast, and vehicles lined the sides of GA 197 North near the park.

As the evening wore on, the delighted squeals from the playground were met by soulful music on stage. The Dylan Armour Band headlined the event for the second consecutive year.

A spectacular fireworks display capped off the evening’s festivities. Many watched the fireworks from the downtown gazebo and nearby Clarkesville Elementary School.

“Great band! Wonderful vendors and great fireworks. Thanks to the sponsors, the police, and the fire department,” said Jamey Finocchio.

Not everyone who was there saw the fireworks. Susan Khadayat captured a photo of a baby wearing headphones snoozing away on a picnic blanket on the open lawn of Pitts Park.

“Had too much fun before the fireworks and couldn’t even make it through them,” the social media caption read.

Heidi Dawn of Cornelia captured a photo of her kids “Enjoying Kona [Ice] listening to the awesome band.”

While some voiced displeasure over the scaled-back kids’ activities, overall, it was a successful evening pulled off with planning, preparation, and a few whispered prayers that the rain would hold off long enough for one more summer blast.

It did.

‘Superman’ and DC Studios fly to a $122 million opening

By
Joy Purcell
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Superman stars David Corenswet, center, Rachel Brosnahan, left, and writer, director, and producer James Gunn pose with fans during the first stop of the Superman World Tour in Pasig city, Philippines on Thursday June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

NEW YORK (AP) — In a bid to kickoff a new era for DC Studios, James Gunn’s “Superman”opened with $122 million in U.S. and Canada ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

DC and Warner Bros. had a lot riding on “Superman.” While the Walt Disney Co.’s Marvel Studios has had its own share of struggles, the superheroes of DC have recently found mostly kryptonite in theaters. Films like “Joker: Folie à Deux,” “The Flash” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” all flopped.

But “Superman,” written and directed by Gunn, is intended as a new start. It’s the first release fully steered by Gunn and Peter Safran, co-heads of DC Studios, since they were handed the keys to DC’s superhero cinematic universe.

And while Gunn turned “Guardians of the Galaxy” into a massive success for Marvel, his irreverent, idiosyncratic touch made the director — once a B-movie filmmaker with Troma Entertainment — an unlikely steward for one of the movies’ most bankable and beloved brands.

The roughly on-target opening was the third largest of 2025, and the first DC title to surpass $100 million in its opening weekend since “Wonder Woman” in 2017.

Ticket sales were relatively soft for “Superman” overseas. In 78 international markets, it grossed $95 million. In China, it collected just $6.6 million.

As an American icon, “Superman” inevitably attracted political discourse. Some right-wing commentators criticized the movie as “woke” after Gunn described the superhero from Krypton as “an immigrant.” On X, the White House posted an image of President Donald Trump as Superman.

In “Superman,” which cost about $225 million to make, Gunn steers the Man of Steel in a drastically different tonal direction than in previous iterations from filmmaker Zack Snyder. Skipping the Kansas origin story, the film instead picks up with Superman ( David Corenswet ) after his first defeat. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult is Lex Luthor.

The “Superman” debut didn’t come close to besting the $166 million launch for Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” in 2016. But it did open higher, not accounting for inflation, than Snyder’s “Man of Steel.” That film debuted with $116 million in 2013.

But while Snyder’s films were often unloved by critics, largely good reviews greeted Gunn’s “Superman.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it scored 82% fresh — the best for the franchise since the first two movies with Christopher Reeve: “Superman” (1978) and “Superman II” (1980). Audiences gave it an “A-” CinemaScore.

“Superman” faced sizeable competition too. Last week’s top film, “Jurassic World Rebirth,”slid to second place with $40 million. With “Superman” soaking up many large-format screens, Universal Pictures’ seventh “Jurassic” film slipped a steep 57% from its opening weekend. Starring Scarlett Johansson, “Jurassic World Rebirth” got off to a thunderous $318.3 million global start. In two weeks, it’s amassed $529.5 million worldwide.

Also still in the mix is Apple Studios’ biggest box-office success yet, “F1.” Joseph Kosinski’s Formula One action thriller, starring Brad Pitt, came in third with $13 million in its third weekend. The film, distributed by Warner Bros., has collected $393.4 million globally in three weeks. But it also carries a hefty price tag of roughly $250 million, plus at least $100 million in promotion.

Casey Paul Wilson

By
Now Habersham
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Casey Paul Wilson, age 47, of Alto, took his final ride on Saturday, July 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as colorful and unforgettable as the Mountain Dew he practically lived on.

Born on November 02, 1977, Casey was a true original — a wild man, a jokester, and the undeniable life of every party he ever stepped into. He wasn’t just someone you met; he was someone you experienced.

A lifelong thrill-seeker, Casey had gasoline running through his veins. From tearing up the dirt on go-karts and dirt bikes to burning rubber at car races, he was always chasing the next rush. When he wasn’t on the track, you could probably find him with a fishing pole in hand, waiting for that perfect catch (and probably telling a few exaggerated fish tales while he waited).

Casey had a mind sharper than a brand-new wrench and hands that could fix just about anything. He loved working on cars, bikes, and just about anything that needed a little tinkering — a talent that kept him busy and everyone around him impressed.

More than anything, though, Casey loved his family with every bit of his big, bold heart. He adored his children and grandchildren, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to make them laugh, help them out, or show them how to live life full throttle.

His quick wit, fearless spirit, and larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The world is a little quieter now, but somewhere up there, you can bet he’s cracking jokes, revving an engine, and cracking open an ice-cold Mountain Dew.

Casey was a devoted dad and granddad who took immense pride in his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his son, Kale Wilson; his daughter and son-in-law, Audry and Victor Nicely; and his beloved grandchildren, Amelia and Alijah Wilson. He also leaves behind a caring mother, Joyce Boswell Wilson, and his siblings: Tim Wilson, and Jason and Ashley Wilson. Casey adored his nieces, Kalanie, Mariah, and Alyssa Wilson, as well as his nephews, Austin Bonillas, Lincoln Wilson, and TJ and Kellie Wilson. He will be remembered fondly by his special aunts, Charlotte and Bernice.

Casey was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Harris Wilson.

A celebration of Casey’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2025, from the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home in Cornelia, and all are welcome to come share stories, laughs, and memories of the man who made life one big adventure. Interment will follow in the Enon Baptist Church Cemetery in Alto.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour on Tuesday.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Fatal crash in North Hall leaves one dead, three hospitalized

By
Daniel Purcell
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(NowHabersham.com)

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — A woman is dead and three others are injured after a single-car crash Friday afternoon in North Hall County.

The wreck happened around 3:20 p.m. on Oliver Mill Road near Forrester Road. According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, a 31-year-old Baldwin man was driving westbound when he lost control of the vehicle while trying to navigate a curve. The car left the road and struck a tree.

A 27-year-old Gainesville woman died at the scene. A second passenger, a 23-year-old woman from Cleveland, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center by Hall County Fire Rescue.

The driver and a 29-year-old male passenger from Gainesville were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The Hall County Accident Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate the crash. Officials say names are being withheld until the victims’ families can be notified. Charges are pending.

Georgia Federation of Teachers asks Kemp to call special session to address education funds

By
Sarah Kallis
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A Georgia teachers' union wants lawmakers to return to the Georgia State Capitol this summer to address federal education funding cuts. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

A group that represents teachers and school staff across Georgia is asking Gov. Brian Kemp to call a special session to address federal cuts to education funding.

The Georgia Federation of Teachers (GFT) sent a letter to Kemp saying lawmakers need to reappropriate surplus funds to teachers after the federal Department of Education froze billions of dollars in promised grants.

GFT President Verdaillia Turner said some school districts in Georgia could be forced to cut programs or staff if they do not receive the funding they were promised.

“Georgia should step up to the plate where these school districts, where they’re already inadequately funded, could at least do business this year,” she said.

The frozen funds were supposed to be distributed July 1 for the upcoming school year.

RELATED Federal funding freeze jeopardizes after-school programs in Northeast Georgia

No plans for special session

A spokesperson for Kemp said there are no plans for a special session. By law, either Kemp or two-thirds of the Legislature must call a special session.

Turner also sent a letter to State School Superintendent Richard Woods advocating for a special session. Woods released a statement on Monday calling for the release of withheld funds.

“I deeply believe in fiscal responsibility, which means evaluating the use of funds and seeking out efficiencies, but also means being responsible — releasing funds already approved by Congress and signed by President Trump,” Woods said. “In Georgia, we’re getting ready to start the school year, so I call on federal funds to be released so we can ensure the success of our students,” he said.

Read GFT’s full letter to Kemp here.

This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News

SEE ALSO

Federal funding freeze jeopardizes after-school programs in Northeast Georgia

Federal funding freeze jeopardizes after-school programs in Northeast Georgia

By
Chaz Mullis
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Habersham County's Tim Lee Club is one of the after-school programs at risk if federal funding is not restored, according to Boys & Girls Club representatives. (NowHabersham.com)

A federal freeze on education funding is putting vital after-school programs in Northeast Georgia at risk.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier (BGCL) said Friday it may have to cut or end its after-school services. The group is waiting on $3 million in grant money from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. That money is currently frozen as part of a larger $6 billion hold on education grants under the Trump administration.

“Without these dollars, which were already approved by Congress, we’re not sure how long we can continue to provide academic support and mentoring services,” said BGCL CEO Steve Mickens.

Critical support for local students

BGCL serves thousands of kids and teens in Habersham, Hall, and Forsyth counties. The frozen funding helps provide tutoring, transportation, and extended learning—services many families depend on.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier is headquartered in Hall County. The nonprofit serves thousands of children and youth in Habersham, Hall, and Forsyth counties. (photo submitted)

“Our organization helps more than 1,500 kids and teens each day,” Mickens said. “They don’t deserve to have that help taken away.”

Habersham County ended its school-based Homework Centers after the Tim Lee Club opened in 2021 in Mt. Airy. That club now serves as a vital support center for local students.

“For 14 years, this grant has made it possible for us to serve the children who need us most,” Mickens said. “Our data shows that 100% of Club members who participate regularly go on to graduate high school.”

Proven results, uncertain future

Nationwide data from Boys & Girls Clubs of America shows strong results from 21st CCLC programs. About 70% of participants complete more homework. Nearly half overcome chronic absenteeism.

Now, the national nonprofit says the federal freeze has created uncertainty. Club leaders are asking the public to act.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is urging people to contact their congressional representatives. The group has posted an online petition on its website. Click here to sign it.

To learn more or support BGCL, visit www.boysgirlsclubs.com or call 770-532-8102.

SEE ALSO

Georgia Federation of Teachers asks Kemp to call special session to address education funds

 

Democratic PSC runoff draws low turnout ahead of July 15 vote

By
Staff Report
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Keisha Sean Waites, left, looks on as Peter Hubbard speaks at a Democratic candidate forum for the Georgia Public Service Commission runoff in Fayetteville, Ga., on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Georgia voters have a choice to make in this week’s Public Service Commission (PSC) Democratic runoff, but will they show up to cast ballots?

Early turnout for the primary runoff between Peter Hubbard and Keisha Waites was exceptionally low. According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s online election hub, less than half a percent — .4% — of the state’s eligible voters have so far cast ballots in the race. Since it is a primary race, only those who did not vote in the Republican primary are allowed to participate.

Early voting began on Monday, July 7, and ended Friday, July 11.

Low interest, high stakes

Although interest is low, the stakes in this election are high. The five-member regulatory body that Waites and Hubbard are competing to serve on oversees energy, telecommunications, and natural gas in the state. That is why the candidates are working to raise awareness about the race and the powerful role the PSC plays in Georgians’ lives.

“This Public Service Commission is the best kept secret in Georgia,” said Hubbard, a clean energy advocate and founder of the Georgia Center for Energy Solutions. “It is incredibly important. This is the most important election in Georgia this year and will pave the way for how elections will turn out in November of 2026.”

The commission sets utility rates for the state’s largest power provider, Georgia Power, which serves about 2.3 million customers. Utility bills have risen sharply in recent years. While most reports put the average monthly bill at $175 — up $43 since 2022 — Hubbard says the real increase is closer to $52.

But even Georgians who don’t use Georgia Power still feel the impact of the PSC. Electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) and other providers are also affected by the commission’s decisions.

“The Georgia Public Service Commission regulates telecommunications, natural gas, and even pipeline safety,” said Waites, a former state lawmaker and Atlanta city councilwoman. “The policies that it approves shape Georgia’s economy, it shapes our environment, and our long-term energy strategies, which actually impacts everybody.”

Republican incumbents

From climate change and clean energy to data centers and nuclear power, the PSC influences job creation and environmental outcomes. The commission was even involved in a recent legal battle over a Georgia railroad’s attempt to use eminent domain against Black landowners in Hancock County.

However, the winner of Tuesday’s runoff won’t immediately begin shaping those policies. Either Hubbard or Waites will face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in the November general election.

Johnson, who was appointed to the PSC in 2022 by Gov. Brian Kemp, is running for election to the seat for the first time. Currently, all five members of the commission are Republicans.

Primary election day is Tuesday, July 15.

GPB News contributed to this report

Injury fill-in Alvarez scores winning run and Braves hit 3 HRs to edge Cardinals

By
Jeff Latzke
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Members of the Atlanta Braves celebrate a victory over the St. Louis Cardinals following a baseball game Saturday, July 12, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Sean Murphy, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Marcell Ozuna homered and the Atlanta Braves rallied against St. Louis’ two top relievers to beat the Cardinals 7-6 on Saturday.

Nacho Alvarez Jr., filling in for injured third baseman Austin Riley, singled twice and scored the winning run on Jurickson Profar’s ninth-inning groundout against closer Ryan Helsley (3-1).

Murphy, who hit the two longest home runs of this season at Busch Stadium on Friday night, put the Braves ahead 6-5 with a high drive that cleared the glove of José Fermín as he leaped at the left-field wall in the eighth. The three-run shot was Murphy’s 16th homer of the season and the first allowed by reliever Phil Maton in 37 appearances this season.

St. Louis tied it when pinch-runner Garrett Hampson scored on a wild pitch by Daysbel Hernández (4-1) in the eighth.

Raisel Iglesias pitched a perfect ninth for his 11th save.

Yohel Pozo and Nolan Gorman homered, and Brendan Donovan had two hits, including an RBI single in the eighth, for the Cardinals.

St. Louis, which had been shut out in each of Erick Fedde’s previous three starts, broke through with three runs against Atlanta opener Aaron Bummer in the second inning to draw even after early home runs Acuña and Ozuna.

Pozo led off the bottom of the second with a double into the left-field corner and scored on Thomas Saggese’s RBI single. Gorman followed with a 423-foot blast to tie it at 3. Pozo added a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth.

Acuña, who pulled himself out of the home run derby in Atlanta next Tuesday, hit a 379-foot drive into the Braves’ bullpen in the first.

Ozuna clobbered a 422-foot solo shot in the second, and Alvarez made it 3-0 with a single for his first big-league RBI in nine career games.

Key moment

After the St. Louis bullpen had retired seven in a row, Profar doubled to lead off the eighth and Acuña drew a one-out walk to set the table for Murphy’s 372-foot drive.

Key stat

Murphy has seven home runs in his last 11 games. He had hit just two in his prior 33 games.

Up next

RHP Sonny Gray (9-3, 3.51 ERA), whose last turn in the rotation was moved up a day to allow him to squeeze in an extra start before the All-Star break takes the mound Sunday for St. Louis. Atlanta had not announced a starter.

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