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Democrats object to Trump’s expected pardons of Jan. 6 defendants

Protesters derailed the typically routine process of Congress certifying the presidential election results on Wednesday, with both chambers abruptly recessing after President Donald Trump’s supporters clashed with police and forced their way into the U.S. Capitol.(screen image courtesy CBS News)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin on Thursday urged Americans to demand President-elect Donald Trump justify each Jan. 6 defendant pardon if he issues them on his “first day” in office, as promised.

The Maryland congressman, who sat on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, said it would be an “extraordinary event in the history of the republic to have a president pardon more than 1,000 criminal convicts who were in jail for having engaged in a violent insurrection incited by that very president.”

“And if it is actually going to happen, people should demand a very specific accounting of how there is contrition and repentance on part of each of the people being pardoned,” said Raskin, who will be the top Democrat this Congress on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Raskin spoke alongside other panelists for a virtual event hosted by the State Democracy Defenders Action, a nonpartisan advocacy group that describes its mission as fighting against “election sabotage and autocracy.”

Trump promised on the campaign trail to pardon those who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in a violent effort to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory. Trump has repeatedly characterized the rioters as “patriots,” “warriors” and “hostages.”

The president-elect, who will be sworn into office on Jan. 20, said during a December interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that he will act “very quickly” to pardon the defendants on day one — though he indicated he might make exceptions “if somebody was radical, crazy.”

More than 140 police officers were assaulted during the attack, and the rioters caused roughly $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged approximately 1,572 people in connection with the attack, including charging 171 defendants for using a deadly or dangerous weapon to inflict serious bodily harm on a law enforcement officer.

Raskin highlighted the case of a 56-year-old New York man who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for assaulting an officer during the riot. Thomas Webster, a former Marine and police officer, tackled and choked a Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer while other rioters kicked him.

“That’s just one example,” Raskin said. “The press has gotten to know several police officers who’ve been outspoken about the outrageous, medieval-style violence that was trained on them.”

According to the latest Justice Department figures, approximately 996 defendants have pleaded guilty — 321 to felony charges and 675 to misdemeanors.

About 215 defendants have been found guilty at contested trials in federal court, including 10 who were convicted of seditious conspiracy.

Women’s basketball drops final non-conference game at Emory

(Mooreshots LLC)

ATLANTA, Ga. – In the first contest of 2025, the Piedmont women’s basketball team dropped a 100-57 game at Emory Thursday. The contest marked the final non-conference game of the 2024-25 season for the Lions.

Alexandria Willis posted 17 points in the loss, tied for the most among all players, but accounted for 17 of the 25 points scored by the starting lineup.

Piedmont’s bench scored 32 points as Nae-Nae Eades scored 12 while newcomer Ava Hunter added 11 points. Andelin Hill snagged nine rebounds to lead the Lions.

Emory was dominant throughout the contest leading 50-27 at the half. The Eagles made 12 3-pointers while the Lions did not make a 3-pointer in the contest.

Up next, the Lions will return home for conference play on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Asbury.

TURNING POINT:
–Piedmont was outscored 21-12 in the opening quarter, setting the tone for the game.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
Alexandria Willis scored 17 points to lead the Lions as she was 8-of-10 from the floor while adding a pair of blocks.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
–Piedmont had more points off the bench than from the starting lineup.

Accused terrorist has Georgia connections

Authorities say Shamsud-Din Jabbar was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that plowed through a crowd on Bourbon Street early Jan. 1, 2025, killing 15 people and injuring 35 more. Jabbar was killed after opening gunfire on police, wounding two officers. (FBI)

The U.S. Army veteran who drove a truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans, killing 14 people, had Georgia addresses and attended college in the state.

Georgia State University officials say Shamsud-Din Jabbar received a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Georgia State University in 2017. He told the newspaper in 2015 that he struggled to adjust to life after the military.

Multiple news outlets are reporting Jabbar had addresses in metro Atlanta’s Cobb and DeKalb counties, but it was unclear when or if he lived at them. The FBI now says the 42-year-old acted alone in the attack in which police killed him.

Turf replacement at Raider Stadium wraps up

(Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

Habersham County’s School System has replaced the turf along the 90,175 square-foot field at Raider stadium for the first time in almost a decade. The replacement was completed on Dec. 20.

Habersham County’s Board of Education approved replacement of the field at a regular meeting Monday, Oct. 21.

The artificial turf, made of matrix-helix material, replaced a natural grass field in 2016 and had since deteriorated. The cost of replacement was around $621,400. A capital projects account covered the cost.

“(The turf) has reached its life expectancy,” Facilities and Maintenance Director Denise Gunn said in October. “It’s far past it…the fibers are becoming to where we’re losing a lot of them and we’ve got a lot of wear spots.”

With the field’s condition declining before expiration of a 10-year warranty, replacement came at a discount of $40,000.

School officials said the shock absorbent material of the turf makes for safer play on the gridiron for Habersham County football teams and other sports.

 Habersham County Board of Education Chairman Doug Westmoreland noted use of the field at Raider stadium goes beyond just the sport of football.

“That field is used by more than just the football team,” Westmoreland said. “It gets used by our entire community…the boys and girls soccer team uses it. Graduation uses it. Special olympics uses it. It’s not just football. It’s always good to be informed and know the right and correct information when you’re talking about something.”

Work on the field was conducted by Texas-based Hellas Construction. School officials said the project also could bring opportunity for a Raider logo change, though no decision has been made on what that could look like.

Stephens County investigates New Year’s Day assault

(Stephens County Sheriff's Office)

Stephens County authorities are investigating an assault that is said to have taken place on New Year’s Day.

On January 1, deputies responded to a single-car accident on Sunset Drive in the Defoor Road area around 2:45 a.m. Upon arriving, police discovered the vehicle abandoned and covered in blood.

A thorough search led to the discovery of a female victim in the woods near Sunset Drive and Davis Road. She had sustained a head injury and multiple other wounds, according to police, and was initially transported to Stephens County Hospital. The victim was later life-flighted to a more specialized medical facility due to the severity of her injuries, according to authorities.

Further investigation revealed that the victim had been involved in a physical altercation with two individuals before the car accident.

The suspects were identified as Veronica Perry, 43, and Mucha Wiley, 47, both of Toccoa. Perry was arrested on charges of aggravated battery, while Wiley faces aggravated battery FVA (Family Violence Act) charges.

The case remains under investigation, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (706) 886-7048.

New Orleans attack prompts tighter security in D.C. ahead of inauguration, Carter funeral

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., is pictured amid fog on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — Law enforcement agencies in the nation’s capital were closely monitoring security Thursday following a terrorist attack in New Orleans and a vehicle explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

The violent incidents took place just ahead of several high-profile events in Washington, D.C., including the swearing-in of the new Congress on Friday, the certification of the Electoral College vote on Monday, former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral next week, and the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20.

Matthew Young, assistant special agent in charge at the U.S. Secret Service, said in a statement the agency would “adjust our security plans as needed.”

“While we cannot comment on protective means or methods, what we can say is that we will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in assessing the ever-changing threat landscape and will adjust our security plans as needed,” Young said. “Our mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for our protectees and all individuals involved in these events.”

The Secret Service has already designated Congress’ certification of the Electoral College, Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, and the inauguration as National Special Security Events, which puts the agency in charge of planning and security logistics.

Those special security events are somewhat common for major political events, like the Republican and Democratic national conventions this summer and for presidential inaugurations.

This is, however, the first year the certification of the Electoral College on Monday will hold that designation after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol during the last certification.

‘An abundance of caution’

The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., posted on social media that while “there is no known threat to the District of Columbia, out of an abundance of caution, MPD has heightened its security posture across the city in light of recent events.”

“Whenever an incident occurs in the country, MPD closely monitors the situation, evaluates intelligence, and assesses our security posture,” MPD wrote in the statement. “As the nation’s capital, we maintain a heightened level of security at all times to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

The U.S. Capitol Police did not respond to a request for comment but closed off several streets near the building on Thursday after someone drove on a sidewalk a few blocks away.

“Before 10 a.m., our officers spotted a car that had been driving along the sidewalk, near Peace Circle, and into the grassy area near Third Street, NW, & Constitution Avenue,” USCP wrote on social media. “Officers took the man into custody. Please continue to avoid the area while we investigate the car.”

The person was later charged with reckless driving after the USCP bomb squad determined there was no explosive device inside the car.

At least 15 people died and 35 were injured in New Orleans early Wednesday after a man drove a truck onto Bourbon Street in what law enforcement has declared a terrorist attack.

Local and federal law enforcement agencies are also investigating the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is a close Trump associate.

Officials say they have not found any link between the two attacks, though they are investigating further.

Stephens County sheriff takes office

Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright takes office (Stephens County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

After an extensive career in law enforcement, Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley’s last day on the job was Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Of his 50-year law enforcement career, Shirley has served as sheriff for the past 16 years.

After more than a decade of service, Shirley will be replaced by Rusty Fulbright – who took office on Jan. 1. Fulbright has a total of 29 years of experience in law enforcement. As stated, his objective is to maintain a “safer, stronger Stephens County.”

Now Habersham has interviewed Shirley and scheduled another interview with Fulbright on Friday, Jan. 3.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

UGA student among those injured in New Orleans attack

A coroner's van leaves the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon streets, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

A UGA student is among those injured in yesterday’s terrorist attack in New Orleans, the site of this year’s Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame. The AJC reports Elle Eisele, who attends UGA, and her friend Steel Idelson were among more than 30 people injured.

Both Eisele and Idelson graduated from the Canterbury School in Fort Myers Florida which the AJC cites at the source. The school, which appears to be speaking for the womens’ families, released a statement expressing the families thanks for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers and offers of support.

Earlier Wednesday, UGA President Jere Morehead noted on the university’s X account that a UGA student was injured and that he had spoken to the student’s family.

The man who drove a truck into a New Year’s Day crowd in New Orleans also has ties to the State of Georgia. Shamsud-Din Jabbar is a U.S. citizen from Texas and once a member of the U.S. Army who deployed in Afghanistan. Jabbar earned a BBA degree in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University in 2017. Records show he once lived in Cobb and DeKalb counties.

This article appears on Now Habersham in partnership with WUGA News

‘NOW We’re Talking’: A new chapter for Now Habersham

Over the past year, Now Network News has been at the forefront of delivering reliable, timely news through our flagship platform, NowHabersham.com. From breaking stories to in-depth features, we keep our community informed and connected. As we reflect on the triumphs and challenges of the past year, we’re excited to announce a bold new venture that expands how we engage with our audience: the launch of our podcast, NOW We’re Talking.

Housed in our newly built podcast studio at the heart of downtown Clarkesville, NOW We’re Talking brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to local news and storytelling. The podcast offers a platform for in-depth discussions, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights on the issues that matter most to our community. Whether it’s talking with local leaders, exploring the stories behind the headlines, or celebrating the unique spirit of Northeast Georgia, this podcast is designed to spark meaningful conversations.

Our state-of-the-art podcast studio also enables us to livestream from our downtown Clarkesville office, offering real-time coverage and interactive experiences like never before.

As we look ahead, NOW We’re Talking symbolizes more than just a new platform—it’s a reflection of our mission to foster dialogue and deepen connections within our community.

We’re grateful for your continued support and invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Tune in to NOW We’re Talking on Spotify, YouTube, and NowHabersham.com, where the stories of Northeast Georgia come alive. Together, let’s celebrate our past and shape the future—one conversation at a time.

Wild Hog socializing, legislative policy briefings set stage for Georgia’s 2025 Gold Dome debates

FILE PHOTO – On Jan. 12, Gov. Brian Kemp. state lawmakers and lobbyists are set to return to Atlanta for the Wild Hog Supper, which serves as the largest fundraiser for Feeding Georgia and as a kick off for the legislative session. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)

(Georgia Recorder) — Several new legislators will begin their first legislative session on  Jan. 13 as they join returning legislators and leadership for another year of lawmaking inside the Gold Dome.

A number of organizations will set the stage for likely bills to watch during the 40-day legislative session that wraps up in early spring. Each winter, a variety of Georgia nonprofits and business interests host breakfasts, suppers and other events to explore some of the issues awaiting lawmakers and to make the case for their legislative priorities.

An event hosted by Voices for Georgia’s Children will set the stage for the series of legislative preview events taking place throughout January. On Jan. 8, Voices for Georgia’s Children hosts Beyond the Hardware: Keeping Kids Safe at School and Beyond event that will feature a light brunch followed by panel discussions with state leaders and stakeholders.

On Jan. 12, the eve of the 2025 session, Feeding Georgia will host its annual big fundraiser, the Wild Hog Supper, where lawmakers and lobbyists will be among 1,200 attendees who will dine on barbecue and a smorgasbord of comfort food sides inside the Georgia Freight Depot a short walk from the state Capitol.

Other events over the next few weeks, through a mix of in-person and virtual options, will provide a glimpse into state politics and policies teed up for debate under the Gold Dome, including potential legislation affecting areas such as business, education, and health care.

The first week of the 2025 session also features a pair of legislative preview breakfasts starting on Jan. 14 with the nonprofit Georgians for a Healthy Future and Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues that attracts a who’s who of Georgia politics and business.

Calendar:

Jan. 8: Voices for Georgia’s Children will host the Beyond the Hardware: Keeping Kids Safe at School and Beyond. The free event, hosted at the Georgia Freight Depot, will begin with brunch prior to hearing from experts about child advocacy issues.

Jan. 12: Feeding Georgia’s largest fundraiser returns with another celebration of farming with its long-running pig-picking event to benefit the Farm to Food Bank program. The Wild Hog Supper brings together state lawmakers and agriculture leaders to mingle on the eve of the legislative session.

Jan. 13: The Georgia Assembly returns for a new legislative session.

Jan 14: Georgians for a Healthy Future will host an event at The Freight Depot in downtown, its annual Health Care Unscrambled event, where a bi-partisan panel of state lawmakers and experts will explore health care policy and public health issues. The 2025 event’s keynote speaker is Hemi Tewarson, executive director of the National Academy for State Health Policy.

Jan. 14: The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues breakfast usually attracts about 2,500 business leaders, elected officials, lobbyists, and VIPs who network over coffee and Chick-fil-A biscuits and hear the legislative priorities of the governor and other state leaders.

Jan. 24: The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute is hosting Insights 2025: A Roadmap to Opportunitythat will offer a comprehensive dive into the state budget and provide ideas on the best ways for federal policies to improve the lives of Georgians.

NGCF celebrates record-breaking grantmaking in 2024

NGCF's 2024 Community Grant Recipients celebrate the record-breaking funding cycle at an event in December 2024. (NGCF photo)

The North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) celebrates a record year of grantmaking, awarding over $692,000 in grants to nonprofits serving the region in 2024. These grants, funded through the NGCF Community Fund, mark the largest community grant cycle in the foundation’s history.

The Community Grants Program is at the core of NGCF’s community grantmaking. This year, NGCF awarded $520,007 in community grants to support a range of nonprofit needs, from programmatic to general operating expenses. These substantial grants were made possible through partnerships with the W. Frank and Lillie Mae Green Fund at NGCF and other fundholders.

NGCF Team and Board Members present a Community Grant check to representatives of Sunshine Seniors, one of last year’s nonprofit recipients. (NGCF photo)

NGCF hosted a celebration in early December to honor this year’s Community Grant recipients.

Complementing the Community Grants Program, the NGCF Opportunity Grants Program awarded $127,500 to five recipients in November.

While announcing the record-breaking funding cycle, NGCF President and CEO Michelle Prater thanked every fundholder, board member, and nonprofit partner the foundation works with.

“Together, we are creating a legacy of positive change that will resonate for generations to come,” she said.

The NGCF Community Fund, an endowed fund supported by donations and investments, ensures long-term sustainability for these grant programs. For more information about the NGCF Community Fund and Grant Programs, visit ngcf.org/ngcf-grant-programs.

Last year’s box office hits and misses

Dune: Part Two. Wicked. The Substance. Madame Web. Borderlands. Red One.

What do these six movies have in common? They made my list for either the best or worst movies of 2024.

Yes, it’s that time of year again when I give 20 movies their just due. Ten of them made me grateful for my job, but the other ten stole precious time from my life that I will never get back.

Over the past year, I’ve seen 68 movies, and now I’m giving 20 of them one last mention before I move on.

Plus, like I do every year, I have included my pick for runners-up on both lists, meaning a movie that came close to occupying the top spot for best or worst.

Without further ado, here are my picks for the 10 best and worst movies of 2024!

Top 10 Best:

1. Late Night With the Devil
2. Flow
3 Inside Out 2
4. Strange Darling
5. The Substance
6. Anora
7. Dune: Part Two
8. Civil War
9. A Complete Unknown
10. Wicked
Runner-up: The Order

Top 10 Worst:

1. Lisa Frankenstein
2. Borderlands
3. The Crow
4. Madame Web
5. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1
6. Night Swim
7. Imaginary
8. Kraven the Hunter
9. Here
10. Red One
Runner-up: The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

And there you have it—the best of the best and the bottom of the barrel for 2024. My 10 best lists are or will soon be available for streaming and physical media. As for the 10 worst lists, I wouldn’t recommend them, even for late-night cable.

Films set for release this year

With 2024 now behind us and 2025 on the way, it’s time to look at what will be in store for us in theaters. Marvel and DC will return with more superhero offerings ranging from the next chapter of Captain America to another Superman reboot.

Disney will offer a smorgasbord of entertainment with its live-action remake of Snow White and anticipated animations such as Elio and Zootopia 2. Plus, James Cameron will revisit the world of Pandora for Avatar: Fire and Ash.

There will also be a smattering of original films, such as Mickey 17 and Sinners, both of which I’m eagerly awaiting.

Who knows? Some of these movies might make my lists next year.

I’ll be there front and center to help guide you through another year of cinematic journeys. Hopefully, I can help you save money with tips on what to see and which ones to skip.

For now, I wish all of you a very safe and happy New Year. I’ll see you at the movies!

Keep up with Justin’s latest movie reviews in the Features section of NowHabersham.com.