Jiří Bartoška photo panels on the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2025 opening day
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
The post From Incarceration to Inspiration: How Georgia Sheriff Keybo Taylor Created a Program that Uplifts Communities appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>The above photo was collected from the Gwinnett County Sheriff Office Facebook.
By: Jeremy Lancing, Writer & Reporter
In neighborhoods where second chances feel scarce and opportunity often seems out of reach, the Gwinnett Re-entry Intervention Program (G.R.I.P.) is rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for our brothers and sisters returning from incarceration. This isn’t just another government program – it’s a lifeline that’s transforming families and strengthening communities across the Atlanta metro area[1][2].
The story of Tanika Tavarez embodies the power of this transformation. Like so many in our community, she faced the triple burden of substance abuse, mental health struggles, and the stigma of incarceration. But through G.R.I.P.’s Accountability Courts – Mental Health Program, she found not just treatment, but hope. Her journey from struggle to stability represents thousands of similar stories waiting to be written across urban America.
Sheriff Keybo Taylor, a trailblazer who shattered barriers as Gwinnett County’s first Black sheriff, understands that true public safety means addressing the root causes of crime, not just its symptoms[3][4]. Under his leadership, G.R.I.P. has become more than a reentry program – it’s become a bridge connecting our most vulnerable community members to dignity, employment, and purpose.
The program’s success metrics paint a picture of systematic change. Sixty-nine individuals have received financial assistance for post-release placements, while 152 people have connected with external programs through G.R.I.P. facilitation[5]. These aren’t just numbers; they represent fathers returning home to their children, mothers reclaiming their independence, and young people discovering alternatives to the streets.
Chief Cleo Atwater’s vision extends beyond traditional law enforcement approaches. When he speaks of creating “a community network that embodies our core mission to serve and protect with dedication, professionalism, collaboration with the community, and respect for human dignity,” he’s articulating a philosophy that recognizes incarcerated individuals as community members deserving of investment, not just punishment.
This philosophy resonates deeply in urban communities that have long been over-policed and under-served. For decades, families in neighborhoods like those served by Urban News Now have watched their loved ones cycle through a criminal justice system that seemed designed to exclude rather than restore. G.R.I.P. represents a fundamental shift toward inclusion and opportunity.
The program’s vocational training components address real economic needs in our communities. Commercial and residential cleaning, gardening and pest management, kitchen and food safety preparation, landscape and grounds maintenance, and laundry services – these aren’t just job skills, they’re pathways to economic independence[1][8]. In communities where unemployment and underemployment fuel cycles of poverty and crime, these opportunities represent transformative possibilities.
The mental health component of G.R.I.P. is particularly crucial for urban communities, where trauma and mental health challenges often go untreated due to systemic barriers to care[11][12]. By integrating mental health support with practical job training, the program addresses the whole person, not just their criminal record.
Partnership with local employers like Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement, Prime Pest Solutions, and Russell Landscape demonstrates how community collaboration can create sustainable change. These partnerships don’t just provide jobs; they create communities of support where returning citizens can rebuild their lives with dignity.
The program’s emphasis on being “a hand-up, not a handout” speaks to values deeply held in urban communities – the belief in hard work, self-determination, and mutual support. G.R.I.P. doesn’t simply provide charity; it provides opportunity for people to earn their way back into full community membership.
As urban communities across America seek models for criminal justice reform that actually work, Gwinnett County’s approach offers hope and practical lessons. The program demonstrates that when law enforcement agencies commit to serving rather than simply policing communities, transformation becomes possible.
For families who have watched loved ones struggle with the challenges of reentry, G.R.I.P. offers something precious: the promise that past mistakes don’t have to define future possibilities. In a society that often writes off people with criminal records, this program insists that every individual has value and potential worth investing in.
The success of participants like Tanika Tavarez proves that with proper support, people can overcome tremendous obstacles and become positive forces in their communities. Her story, and the stories of hundreds of others touched by G.R.I.P., challenges stereotypes and demonstrates the power of redemption.
As we continue to advocate for justice and opportunity in our communities, programs like G.R.I.P. show us what’s possible when law enforcement agencies embrace their role as community partners rather than occupying forces. This is the kind of innovation that saves lives, strengthens families, and builds the foundation for safer, more prosperous neighborhoods.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office has proven that effective public safety isn’t about how many people you lock up – it’s about how many people you lift up. In doing so, they’ve created a model that urban communities everywhere can adapt and embrace.
The post From Incarceration to Inspiration: How Georgia Sheriff Keybo Taylor Created a Program that Uplifts Communities appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>The post This Iconic American Brand Has Perfected Outdoor Living — Here’s What to Shop appeared first on Urban News Now.
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The outdoor season is officially here, and if your backyard setup could use an upgrade, now’s the time to invest in pieces that turn your patio into a private resort. While there are plenty of budget options out there, buying outdoor furniture that lasts is always a smart move.
Enter Frontera, a 30-plus-year-old American brand celebrated for its high-quality craftsmanship, premium materials and exceptional customer service — and a noted supplier to many of America’s luxury hotels and resorts. Known for its iconic rockers and partnerships with top-tier designers, Frontera delivers timeless style and comfort that stands the test of time. We’re taking a closer look at the pieces that define Frontera’s high-end approach to outdoor living, including standout collections from Kingsley Bate and Barlow Tyrie.
Frontera has been perfecting outdoor living since 1992. What started as a curated mail-order catalog of rocking chairs and high-end home and patio pieces has grown into a go-to destination for luxury outdoor furniture. In fact, Frontera.com launched in 1995 as one of the Internet’s very first virtual showrooms for home furnishings, and the brand has been ahead of the curve ever since.
For over 30 years, Frontera has built its reputation on premium craftsmanship, timeless design and exceptional service, with a focus on quality that will last for generations.
Kingsley Bate, one of Frontera’s leading furniture design partners, was the first American company to utilize Javanese teak (widely recognized as the finest) in its furniture manufacturing. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the Indonesian government to develop a sustainable teak furniture program in Java. Frontera’s curated selection of Kingsley…
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The post This Iconic American Brand Has Perfected Outdoor Living — Here’s What to Shop appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>The post Kelly Osbourne and Sid Wilson get engaged at Black Sabbath farewell appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>Kelly Osbourne got engaged to Sid Wilson at her father Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath farewell concert.
The TV personality took to Instagram Sunday to share a sweet clip of the proposal, which occurred the night before backstage at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
While surrounded by their family and friends, the Slipknot member said, “Kelly, you know I love you more than anything in the world.”
Ozzy, 76, then jokingly interrupted, saying, “F–k off, you’re not marrying my daughter.”
Laughter erupted from the room, including from Kelly, 40, and her mom, Sharon Osbourne, 76, who was sitting next to her husband.
“Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with you,” Wilson, 48, continued.
“So in front of your family and all of our friends, Kelly, will you marry me?” the keyboardist added.
Kelly looked around the room in shock, nodding, “Yes.”
Wilson then slipped the ring on her finger before they hugged.
“Oh and this happened yesterday!” she captioned the post on Instagram.
Kelly and Wilson became friends in 1999 when the latter’s band toured on her parents’ music festival, Ozzfest, per People.
The couple took their relationship to the next level in January 2022 and hard-launched their romance the following month.
“After 23 years of friendship, I can’t believe where we have ended up!” the “Fashion Police” alum wrote via Instagram at the time.
“You are my best friend, my soulmate and I am so deeply in love with you Sidney George Wilson.”
Kelly and Wilson share a 2-year-old son, Sidney, whom they welcomed in November 2022.
Read the full article here
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]]>The post Sharon Osbourne disinvites greedy band from Ozzy’s Black Sabbath farewell concert appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>Sharon Osbourne said she disinvited a greedy band from her husband Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath farewell concert.
During an interview with Billboard ahead of the show Saturday, the former “Talk” co-host said the unnamed group “wanted to make a profit, and it’s not the time to make a profit.”
Sharon, 72, added, “After the show, I’ll let everybody know who it was. I think people will be shocked.”
has reached out to Sharon’s rep for comment but did not immediately hear back.
On Saturday, Ozzy, 76, performed his final show with his Black Sabbath bandmates, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, at the Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham, England, where the band was formed in the late ’60s.
The 10-hour show featured stellar performances from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Jack Black and more and was hosted by “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa.
In February, the rockstar announced that he would be taking the stage for a final time with the group amid his health ailments.
“It’s my time to go back to the beginning … time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” he said in a statement at the time.
“How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever.”
In 2020, Ozzy revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Three years later, the dad of five paused touring after undergoing an extensive spinal surgery in 2022.
In November 2023, Ozzy shared that he only had “10 years left” to live after his back surgery left him “virtually crippled.”
“‘How long do you want me to f–king live for?!’” he shared with Rolling Stone UK…
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]]>The post Tom Brady parties with Dakota Johnson, Kate Hudson on yacht appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>Summer’s here — and these stars are sizzling.
Tom Brady was seen catching a tan with bikini-clad stars Dakota Johnson and Kate Hudson as they partied together on a yacht in Ibiza on Thursday.
The trio gathered together for a summer sail as they celebrated film producer Mohammed Al Turki’s 39th birthday.
The NFL legend was photographed showing some skin in just a pair of black swim trunks and a green baseball cap while he lounged in a chair.
He also added flair to his look with a gold chain and black sandals.
The “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” star appeared in high spirits alongside Brady while wearing a blue string bikini.
She went with a casual hairstyle as she pulled her hair back into a braid and covered it in a black hat.
At one point, she held Johnson, 35 — who showed off her slim figure in a black bikini — close in a hug.
The vacation appears to be a family affair as both Hudson and Brady are visiting the island with their children.
The “Running Point” actress, 46, was pictured wearing a cheeky brown bikini as she hit the beach with her daughter on Friday.
It comes soon after Brady, 47, shared clips of himself spending quality time with his daughter, Vivian, as they jumped off the side of a yacht.
“If she does it….then I guess I have to also,” Brady wrote over the videos on Thursday, along with laughing and heart emojis. He also shared a peaceful snapshot of the water at sunset.
The yacht outing with his daughter — whom he shares with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen — took place heels of his appearance at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Venice.
Read the full article here
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]]>The post Fireworks and Lights Dazzle Karlovy Vary as Fest Opening Night Pays Tribute to Jiri Bartoska appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>Fireworks on July 4 are nothing special in the U.S. But the Friday night fireworks over the Czech spa town Karlovy Vary brought an upbeat end to the opening night of the 59th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), which proved to be an emotional rollercoaster.
It included stars Peter Sarsgaard and Vicky Krieps, who were both honored during the opening ceremony, sharing political thoughts about a divided U.S. and world, laughs and rare behind-the-scenes insights thanks to the opening film, We’ve Got to Frame It! (A Conversation With Jiří Bartoška in July 2021), and words of thanks in heartfelt tributes to the long-time festival president and legendary Czech actor Bartoška, who died in May at the age of 78.
Big names in attendance for the opening night included members of the jury for the fest’s main Crystal Globe Competition, which includes Roma producer Nicolás Celis, Fremont director Babak Jalali, Czech actor, writer, and director Jiří Mádl (Waves), Berlin Film Festival selector and film critic Jessica Kiang, and Swedish actress Tuva Novotny.
The opening ceremony, as is tradition, included a stage show that was choreographed by Michal and Simon Cabani. It featured their trademark on-stage energy as dancers moved in and out of and around beams of light and at times reflected the light with mirrors or used color filters to change the light’s appearance. The music moved between the dramatic and energetic and included Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar theme.
Jiří Bartoška photo panels on the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2025 opening day
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
A little bit later, no festival staff eye stayed dry in the jam-packed Congress Hall of the Brutalist Thermal Hotel in Karlovy Vary when host Marek Eben, a popular Czech actor and TV presenter, lauded Bartoška and his legacy. “People say nobody is irreplaceable. But…
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]]>The post 9 Best Moments as Oasis Reunite at Triumphant Comeback Show in Cardiff, Wales appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>The great wait is over. After 16 years away, Oasis are back together onstage.
“The stars have aligned,” they wrote in their announcement back in August 2024, which sent the U.K. — and the world — into a frenzy. “Come see,” they added, for this miracle “will not be televised.”
It was Cardiff, Wales, that emerged as the city lucky to be chosen for opening night, their first live concert since August 2009. The last time Noel and Liam Gallagher were in a stadium together, a fight erupted and the former called time on the band. On Friday night (July 4), they strode onstage together united, again. They walked in hand-in-hand as “F-kin’ in the Bushes” blared over the speakers; it was like old times.
The build-up has been dominated by silence. Aside from one press photo, the brothers had not been seen together in public. They’ve given no interviews, released no new music, and only communicated with fans through terse statements released by their management. Rumors about the lineups and setlists have swirled, and still… nothing. So much of this Live ‘25 tour – 41 shows in total, 19 in the U.K. and Ireland – was a mystery. It’s a hark back to when, back in 1993, the band skulked onstage at Glasgow’s King Wah-Wah Hut as complete unknowns, a moment etched into folklore as their star was about to go supernova.
But as they said, a new dawn is here. These were the biggest moments from Oasis’ comeback show in Cardiff, Wales.
How else could they start but with “F—in’ in the Bushes”? The 2000 track was their walk-on music for the final decade of their career, a bolshy two-fingers up rock ‘n’ roller that riled up the crowds. Their use of it was obvious, sure, but immensely satisfying. The boys walked on, hand-in-hand, and pumped their fists as press cuttings about their reunion played…
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]]>The post All the Fourth of July events happening in Montauk, NY appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>The Hamptons is heating up for the Fourth of July.
Among the hot tickets this weekend is a wild card event: “Entourage” star Jeremy Piven is set to do a stand-up set at the famed Memory Motel in Montauk.
The Emmy winner, known for playing agent Ari Gold, has been on a national tour this summer.
“Is he singing? Ranting? Talking S–t? No clue,” says Memory’s newsletter. “It’s Jeremy freakin’ Piven, and he’s bringing that high-octane, deal-closing energy to Montauk. The crowd will be electric — surfers, finance bros, and that one girl who’s been ‘finding herself’ since 2018 — all vibing under the Fireworks.”
Photographer Ben Watts (Naomi’s brother) is bringing back his legendary Shark Attack party to the Surf Lodge, in collaboration with the hip NYC bar Flower Shop. Cool-kid DJ May Kwok will spin tunes in support of a performance by hip-hop innovator Theophilus London.
Nylon Magazine is also taking over Surf Lodge for five days with performances by Sofi Tukker and St. Lucia to celebrate their new membership option.
Over at Sole East, rock band Jetty Koon will play poolside.
At a different kind of upscale fete, socialites Jean Shafiroff, author Candace Bushnell and fashionista Fern Mallis will be among attendees at the Southampton History Museum’s Halsey House Gala.
Meanwhile, in Bridgehampton, power couple Maria and Kenneth Fishel will host a reelection fundraiser for Mayor Eric Adams with cohosts including John and Margo Catsimatidis, Jared and Mindy Epstein and Todd and Liz Shapiro.
“With Cuomo out, people are coming to Adams with oodles of cash,” an Adams backer previously told , adding that the Hamptons event is just one being lined up for the mayor out east.
The party field in the Hamptons is wide open this year since Michael Rubin is not throwing his annual white party this weekend.
In May, sources told that Rubin decided to alternate his famed…
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]]>The post Taylor Swift’s Popflex favorites are on sale for Fourth of July appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>Talk about a major flex.
Popflex shot to viral fame after Taylor Swift was spotted in several of its signature styles — and while the activewear brand rarely holds sales, everything on the site is 20% off for the Fourth of July.
The Grammy winner’s collection includes the Pirouette Skort, which she wore to play pickleball in her her #ForAFortnightChallenge video on YouTube Shorts last spring.
“Taylor loves princesses and castles and love stories,” Popflex founder Cassey Ho previously told Style, saying she suspects Swift was “drawn to the femininity and the romantic-ness” of the whimsical style.
The pop star wore the same skort while rehearsing for the Eras Tour in her “I Can Do it With a Broken Heart” music video, styling it with the matching Popflex Corset Bra (which also on sale right now).
Swift was spotted wearing the brand’s maroon-hued Twirl Skort in another clip from the video, too.
“To have my favorite artist wear my designs is beyond a dream come true,” Ho told us earlier this year.
“Her stamp of approval put Popflex in front of so many new people and not only grew our businesses, but also legitimized the brand.”
So while we didn’t score an invite to any of Swift’s famous Fourth of July bashes in Rhode Island, stocking up on Popflex pieces might just be the next best way to spend the long weekend.
Shop more Popflex bestsellers:
This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Style. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood’s favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty…
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]]>The post Kilmar Abrego Garcia Says He Was Tortured In Prison appeared first on Urban News Now.
]]>Early last month, we reported that Salvadorian migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported to a detention center in El Salvador by the brazenly unapologetic Trump administration, had finally been returned to the U.S., only to face an indictment on federal smuggling charges that, according to Abrego Garcia’s attorney (and any objective observer), appears to be an attempt by the Justice Department to justify the White House’s actions.
Well, now, Abrego Garcia is speaking publicly about his experience in El Salvador’s mega-prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, where he said he and other inmates were subjected to daily beatings, torture, terror and substandard living conditions, according to court documents filed Wednesday..
From the Associated Press:
He said he was kicked and hit so often after arrival that by the following day, he had visible bruises and lumps all over his body. He said he and 20 others were forced to kneel all night long and guards hit anyone who fell.
Abrego Garcia was living in Maryland when he was mistakenly deported and became a flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The new details of Abrego Garcia’s incarceration in El Salvador were added to a lawsuit against the Trump administration that Abrego Garcia’s wife filed in Maryland federal court after he was deported.
The Trump administration has asked a federal judge in Maryland to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that it is now moot because the government returned him to the United States as ordered by the court.
In the new court documents, Abrego Garcia said detainees at CECOT “were confined to metal bunks with no mattresses in an overcrowded cell with no windows, bright lights that remained on 24 hours a day, and minimal access to sanitation.”
He said prison officials told him repeatedly that they would transfer him to cells with people who…
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