With one sentence, Fox News host Sean Hannity misinformed millions of viewers about voting rights in New York City.
During the Feb. 29 episode of his prime-time show “Hannity,” which averages 2.36 million viewers, the host falsely claimed that immigrants in the U.S. illegally are allowed to vote in New York City elections.
Hannity was interviewing former President Donald Trump at the U.S. southern border. During a discussion about migrants entering the country, Trump said migrants are being allowed into the U.S. because the Biden administration “maybe want(s) the votes,” and that Democrats are trying to “register people right now as we speak,” a claim we previously rated Pants on Fire!
Hannity responded, “In New York City, for example, local elections, illegal immigrants can vote.”
The show cut to a commercial break and let the inaccurate claim stand.
New York City passed 2021 legislation that would have allowed some immigrants to vote in municipal elections. But that law never took effect.
We contacted Fox News for comment and did not receive a reply.
(Internet Archive)
Trump’s speculation about registering immigrants in the country illegally to vote echoes the discredited and racist “great replacement” conspiracy theory that says Democrats support increased immigration as part of a plan to replace white people with nonwhite people. Trump and other Republicans have pushed the theory in recent months.
Noncitizens cannot vote in New York City municipal elections
In 2021, New York City lawmakers approved legislation that would have allowed about 800,000 noncitizen New York residents to vote in municipal elections, if they had lived in the city for 30 days and were legal permanent residents of the U.S. or had work authorization.
The legislation would have applied to local elections. Only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote in national elections.
The New York City law was immediately challenged in court and never took effect. Nonetheless, it has been central to false claims that immigrants in the country illegally can vote in New York.
In June 2022, before the law was scheduled to take effect, a New York judge struck it down, saying the measure violated the state constitution’s provision that “every citizen” is entitled to vote. That decision was appealed.
On Feb. 21, a New York appeals court agreed with the lower court’s decision: “We determine that this local law was enacted in violation of the New York State Constitution and Municipal Home Rule Law, and thus, must be declared null and void.”
It is unclear whether the ruling will be appealed again.
Some cities across the U.S. have passed legislation to allow noncitizens to vote in some municipal elections, but that practice is not widespread.
Our ruling
Hannity claimed in New York City “local elections, illegal immigrants can vote.”
New York City passed 2021 legislation that would have granted some noncitizens the right to vote in local elections. That law never went into effect and was declared unconstitutional by a state appeals court in February.
We rate this claim False.
PolitiFact Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.
RELATED:Do ‘illegal immigrants now have the right to vote in New York’? No, that’s False
By Colleen Slevin and Matthew Brown | Associated Press
DENVER — A Colorado paramedic was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for the death of Elijah McClain in a rare prosecution of medical responders that has left officials rethinking how they treat people in police custody.
The convictions of Peter Cichuniec and a fellow paramedic sent shock waves through the ranks of paramedics across the U.S. and thrust their profession into the acrimonious fight over social justice sparked by the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
Cichuniec and Jeremy Cooper were both convicted in December of criminally negligent homicide for administering the sedative ultimately blamed for killing McClain, a 23-year-old Black massage therapist, in 2019. Cichuniec was also convicted the more serious charge of second-degree assault for giving a drug without consent or a legitimate medical purpose.
McClain’s mother, Sheneen, raised her fist in the air as she left the courtroom following Friday’s sentencing, as she’s done after previous hearings. Cichuniec had faced up to 16 years in prison on the assault charge, and the five-year sentence was the minimum the judge could have given Cichuniec under sentencing guidelines.
Someone from Cichuniec’s family called out, “Love you Pete” as he looked back and waved at them before leaving court in handcuffs.
In testimony before the sentence was handed down by Judge Mark Warner, Sheneen McClain said she once dreamed of being a firefighter and considered them heroes “until the day they took my son’s life.”
“You are a local hero no more,” she said as Cichuniec sat with his attorneys at a nearby table. “Next time, think for yourself and do not follow the direction of a crowd of cowards.”
She added that the other paramedics could have intervened “simply by just saying, ‘Stop hurting my patient.’”
Cichuniec — who has been in custody since his conviction and was handcuffed and shackled for the hearing — asked the judge for mercy. He wiped away tears as family members and friends testified as character witnesses on his behalf, and later told the judge he had spent his 18-year career as a firefighter and paramedic putting his own life on the line and putting other lives before his own.
“I have never backed down from a call and I’ve had more things happen to me than you can imagine,” he said. “It sickened me when the prosecution said during their closing argument that I showed no remorse for Elijah. … There was absolutely no intent to cause any harm to Elijah McClain.”
Cichuniec’s wife said after the hearing she was “relatively relieved” by the outcome since it was the most lenient sentence her husband could have received.
“It’s almost better knowing,” Katy Cichuniec said.
Firefighters and officials from their union have criticized the state’s prosecution of Cichuniec and said it was discouraging firefighters from becoming paramedics, decreasing the number of qualified personnel in emergencies and thereby putting lives at risk.
“Convicting Pete for the death is not justice. It’s the very definition of a scapegoat,” said former Aurora Fire Lieutenant John Lauder, who recently retired after working with Cichuniec over two decades. “But for the grace of God, it could be us in jail. The result of this decision will have a negative impact on patient care throughout the nation. Will paramedics now be held be held responsible for outcomes beyond their control?”
McClain’s death received little attention initially but gained renewed interest as mass protests swept the nation in 2020, with his name becoming a rallying cry for critics of racial injustice in policing.
McClain was stopped by police after a 911 caller reported he looked suspicious walking down the street waving his arms and wearing a face mask on Aug. 24, 2019, in the Denver suburb of Aurora. McClain, who had been listening to music with earbuds, seemed caught off guard when an officer put his hands on him within seconds of approaching him. That began a struggle including a neck hold and a restraint that lasted about 20 minutes before McClain was injected with 500 milligrams of ketamine. He suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and was taken off life support three days later.
Experts testified that the sedative ultimately killed McClain, who was already weakened from struggling to breathe while being pinned down after inhaling vomit into his lungs during the struggle with police.
Prosecutors said the paramedics did not conduct basic medical checks of McClain, such as taking his pulse, before giving him the ketamine. The dose was too much for someone of his size — 140 pounds (64 kilograms), experts testified. Prosecutors say they also did not monitor McClain immediately after giving him the sedative but instead left him lying on the ground, making it harder to breathe.
The case highlighted gaps in medical procedures for sedations of people in police custody that experts said must be addressed so more deaths can be prevented.
The sole police officer convicted in McClain’s death, Randy Roedema, was convicted of criminally negligent homicide. He was sentenced to 14 months in jail in January. Two other officers who were indicted were acquitted following weekslong jury trials.
Cooper, who is scheduled to be sentenced in April, faces a sentence that could range from probation to three years in prison.
The second game of the day featured an intriguing matchup between the Rainier Beach Vikings and the North Central Wolfpack. Led by Head Coach Rob Sacre, the Wolfpack bench and coaching staff displayed a ton of energy pregame, despite the long road trip from Spokane. The underdog Vikings, on the other hand, exhibited a calmer demeanor than usual during the pregame.
As the first quarter began, both teams matched each other perfectly tit for tat. Pregame nerves were evident as missed opportunities for points were consistent between both teams within the first two and a half minutes of the game. However, the Vikings quickly found their rhythm, with guard Nyale Robinson making a couple of three-point shots to ignite their offensive momentum. His teammates Kaden Powers, Jeremiah White, Larry Sims III, and Dominik Robinson all made their presence felt, contributing to Rainier Beach’s 18 first-quarter points.
The Wolfpack, off to a slow start themselves, relied on center Jacori Ervin and the 10 first-quarter points from guard Eli Williams to keep pace with the Vikings, ending the quarter tied at 18.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with the two teams battling to a 30-30 tie at halftime.
The Vikings came out on fire in the third quarter. Dominik Robinson led the charge with a trio of shots and free throws, and Nyale Robinson’s sharp shooting helped the Vikings build a 47-41 lead by the end of the quarter. The Wolfpack fought back, with guard Isaac Pratt and Eli Williams accounting for 9 of North Central’s 11 points during the quarter.
However, the fourth quarter belonged to Rainier Beach as they maintained their momentum. Jeremiah White and Dominik Robinson dominated in the paint, while Kaden Powers hit a critical long-range three-pointer. Together, they accounted for 15 of the Vikings’ 17 total points in the quarter.
Despite being exhausted from the Vikings’ onslaught, the Wolfpack didn’t stop fighting. Eli Williams sank a couple of free throws and a deep three-point shot, and teammate Jacori Ervin also contributed with a couple of shots and a free throw. Unfortunately, their 12 total points in the quarter weren’t enough to keep pace with the Vikings, as Rainier Beach won the game 64-53.
The leading scorers of both teams included Rainier Beach’s Dominik Robinson who scored 17 points, as well North Central’s Jacori Ervin who scored 16 points.
The Rainier Beach Vikings are set to take on the O’Dea Fighting Irish in a semifinal matchup on Friday.
The O-Biden administration is using Jan. 6 as a pretext to come after veterans, citizens and journalists it disagrees with politically.
Here are just a few of the hundreds of tragic stories that reflect the brutality of tyrannical overreach by criminals occupying the highest offices of our government, which the Founders warned us about with prophetic vision.
The Interior Minister, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prioritize the safeguarding of critical national assets and infrastructure.
Tunji-Ojo made the call on Friday while addressing NSCDC Personnel during the World Civil Defence Day celebration at the Corps headquarters, in Abuja.
The World Civil Defence Day is celebrated annually every March 1st. The 2024 celebration is themed “Honor Heroes and Promote Safety Skills”.
The minister also inaugurated 50 marshals tasked with protecting mining sites and commissioned operational vehicles for NSCDC.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of a sustainable implementation plan for nfrastructure protection, stressing that every damaged pipeline or telecommunication tower is a setback. He encouraged the Corps to remain efficient.
“Every pipeline, telecommunication tower destroyed is a minus , a solid mineral soil tampered with is a minus to the corps.
“You have a lot of work to do and if you do not occupy your space someone else will so you can only remain relevant by virtue of efficiency.
“As a security agency, the more you do, the more you have a lot to be done and must not be tired but willing to do more,” he said.
While addressing the broader mandate, the minister ordered the NSCDCto support the Fire Service and provide assistance during national emergencies.
“Civil Defence has a lot of work to do. You have arguably one of the most sensitive and broadest mandates,” the Minister said.
He hinted at a potential review of Private Guard Companies (PGC) criteria, due to its security-related nature.
“We must be able to upscale our requirements and make PGC a profession of pride because PGC are security related,” he said.
Expressing concern for personnel welfare, Tunji-Ojo said that he had summoned an emergency board meeting for peculiar allowances. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Corps, emphasizing their
crucial role in maintaining national security.
“I will go the extra mile to get it if need be. We care about your welfare as you get to have sleepless nights because you want us to sleep and so you sacrifice too much for us to ignore you,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He charged the newly appointed mining marshals to be ambassadors for the ministry and Nigeria, and contribute to the Corps’ positive image among security organizations.
The NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Abubaker Audi, who was also celebrating his third year in office as NSCDC boss, emphasized the
squad’s role in protecting mining sites and combating illegal mining activities.
“The mining industry sometimes have these bad guys who hide in our forests and so it will not be a simple task but we are capable as our men have been well trained and are members of the special forces.
“They will work with sister agencies especially the Military and in conjunction with the Ministry of Solid Minerals,” he said.
Audi expressed concern about the rate of oil theft in Nigeria and highlighted a concerted effort by a serious cabal involved in illegal mining.
However, he reassured that the NSCDC has developed strategies to tackle these challenges, citing the NSCDC ‘Agro Rangers’ success in securing farmlands and boosting agricultural activities in various states.
According to the CG, reports from the All Farmers Association in Nigeria, indicated that yields had increased in recent times.
“Agro Rangers have cushioned the effect of farmland desertion in states like Borno, Yobe, Ekiti, Nasarawa and some parts of kaduna. They have been escorting farmers to farms,” Audi said.
‘Bad Guys Hiding In Forests’- Civil Defence Boss Tells Minister After Tunji-Ojo’s Charge To Sit Up is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
The capitalization used in standard birth certificates issued across the U.S. is nefarious, according to some online claims.
“Your legal name is in fact a corporation,” read a Feb. 27 Instagram post. “This is why you always see your name written in ALL CAPS.”
The post, which featured a video clip of someone documenting a newborn’s footprint, said a birth certificate “is actually a death certificate” and people are all considered “legally dead.”
The caption sowed further confusion, claiming that people are considered “legally dead” at birth because parents sign children over to the government as corporations.
“When we’re born the government created this corporation in our name written in all CAPS, replacing it with the living spiritual flesh & blood you, so they can do business with us,” the caption said. “This is why 99% of the time anything from a corporation (corpse-ration) has your name written in all caps, your bills, ID, birth certificate — it’s your strawman.”
This post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
The post’s use of the term “strawman” caught our attention.Promoters of the straw man conspiracy theory believe that with every birth certificate, the U.S. government sets up a fake identity or corporate trust in a newborn’s name. As a result, that person’s rights — and their obligations, including tax bills — are split between the physical person and the ones assigned to the baby’s fake identity or corporate account, which theory adherents call a “straw man.”
PolitiFact found no evidence supporting the discredited theory that a person’s name is a corporation, and false claims linked to this straw man theory have previously been fact-checked.
Promoters of the theory sometimes argue that they’re not required to pay taxes “because their tax bill is made out to a legal entity with a well-funded bank account that shares their name but isn’t actually them,” explained one History.com article.
People trying to avoid paying their taxes cite the theory frequently enough that the Internal Revenue Service has addressed it.
“A taxpayer cannot avoid income tax on the erroneous theory that the government has created a separate and distinct entity or ‘straw man,’ in place of the taxpayer and that the taxpayer is not responsible for the tax obligations of the ‘straw man,’” read a 2005 IRS bulletin. “This argument has no merit and is frivolous.”
In a 2006 bulletin, the IRS addressed capitalization: “The use of all uppercase letters, italics, abbreviations or other formats of an individual’s name in government documents has no significance whatsoever,” the agency wrote.
Birth certificates and other important, official documents — sometimes referred to as vital records — often use upper case letters.
Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services explained why on its website: “This common administrative practice is done to better sort and locate vital records and to enhance the clarity and reporting of information through a standardized style.”
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said that formatting, including any capitalization, used on forms is meant to reduce confusion and ensure clarity for people reading the documents. The State Department issues official documents related to U.S. consular births and deaths abroad.
For documents such as passports, international standards for displaying data help streamline and speed up administrative procedures during travel. The International Civil Aviation Organization recommends using uppercase letters for names.
The straw man theory is often promoted by members of the sovereign citizen movement, a group that rejects the authority of government entities and considers its members exempt from laws. In 2011, the FBI said some sovereign citizens’ actions are “quirky,” rather than criminal, or are seemingly minor infractions.
“However, a closer look at sovereign citizens’ more severe crimes, from financial scams to impersonating or threatening law enforcement officials, gives reason for concern,” the FBI wrote.
Our ruling
An Instagram post claimed, “Your legal name is in fact a corporation,” which is why people’s names are written in capital letters on official documents.
We found no evidence supporting this baseless claim, which is linked to a persistent and unfounded conspiracy theory. To standardize documents, people’s names are often listed in capital letters on official documents such as birth certificates and passports.
We rate this claim Pants on Fire!
RELATED: Paying your taxes is mandatory, not optional
RELATED: An 1871 law did not make the United States government a corporation
People vaccinated with an authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine can donate blood immediately after receiving a shot if they’re feeling well. Social media posts distort a question from the American Red Cross to baselessly claim the vaccines are unsafe.
Full Story
Nearly two years after related claims about COVID-19 vaccination and blood donation first surfaced, posts on social media are now pointing to a blood donation screening question to falsely suggest the vaccines are unsafe.
Multiple Feb. 20 posts shared a screenshot of a question included in RapidPass, a pre-donation tool the American Red Cross uses to streamline the blood donation process. The question asks if a person has “EVER had a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.” Those who answer “yes” are told to call the Red Cross “to determine if this will affect” their eligibility to donate. The posts incorrectly imply the question is new and could mean the vaccines are not safe.
“American Red Cross tacitly admits the COVID vaccines are not safe. Finally,” Steve Kirsch, a well-known misinformation spreader, wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, sharing one such post (emphasis is his).
“COVID Vaxxed May Be Ineligible To Give Blood, Says Red Cross,” conspiracy theorist Alex Jones falsely claimed on X.
A Red Cross spokesperson told us that particular question is not new and has been part of the process “since around the time when COVID vaccines were made available to the public.”
The question is asked to ensure the Red Cross is following advice from the Food and Drug Administration, which recommends a waiting period if someone has received a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine. Outside of clinical trials, there are no such vaccines, which use live but weakened viruses, currently in use.
In a separate question, the Red Cross RapidPass screening tool asks potential donors if they have received any vaccination in the last eight weeks. Those who answer “yes” are asked to call the Red Cross to determine eligibility, although a note specifically states: “The FLU and COVID-19 vaccine are acceptable as long as you have no symptoms on the day of donation.”
A joint statement issued last year by the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, America’s Blood Centers and the Red Cross in response to similar misinformation explained that blood donations from people “who have received a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized for use in the U.S. are safe for transfusion.” As long as people are feeling well, those individuals are eligible to donate blood immediately after receiving a shot.
“[T]here is no scientific evidence that demonstrates adverse outcomes from the transfusions of blood products collected from vaccinated donors and, therefore, no medical reason to distinguish or separate blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccination,” reads the joint statement.
Photo by Plyushkin via Getty Images.
Yet, at least one other social media post is also using the RapidPass question to falsely imply that the Red Cross labels and separates blood depending on vaccination status. An AABB spokesperson told us all blood donations undergo the same safety testing and processing and noted that the FDA recently clarified once again that blood collection facilities such as the Red Cross should not label blood donations based on vaccination status. In a response to AABB, the FDA said that there is “no validated method or test to determine whether a donor received an mRNA vaccine.”
On Feb. 23, the Red Cross reiterated in a news story on its website that “receiving a COVID-19 vaccine does not make you ineligible to donate blood and blood donations from those who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are safe for transfusion.”
Waiting Period for Blood Donation Common After Live Attenuated Vaccines
The Red Cross and other blood collectors ask potential donors about vaccination history because of the waiting time required after vaccination with some live attenuated vaccines, which contain a live but weakened version of a virus or bacterium that causes disease. This includes, for example, a four-week wait for blood donation following the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine. The AABB explains that is “[b]ecause there is a risk of passing vaccine virus to others” with certain live attenuated vaccines.
As we said, there’s no deferral time for those who received any of the COVID-19 vaccines ever approved or authorized by the FDA — that is, those manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or Novavax. But if potential blood donors don’t know which vaccine they received, they’re asked to wait for 14 days after their last shot before they can donate blood. That’s because the FDA advises blood establishments to consider “if it is possible that the individual received a live-attenuated viral vaccine.”
Daniel Parra, a Red Cross spokesperson, told us the question shared in social media is included in RapidPass “to ensure that we are following FDA guidelines to the furthest extent possible.” The only follow-up question a potential vaccinated donor will receive when calling the Red Cross is which vaccine they received, he wrote.
“If it’s one of the FDA-approved vaccines, and the donor is feeling well at the time of the appointment, then they are immediately eligible to donate. If they do not remember the name of the manufacturer, they will be asked to wait two weeks to donate (per FDA guidelines). However, if more than two weeks have passed since their last COVID vaccination, the question is moot,” he wrote in an email.
Currently, there are no live attenuated COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved by the FDA or by the World Health Organization. But several vaccine candidates that are live attenuated vaccines, most of them nasal sprays, are being evaluated in clinical trials and preclinical studies. By entering the body through the nose or mouth, mucosal vaccines could provide better protection against infection than injected vaccines and more effectively reduce viral transmission.
One of the candidates, CoviLiv, was previously evaluated in a phase 1 clinical trial conducted in the U.K. The vaccine is being assessed in a large phase 3 trial coordinated by the WHO. The developers of the vaccine, the U.S.-based company Codagenix and the Serum Institute of India, hope to submit the vaccine to the FDA for review in 2024.
Editor’s note: SciCheck’s articles providing accurate health information and correcting health misinformation are made possible by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The foundation has no control over FactCheck.org’s editorial decisions, and the views expressed in our articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the foundation.
Sources
Jaramillo, Catalina. “Red Cross Accepts Blood Donations From People Vaccinated Against COVID-19.” FactCheck.org. 27 Apr 2022.
“Updated Information for Blood Establishments Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic and Blood Donation.” FDA. 11 Jan 2022.
“Joint Statement: Blood Community Reiterates the Safety of America’s Blood Supply for Patients.” AABB, America’s Blood Centers and American Red Cross. 27 Jan 2023.
“Those Who Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Are Able to Donate Blood.” Red Cross. 23 Feb 2024.
“Eligibility Criteria Alphabetical Listing.” Red Cross. Accessed 29 Feb 2024.
“FAQS About Blood And Blood Donation.” AABB. Accessed 29 Feb 2024.
“COVID-19 Vaccines.” FDA. Accessed 29 Feb 2024.
“COVID-19 Vaccines with WHO Emergency Use Listing.” World Health Organization. Accessed 21 Feb 2024.
“Codagenix Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Potent Cellular Immune Response Against Conserved Viral Proteins, Indicating Potential for Immunogenicity Against Omicron and Future Variants in Phase 1 Data.” Codagenix. Press release. 17 Mar 2022.
“Codagenix Announces Late-Breaking Presentation of Positive Clinical Immunogenicity Data For COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate CoviLiv at IDWeek 2023.” Codagenix. Press release. 11 Oct 2023.
“Live Attenuated Vaccines for Life-Threatening Respiratory Viruses.” Meissa Vaccines. Accessed 29 Feb 2024.
Jiayu, Xu, et al. “A next-generation intranasal trivalent MMS vaccine induces durable and broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.” Microbiology. 5 Oct 2023.
Bastian, Hilda. “Picking Up Steam: Next Generation Covid Vaccine Update 14.” Absolutely Maybe. 23 Feb 2024.
Willyard, Cassandra. “Needle-free covid vaccines are (still) in the works.” MIT Technology Review. 15 Dec 2023.
Topol, Eric. “Covid Nasal Vaccines Get A Boost.” Ground Truths. 13 Oct 2023.
Bastian, Hilda. “Intranasal & Co: A Very Big Month for Mucosal Covid Vaccines.” Absolutely Maybe. 23 Feb 2024.
McDonald, Jessica. “Posts Falsely Push Bill Gates-Connected ‘Air’ Vaccine Conspiracy.” FactCheck.org. 13 Oct 2023.
Sullivan, Michele G. “Are COVID Nasal Vaccines on the Way?” Health Central. 19 Dec 2023.
“Updated Information for Blood Establishments Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic and Blood Donation.” FDA. 19 Jan 2021.
Lewis, Jay. Director of marketing and communications, Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. Email to FactCheck.org. 26 Feb 2024.
Parra, Daniel. Media relations lead, American Red Cross. Email to FactCheck.org. 23 Feb 2024.
Amanda Henry | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ATLANTA — From an authentic, Bavarian-inspired mountain town to a historic railway journey, here are five noteworthy stops in North Georgia that capture the spirit of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Embark on a four-hour historic voyage and treat yourself to a blend of old-world charm and abundant scenery. Beginning in downtown Blue Ridge, this 26-mile trip will take you along the Appalachian foothills. Then, explore sister towns McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, where you have the chance to go shopping, try out their dining options and tour their visitor center. After the layover, you will return right back where you began. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of nature or simply seeking a picturesque getaway, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway guarantees a memorable journey. Spring rides resume March 2.
Pick apples and other fresh produce at Mercier Orchards
Embrace the rural life at Mercier Orchards and partake in the seasonal tradition of fresh produce picking. The orchards offer a hands-on experience for visitors to select their own fresh produce. Between May and October, guests have the opportunity to pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or apples. They also offer blossom tours in April. Seize the chance to engage in the age-old practice of harvesting directly from the source. The stop provides not only a chance to stock up on fresh, locally grown produce, but also serves as a festive outing for all who attend.
Try out German cuisine in Helen
Aerial view of the Chattahoochee River in Helen, Georgia. (Vadim Fedotov/Dreamstime/TNS)
Tourists visit the town of Helen seeking a taste of Bavarian culture and mountain charm. Helen offers visitors an experience reminiscent of a quaint alpine village. Explore its historic streets, indulge in authentic German cuisine and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Whether it is enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Chattahoochee River, shopping for souvenirs in the town’s eclectic shops, or savoring a stein of beer at one of the local breweries, a visit to Helen promises a memorable escape into a world of Bavarian-inspired hospitality and adventure.
Go zip-lining at Amicalola Falls State Park
Adventurers and nature enthusiasts converge on Amicalola Falls State Park, eager to explore Georgia’s tallest waterfall and its surrounding wilderness. The park, near Dawsonville, offers visitors an abundance of outdoor activities and scenic wonders. From hiking along trails to camping beneath the towering forest canopy to trout fishing, there is no shortage of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Zip-lining, 3-D archery and other activities are available for those interested in more daring pursuits. Capture views of the cascading waterfalls, encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat or bask in the tranquil surroundings. A visit to Amicalola Falls State Park promises an escape into the heart of nature.
Hike or ride up to Brasstown Bald
Walk the trail or ride a shuttle bus up to Georgia’s highest peak. Brasstown Bald, above Hiawassee, offers visitors an opportunity to experience stunning mountains and the Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of four of the surrounding states and walk around the museum, featuring historical and cultural exhibits about the native Cherokee people. This scenic mountain adventure offers a memorable experience for all who seek outdoor exploration in Georgia’s wilderness, with or without a hiking workout.
The matchup between the O’Dea Fighting Irish and the Garfield Bulldogs did not disappoint, as the game atmosphere was electric from start to finish. This was the first boys’ basketball state 3A quarterfinal game of the tournament at the Tacoma Dome, setting the tone for excitement.
Both coaches from each bench looked forward to the challenge with the utmost respect for each other before the game, knowing that this one could end their season.
The first quarter started slowly, with both teams missing opportunities to score. Despite these missed chances, Garfield set the tone with guard Legend Smiley scoring a duo of three-pointers to lead the Bulldogs’ attack. The Fighting Irish, trailing 8-6 after the first quarter, found their offense through guards B.J Shannon and Brian Webster, who both scored from the field, and Doni Burkett, who made two free throws.
The second quarter had a similar feel to the first, with both teams playing evenly. O’Dea’s Antone Araujo hit a three-point shot to keep the momentum with the Fighting Irish, while teammate Malcolm Clark knocked down two free throws. The duo combined for 5 out of their team’s total 8 points in the quarter. The outstanding defense of the Fighting Irish made it equally difficult for Garfield to score, totaling just 4 points in the quarter, thanks to Dre Niko and Jamari Harris, ending the half trailing O’Dea 14-12.
The halftime speeches seemed to have an impact as both teams weren’t satisfied with their low-scoring first-half performance. The third quarter was full of fireworks, with players from both teams hitting shots as the pressure mounted.
O’Dea made noise with Brian Webster hitting a couple of two-point shots and a free throw, while Quincy Brown made four free throws to lead the Fighting Irish in the quarter.
The Bulldogs didn’t shy away easily. Ishe Kanhukamwe scored five points, while Jamari Harris and Ayaji Simmons each scored four points in the quarter. The Bulldogs trailed O’Dea 31-28 going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter started with a bang for the Fighting Irish as Malcolm Clark scored 10 points, including four free throws. Guard Levi Orbino also contributed with five points. The Bulldogs fought hard, with Kanhukamwe scoring seven points and Smiley hitting a crucial three-point shot. However, it wasn’t enough as they ultimately fell to O’Dea 48-43.
The O’Dea Fighting Irish advance to the next round and will take on Rainier Beach in the semifinal round of the state 3A Boys basketball tournament.
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