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Busy Cornelia intersection reopens after gas leak contained

By
Joy Purcell
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(Photo by Cornelia PD)

A busy intersection along one of Cornelia’s major thoroughfares was shut down for nearly two hours this morning due to a gas leak.

Authorities closed the intersection of Level Grove Road and the US 441 Bypass shortly after 10 a.m. after a construction worker struck a gas line. The contractor was laying a new water line when the incident occurred.

Cornelia Police Chief Jonathan Roberts tells Now Habersham, “Atlanta Gas Light was here really quick and have it contained.”

As crews repaired the leak, traffic had to be rerouted around the affected area.

Police reopened the intersection shortly before noon. Roberts says none of the businesses in the area were closed.

Kennedy’s new vaccine advisers meet for first time

By
Associated Press
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(James Gathany/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new vaccine advisers began their first meeting Wednesday under intense scrutiny from medical experts worried about Americans’ access to lifesaving shots.

First on the agenda is an awkward scenario: Kennedy already announced COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, and his new advisers aren’t scheduled to vote on whether they agree. Yet government scientists prepared meeting materials calling vaccination “the best protection” during pregnancy — and said most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated.

COVID-19 remains a public health threat, resulting in 32,000 to 51,000 U.S. deaths and more than 250,000 hospitalizations since last fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most at risk for hospitalization are seniors and children under 2 — especially infants under 6 months who could have some protection if their mom got vaccinated during pregnancy, according to the CDC’s presentation.

It’s one signal that this week’s two-day meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices isn’t business as usual.

Another sign: Shortly before the meeting, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist stepped down from the committee, bringing the panel’s number to just seven. The Trump administration said Dr. Michael Ross withdrew during a customary review of members’ financial holdings.

The meeting opened as the American Academy of Pediatrics announced that it will continue publishing its own vaccine schedule for children but now will do so independently of the ACIP, calling it “no longer a credible process.”

The panel, created more than 60 years ago, helps the CDC determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they’re available, such as at pharmacies.

Earlier this month, Kennedy abruptly dismissed the existing 17-member expert panel and handpicked eight replacements, including several anti-vaccine voices. And a number of the CDC’s top vaccine scientists — including some who lead the reporting of data and the vetting of presentations at ACIP meetings — have resigned or been moved out of previous positions.

The highly unusual moves prompted a last-minute plea from a prominent Republican senator to delay this week’s meeting. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who chairs the chamber’s health committee, said Monday that many of Kennedy’s chosen panelists lack the required expertise and “may even have a preconceived bias” against new vaccine technologies.

In a House hearing Tuesday, Kennedy defended his purge, saying the old panel had been “a template for medical malpractice.”

Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician and Democrat from Washington state, told Kennedy: “I will lay all responsibility for every death from a vaccine-preventable illness at your feet.”

Committee will vote on RSV protections

The two-day meeting’s agenda on was abruptly changed last week.

Discussion of COVID-19 shots will open the session on Wednesday. Later in the day, the committee will take up RSV, with votes expected. On Thursday, the committee will vote on fall flu vaccinations and on the use of a preservative in certain flu shots.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of cold-like symptoms that can be dangerous for infants.

In 2023, U.S. health officials began recommending two new measures to protect infants — a lab-made antibody for newborns and a vaccine for pregnant women — that experts say likely drove an improvement in infant mortality.

The committee will discuss another company’s newly approved antibody shot, but the exact language for the vote was not released prior to the meeting.

“I think there may be a theme of soft-pedaling or withdrawing recommendations for healthy pregnant women and healthy children,” even though they are at risk from vaccine-preventable diseases, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University who co-authored a recent medical journal commentary criticizing the COVID-19 vaccination decision.

Flu shot recommendations to be debated

At its June meetings, the committee usually refreshes guidance for Americans 6 month and older to get a flu shot, and helps greenlight the annual fall vaccination campaign.

But given the recent changes to the committee and federal public health leadership, it’s unclear how routine topics will be treated, said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University health policy researcher who has studied the committee.

Thursday also promises controversy. The advisory panel is set to consider a preservative in a subset of flu shots that Kennedy and some antivaccine groups have falsely contended is tied to autism. In preparation, the CDC posted a new report confirming that research shows no link between the preservative, thimerosal, and autism or any other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Gostin said the agenda appears to be “a combination of what we would normally expect ACIP to cover along with a mixture of potential conspiracy theories,” he said. “We clearly are in a new normal that’s highly skeptical of vaccine science.”

The committee’s recommendations traditionally go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director. Historically, nearly all are accepted and then used by insurance companies in deciding what vaccines to cover.

But the CDC currently has no director, so the committee’s recommendations have been going to Kennedy, and he has yet to act on a couple recommendations ACIP made in April.

The CDC director nominee, Susan Monarez, is slated to go before a Senate committee on Wednesday.

John Carroll Ruis

By
Now Habersham
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John Carroll Ruis, age 81, of Lula, Georgia went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Mr. Ruis was born on July 3, 1943, in Coffee County (Douglas), Georgia to the late Joe C. and Meniza Grantham Ruis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Elizabeth Hooper Ruis, brothers, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Jurell and Joyce Ruis, Don Kinzer, and Ray Burnette, Buddy and Dale Ruis, Doug Carter.

Mr. Ruis and his wife founded United Enterprises Inc. He was a man whose strong work ethic and hands were forever tied to the tile and terrazzo business. More than just a profession, it was his passion, his pride, and the legacy he poured himself into every single day. From the moment he first stepped onto a job site, he found purpose in the precision, the artistry, and the durability of his craft, where in their journey, they built a legacy that continues to thrive, now guided by their son and daughter-in-law.

With a strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he also held a strong passion for helping his wife tend the garden on his tractors, fishing when he could and watching countless hours of westerns most importantly Gunsmoke.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Bridget Skalon Ruis; grandsons, Logan Johnson, and his wife Savanna; Nolan Johnson and his wife Abbey, Jacob Ruis; brothers and sisters, Marie Kinzer, Truman “Doc” Ruis, Minniola Burnette, Charlotte Carter, Marvin Ruis and his wife Robbie, great-grandchildren, Everett Johnson and Amelia Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Pastor Bobby Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

NATO leaders agree to hike military spending and restate ‘ironclad commitment’ to collective defense

By
Associated Press
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Donald Trump (President, United States) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. (NATO photo)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — NATO leaders agreed on a massive hike in defense spending Wednesday after pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, and expressed their “ironclad commitment” to come to each other’s aid if attacked.

The 32 leaders endorsed a final summit statement saying: “Allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defense requirements as well as defense- and security-related spending by 2035 to ensure our individual and collective obligations.”

The show of unity vindicated NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s billing of the summit as “transformational,” even though it papered over divisions.

Trump called the spending boost “something that no one really thought possible. And they said, ‘You did it, sir. You did it.’ Well, I don’t know if I did it, but I think I did.”

Spain had already officially announced that it cannot meet the target, and others have voiced reservations, but the investment pledge includes a review of spending in 2029 — after the next U.S. presidential elections — to monitor progress and reassess the security threat posed by Russia.

The leaders also underlined their “ironclad commitment” to NATO’s collective security guarantee – “that an attack on one is an attack on all.” Ahead of the summit, Trump had again raised doubts over whether the United States would defend its allies.

“Together, allies have laid the foundations for a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO,” Rutte told reporters after chairing the meeting in The Hague. “This will fuel a quantum leap in our collective defense.”

The spending hike requires each countries to spend billions of dollars. It comes as the United States — NATO’s biggest-spending member — shifts its attention away from Europe to focus on security priorities elsewhere, notably in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific.

Spain had called the new spending target and 2035 deadline “unreasonable.” Belgium signaled that it would not get there either, and Slovakia said it reserves the right to decide its own defense spending.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stood conspicuously aside from other leaders in the summit family photo. After the meeting, he said that Spain can execute NATO’s defense plans by spending only 2% of gross domestic product on defense.

“In today’s summit, NATO wins and Spain wins something very important for our society, which is security and the welfare state,” Sánchez said.

Trump lashed out at Spain after the meeting.

“They want to stay at 2%. I think it’s terrible,” he said. “You know, what we’re going to do? We’re negotiating with Spain on a trade deal. We’re going to make them pay twice as much.”

Along with Spain, many other European countries face major economic challenges, and Trump’s global tariff war could make it even harder for America’s allies to reach their targets. Some countries are already squeezing welfare and foreign aid spending to channel extra funds into their military budgets.

On Tuesday, Trump complained that “there’s a problem with Spain. Spain is not agreeing, which is very unfair to the rest of them, frankly.” He has also criticized Canada as “a low payer.” In 2018, a NATO summit during Trump’s first term unraveled due to a dispute over defense spending.

Russia’s neighbors lead the pack in boosting spending

Other countries closer to the borders of Russia and Ukraine — Poland, the three Baltic states and Nordic countries — have committed to the 5% goal, as have NATO’s European heavyweights Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

In their statement, the leaders said they were united “in the face of profound security threats and challenges, in particular the long-term threat posed by Russia.” It had been feared that Trump would object to that assessment, which European governments need to justify higher spending.

Trump has been reluctant to support Ukraine in its war against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

“We stand by Ukraine in its pursuit of peace and will continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to NATO membership,” Rutte said. The Trump administration has vetoed Ukraine’s bid to join NATO for the foreseeable future.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the agreement “is a big win, I think, for both President Trump and I think it’s also a big win for Europe.” He told reporters that “we’re witnessing the birth of a new NATO, which means a more balanced NATO.”

He said it would take nations “back to the defense expenditure levels of the Cold War.” NATO countries started to cut their military budgets in safer times after the Berlin Wall collapsed in 1989.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer threw his weight behind the hike, declaring, ““This is the moment to unite, for Europe to make a fundamental shift in its posture and for NATO to meet this challenge head-on.”

In a fresh take on Trump’s MAGA movement, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said: “We should choose a motto, ‘make NATO great again.’”

After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the NATO allies agreed to make 2% of GDP the minimum spending level. Last year, 22 countries were expected to hit that target, up from just three a decade ago.

In The Hague, the allies endorsed a major revamp of their spending targets. They upped the ante for what NATO calls “core defense spending” to 3.5%, while changing how it’s counted to include providing military support to Ukraine.

To hit Trump’s 5% demand, the deal set a second target of 1.5% of GDP for a broader range of defense-related spending, such as improving roads, bridges, ports and airfields so that armies can deploy more quickly, countering cyber and hybrid attack measures, or preparing societies to deal with future conflicts.

“This declaration is historic. We are 32 allies supporting that ambition, which is huge,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “We have been struggling to get above 2% and now we said 3.5%, which is necessary in order to reach our capabilities.”

US decision on forces in Europe expected in coming months

Extra funds will also be needed should the Trump administration announce a draw-down of forces in Europe, where around 84,000 U.S. troops are based, leaving European allies to plug any security gaps. The Pentagon is expected to announce its intentions in coming months.

Asked why Trump has suggested that the new spending target should not apply to the United States, Rutte said: “The U.S. is more or less there,” in terms of the 5% benchmark.

Beyond Trump’s demands, European allies and Canada have steeply ramped up defense spending out of concern about the threated posed by Russia. Several countries are concerned that Russia could carry out an attack on NATO territory by the end of the decade. Hungary is not one of them, though.

“I think Russia is not strong enough to represent a real threat to us. We are far stronger,” said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, fielding questions from reporters, leaning back with his hands thrust into his pockets. Orbán is considered Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in Europe.

_______


By Mike Corder, Sylvie Corbet, Molly Quell and Lorne Cook. Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.

Trump defends US strikes on Iran as intel assessment stirs debate

By
Chris Mergerian
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President Donald Trump and his national security team meet in the Situation Room of the White House, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump insisted Wednesday that U.S. strikes delivered a crushing blow to Iran’s nuclear program despite a preliminary American intelligence assessment suggesting that the assault inflicted only a marginal setback.

“This was a devastating attack, and it knocked them for a loop,” Trump said as his administration deployed a phalanx of top officials to defend his claims that Iran’s nuclear program was “completely and fully obliterated.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the leaked intelligence assessment, which said Iran suffered a delay of only a few months, was “preliminary” and “low confidence.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the officials who disclosed the findings are “professional stabbers.”

The White House pointed to a statement from the Israel Atomic Energy Commission that said Iran faced a setback of “many years.”

Drawing reliable conclusions about the impact of the U.S. strikes is difficult, making the issue a breeding ground for competing claims that could determine how American voters view Trump’s risky decision to join Israel’s attacks on Iran.

Also at stake are Trump’s next steps in the Middle East, where diplomatic efforts could be required to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program.

Iran maintains that its atomic ambitions are for peaceful purposes, while U.S. and Israeli leaders have described the country’s nuclear program as the precursor to obtaining a nuclear weapon.

One of the targets of the U.S. attack was Fordo, where nuclear infrastructure is buried deep underground. The Israeli commission said in a statement that the bombing “rendered the enrichment facility inoperable.”

The statement was distributed by the White House and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other parts of Iran’s military nuclear program, have “set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years,” the statement said.

In addition, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Al Jazeera that there was significant damage from U.S. bombers.

“Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure,” he said.

The episode has triggered some of Trump’s longstanding vendettas against leaks and intelligence officials, who he has often viewed as a part of a “deep state” dedicated to undermining his agenda. He also lashed out at media outlets that reported on the classified assessment, describing them as “scum” and “disgusting.”

Trump said questioning the effectiveness of the strikes was disrespectful to the military, which flew stealth bombers halfway around the world to attack the nuclear facilities with weapons designed to penetrate deep underground.

The reports, he said, were “very unfair to the pilots, who risked their lives for our country.”

One critical question is whether enriched uranium, which could be developed into fuel for a nuclear bomb, was moved out of facilities before the U.S. strikes.

“I believe they didn’t have a chance to get anything out, because we acted fast,” Trump said. He added that “it’s very hard to move that kind of material, and very dangerous.”

Classified briefings for lawmakers, originally scheduled for Tuesday, are now expected to take place on Thursday and Friday.

NGTC students shine at FBLA National Leadership Conference

By
Staff Report
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Pictured at the National FBLA Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas, are, from left, students Michael Ramirez, Daisy Paramo, Kiley Snelgrove, NGTC FBLA advisors Angela Banks and Mona Williams. and students Adrionna Spencer, Renee Petenbrink, and Karen Hicks.

North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) students brought home top honors from the 2025 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate National Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas, continuing a strong tradition of excellence.

The NGTC FBLA Chapter earned two national awards, including the National Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit, marking them as one of the top-performing chapters in the country.

Students Renee Petenbrink of Toccoa, Kiley Snelgrove of Lavonia, and Adrionna Spencer of Blairsville placed sixth nationally in the State of the Chapter presentation. Snelgrove also earned a top-ten finish, placing tenth in Computer Applications.

State competition

The chapter’s success wasn’t limited to the national stage. Earlier this year, during the state conference in Atlanta, NGTC’s team racked up 18 individual, team, and chapter awards, with all seven student competitors qualifying for nationals.

Highlights from the state competition included:

  • Karen Hicks of Blue Ridge – 1st place in Emerging Business Issues; 5th in Foundations of Communication
  • Snelgrove – 2nd place in Business Communications; 3rd in Computer Applications; 3rd in State of the Chapter presentations
  • Petenbrink – 2nd place in Foundations of Accounting; 3rd in the Business Presentation competition; 3rd in State of the Chapter presentations
  • Spencer – 3rd place in Future Business Executive; 3rd in State of the Chapter presentations
  • Zoe Fitzgerald of Blairsville – 3rd place in Organizational Behavior and Leadership and Parliamentary Procedure
  • Michael Ramirez of Alto – 3rd place in Project Management; 6th in Foundations of Entrepreneurship
  • Daisy Paramo of Alto – 4th in Parliamentary Procedure; 5th in Foundations of Accounting

The chapter also received the Platinum Chapter Award of Merit and took first place statewide for Alzheimer’s Fundraising. Individual recognitions went to Hicks, who was named to Who’s Who in Georgia FBLA Collegiate, and Snelgrove, who received the Wings of Excellence Award.

A ‘remarkable accomplishment’

NGTC’s FBLA advisers are Mona Williams and Angela Banks, both instructors in business technology. Williams was also honored as Georgia FBLA Collegiate Executive Director, and under her guidance, Georgia’s collegiate chapter earned first place nationally for Alzheimer’s Fundraising.

College leadership praised the students’ achievements.

“Attending nationals is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Stephanie Benson, NGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We’re incredibly proud of our students and advisers for the hard work and dedication they’ve shown.”

Williams echoed the sentiment, noting the students’ teamwork and courage: “These students stepped outside their comfort zones to compete against some of the brightest future business leaders in the country. They are true team players, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”

FBLA is the largest business career and technical student organization in the world, with more than 230,000 members preparing for careers in business and leadership.

Jamie Jimison set to take over Tallulah Falls’ XC, Track & Field programs

By
TFS Athletics
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Coach Jamie Jimison (Photo by Elisha Boggs)

Tallulah Falls School has tabbed Jamie Jimison as its new head cross country and track and field coach ahead of the 2025-26 school year. Jimison will also serve as the assistant athletic director.

Jimison comes to TFS from nearby Piedmont University, where he has served as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country since 2019. During his time over the Piedmont teams, he coached five individual NCAA Championship qualifiers, including the program’s first-ever All-American in track and field. He guided the cross country team to a pair of conference titles, and seven total in track and field, while also earning nine conference Coach of the Year awards.

Prior to Piedmont, Jimison held the same position at Mount Mercy University (IA) for nearly 10 years. His program highlights included coaching a pair of national champions, 27 All-Americans, and 115 NAIA Championship qualifiers. He’s also coached at Berea College (KY), Union College (KY), and Bethel-Tate Schools (OH).

“I’m thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to join the TFS family and continue to build on the strong tradition that has been established here by Coach [Scott] Neal,” says Jimison. “I can’t wait to get started coaching these fantastic student-athletes and helping them in the pursuit of their athletic ambitions.”

The cross country boys and girls placed fourth and seventh, respectively at state in 2024. The track and field boys and girls were sixth and fourth, at the state championship meet this past spring.

“We are excited to have Jamie join our team,” adds Athletic Director Greg Neeley. “His passion, attention to detail, and commitment to working with integrity will fit in great with the TFS community.”

Mason Whelchel Meaders honored for 50 years of service

By
Dean Dyer, WRWH Radio
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Mason District Deputy Grand Master Chad Pruitt presents a service award to Whelchel Meaders as his wife, Eunice Meaders, looks on. (Photo by Carly Adam)

Whelchel Meaders was recently recognized for more than 50 years of faithful service as a Mason with Yonah Lodge #382.

In a ceremony held at his home, District Deputy Grand Master with the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Chad Pruitt, and members of the Lodge presented Meaders with commemorative items honoring his more than five decades-long commitment to the Masonic Lodge.

“The 50-Year Plus Service Award is a significant milestone, recognizing a member’s dedicated contributions and unwavering support of Masonic values for over half a century,” a news release said. Representatives from Yonah Lodge expressed their deep appreciation for Meaders’ loyalty, leadership, and quiet strength as a longstanding brother.

The ceremony was made even more meaningful by being held at his home, shared with his wife of 68 years, Eunice Meaders, and their family.

His daughters Melanie Williams and Karan Sosebee, with her husband Terry, attended the ceremony along with the Meaders’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including one on the way.

The presence of four generations made the event a touching tribute to Meaders’ service to the Masons and his lasting legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family members expressed deep pride in his accomplishment and gratitude to Yonah Lodge for honoring his lifetime of service.

Helen mourns beloved K-9 Officer Henk, public memorial set for June 26

By
Staff Report
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(NowHabersham.com)

The Helen Police Department is mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of its own—K-9 Officer Henk. Henk passed away Monday morning after suffering heatstroke during a training session with his handler, Sergeant Ray Rutledge, on Saturday afternoon.

“We are devastated,” said Police Chief Aletha Barrett. “Henk was more than a K-9 officer—he was family. His service, loyalty, and heart will never be forgotten.”

K-9 Henk began his official duty with the Helen Police Department on April 18, 2024, quickly becoming a vital team member and a trusted community protector.

On Monday, local law enforcement escorted Henk’s body to Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland from Gainesville.

“Our hearts are full from the outpouring of support,” said a spokesperson for the Helen Police Department. “The bond of law enforcement is strong—both two- and four-legged. K9 Henk was not only a trusted partner in the field but a cherished member of our law enforcement family.”

To honor his service, the Helen Police Department invites the public and fellow law enforcement officers to a memorial ceremony on Thursday, June 26, at Helen First Baptist Church. Doors open at 1:15 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:30 p.m. Following the ceremony, a procession will accompany K-9 Henk to the Helen Police Department, where he will be laid to rest with full honors.

Helen First Baptist Church is located at 53 Edelweiss Strasse in Helen.

Braves stay hot and rally past skidding Mets on 97-degree night in NY

By
Mike Fitzpatrick
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(Atlanta Braves livestream image/Facebook)

NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Olson had three RBIs, including a tiebreaking single that capped a five-run sixth inning, and the Atlanta Braves rallied past the reeling New York Mets 7-4 on Tuesday night.

Spencer Strider (3-5) overcame one rugged inning to win his third straight start, and the Braves took advantage of nine walks by six Mets pitchers. Atlanta, which has won nine of 12 overall, improved to 5-0 against its NL East rival this year — all in the past eight days.

After getting an encouraging performance from starter Frankie Montas in his Mets debut, New York blew a 3-0 lead and lost for the 10th time in 11 games.

Sidelined since spring training by a right lat strain, Montas struck out five in five shutout innings on a 97-degree night at Citi Field. But reliever Huascar Brazobán walked the first three batters in the sixth, and Atlanta pounced.

Ozzie Albies delivered a sacrifice fly, and left-hander José Castillo (0-2) entered before pinch-hitter Eli White drove in a run with an infield single on a low line drive that glanced off the glove of diving third baseman Brett Baty.

Michael Harris II was hit by a pitch, and No. 9 batter Nick Allen tied it 3-all with his third consecutive single after beginning the night with a .556 OPS.

One out later, Olson gave the Braves a 5-3 lead with a two-run single off Reed Garrett.

Olson and Austin Riley each added an RBI double in the eighth. Raisel Iglesias got two outs in the ninth for his ninth save in 13 chances.

Strider lost his first five starts this season after returning from right elbow surgery. But he beat the Mets for the second time in six days, striking out eight in five innings of two-hit ball.

The right-hander walked three in a 33-pitch fourth as the Mets scored three times. But after Baty’s two-run single, they didn’t get another hit until Jeff McNeil’s one-out double in the ninth.

Key moments

After giving up an RBI double to Ronny Mauricio in the ninth, Iglesias retired Francisco Lindor with two on to end it. … Harris got drilled in the right elbow by a 95 mph sinker and was removed in the bottom of the sixth. He is day to day.

Key stat

The game-time temperature was the hottest for a Mets home game since it was 98 degrees against Milwaukee at Shea Stadium in August 2001.

Up next

Mets RHP Clay Holmes (7-4, 3.04 ERA) pitches Wednesday night against 20-year-old righty Didier Fuentes (0-1, 7.20), who makes his second major league start for Atlanta.

Gainesville lottery player wins $2 million Mega Millions prize

By
Staff Report
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(NowHabersham.com)

A Gainesville resident is celebrating a life-changing win after hitting a $2 million prize in the June 20 Mega Millions drawing.

The winning ticket, purchased through the Georgia Lottery mobile app, matched all five white ball numbers. Thanks to the 2X Megaplier feature included with the ticket, the standard $1 million prize was doubled, making the lucky player an instant millionaire, twice over.

The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Tuesday, June 24, with an estimated jackpot of $326 million.

Porzingis going to Hawks in a 3-team trade agreement, AP source says

By
Tim Reynolds
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(Photo by Hameltion - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Kristaps Porzingis is being traded by the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks, and part of what will be a three-team deal gives the Brooklyn Nets another selection in Wednesday’s first round of the NBA draft, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement.

Porzingis is going to the Hawks, while Georges Niang and a second-round pick will be acquired by Boston, and Brooklyn will wind up with Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick that is held by Atlanta in Wednesday’s draft, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade isn’t expected to be finalized until the start of the new league year on July 6.

ESPN first reported the trade, which was later confirmed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The move is the second major one by Boston of the week, after the team agreed to trade Jrue Holiday to Portland. The combination of those moves still has Boston past the tax line for next season but out from under the second apron, which gives the Celtics — who will be without Jayson Tatum for, at minimum, a significant portion of next season because of an Achilles tear — more flexibility moving forward.

Getting under the second apron is important; that threshold, once exceeded, limits ways that teams can trade for or sign players.

Porzingis — who, like Holiday, was part of the team that helped Boston win the 2024 NBA title — will make $30.7 million next season on an expiring contract. He was slowed by illness at times in the second half of this past season, as well as in Boston’s playoff run this spring. But he intends to play for Latvia at EuroBasket this summer, a good sign.

“Thanks for all the support and questions about my health,” Porzingis posted on social media this week. “I’ve been feeling excellent all offseason and look forward to a healthy and strong European championship tournament.”

Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 42 games this season.

The Nets now technically have five picks in Wednesday’s first round. They own the Nos. 8, 19, 26 and 27 selections already, and the Hawks will essentially be picking for the Nets now at No. 22, as well.

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