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Lilo & Stitch

By
Justin Hall
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Lilo & Stitch is the latest Disney effort to bring their animated favorites into live action. I had mediocre expectations going into this one, and by the end, I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of being a soulless, cynical cash grab, it proves to be a movie that stays true to the spirit of the original while rendering some of its best aspects into a seamless combination of humans and special effects.
The movie follows the formula of its animated counterpart by introducing Stitch as Experiment 626,  a blue, koala-like alien arriving on Earth due to being a potential threat to the galaxy he’s from. Stitch is exiled on Earth and lands in Hawaii, where he befriends the Pelekai sisters. One of them is Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong), who is responsible for taking care of her younger sister, Lilo (Maia Kealoha), after their parents passed away.
First, it was A Minecraft Movie, and now Lilo & Stitch, where teens are left to fend for themselves. I’m just curious if this is a plot contrivance filmmakers think would be fun for kids. But I digress.
It isn’t long before Lilo and Stitch meet, and Lilo quickly finds out about Stitch’s rambunctious nature as he crashes a wedding and other shenanigans. Stitch becomes Lilo’s best friend after discovering she doesn’t have any.
Lilo and Nani’s situation is intensified by the fact they are on the verge of being separated if Nani can’t prove to be a good legal guardian for her sister. Tia Carrere from the original cast co-stars as a social worker investigating their case.
Two aliens pop up on Earth searching for Stitch. When they take human forms, they’re Zack Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen. Galifianakis’ character is responsible for creating Stitch, and if he can capture them, they will give him his freedom for his crimes.
The movie has many different storylines that occasionally get tangled up and meander, but it does have a lot of infectious energy. It’s a bright, colorful movie with its actors giving solid, charming work.
The scenes involving Stitch and the humans have a crisp, detailed look, which really gives off the impression that there is some genuine interaction going on instead of artificial nonsense.
This remake has a lot of wit and warmth that work in its favor, and the relationships between the characters are at once funny and touching. Agudong and Kealoha are convincing as the sisters who can’t stand each other at times, yet they have a kinship that doesn’t feel clunky or forced.
This is clearly one of the better live-action remakes that Disney has done over the last few years and I hope that if other movies continue to get the same treatment, maybe they can take a lesson or two from this one.
This is the remake that Snow White promised to be and wasn’t.

Grade: B+

(Rated PG for action, peril and thematic elements.)

Cronenworth hits go-ahead homer in 7th to power Padres past Braves, 5-3

By
Charles Odum
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(Atlanta Braves livestream image)

ATLANTA (AP) — Jake Cronenworth hit a go-ahead homer in the seventh inning for the second of San Diego’s three long balls, helping the Padres beat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 on Sunday to win the three-game series.

Gavin Sheets and Manny Machado homered for San Diego, which ended a six-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory in Friday night.

By winning two of three in the series, the Padres received a boost after placing right-hander Michael King on the 15-day disabled list before the game with inflammation in his right shoulder.

Ronald Acuña Jr. had a double and a walk with two strikeouts for the Braves after hitting long home runs in each of his first two games of the season.

Acuña, the 2023 NL MVP, was activated from the injured list Friday almost a year after he tore his left ACL.

Atlanta right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (3-4) matched his career high with 11 strikeouts while giving up four runs, two earned, in seven innings.

Atlanta led 3-1 through five innings.

Key moment

After a fielding error by Braves third baseman Austin Riley on Luis Arreaz’s grounder, Sheets’ two-run homer off Schwellenbach in the sixth tied it at 3.

Key stat

Padres right-hander Dylan Cease earned his seventh no-decision after giving up three runs in five innings with eight strikeouts. Cease, from Milton near Atlanta, has lost his last three decisions since his only win on April 2 against Cleveland. Jeremiah Estrada (2-3) pitched a scoreless sixth and Robert Suarez recorded the final three outs for his 17th save.

Up next

The Padres will open a three-game home series against the Marlins on Monday. The Braves are off on Monday before opening a three-game series at Philadelphia on Tuesday night.

Alex Palou makes history as 1st Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500

By
Jenna Fryer
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Alex Palou, center, of Spain, celebrates with his crew after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (livestream image Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Facebook)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Alex Palou has become the first driver from Spain to win the Indianapolis 500 by holding off former Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Marcus Ericsson over the closing laps Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Palou, who has won three IndyCar titles in four years — including the last two, came to the speedway with four wins through the first five races this season. But it was No. 6, “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” that he had circled on his calendar.

Without an Indy 500 win, Palou said his career resume would never be complete.

Palou stopped the car just beyond the Yard of Bricks, climbing out of it and nearly losing his balance as he raised his arms in triumph. He jumped down and took off in a run down the front stretch, pulling off his gloves and tossing them behind him, and ultimately was engulfed by his father, Ramon, and his Chip Ganassi Racing team in a jubilant celebration.

Scott Dixon gave him a big hug, so did Dario Franchitti, with both Ganassi Indy 500 winners welcoming Palou into the exclusive club.

“I cannot believe it. What an amazing day. What an amazing race,” Palou said. “I cannot believe it. It was tough. Tough conditions out there, especially if you were like, third or fourth in the pack. Even leading, the fuel consumption was super high, so they didn’t want me to lead. I wanted to lead, honestly, so yeah, made it happen.”

Meanwhile, Ericsson climbed from his car and pressed his hands to his face at the disappointment of coming oh-so close to a second Indianapolis 500 victory.

Ericsson, the 2022 Indy 500 winner, finished second for Andretti Global in a 1-2 finish for Honda. David Malukas was third for A.J. Foyt Racing and the highest-finishing Chevrolet.

Josef Newgarden’s bid to win three consecutive Indy 500s ended with a fuel pump issue. He was trying to become the first driver to come from the back row to win because he and Team Penske teammate Will Power were dropped to the back of the field for failing inspection before qualifying.

Power wound up 19th, the highest-finishing Penske driver on a miserable day for the organization owned by Roger Penske. He earlier this week fired his top three IndyCar executives for a second technical infraction in just over a year, and has had to defend the optics of his teams failing inspections when he also owns IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy500.

Penske has won the Indy 500 a record 20 times.

It was Indy 500 win number six for Ganassi, who has been on a dominating wave since hiring Palou ahead of the 2021 season. Palou then won the championship that year, has added two more titles and now seems on pace for a fourth one.

“The guy is just unbelievable — I don’t know what else to say,” Ganassi said. “It is an incredible thing — it’s going to make Alex Palou’s career, it is going to make his life, and it has certainly made mine.”

Palou started the race tied with Pato O’Ward as the co-favorites, listed at +500 by BetMGM. O’Ward finished fourth — the fifth time in six career starts the Mexican has finished sixth or higher.

Kyle Larson won’t complete “the double” after crashing out of the Indianapolis 500 before he headed to North Carolina to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race.

We Are Norton: Demystifying today’s real estate market

By
The Norton Agency
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Introducing “We Are Norton,” a new, engaging podcast focused on demystifying today’s real estate market.

In this first installment, we invite you to get to know us. Diane Black Brown and Kristy Ivester Bennett discuss why they chose The Norton Agency and what makes the agency stand out.

Diane and Kristy guide you step by step through the home-buying journey—from that very first showing to the moment you receive your keys—sharing practical tips, insider insights, and an honest look at what it’s really like to purchase a home in today’s market.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply want to feel more confident before you shop, “We Are Norton” is the podcast for you.

This podcast is sponsored by The Norton Agency

Barrow County fire chief Alan Shuman to retire after decades of service

By
Staff Report
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Alan Shuman (Barrow County Government/Facebook)

Barrow County Fire Chief Alan Shuman will retire on June 30, concluding a distinguished career that spans nearly five decades in fire service and public safety leadership.

Deputy Chief Brett Skinner will step in as interim fire chief while the county conducts a search for Shuman’s permanent successor.

“Chief Shuman’s service to Barrow County and to the broader fire service community is nothing short of extraordinary,” Barrow County Manager Srikanth Yamala said. “His dedication, innovation, and compassion have touched countless lives and shaped the future of our department. We congratulate him on a distinguished career and wish him every happiness in retirement.”

Shuman began his fire service career in November 1975 with the city of Hapeville Fire Department, where he became a first-class firefighter and CPR instructor. A year later, he joined the City of Riverdale, where he steadily advanced to become Fire Chief in 1992. There, he focused on firefighter training, code enforcement, EMS development, and played a pivotal role in establishing Georgia’s statewide mutual aid group, serving as its first president.

In 2000, Shuman was appointed Georgia’s Chief State Fire Marshal. During his 11-year tenure, he served on the National Association of State Fire Marshals Board of Directors, later becoming its president in 2009–2010. His federal service included appointments by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Safety Committee. Under his leadership, Georgia saw a marked decline in fire-related deaths, thanks in part to enhanced public education efforts.

Following his time as state fire marshal, Shuman worked in fire safety consulting before joining Barrow County in 2012 as Fire Safety Officer. He was later named Fire Chief, where he led several initiatives to improve departmental performance and transparency.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Barrow County for the past 13 years. I am confident that the men and women who put on the uniform each and every day will continue providing the highest level of service now and into the future,” Shuman said

Among Shuman’s accomplishments during his tenure with Barrow County include:

  • Initiated school safety inspections
  • Developed a dedicated fire training center
  • Secured an EMS transport agreement with Northeast Georgia Health System
  • Coordinated with EMA during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Installed Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) in all emergency vehicles
  • Transitioned the department toward paperless operations
  • Improved the department’s ISO rating from 4 to 3
  • Launched a youth-focused Explorer program
  • Partnered with local technical colleges for Firefighter I and II certifications
  • Standardized and modernized the emergency fleet

Aquatic Center gyms to reopen Tuesday, May 27

By
Jerry Neace
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Broken bleachers were removed Thursday in preparation for new bleachers to be installed in the blue gym at the aquatic center. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

The gyms in the aquatic center are scheduled to reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 27, after being closed last week for new bleacher installation.

The blue and gray gyms at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center were closed on Wednesday, May 21, to make way for a long-anticipated upgrade: the installation of brand-new, modern bleacher systems designed to enhance both functionality and accessibility.

The contractor was in process of disassembling the blue gym bleacher system on Thursday afternoon. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

According to Todd Mayfield, Athletic Manager for Habersham County Parks and Recreation, the project began on schedule, with contractors immediately removing the outdated and often nonfunctioning bleachers that had been in place since the center opened in 2001.

“Many of the seats were cracked, there were no cutouts for wheelchairs, and some of the motors didn’t even work,” said Terry Lannon, interim Director of Parks and Recreation. The nonfunctional motors had prevented the bleachers from folding properly, significantly limiting gym space and reducing usage to just two half-court practices at a time.

The new bleacher systems will include ADA-compliant wheelchair cutouts and motorized folding mechanisms, which will allow staff to maximize floor space for practices, games, and other events with far greater efficiency.

The gray gym is absent of bleachers in preparation for new bleachers to be installed. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

As of Thursday afternoon, May 22, all bleachers had been removed from the gray gym, and work was actively underway in the blue gym. Contractors anticipated to complete the installation by Saturday, May 24, with both gyms expected to reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 27, following the Memorial Day holiday.

The total cost of the project was $141,462, funded under a state contract, according to interim Finance Manager Kiani Holden.

Despite the gym closures, the aquatic center remained open throughout the week for swim programming and other activities unaffected by the construction.

GDOT awards $7.1M contract for Chestatee River bridge replacement in Lumpkin County

By
Joy Purcell
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The Chestatee River bridge on Hwy. 52 east of Dahlonega is being replaced. The $7.1 million project is expected to be completed by November 2026. (Photo: Google Maps)

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has awarded a $7.1 million contract to build a replacement bridge over the Chestatee River in Lumpkin County. The project on State Route 52 will extend nearly half a mile along a rural stretch of road 5 miles west of Dahlonega.

According to GDOT, the bridge will span 300 feet and be raised approximately 5 feet over the current bridge’s height to accommodate the 100-year flood line.

The orange shaded area on this map shows where the replacement bridge is being built on Highway 52, about 5 miles east of Dahlonega. (Source: GDOT)

GDOT records show that preliminary engineering on the project began in 2016. The transportation department awarded the construction contract to APAC—Atlantic, Inc. of Savannah, the low bidder.

Construction is expected to be completed by November 2026.

The Lumpkin County bridge is one of 16 transportation contracts GDOT awarded in April, totaling approximately $68.2 million.

Indians’ magical season ends in Final Four

By
TFS Athletics
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The Tallulah Falls boys soccer team finished the season with a 19-2 record.

The magical run for #1-ranked TFS ended at home on Saturday in a 3-1 loss to St. Anne Pacelli.

Tallulah Falls got its lone goal on a header from Kale Borchers, assisted by Clay Kafsky.

The Indians finish the year 19-2.

486 seniors graduate from Habersham Central and the Success Academy

By
Jerry Neace and Daniel Purcell
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486 students graduated from Habersham Central High School and the Habersham Success Academy in Mt. Airy, Georgia, on Friday, May 23, 2025. (Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

They walked into Raider Stadium as seniors and left as high school graduates. Friday night, 469 students from Habersham Central High School and 17 from the Habersham Success Academy celebrated thirteen years of academic achievement.

The stadium was filled to capacity as the seniors received their diplomas under a clear sky and the proud, watchful eyes of their family and friends. The Class of 2025 graduation ceremony marked a milestone evening for the students, faculty, and community, capturing the spirit of achievement, inspiration, and new beginnings.

The event opened with a show of patriotism and tradition as the Habersham Central Air Force JROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Eagle Scouts Jaron Horton and Callum Osborne led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a powerful saxophone rendition of the National Anthem by graduate Joshua Burris.

A highlight of the evening came from Dr. Brian James, the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, who returned to his alma mater to deliver the keynote address. A 1990 graduate of Habersham Central and the current pastor of Level Grove Baptist Church, James captivated the audience with a message built around four symbolic animals: the ant, the rock badger, the locust, and the lizard.

Each creature, he said, embodies a key to success:

  • The ant symbolizes discipline. “The ant prepares in the summer for the winter. It has ambition, but also discipline,” James said, urging graduates to think long-term and act with purpose.
  • The rock badger builds its home high among the cliffs. “It builds on something stronger than itself. If you want to find success, build your life on something greater than yourself—or greater than the opinion of your buddy,” he advised.
  • The locust, though unimpressive alone, finds power in community. James encouraged students to “find a community that pulls you forward,” especially as many prepare to move away for college, work, or other paths.
  • The lizard, he explained, represents audacity. Telling a story of a lizard approaching King Solomon despite royal guards, James said, “If you want to see success, you’ve got to have a little audacity.”

He concluded with a memorable charge to the graduates: “As you leave here, go with the discipline of the ant, the humility of the rock badger, the community of the locust, and the audacity of the lizard.”

 

The evening’s tone was one of celebration and reflection, honoring not just academic achievement but the values and lessons that will guide these graduates into the next chapter of their lives.

As the sun set over Raider Stadium, caps were thrown, tears were shed, and the Class of 2025 stepped forward—ready to make their mark.

Now Habersham’s Daniel Purcell captured the ceremony at Raider Stadium by air and on the field.

The graduation in Habersham was among many held across Northeast Georgia Friday night, May 23. Ceremonies were also held in White County and Stephens, Banks County, Elbert County, Franklin, Hall County (North Hall High and Chestatee High School), Hart, Oconee, Rabun, Towns, and Union counties, among others.

Flowery Branch and East Hall High students graduate on Saturday, May 24.

259 students graduate from White County High School

By
Chaz Mullis
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White County students graduate Friday, May 23, (Chaz Mullis/NowHabersham.com)

Just outside of Cleveland, U.S. 129 was packed as families gathered at White County High School’s football stadium to celebrate the school’s graduating class of 2025 on Friday night, May 23.

Among the 259 students who received a diploma, 67 graduated cum laude and 28 graduated summa cum laude.

Graduate Emily Rhoads lead the ceremony with an invocation.

She cited the biblical story of Joshua, who was chosen to lead the Israelites into the promised land. “I think a lot of us here tonight can relate to Joshua,” Rhoads said. “No matter what your plans are, leaving a comfortable place and stepping into the unknown comes with uncertainty and questions.”

(Chaz Mullis/NowHabersham.com)

Summa cum laude graduate Lillian Gann then gave a welcome address, expressing gratitude to both students and faculty who made her high school journey memorable. “Welcome to the day our future starts unfolding; the end, but also the beginning,” she proclaimed. The salutatory and valedictory addresses, given by Lauren Black and Aubrey Bolton respectively, were used to reflect on the memories made during high school and how to advance.

Black stressed the importance of shedding the judgement of others and believing in oneself, while Bolton applauded her classmates for their resilience during the school year.

“We’ve navigated countless exams, extracurricular activities and maybe even a few questionable fashion choices,” Bolton said. “But through it all, we’ve grown, learned and forged bonds that will last a lifetime.”

Chaz Mullis/NowHabersham.com)

WCHS principal Mary Anne Collier took time to congratulate the seniors before confirming the graduation. “As you walk off this field for the final time as students, always carry with you the spirit of a warrior. You have what it takes to make a difference,” she said. After each graduate received their diploma, Collier announced, “Class, you are dismissed.”
Hundreds of caps flew into the air, adjourning the ceremony. No major traffic incidents were reported around WCHS before or after the graduation ceremony.

A night to remember: Stephens County High School’s graduation 2025

By
Nora Almazan
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(Nora Almazan/NowHabersham.com)

Under a clear sky and a gentle, cool breeze, Stephens County High School celebrated its graduating Class of 2025 with a heartfelt and memorable commencement ceremony on Friday night, May 23rd.

The evening opened with a stirring performance of the National Anthem by senior Audrey Grace Johnson, whose voice set a tone of pride and unity for the occasion. The stadium was filled with proud families, cheering friends, and smiling graduates ready to step into their next chapter.

Jessica Simmons, who delivered the official welcome, encouraged the students to walk forward with confidence, knowing that their education had prepared them well for the journey ahead. “Go forth tonight with security in your abilities and the knowledge you carry with you,” she urged the graduates.

Salutatorian Maddison Brooke McGee reflected on the uncertainty of the future, reminding her classmates that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. “The real rewards in life,” she said, “are found in the journey itself, not just the destination.” Her message resonated with many, drawing nods and applause from the audience.

Valedictorian Fayeth Kaylyn Ivester followed with a poignant speech that emphasized the power of the small moments. “Making a difference in life doesn’t begin with a headline,” she said. “It begins with a moment-a conversation, a decision, a kind act.” Her deep appreciation for life’s everyday moments brought inspiration and emotion to the ceremony.

Dr. Connie Franklin, principal of Stephens County High School, proudly presented diplomas to each member of the graduating class, pausing to offer congratulations and smiles as the students crossed in front of the stage.

As the sun set behind the stadium, caps were tossed high in the air in celebration. A dazzling fireworks display lit up the sky, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the Class of 2025.

It was a night filled with pride, joy, and hope—a beautiful send-off for a class that will not soon be forgotten.

Nighthawks fall short in national championship

By
UNG Athletic Communications
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(David Trotter/UNG)

The No. 11 University of North Georgia softball team saw its season come to an end on Saturday afternoon as the Nighthawks fell 3-0 to No. 9 Western Washington in the 2025 NCAA Division II Softball Championship at Frost Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The loss ends a historic season for the Nighthawks, who posted a 48-16 record and won their 11th consecutive Peach Belt Conference Regular-season Championship.

While the end of the season was not the result the Nighthawks wanted, the team made significant history under first-year head coach Brooke O’Hair. The team won its fourth regional title in the last five years with a win over Francis Marion (FMU) in the 2025 Southeast Super Regional, marking the first time in O’Hair’s 19-year career that she has made a trip to the National Championship site. The team also won the PBC by five games after being picked to finish second.

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