Georgia

‘Stop Cop City’ Organizers In Georgia Continue To Face Harsh Charges After New Arrests

Published

1 year ago

June 1, 2023

‘Stop Cop City’ Organizers In Georgia Continue To Face Harsh Charges After New Arrests

Georgia officials arrested another set of people Wednesday who have ties to the diverse movement against “Cop City,” adding to its roster of dozens of people facing harsh charges for fighting the giant training facility being built in Atlanta.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Atlanta Police Department arrested three members of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, an organization that helps bail out arrested activists, the GBI said in a statement on Twitter. Marlon Scott Kautz, Savannah D. Patterson and Adele Maclean were charged with money laundering and charity fraud.

The arrests of the three board members are unprecedented, The Intercept reported, citing Lauren Regan, executive director of the Civil Liberties Defense Center. The Intercept also called out the “extreme law enforcement persecution” of activists opposed to the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center — or Cop City, as it’s been nicknamed by critics — and pointed to a SWAT team raiding a house to take the board members into custody.

“When three community organizers who help to run a bail fund are arrested with an entire SWAT team on clearly bogus financial charges, it signals that not only is it illegal to protest, it’s also illegal to try and support people who have been criminalized for protesting,” Hannah Riley, a writer and organizer, told HuffPost.

“If bail funds aren’t safe, what’s next?” she added.

The site is expected to take up at least 85 acres in a historically and environmentally significant forest owned by the city of Atlanta.

The movement to keep the facility from being finished has been persistent and has a national reach. People who disapprove of the facility span age groups and identities and are attracted to the movement through different causes — such as environmentalism or abolition.

As the movement has persisted with numerous protests and events, dozens of people have been arrested by Georgia law enforcement. One protester, Manuel Esteban “Tortuguita” Paez Terán, died after being shot by Georgia troopers nearly 60 times. (Tortuguita’s death marks the first time an environmental activist has been killed by police.)

More than 40 people are facing domestic terrorism charges. And three others who face felonies ― accused of placing flyers on mailboxes naming an officer who shot Paez Terán ― had been placed in solitary confinement.

“Most protest crimes are misdemeanors or ordinance violations, like a traffic ticket,” attorney Lyra Foster previously told HuffPost. “We’ve seen many of those cases since the George Floyd protests” over the May 2020 police killing in Minneapolis. “People need to understand the actions of protesters haven’t changed; the crimes they’re charged with have. This isn’t an escalation in protest, it’s a crackdown on those same First Amendment protected protests as before.”

Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in Georgia, both Democrats, have encouraged activists to not resort to violent protests and to lean on reaching out to city officials instead, according to Axios. But nonviolent opponents of the site have still been arrested and charged, and city officials have reportedly largely ignored hours of public comment.

“As we have said before, we will not rest until we have held accountable every person who has funded, organized, or participated in this violence and intimidation,” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr tweeted Wednesday.

Micah Herskind, also an organizer against the training site, previously told HuffPost that “the literal murder of a forest defender and these incredibly severe political prosecutions” are galvanizing.

“I do think that it makes people more determined to fight than ever and to stop Cop City in Tortuguita’s name and to free all of the political prisoners,” Herskind added.

The Georgia Attorney General’s Office and the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, which are prosecuting the arrestees, did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment. The Atlanta Solidarity Fund also did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request to provide comment for this article.

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Georgia

Georgia News and Notes for Tuesday

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

Georgia News and Notes for Tuesday

Running backs Branson and Roderick Robinson continue to make progress ahead of Friday night’s game with Georgia Tech, head coach Kirby Smart said after practice on Tuesday.

Branson Robinson (meniscus) has not played since Georgia’s win over Mississippi State, while Roderick Robinson has not played at all after undergoing preseason surgery to repair a turf toe injury.

“Rod [Robinson II] has done practice, contact. Has done taking reps. He’s looked good out there. Branson [Robinson] has too. Branson is taking some. I didn’t get to see the last part of practice to know how much Branson and Rod did early in practice,” Smart said. “They did take some reps in with the twos and rolled through there, just seeing where they are confidence level and where they are mentally, you know. They’ve been kind of out of contact for a while, but both of them did practice and did some good things.”

Meanwhile, Trevor Etienne – who has missed the past two games with a rib injury – remains unable to go, although he can get some running in.

“Trevor has been able to run. He’s running well. He hit 20-21 miles an hour yesterday, which is really good for him,” Smart said. “He looks good, but he hasn’t gotten to do anything with us.”

… Regarding defensive lineman Christen Miller (shoulder) and wide receiver Dillon Bell (ankle) Smart had this to say: “Christen Miller has not practiced much. He’s been banged up,” Smart said. “He’s recovering, running, doing some treatment stuff. Dillon Bell, he’s done a little bit. He’s done some walkthroughs with us and taking some reps. We’re just trying to get those guys healthy and ready.”

…Smart said he’s still unsure of the status of offensive lineman Earnest Greene III, who has missed the past two games. “He’s done more this week. He’s actually worked at right and left (tackle), Smart said. “I’m very pleased with the play at our left tackle. Outside of a probably two-quarter performance there at Ole Miss) where we had to throw the ball a lot. I think we played well at that position.”

Should Greene not be able to go, Monroe Freeling will start his third straight game at left tackle.

Tray Scott up for Broyles Award

Defensive line coach Tray Scott was tabbed Georgia’s nominee for the Frank Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.

“Yeah, he’s a rock. He’s a pillar at this place and he’s one of the guys that’s been here the longest, which I have a lot of respect for because we don’t do it easy around here. You know, we work a tough schedule, work a hard schedule, I’m very demanding of our coaches and I have high expectations and he meets those,” Smart said. “He is tremendous with his group. He’s tremendous with other groups. He inspires people with his story, but you know, he cares about these kids. He’s a tremendous father and husband. He’s really what college coaching is all about.”

Two more Bulldogs up for national awards

Two more Bulldogs are finalists for a pair of national awards, it was announced Tuesday.

The list includes:

…Malaki Starks: Starks is one of three finalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award given to the nation’s top defensive back, according to an announcement from the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Association Tuesday.

Starks, a native of Jefferson joins Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as the three finalists. While former Bulldog All-American Deandre Baker won the 2018 Thorpe Award, Starks was also a finalist in 2023.

He is tied for the team lead with 55 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and has an interception. Lining up at the Star position as well this season, he has started 39 consecutive games and has helped hold four opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter in 2024, including No. 1 Texas in Austin. In addition, Starks has had to fill in at punt returner and has four returns for 39 yards (9.8 avg.).

…Brett Thorson: Thorson is one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award given to the country’s best punter, according to an announcement from the Augusta Sports Council Tuesday.

A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson joins Florida State’s Alex Mastromanno and USC’s Eddie Czaplicki as the three finalists. Jake Camarda was the last Bulldog finalist in 2020. Former Georgia All-American Drew Butler won the 2009 honor.

He stands fifth nationally with a 46.3 average and has forced 12 fair catches and dropped 19 within the 20-yard line. Bombing 13 at least 50 yards this season, Thorson has a season-long of 58 and has helped put the Bulldogs fifth nationally in Net Punting at 43.5. Opponents have had six returns for 18 yards, which also stands fifth nationally.

…Monday, linebacker Jalon Walker was named one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, which goes annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

…Long-snapper Beau Gardner is one of three finalists for the Patrick Mannelly Award given to the top snapper in the FBS, according to a recent announcement.

Gardner, a UCLA graduate transfer from San Francisco, Calif., joins Florida’s Rocco Underwood and Michigan’s William Wagner in the final group. Gardner is now the Bulldogs’ first semifinalist and finalist for the accolade in the award’s six-year existence.

More from Kirby Smart

… With Signing Day and the new Transfer Portal window getting set to hit, roster sizes shrinking to 105, the next 30 days are going to be crazy for college football coaches. That includes Smart, who said he has no idea how everything will unfold. “I can’t answer that question. I wish I could, we haven’t been told anything on the walk-ons in terms of if you guys don’t know,” Smart said. “I ask daily, and a lot of it is conference to conference. A lot of it is the legal case in California, how it resolves itself, and the timing of that. So, I don’t really know, I mean, it’s going to be a strange 30 days.”

… Smart said wide receiver London Humphreys is capable of getting more snaps than he is now. “He’s in good shape. He plays hard. He’s smart,” Smart said. “He plays multiple positions. He does a really good job.”

… Smart thinks Friday night’s game will resemble a heavyweight fight. “We have to have a seeking contact attitude and enjoyment of a street fight. Not everybody loves that,” he said. “So, it’s one of those things that you find out a lot about yourself when you get to play a really physical football team like these guys.”

… With the game on Friday, Smart said the team will have a Thanksgiving meal together on Thursday.

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Georgia

Georgia Power cautions customers on common utility scams

Published

11 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

Georgia Power cautions customers on common utility scams

In observance of National Utility Scam Awareness Day, Georgia Power is warning customers about the increasing prevalence of digital and mobile scams, including fraudulent payment requests through platforms like Cash App and fake digital ads, and urging them to report suspicious activity at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam.

In light of the recent National Utility Scam Awareness Day, Georgia Power is highlighting scams that are targeting customers around the state. With evolving technology, scam attempts have become more digital and mobile-based though traditional telephone scams are still prevalent as well.

Customers are encouraged to report scams at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam.

Tech SCAM – Georgia Power Payment Through Cash App

The company continues to hear of scammers requesting funds from customers via mobile and online means like Cash App, asking customers to pay an account that “looks like” Georgia Power, including illegal use of the company’s logo. Georgia Power does not accept payments via Cash App. Valid Georgia Power payment options include Venmo, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal – learn more here.

Tech SCAM – Fake Digital Ads

Georgia Power is receiving reports of digital ads on Google and other platforms that direct customers to non-company websites to pay their bills, which then request personal or financial information. Customers should always ensure that the webpage is the official Georgia Power website, with correct spelling: www.GeorgiaPower.com. Don’t be fooled by ads that lead to fake websites.

Georgia Power works every day to combat new and existing scams and continues to partner with law enforcement and other agencies in supporting their efforts to identify and prosecute criminals who pose as Georgia Power employees to defraud customers. The company reminds customers of the following additional tips and guidelines to avoid becoming a victim of a scammer:

Georgia Power: 

Does not call to ask a customer to provide a credit card or pre-paid debit card number over the phone.

Does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment option. Scammers often demand Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, or demand use of money transfer apps for immediate payments.

Does not call customers to set up automatic payments, to “update” credit cards or other sensitive account information or to ask customers to “pay for a new meter.”

The company also does not send employees into the field to collect payment in person or to pay anywhere other than an Authorized Payment Location (APL).

Tips to #StopScams: 

If a customer receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Georgia Power and demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection, the customer should hang up and log-on to their account at www.GeorgiaPower.com to confirm the status of their account.

As scammers have tried to promote the use of fraudulent 800 numbers, customers should direct-dial the company’s customer service line using the number on their bill (888-660-5890), which can be verified at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ContactUs. Do not trust “Caller ID” identifications.

Delete all emails that demand immediate payment or personal information or that are from a company that is not Georgia Power.

If an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer via a pre-recorded message to the primary account telephone number or by letter requesting that the customer call the number on their bill to discuss the account. Georgia Power’s pre-recorded message will not ask customers to remain on the line or press a number to speak to a representative immediately.

In the rare event that an employee needs to visit a customer’s home or business for a service-related issue, they will be in uniform and present a badge with a photo, their name and the company’s name and logo. They will also be in a vehicle marked with the company’s logo.

To learn more about how you can defend yourself against scammers and avoid falling victim to common mistakes, additional information is available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Scams.

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Georgia

When do College Football Playoff rankings come out? Date, time for Georgia football

Published

18 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

When do College Football Playoff rankings come out? Date, time for Georgia football

The new College Football Playoff rankings will be unveiled Tuesday night.

As far as the SEC is concerned, there are some questions.

How high will Georgia football move up after two other conference teams were upset Saturday?

And how far will three-loss Alabama and Ole Miss slide? They should go from in the 12-team CFP bracket to presumably on the outside of it.

Texas, Georgia and Tennessee may be the only SEC teams in the playoff field heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Texas and Texas A&M play Saturday for a spot in the SEC championship game against Georgia in what could be a playoff elimination game.

Can three-loss South Carolina play itself into the field by beating Clemson Saturday?

Georgia will play for the SEC’s automatic playoff spot in the SEC championship game Dec. 7 but a win against rival Georgia Tech Friday night is needed to get in the playoff if it should lose in the league title game.

College Football Playoff rankings release date

The fourth College Football Playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday Nov. 26 on ESPN’s reveal show. It is the fourth of five rankings that will be released each Tuesday before the final rankings come out.

What time is CFP rankings?

The rankings will be revealed on a show that starts at 8 p.m. Each weekly ranking will come out on Tuesday nights, but the time of the show varies depending on the day.

Georgia football CFP rankings projection

Georgia will be the second ranked SEC team after Texas. The Bulldogs will climb from No. 10 to No. 7 and in position to host a first-round game in the 12-team bracket.

How to watch College Football Playoff rankings show

The 12-team field will be released on a top 25 rankings show that will air on ESPN. It can also be streamed on ESPN+.

How many teams in College Football Playoff 2024?

The field has been expanded from four teams to 12. That just so happens to come after a controversial 2023 when unbeaten Florida State was left out of the field and 12-1 Georgia was also outside the top 4.

How does College Football Playoff format work?

The 12-team field includes five conference champions ranked highest by the committee and seven at-large selections. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be the top four seeds and receive a bye into the quarterfinals. The fifth highest-ranked conference champion will be seeded where it was ranked or No. 12 if not in the top 12.

Teams ranked in the top 4 that don’t win their conference will be seeded starting at No. 5. Teams seeded 5 through 12 will play in the first round Dec. 20 or 21 with higher seeds hosting on campus. Playoff quarterfinals and semifinals will at bowl sites and the championship game is in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

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