Category: Politics
Georgia Democrat indicted for alleged pandemic relief fraud
A Democratic Georgia state politician was indicted by a grand jury for alleged fraud related to pandemic unemployment she received.
State Representative Sharon Henderson is accused of fraudulently receiving nearly $18K after claiming to have worked as a substitute teacher in 2020. Prosecutors said she had not worked the job since 2018.
‘Politicians who violate the public trust and steal from the needy to enrich themselves will be held accountable.’
She allegedly claimed to have lost wages as a substitute at Henry County Schools because of the pandemic closures and submitted eight weekly certifications that were false.
The Democrat was arrested Monday.
Henderson is charged with two counts of theft of government funds and 10 counts of making false statements.
“It is shocking that a public official would allegedly lie to profit from an emergency program designed to help suffering community members,” reads a statement from U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Politicians who violate the public trust and steal from the needy to enrich themselves will be held accountable.”
She is expected to plead not guilty.
Henderson’s profile at the Georgia legislature website said she previously served as a pastor of the New Bethel Love Center in Summerville, South Carolina. She is married to a pastor, and they have four children.
RELATED: NC Dem used pandemic loan to throw herself lavish 50th birthday party, prosecutors say
“Sharon Henderson allegedly chose greed over compassion by fraudulently obtaining funds meant to help those in need, some in her own Georgia House district,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.
Henderson was first elected to the legislature in 2020 and was re-elected twice since then.
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New Netflix movie reimagines fairy-tale villains as misunderstood — and it’s getting scorched online
Netflix has announced a new spin on an old fairy tale, but many on social media find the idea cliche at best — and nefarious at worst.
“Steps” will portray the evil stepsisters from the Cinderella tale as the good guys, turning the story on its head. Comedienne Ali Wong and actress Stephanie Hsu will voice the stepsisters.
‘The persistent theme in animation today is that villains are just misunderstood.’
“I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong — and show how a single act of kindness can change everything,” co-director Alyce Tzue said about the film.
While some are looking forward to the movie release, others suggested there was a sinister motive at work in movies portraying misunderstood villains.
“The persistent theme in animation today is that villains are just misunderstood and sometimes demons are the good guys. Consider whom this narrative benefits and why,” BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey responded.
Others agreed that the theme seems to downplay the presence of evil in the world.
“It’s also terrible writing and lazy storytelling. Are they no longer capable of writing new stories? Why is everything lately a remake or recycled material? It’s so boring and unoriginal,” author Jennifer Greenberg responded.
“Subversion is supposed to be a seasoning, not a food group,” another user joked.
“Cinderella’s stepsisters as ‘misunderstood angels’? Netflix’s woke rewrite turns villains into victims. Ali Wong’s snark can’t save this fairy-tale felony. 2026 trash fire,” another detractor said.
“Lol, sounds terrible. But I’d totally love my granddaughters thinking evil villains are just misunderstood. Netflix should do a show making Adolph [sic] Hitler sympathetic too,” another response reads.
RELATED: Netflix CEO defends Dave Chappelle against left-wing outrage: ‘Used to be a very liberal issue’
“Cant [sic] villains just be villains anymore? What next? Satan was sweet and actually misunderstood?” another user joked.
“Steps” is produced by actress Amy Poehler and is slated for a 2026 release.
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Archdiocese orders removal of church’s ‘divisive’ Nativity display — but church leaders are dragging their feet
A Catholic church’s Nativity display criticizing the administration’s immigration policies was ordered to be removed by the Boston Archdiocese, but church leaders are trying to stall the decision.
The Saint Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, has displayed an empty Nativity scene with a sign reading, “ICE was here,” implying that the biblical figures were dragged away for detention. There’s also a sign with a phone number people can call if they spot an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
‘Any divisiveness is a reflection of our polarized society, much of which originates with the changing, unjust policies and laws of the current United States administration.’
Fr. Stephen Josoma said the scene is supposed to protest the poor treatment of immigrants in his community.
“That some do not agree with our message does not render our display sacrilegious, or as the cause of any scandal to the faithful,” the church pastor claimed. “Any divisiveness is a reflection of our polarized society, much of which originates with the changing, unjust policies and laws of the current United States administration.”
However, the Archdiocese of Boston has ordered it to be shut down over rules against politicizing sacred objects.
“The people of God have the right to expect that when they come to church they will encounter genuine opportunities for prayer and Catholic worship, not divisive political messaging,” read a statement from the archdiocese.
“The church’s norms prohibit the use of sacred objects for any purpose other than the devotion of God’s people,” the archdiocese added. “Regarding the recent incident, St. Susanna Parish neither requested nor received permission from the Archdiocese to depart from this canonical norm or to place a politically divisive display outside the church. The display should be removed, and the manger restored to its proper sacred purpose.”
Josoma said he wants to meet with Archbishop Richard Henning before deciding whether to follow the order.
Church parishioner Jeannie Connerney told WHDH-TV that she believed the order was not in line with statements from higher Catholic leaders criticizing the president’s immigration policies.
“The pope has condemned ICE. The American bishops have condemned ICE. I don’t know why the Archdiocese is against them,” she said.
This is not the first time the church has politicized its Nativity scene to oppose immigration policies.
RELATED: City officials back down after rejecting Nativity display at Christmas farmers’ market
In 2018, members put the baby Jesus in a cage and closed off the wise men behind a wall. Josoma said at the time it wasn’t necessarily against the Trump administration and instead referred to it as “gospel activism.”
A similar Nativity scene has been set up outside of an Illinois church, where the baby Jesus had zip ties on his hands and centurions were depicted as ICE agents, even though the gospels make no mention of Roman centurions at the manger in Bethlehem.
“It’s really important how we treat our neighbors because we find out if you read the Gospels, how we treat our neighbors is how we are treating Jesus,” said Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf of Lake Street Church of Evanston.
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‘100% MAGA’ county executive joins governor’s race in New York
While Republicans may have suffered some defeats in the elections last month, one Republican with a proven track record is tossing his hat into the ring in New York.
On Tuesday, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that he will be running for New York governor in 2026, challenging Democrat incumbent Kathy Hochul.
‘I am ready to take on Kathy Hochul and fight for our families.’
“It is official. I am running for Governor of New York. Our state is struggling with high taxes, rising utility bills, and rising crime. New Yorkers deserve a proven leader who will Put New York First,” Blakeman announced in a Tuesday morning post.
“New York needs leadership that works. I am ready to take on Kathy Hochul and fight for our families,” Blakeman added.
RELATED: Trump slams Hochul’s endorsement of ‘communist’ Mamdani: ‘No reason to be sending good money’
Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Blakeman’s announcement video touted his ties to President Trump as well as his successful track record as Nassau County executive. Blakeman’s wins include Nassau County being named the safest county in America and the successful ban of males in girls’ sports.
Kathy Hochul and her team offered a variety of responses to Blakeman’s announcement.
“Bruce Blakeman is another MAGA cheerleader running to do Donald Trump’s bidding in New York — and raise your costs. Not on my watch,” Hochul said on her personal X account.
“Meet Bootlicker Blakeman, #1 fan of Trump’s expensive tariffs. 100% MAGA, 0% committed to fighting for New York,” Hochul’s team said above an attack video on X.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) previously announced her candidacy as well.
According to Fox News, Stefanik’s campaign said of Blakeman’s announcement: “Public polling has repeatedly shown Elise Stefanik leads Blakeman by 70% in a primary, including beating him soundly on Long Island. Elise is the strongest candidate against Kathy Hochul by a long shot.”
Trump has previously praised both Stefanik and Blakeman for their work in New York, so it is unclear who will ultimately gain his endorsement.
“I don’t think the president has to make a decision now. Let’s see how it plays out,” Blakeman said in an interview on “Fox & Friends.”
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PLAYING VICTIM: Ilhan Omar Says Fraud Scheme Hurt Somalis in Minnesota [WATCH]
![PLAYING VICTIM: Ilhan Omar Says Fraud Scheme Hurt Somalis in Minnesota [WATCH]](https://hannity.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ilhan-Omar-300x169.png "Ilhan Omar")
A billion-dollar fraud, 87 defendants, and Omar insisting Somalis were victims too — Minnesota’s scandal just keeps getting hotter.
ABC extends Jimmy Kimmel contract despite outrage over Charlie Kirk comments
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been extended for one more year, according to a statement from the ABC television network.
The show was taken off the air in September after Kimmel implied that the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk had been a member of the pro-Trump MAGA movement. The show was returned to broadcast after about six days.
‘Why do the TV Syndicates put up with it? Also, totally biased coverage. Get the bum off the air!!!’
On Monday, Variety reported that sources confirmed the contract deal would keep Kimmel on as the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” until at least 2027.
Many took the decision as a defiant statement against the wishes of President Donald Trump.
“These days, it’s notable whenever a major media company ignores Trump’s pressure and stands with talent. So let’s note that Disney has renewed Jimmy Kimmel’s contract for another year,” CNN media analyst Brian Stelter said.
Kimmel appeared to reference the president in a post confirming the deal on Instagram.
“I am pleased to announce another no-talent year!” he wrote, using an insult Trump had used against him and his show.
Stelter went on to claim that Disney, the parent company of ABC, caved to pressure from some viewers who canceled their Disney Plus accounts to protest Kimmel’s cancellation.
“It was clear that Kimmel was the big winner of that episode,” he added. “He gained more power and leverage from the outrageous episode of government censorship.”
RELATED: Jimmy Kimmel’s wife has cut off family members over Trump: ‘We’re not aligned anymore’
Kimmel has been hosting the show since January of 2003.
He has used the entertainment platform to bash Trump, his policies, and his supporters. The president has responded by issuing fiery insults on social media.
“Why does ABC Fake News keep Jimmy Kimmel, a man with NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS, on the air?” the president wrote in November. “Why do the TV Syndicates put up with it? Also, totally biased coverage. Get the bum off the air!!!”
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