Atlanta forfeited $37.5M in FAA funding after refusing to abandon DEI programs, raising questions about airport projects, federal policy, and Mayor Dickens’ reelection-year decisions.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 28, 2025
ATLANTA — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has forfeited more than $37 million in federal funding after refusing to disavow diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, a condition imposed by the Trump administration through a January executive order.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Atlanta lost $37.5 million from a $57 million allocation for infrastructure upgrades, including taxiway pavement replacement, restroom renovations, and sustainability projects aimed at lowering emissions. About $19 million of that total may still be available in the next federal budget cycle if the city agrees to new grant language, the AJC reported.
At the center of the dispute is Executive Order 14151, signed by President Donald Trump in January, directing agencies to terminate DEI offices, equity-related action plans, and environmental justice initiatives, and requiring federal grantees to certify that they do not operate such programs.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Hartsfield Jackson International Airport
Atlanta leaders declined to sign the FAA’s new conditions by a July 29 deadline, according to AJC reporting, citing the city’s longstanding commitment to minority and women-owned business participation at the airport. That program, requiring that 25% of airport business go to minority-owned firms and 10% to women-owned firms, was pioneered by former Mayor Maynard Jackson during a $400 million expansion in the 1970s.
“Federal funding for the airport, while important, represents less than 10%—approximately $1 billion over the next six years—of the airport’s total capital program over the same period,” Michael Smith, a spokesperson for Mayor Andre Dickens, said in a City of Atlanta statement. “We are confident that the airport will be able to pursue alternative funding to advance these projects without impacting customers or airport service providers.”
The lost FAA money comes as the airport manages nearly $1 billion in ongoing construction. According to a City of Atlanta financial report for fiscal 2024, Hartsfield-Jackson generated $989 million in revenue against $845 million in expenses, supported entirely by airport-generated income.
Still, federal funds remain critical for certain large-scale projects. For example, the expansion of Concourse D has leveraged $40 million in U.S. Department of Transportation grants, according to city filings.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Hartsfield Jackson International Terminal
FAA records also underscore what is at stake. In a newsroom release dated August 13, 2024, the agency announced $20.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Hartsfield-Jackson to rehabilitate taxiways and taxilanes. The airport has historically put such grants to work on targeted infrastructure upgrades, ensuring safety and efficiency across its vast operations. The newly lost $37.5 million is nearly double that amount.
Atlanta officials unsuccessfully lobbied the FAA to alter the new grant conditions, according to the AJC. Meanwhile, several other major cities—including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Minneapolis—have sued the Trump administration, arguing the DEI ban exceeds presidential authority and interferes with congressionally approved grant programs. A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of the new rules for those plaintiffs, but not for Atlanta.
Mayor Dickens, who faces reelection this fall, has signaled he may reconsider aspects of the city’s DEI programs to preserve access to federal funds across city departments. But by the time deliberations began, tens of millions in aviation money had already slipped away, according to FAA and AJC accounts.
The City of Atlanta emphasized in its official statement that the airport remains financially secure and committed to balancing compliance with federal law while upholding “our long-held values, local policy, and federal law.”
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Atlanta Beltline marks 20 years at State of the Beltline 2025, highlighting housing, jobs, trails, and community equity while charting a path toward 2030 completion.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 25, 2025
Atlanta — The Atlanta Beltline celebrated two decades of progress on Wednesday with its 2025 State of the Beltline address, drawing more than 350 leaders, developers, and community voices to The Eastern.
The breakfast event, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth, highlighted the Beltline’s growing economic, cultural, and social impact across the city. Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. and 2025 Council Chair, joined Anna Roach of the Atlanta Regional Commission for a fireside chat reflecting on the project’s past and future.
Affordable housing and lasting investment
Higgs credited early visionaries who launched the Beltline in 2005, noting that 76% of its affordable housing target has already been met. The project is on pace to surpass 7,000 units by 2030. He pointed to the City Council’s approval of a Special Service District in 2021, which unlocked $350 million in local and leveraged funding. “That’s how we can now say definitively we will finish the loop by 2030,” Higgs said.
The economic impact is substantial: $800 million in public investment has spurred nearly $10 billion in private development and created over 26,000 permanent jobs. Higgs also announced a $2 million Local Developer Incentive Fund to help small businesses and legacy entrepreneurs remain competitive along the trail. “We need to make sure we are preserving the culture, the legacy of Atlanta, and making sure everyone is winning because of this investment,” he said.
Community connections and mobility
City of Atlanta Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks opened the program, recalling the skepticism that surrounded the Beltline’s early years. “Twenty years ago, we were dreamers gathered around the table, determined to reconnect Atlanta,” she said. “With each challenge came another chance to deliver on our promise that every Atlantan will have a place on the Beltline and a stake in the city’s future.”
Atlanta Beltline COO Ruben Brooks shared that 12.8 miles of trail are now complete, with six construction projects in motion. By mid-2026, 18 miles are expected to be open, including the Southside Trail ahead of the World Cup. “We are accelerating like never before, and we do not intend to stop,” Brooks said.
Philanthropy and equity
Rob Brawner, Executive Director of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, highlighted $225 million in philanthropic support from foundations, corporations, and individuals. He pointed to the Legacy Resident Retention Program, which has helped more than 270 homeowners keep property taxes at 2019 levels. “At its core, the Beltline is about people,” Brawner said.
Looking ahead
Higgs closed by reminding attendees that the Beltline is “the people’s project,” urging continued collaboration. “Don’t assume we’ve got it covered—we still need you. Challenge us, push us, and then when it’s time to make a decision, get behind it and go.”
As the Beltline advances toward its 2030 completion, the project’s trails, parks, housing, and business investments continue to reshape Atlanta, positioning the city for a more equitable and connected future.
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MARTA will close the Peachtree entrance and federal tunnel at Five Points Oct. 13. Riders must use Forsyth Street as transformation work continues
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 23, 2025
MARTA riders will soon face another major change at Five Points Station. On Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, the Peachtree Street entrance and the federal tunnel for employees will officially close.
From that date forward, all access to Five Points will be available through the Forsyth Street entrance. This step, deemed necessary by MARTA officials, is to safely demolish and remove the aging concrete canopy that has loomed over downtown’s busiest station for decades.
Limited Access
When the Peachtree entrance closes, Forsyth Street becomes the single access point. The Alabama Street and Broad Street Plaza entrances remain closed. Restrooms are also closed. Bus riders will continue boarding on Forsyth Street.
Photo by Milton Kirby – MARTA Gold line train
Rest assured, rail service and transfers remain unaffected. Elevators remain open, though MARTA warns of temporary escalator and stair closures as crews erect scaffolding and overhead protection. Signage will direct customers through the changes.
Customer service offices have already relocated temporarily and are scheduled for a permanent move to Ashby Station. MARTA will announce the opening date in the coming months.
Station Transformation
The closures are part of the $230 million Five Points Transformation project. MARTA plans to turn the station into a vibrant hub with improved transit connections, safer infrastructure, and new public spaces.
Phase one focuses on dismantling the existing canopy. Future phases will add a modern canopy, a centralized bus hub, and a pedestrian link to Broad Street. Community spaces, public art, and even agriculture are also in the plans.
The project is funded primarily by the More MARTA half-penny sales tax approved by Atlanta voters, with additional money from the state of Georgia ($13.8 million), a $25 million Federal RAISE Grant, and MARTA’s core penny fund.
Long-Term Vision
Officials say the disruption will pay off with a safer, more connected Five Points at the heart of Atlanta. This is part of a long-term vision for a vibrant hub with improved transit connections, safer infrastructure, and new public spaces. For now, MARTA is urging riders to plan ahead, use Forsyth Street, and be aware of construction-related detours.
More updates and construction details are posted on MARTA’s website.
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Uncle Nearest faces receivership and $108M debt, but CEO Fawn Weaver rallies support with faith, leadership, and booming sales in Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Alaska.
By Milton Kirby | Shelbyville, TN | September 21, 2025
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a thriving brand valued at $1.1 billion in 2024 by Forbes and other sources and recognized as the fastest-growing Black-owned spirits brand in the nation, is now embroiled in a federal court battle. A receivership order, linked to a staggering $108 million debt, has handed over the reins of the company’s finances and operations to external parties. This pivotal moment could potentially reshape one of the most celebrated American whiskey stories in recent history.
How the Case Started
On July 28, 2025, Farm Credit Mid-America filed suit, alleging that Uncle Nearest, Nearest Green Distillery, and founders Fawn and Keith Weaver defaulted on over $100 million in loans. The lender accused the company of:
Overstating the value of whiskey barrels used as collateral by $21–24 million.
Failing to keep a $1.5 million cash balance required under loan agreements.
Falling behind on payments and breaching covenants on net worth and net income.
Selling or discounting future revenues without proper notice.
Photo by Milton Kirby
Farm Credit also claimed “insufficient internal financial controls” and said defaults date back to 2023. Still, the lender extended additional credit at the time, “in reliance upon Uncle Nearest’s representations as to its success and strategic growth.”
Uncle Nearest Pushes Back
The Weavers argue the picture is more complicated. In sworn filings, Fawn Weaver declared that former CFO Mike Senzaki “was the sole point of contact responsible for inventory reporting and for signing off on all funding requests tied to those barrels.” She maintains that discrepancies surfaced in early 2024, months before Farm Credit sued.
On the Martha’s Vineyard home purchased through UN House MV LLC, Uncle Nearest submitted internal emails showing that Farm Credit executives “were not only aware of the property but also attended an inaugural Gospel Brunch event at the home.” The filing added, “These were not covert maneuvers.”
Weaver has also spoken directly to supporters. In a widely shared Instagram video, she declared:
“Don’t believe the fake news. Some reports claim I no longer own Uncle Nearest and that I’m not running it. Let me be clear. I built this company. I run this company. And my leadership team, who have all been with me for 6 to 8 years, are right here building alongside me. Our team remains unshaken and unmoved.”
Growth & Market Momentum
On August 16, 2025—two days after the court appointed a receiver—Fawn Weaver took to Instagram to rally customers and partners. She emphasized that, despite legal pressures, Uncle Nearest continues to expand in key markets “in a year where spirits are down.” This continued growth and market momentum is a testament to the company’s resilience and a reason for optimism about Uncle Nearest’s future
Photo by Milton Kirby – Uncle Nearest Flight
She pointed to sales surges across the country, noting:
Illinois: +216% this month, +21% year-to-date.
Florida: +92% this month, +24% year-to-date.
Georgia: +31% this month, +53% year-to-date..
Maryland: +30% this month, +49% year-to-date.
Alaska: +423% this month, +44% year-to-date.
South Carolina: +48% this month, +53% year-to-date.
Texas: +44% this month, +34% year-to-date.
New Mexico: +32% this month, +22% year-to-date.
Her message was pointed:
“Don’t forget, keep clearing them out, leave no doubt, send a loud message that you are behind this brand and the team that built it.”
The Court’s Decision
On August 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. appointed Phillip G. Young Jr. as receiver, finding that receivership was “necessary under the circumstances” due to questions of solvency, inadequate collateral, and ongoing defaults.
The order effectively shifts day-to-day financial and operational control to the receiver, while leaving branding and public-facing work partially in the hands of Uncle Nearest leadership.
Money In and Money Out
Records show that Uncle Nearest made large payments before the lawsuit: $9 million in 2024 and $7.5 million earlier this year. Yet Farm Credit says those payments did not cure defaults or fix repeated covenant breaches.
The dispute over barrel values is especially critical. Farm Credit claims the inventory overstatement inflated its lending exposure. Uncle Nearest insists the problems trace back to one former executive.
Assets in Question
The receivership may extend beyond the distillery and barrels. The receiver has asked the court to clarify whether other Weaver-connected entities should be pulled in, including:
Uncle Nearest Real Estate Holdings LLC
Shelbyville Barrel House BBQ LLC
Humble Baron Inc.
Grant Sidney Inc.
Uncle Nearest Spurs VI
Quill and Cask Owner
Additional law firms are also reviewing potential assets in Massachusetts and France.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Uncle Nearest Horse Barn
Costs of Receivership
The Financial Impact of Receivership oversight comes at a cost. Young has already hired multiple consulting and legal teams to stabilize operations. These include financial consultants, operational managers, and attorneys specializing in alcohol law.
While the exact fees have not been disclosed in public filings, industry observers note that receivership and professional services can be expensive. For a company already under heavy debt, these additional expenses could create new pressure on cash flow and raise the risk of bankruptcy if revenue cannot keep pace.
Local Impact
The distillery in Shelbyville has become a destination in its own right. Reports show that the site attracted 5,000 to 8,000 visitors every weekend in 2023. The company claims it ranked as the seventh-most visited distillery in the world among its peers. This local economic impact is a testament to Uncle Nearest’s importance to its community and the connections it fosters.
Tourism tied to whiskey is a growing sector in Tennessee, part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail that draws travelers from across the U.S. and abroad. For Shelbyville, the ripple effects include job opportunities, tourism, and spending at local hotels and restaurants.
How the receivership affects visitor traffic and local suppliers remains unclear, but the stakes are high.
A “People’s CEO” Message
Weaver has leaned into her identity as what she calls the “People’s CEO.” She told followers:
“Keep clearing the shelves. Every bottle you move tells our distributors and partners the same thing. We’ve built one of the strongest and most resilient brands in American history.”
“From the start, I’ve shared the ups and downs of building Uncle Nearest, that transparency is a part of my calling. That is what built one of the strongest brand communities in American history.
That’s why they call me the People’s CEO — because I don’t just show the gloss, I show the grind, the grit, and the gunk.”
She also reminded entrepreneurs of the long road:
“Entrepreneurialism will give you a hundred reasons a day to quit, but strong leadership doesn’t panic. It keeps a steady hand and moves forward.”
What to Watch
The receiver’s first quarterly report, due October 1, 2025, which should reveal cash flow, solvency, and collateral status.
Whether additional Weaver-linked LLCs will be pulled into the receivership.
Possible legal action against the former CFO, or counterclaims from Uncle Nearest.
The impact of consultant and legal fees on the company’s ability to restructure debt.
Continued sales growth in markets like Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Alaska.
A Story Still Unfolding
“What the enemy meant for evil? God meant for good,” Weaver told her audience. That note of faith and defiance now hangs over the courtroom battles and boardroom decisions.
Uncle Nearest’s future is tied to the courts, consultants, and creditors as much as to its whiskey barrels and brand story. The next reports, hearings, and filings will determine whether this is a path toward restructuring or toward deeper financial trouble.
For Shelbyville, for whiskey fans, and for those invested in the legacy of Nearest Green, this is a story to keep watching.
Atlanta leaders gather Sept. 24 at The Eastern for the 2025 State of the Beltline, marking 20 years of progress in trails, housing, and community growth.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 18, 2025
ATLANTA — Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. President and CEO Clyde Higgs will deliver the 2025 State of the Beltline address on September 24, marking 20 years of the transformative project and laying out the next chapter of development.
The event, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth at The Eastern in Atlanta’s Eastside, is expected to draw more than 350 guests. It will close out the Council’s annual series of “State of” addresses, following similar reports on MARTA and regional counties earlier this year.
BeltLine’s Generational Impact
The BeltLine — once a vision of converting rail corridors into trails, transit, and green space — has become one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in the country. Over the past two decades, it has reshaped neighborhoods, attracted billions in investment, and created new housing and recreation options for Atlanta residents.
This year’s theme, “20 Years of Generational Impact: Dreaming, Doing, Delivering,” reflects both the project’s progress and the challenges that remain.
Clyde Higgs’ Leadership
Higgs, who also serves as the 2025 Board Chair of the Council for Quality Growth, has led BeltLine, Inc. since 2019. Under his tenure, the project has expanded trail mileage, advanced affordable housing initiatives, and deepened partnerships with city leaders and private developers.
“Clyde’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping the BeltLine into what it is today,” the Council for Quality Growth said in its announcement. “His vision continues to push Atlanta toward a more connected and equitable future.”
Photo by Milton Kirby Atlanta Beltline
What’s Next
The upcoming address is expected to spotlight ongoing work to complete the 22-mile loop, expand transit options, and meet affordable housing goals as development pressures mount. Officials also anticipate discussion of how the BeltLine will position Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the city will host matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: The Eastern, 777 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA
Host: Council for Quality Growth & Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
Expected Guests: 350+ business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders
Tickets and sponsorship details are available through the Council for Quality Growth
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Atlanta launches ATL BIZ, a user-friendly online platform replacing ATL CORE, streamlining business licensing, taxes, permits, and payments with faster processing and a centralized dashboard.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 17, 2025
The City of Atlanta has launched ATL BIZ, a modern, user-friendly online platform that replaces ATL CORE as the city’s primary portal for business services. With its intuitive design and easy navigation, ATL BIZ is designed to streamline processes and better support the city’s business community. It will serve as a one-stop hub for managing occupational tax certificates, permits, taxes, and payments, making it easier and more convenient for our users.
“We are proud to provide this new way of doing business with the City of Atlanta for our business community. ATL BIZ offers Atlanta businesses a modern, more user-friendly and intuitive way to meet their finance needs,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
“This furthers our Administration’s mission of making it easier to connect with our business community, both large and small, ensuring we are a city built for the future.”
Managed by the Department of Finance’s Office of Revenue, the platform includes several upgrades:
A streamlined interface that is easier to navigate
Faster processing times for applications and payments
Enhanced features to support business needs
A centralized dashboard to view balances, credits, and messages
The ability to manage multiple revenue types in one place
Options to renew occupational tax certificates, pay via ACH, and track status in real time
To ensure a smooth transition, all existing records from ATL CORE are being automatically transferred to ATL BIZ. This convenient feature eliminates the need for manual data migration, providing reassurance and comfort to our users. Step-by-step login instructions are available online, and the system is live at atlbiz.atlantaga.gov.
Background and Context
Atlanta remains one of the nation’s top hubs for entrepreneurship. Over the past five years, the city has averaged 28.5 new business applications per 1,000 residents — nearly double the national city average. Metro Atlanta is home to more than 150,000 businesses, and across Georgia, business formation filings have surged in recent years, with 323,669 new filings in 2021, a record high. The state now has more than 1.5 million active business entities, from small LLCs to Fortune 500 corporations.
While no public data is available on the number of users who relied on the former ATL CORE platform, city officials emphasized that ATL BIZ is designed to handle the growing demand for online business services more efficiently.
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North Carolina A&T sets a record with 15,275 students, reinforcing its role as America’s largest HBCU and a cultural, economic, and alumni powerhouse worldwide.
By Milton Kirby | Greensboro, NC | September 17, 2025
Enrollment Growth
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has once again made history. This fall, the Greensboro-based institution surpassed the 15,000-student mark for the first time, enrolling 15,275 students, a nearly 1,000-student increase over last year. That jump of 6.7% represents the single most significant one-year gain in A&T’s long history.
For the 12th consecutive year, A&T holds the title of the largest public historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation. And for the fourth year in a row, it stands as the largest HBCU that America has ever produced.
Photo by Milton Kirby NC A&T Williams Cafeteria
“The 2025-26 student body reaffirms our commitment to the people of North Carolina, our national appeal and impact as an exponential, doctoral research HBCU, and the promise that North Carolina A&T holds for students around the world,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II. “We embrace the opportunity to prepare them for a world undergoing seismic knowledge and technology shifts and to guide their development as individuals, ready for lives of achievement and meaning.”
This surge not only reflects national interest in HBCUs but also the powerful draw of A&T’s academic programs, competitive outcomes, and a cultural experience deeply rooted in community and legacy.
Academic Excellence and Student Profile
The university welcomed an entering class of 3,021 first-year students this fall. Their academic credentials tell a story of rising standards and rising demand. The average GPA for the entering class stands at 3.7, while out-of-state freshmen arrived with an impressive 3.93 average GPA. Students came from 36 states plus Washington, D.C., further evidence of A&T’s reach.
NC A&T Enrollment Stats
Once enrolled, students can look forward to opportunities that rival — and often surpass — those of much larger and more established institutions. A&T hosts some of the largest career fairs in America, connecting students with leading employers. Ten years after graduation, an A&T degree pays off. Forbes reports that bachelor’s degree earners from the university enjoy a median salary of $112,000 — second in the University of North Carolina system.
Graduate and Transfer Expansion
This year also marked a watershed moment for graduate education at A&T. For the first time in its history, the Graduate College enrolled more than 2,000 students. The headcount of 2,018 reflects 11.2% growth over last year. Within that, doctoral enrollment surged to 702 students, a 23.4% increase.
The university’s expansion of new master’s and doctoral programs over the past five years is paying clear dividends, both in enrollment and in advancing A&T’s reputation as a research institution.
Transfer students also added to the momentum. 814 new transfers enrolled this fall, a 17% increase. As A&T’s freshman admissions become more competitive, pathways through community colleges and other universities have become vital. These transfers strengthen the student body and underscore A&T’s role as a welcoming, upward-mobility institution.
The university also posted its best-ever freshman-to-sophomore retention rate: 81%. That metric shows more students are not only enrolling but staying and succeeding at A&T.
International and Geographic Reach
Unlike many universities grappling with declining international enrollment, A&T’s global reach is growing. The university enrolled nearly 1,000 international students this fall, a 10.3% increase from last year. Nearly half hail from African nations, underscoring A&T’s global appeal and connections to the African diaspora.
Geographic diversity is also striking. Students come from 97 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 43 states, and 103 foreign nations. That breadth of representation ensures A&T’s classrooms reflect not just the state’s demographics but also the wider world.
“As interest in A&T continues to grow, our team of enrollment professionals remains dedicated to finding the best and brightest students from North Carolina and beyond for the class of 2030,” said Joseph Montgomery, associate vice provost for Enrollment Management. “We will continue to review all applicants carefully, intentionally, and through a comprehensive, holistic process that aims to identify students who will excel at A&T and become future leaders.”
Economic Impact on Greensboro and North Carolina
The enrollment milestone is not just a number on a spreadsheet; it represents a powerful economic engine for Greensboro, Guilford County, and the state of North Carolina. With over 15,000 students, 2,600 degrees awarded annually, and 65,000 living alumni, A&T stands as one of the region’s most significant contributors to workforce development.
The university’s College of Engineering produces more Black engineers than any other campus in America. Its College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences leads in producing African American agriculture graduates. Nursing, kinesiology, education, and business programs feed directly into critical industries across the state.
The local impact is also visible during signature cultural moments like Homecoming, famously dubbed “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth” (GHOE). In 2024, GHOE drew over 130,000 attendees, with an estimated $11.3 million economic impact on the Greensboro area. Hotels, restaurants, transportation, and small businesses feel the surge. For many, A&T Homecoming is both a cultural anchor and a financial lifeline.
Daily, students pump dollars into housing, food, and retail. Faculty and staff add stability to Greensboro’s middle class. And A&T’s growing research enterprise — over $78 million annually in academic and scientific research — fuels partnerships with industry and government.
Cultural Significance and the Aggie Spirit
A&T is more than a university. It is a cultural force rooted in history, pride, and resilience. Founded in 1891 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race, A&T was established under the Morrill Act to provide educational opportunities to people of color who were excluded from other land-grant institutions.
That mission has never faded. From the A&T Four — Ezell Blair (Jibreel Khazan), Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond — who ignited the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, to today’s graduates entering fields in technology, medicine, and public service, Aggies have always stood at the forefront of change.
The phrase “Aggie Pride” is more than a chant at football games. It embodies a community ethos — that success is shared, and that each student carries the hopes of those who came before.
Alumni Legacy and Global Footprint
The university’s alumni footprint stretches far beyond North Carolina. More than 65,000 Aggies are active in business, science, politics, the arts, and community service worldwide.
Among the most notable: Dr. Ronald McNair, the astronaut and physicist who lost his life in the Challenger disaster but left a legacy of courage and scholarship; Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate; and Chief Justice Henry Frye, the first African American to serve as chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
But beyond the famous names, there are countless others: engineers designing next-generation infrastructure, teachers leading classrooms, nurses on the frontlines of care, and entrepreneurs driving small-business growth. The A&T alumni network represents not just success stories, but a living testament to the power of access, opportunity, and determination.
Looking Ahead
As A&T marks this milestone, challenges remain. Housing for a growing student population will need investment. Faculty recruitment and retention must keep pace with enrollment growth. And while graduation rates and retention are improving, the push for even higher student success will continue.
Yet the trajectory is clear. North Carolina A&T is not just growing — it is thriving. In a higher education landscape marked by declining enrollments nationwide, A&T’s expansion underscores the enduring relevance of HBCUs and the unique blend of academic excellence, cultural identity, and community commitment they offer.
“This is our 12th consecutive year of growth, and we continue to be humbled and grateful for the faith that our students place in us to prepare them for lives of meaning and success,” Chancellor Martin said. “North Carolina A&T is setting a national standard as a land-grant HBCU and model for what it means to be a public university in this new millennium.”
As Greensboro celebrates its hometown university’s success, Aggies everywhere — from North Carolina to Nairobi — will see this enrollment milestone not as an end point but as a launching pad. The numbers are historic, yes. But the true measure of A&T’s success lies in the lives its students and alumni continue to shape, and in the pride that echoes, year after year, across generations.
By Quintessa Williams | Word in Black | September 17, 2025
For generations, Black families and their children have viewed a college degree as the ticket to upward mobility, financial security, and success. Then the pandemic happened, and Black college enrollment slumped, before slightly rebounding in recent years.
However, a growing number of Black high-school graduates — alarmed by skyrocketing college costs, stagnant wages for degree-holders, and the Trump administration’s crackdowns on student debt — are seeing trade-school education as a better investment than a four-year bachelor’s degree. Recent data from the National Clearinghouse indicate that Black student enrollment at trade schools has increased overall, particularly among Black men.
“What I actually hear Black students saying right now is, ‘I want to have autonomy. I want to have a choice,” Dr. Alaina Harper, executive director of the nonprofit OneGoal, tells Word In Black. “And I want every option after high school to be available to me.”
Recent economic reports also suggest that college degrees still offer significant financial benefits. A 2024 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that, on average, earning a college degree boosts a person’s annual income by about 12.5% compared to someone without one. Additionally, researchers noted that college graduates tend to earn higher median salaries compared to those with only a high school diploma.
Photo by Milton Kirby Atlanta Technical College
In recent years, however, the value of a college degree has come under scrutiny.
Tuition alone can reach six figures, even for state schools, with no guarantee of a job after graduation. Trump-era cutbacks on federal financial aid — and reports of degree-holders sinking under the weight of student loan debt — has some students thinking college is out of reach.
On the other hand, trade schools and community college certificate programs typically cost far less than an undergraduate degree, most take just a few years to complete, and jobs are plentiful in high-demand fields, such as dental hygiene and computer technology.
It’s no surprise, then, that National Clearinghouse data shows trade school enrollment jumped 20% since 2020 — the largest spike in a decade. At North American Trade Schools in Baltimore, Maryland, for example, 74% of the students are Black — with Black men making up more than 70%.
Harper says the decision to pursue college should align with a student’s individual goals and visions for the future: “I truly do believe that a four-year college pathway is the most reliable opportunity for some Black students in some careers,” she says. “But I also think there are lots of other options like trade or credentialing programs — and lots of two-year schools where you can pair those two things together.”
What’s at Stake for Black High Schoolers
As more Black high school students opt out of the traditional college track, Harper cautions that counselors should spend more time with students to understand their goals, so that they do not feel forced into one pathway because another feels out of reach.
“Students need to know they’re not giving something up by choosing a trade,” she says. “But we have to make sure they are actually choosing.”
For Harper, that also includes addressing the financial realities Black students often face. According to a 2023 Federal Reserve Board of Governors report, white families on average hold 6.2 times more wealth than Black families. That typically means Black families are less able to afford resources to help their children get into college, such as admissions test preparation courses and private tutors.
While Harper urges that postsecondary decisions should be rooted in aspiration and not just affordability — until systems catch up — the cost of college could quietly narrow Black students’ choices, especially those balancing school and other financial responsibilities.
“When we think about how to support academic achievement for Black students, it’s not just about test scores,” Harper adds. “It’s about helping students make informed decisions about their future. That clarity and sense of purpose can be the difference between disengagement and motivation in high school.”
Every Single Pathway is a Career Pathway
Harper says the solution lies in redefining what counts as a “successful” outcome for Black students — and ensuring that all pathways are treated with dignity, investment, and opportunity.
“We have to normalize that every single student is on a career pathway,” she says. “College is one of them. Trade is another. Apprenticeship is another. What matters is that we support them all the way through.”
That means schools and policymakers, Harper says, must stop treating college and career readiness as mutually exclusive. Adding that students should be exposed to both, with real-world mentorship, data-driven advising, and culturally relevant guidance that centers their lives and goals.
“If a student chooses college, we should champion them. If they choose trade, we should champion them. And if they’re not sure yet, we need to give them time, space, and tools to figure it out. The future our students want isn’t either/or. It’s both/and. Our job is to make sure no door is closed to them.”
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By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 16, 2025
MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt stood before the press last week with a clear message: it’s time for Atlanta’s transit system to deliver “routine excellence.”
At a September 10 briefing, Hunt laid out third-quarter operational updates, customer experience improvements, and a safety strategy from MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher. He emphasized four priorities: improving operational efficiency, strengthening safety and security, advancing major capital projects, and preparing the system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Staffing and Safety
MARTA plans to be fully staffed with 250 sworn officers by year’s end, adding 30 new officers and 10 Field Protective Specialists (FPS). FPS are customer-facing members of MARTA Police who provide reassurance, assistance, and early response to situations on trains, buses, and at stations.
Hunt said, “Our vision is to deliver safe, clean, and reliable transit through routine excellence every day.
Modern Fare System
Hunt also unveiled details of MARTA’s new fare collection system, AFC 2.0. Riders will soon be able to tap credit or debit cards directly at upgraded faregates or use mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The system will also feature:
Faster, more reliable faregates
New ticket machines that return exact change in bills
Retail partnerships at 240 locations for Breeze card reloads
Modernized bus fare boxes for quicker boarding
The transition is expected to improve convenience and reduce bottlenecks across the network.
Capital Projects and Station Rename
Despite some project delays, Hunt reaffirmed MARTA’s commitment to new railcars, a redesigned bus network, and the region’s first rapid bus line. In May, MARTA’s Board approved renaming GWCC/CNN Center Station to the “Sports, Entertainment & Convention District” (SEC) Station. The new name will officially take effect January 1, 2026—just months before Atlanta hosts the World Cup.
Financial Stability
“MARTA’s financial house is in order,” Hunt said, noting the system’s strong ratings: AA+ from Fitch and AAA from both S&P and Crowell. These top-tier ratings, rare in the transit sector, reflect the agency’s financial discipline and steady revenue.
Leadership Re-alignment
Hunt also announced on September 12 a leadership restructuring. Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen has been promoted to Deputy General Manager, overseeing Customer Experience, Technology, Operations, Planning, Capital Programs, and MARTA Police Services. Larry Prescott will serve as Interim Chief Capital Officer while a national search begins for a permanent hire. Paul Lopes, head of Operational and Urban Planning, will expand his oversight to include all transit operations—bus, rail, paratransit, and streetcar.
“The way to rebuild public trust in MARTA is by delivering routine excellence every day,” Hunt said. “These organizational changes will strengthen accountability, create space for innovation, and enhance service delivery.” With big projects, leadership changes, and safety upgrades moving forward, Hunt framed MARTA’s mission plainly: show riders—daily—that Atlanta transit can deliver.
Charlie Kirk’s accused assassin, Tyler Robinson, had childhood firearm obsession; investigators cite rooftop sniper attack, political motive, and disturbing family photos in Utah arrest.
By Mataeo Smith | Orem, UT | September 12, 2025
Investigators claim that the alleged assassin who killed Charlie Kirk had a childhood obsession with firearms.
The 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was identified on Friday as the suspected assailant who shot Kirk during the conservative influencer’s protest on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Robinson was spotted liking firearms as a child and seemed to regularly visit shooting ranges, according to social media posts from his family.
One photo from when Robinson looked like a teenager showed him holding a scoped rifle, while another showed him with an M2 Browning 50. caliber machine gun. A bazooka was in his hand in a third picture.
His mother shared pictures of Robinson and his two younger siblings at military functions and shooting ranges on Facebook. Amber Robinson was pictured clutching a US Army machine gun with pride in one of her posts.
As his family dressed in similar red clothes for Christmas 2017, Tyler Robinson was spotted with a brand-new iPhone and his brother a “build it yourself” gun kit.
Another photo from that year’s social media posts by Robinson’s mother showed him dressed as Donald Trump for Halloween. FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials identified Robinson as the suspected assassin who killed Kirk from a rooftop about 200 yards away using a Mauser 98 bold-action rifle on Friday.
Robinson was arrested Thursday evening in southern Utah, according to law enforcement authorities who spoke to the Daily Mail. Approximately 260 miles south of Kirk’s killing site in Orem, he resides in a six-bedroom, $600,000 mansion in Washington, Utah.
According to people who spoke to the Mail, the accused murderer confessed to his father, Matt. He was persuaded to talk to a local youth preacher who was also employed by the US Marshals Service after he allegedly told his father that he would rather commit suicide than give himself in.
Amber Robinson, his mother, is employed by Intermountain Support Coordination Services, a state-contracted organization that assists in the care of individuals with disabilities. According to internet records, both of his parents are registered Republicans.
According to individuals who spoke to the Daily Mail, Robinson attended Utah State University on a scholarship for just one semester in 2021.
According to a probable cause affidavit, he is charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a handgun causing serious bodily damage, and obstruction of justice.
At a press conference Thursday evening, authorities stated that Robinson would be executed if found guilty. Utah Governor Spencer Cox opened his remarks at a press conference Friday morning by saying, “We got him.”
“The question is, what sort of watershed?” Cox said, referring to Kirk’s killing as a ‘watershed point’ in American history.
He stated that Robinson’s relatives had told detectives that he had recently become more political and had told them that he didn’t like Kirk, calling him “full of hate.”
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Charlie Kirk shooting suspect arrested in Utah; political motive suspected. Governor Cox, Trump, and FBI cite targeted attack amid rising U.S. political violence.
By Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer, Jesse Bedayn & Hannah Schoenbaum | Associated Press | September 12, 2025
The man accused in the Charlie Kirk assassination had earlier expressed to family his opposition to the viewpoints of the conservative activist, the authorities said Friday in announcing an arrest in a targeted killing that raised fresh alarms about political violence in the United States.
Tyler Robinson, 22, had become “more political” in the run-up to the shooting and had indicated to a family friend afterward that he was responsible, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. Cox also cited as key pieces of evidence engravings on bullets found in a rifle believed used in the attack as well as chatting app messages attributed to the shooting suspect that a roommate shared with law enforcement.
Cox, a Republican, called Kirk’s killing an “attack on the American experiment,” and he urged a new generation to “choose a different path.”
Robinson is believed to have acted alone, and the investigation is ongoing, Cox said.
Robinson’s arrest early Friday morning was disclosed by President Donald Trump, who said in a Fox News Channel interview that, “With a high degree of certainty, we have him.”
Calls to telephone numbers listed for Robinson in public records rang unanswered.
News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the person’s whereabouts.
Kirk was killed by a single shot in what police said was a targeted attack and Utah’s governor called a political assassination. Kirk co-founded the nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA, based in Arizona.
Authorities recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle near the scene of the shooting and had said the shooter jumped off a roof and vanished into the nearby woods afterward.
Kirk had been speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point at Utah Valley University at the time of Wednesday’s shooting. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead hours later.
“He wanted to help young people, and he didn’t deserve this,” Trump said Friday. “He was really a good person.”
Federal investigators and state officials on Thursday had released photos and a video of the person they believe is responsible. Kirk was shot as he spoke to a crowd gathered in a courtyard at the university in Orem.
More than 7,000 leads and tips had poured in, officials said. Authorities have yet to cite a motive in the killing, the latest act of political violence to convulse the United States.
Grisly video shared online
The attack, carried out in broad daylight as Kirk spoke about social issues, was captured on grisly videos that spread on social media.
The videos show Kirk, who was influential in rallying young Republican voters, speaking into a handheld microphone when suddenly a shot rings out. Kirk reaches up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream before people start running away.
The shooter, who investigators believe blended into the campus crowd because of a college-age appearance, fired one shot from the rooftop, according to authorities. Video released Thursday showed the person then walking through the grass and across the street before disappearing.
“I can tell you this was a targeted event,” said Robert Bohls, the top FBI agent in Salt Lake City.
Trump, who was joined by Democrats in condemning the violence, said he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, visited with Kirk’s family Thursday in Salt Lake City. Vance posted a remembrance on X chronicling their friendship, dating back to initial messages in 2017, through Vance’s Senate run and the 2024 election.
“So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” Vance wrote. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”
Kirk’s casket was flown aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Phoenix, where his nonprofit political youth organization is based. Trump told reporters he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral. Details have not been announced.
Kirk was taking questions about gun violence
Kirk was a conservative provocateur who became a powerful political force among young Republicans and was a fixture on college campuses, where he invited sometimes-vehement debate on social issues.
One such provocative exchange played out immediately before the shooting as Kirk was taking questions from an audience member about gun violence.
The debate hosted by Turning Point at the Sorensen Center on campus was billed as the first stop on Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.”
The event generated a polarizing campus reaction. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry and constructive dialogue.”
Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”
Attendees barricaded themselves in classrooms
Some attendees who bolted after the gunshot rushed into two classrooms full of students. They used tables to barricade the door and to shield themselves in the corners. Someone grabbed an electric pencil sharpener and wrapped the cord tightly around the door handle, then tied the sharpener to a chair leg.
On campus Thursday, the canopy stamped with the slogan Kirk commonly used at his events — “PROVE ME WRONG” — stood, disheveled.
Meanwhile, the shooting continued to draw bipartisan condemnation as Democratic officials joined Trump and other Republican allies of Kirk in decrying the attack, which unfolded during a spike of political violence that has touched a range of ideologies and representatives of both major political parties.
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DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson launches sweeping government overhaul, unveiling 266 reforms from a landmark review to boost efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across county operations.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | September 10, 2025
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has unveiled a wide-ranging government reform plan following the release of a landmark organizational assessment conducted by independent consulting firm Mauldin & Jenkins.
The evaluation, commissioned as part of her transition strategy, reviewed 18 county departments and produced 266 actionable recommendations to modernize operations, increase efficiency, and strengthen accountability.
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
“As I shared in my first budget proposal, this assessment was never about pointing fingers, it was about building a stronger foundation for DeKalb’s future,” Cochran-Johnson said. “With this report, we now have a clear, data-informed roadmap to reimagine how we serve, how we lead, and how we grow.”
The recommendations call for improvements in leadership alignment, service delivery, process modernization, technology integration, workflow optimization, and risk management. To ensure follow-through, the CEO’s office will appoint a Change Manager tasked with coordinating efforts, tracking progress, and reporting updates to the Board of Commissioners and the public.
“This is a pivotal moment for DeKalb County,” Cochran-Johnson added. “We now have the blueprint and the will. What comes next is execution—and that will require focus, discipline, and collaboration at every level of government.”
County officials say implementation will begin immediately, with the goal of building a more transparent and responsive government that can better serve DeKalb’s nearly 800,000 residents.
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Atlanta Falcons fans turn tailgating into a weekly ritual at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, blending food, music, and fellowship into one of the NFL’s most vibrant traditions.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 8, 2025
Long before the coin toss and the first kick-off inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS), Falcons fans have already claimed their sanctuary. For many in the city, tailgating isn’t just a pastime — it’s a ritual.
When the stadium opened its Home Depot Backyard in 2019, Harry Hynekamp, vice president of fan experience for AMB Sports and Entertainment, put it plainly: “We want to be known throughout the NFL as the toughest place for an opponent to come and play.” That toughness starts outside, where thousands gather in red and black.
The Roots of Tailgating
It’s a tradition that transcends time and space, uniting Falcons fans in a unique bond of camaraderie and shared passion. The American Tailgate Association traces the first gathering back to 1861 at the Battle of Bull Run, where civilians hauled food and booze to the sidelines. A gentler origin credits Yale football in the early 1900s, when fans traveling by bus and train arrived early with baskets and grills. Either way, the tradition has grown into something much bigger — a cultural force, especially in the South.
A Religion in the A
In Atlanta, tailgating is not just a pre-game ritual, it’s a celebration of the Falcons spirit. By 6:00 a.m., the lots are alive with the sizzle of ribs and the aroma of chicken wings. Fans eagerly line up outside the Home Depot Backyard, ready for a day of music, drumlines, cheerleaders, Freddie Falcon, and giveaways. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, as fans of all ages come together for a day of fun and football.
Stories from the Lots
On Sunday, September 7, before the Falcons’ 23-20 season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fans from all walks of life made their way to the Backyard and the designated lots surrounding the MBS. Corrie M. and her mother, Ivey L., came up from Eastman to cheer cousin Michael Pinnix as he suited up for the first time in a Falcons jersey.
Enjoying the tailgate
AD, with the Lights Out Tailgators, have been posted up 15 years strong. “It’s about family, food, and fun,” he said.
Reggie Watson, a season ticket holder for 34 years, helps lead the Tailgators 4 Lyfe crew, a group of 50 regulars who run their tailgate like a small business, collecting dues and organizing off-season events. “We are here for each other and the fun of it all.”
For others, it’s about innovation. Bryant Barnes rolled in with EventBox ATL, a tricked-out 20-foot shipping container transformed into a luxury lounge with TVs, a rooftop bar, karaoke station, and Wi-Fi, cell phone charging stations — big enough for 50 people. “We’re taking tailgating to the next level,” he said.
My first tailgate.
Small businesses thrive, too. Kisha, owner of Bartender To You, sets up her mobile bar at every home game. Randy, a barber from Mableton, has been tailgating for three years. Byron proudly introduced his toddler son to the family tradition this season.
Food, Faith, and Falcons
What makes tailgating in Atlanta unique is the mix: charcoal-grilled chicken, ribs, cold beer, whiskey, tequila shots, lounge chairs, DJ jamming, and even axe-throwing contests. It’s folding chairs sinking into the dirt, kids learning the Dirty Bird dance. It’s family. It’s a fellowship, a melting pot of Southern food, community pride, and Dirty Birds loyalty.
For Falcons fans, the tailgate is as essential as kickoff. And whether the Falcons win or fall short, the gospel keeps getting preached outside MBS every Sunday: the church of tailgate is alive and well.
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Trump’s education law cuts Pell Grants, tightening rules and shrinking awards. HBCUs and low-income students brace for higher hurdles as oversight battles shift to states.
By Milton Kirby | Washington, DC | September 2, 2025
On the Fourth of July, as fireworks lit the sky, President Trump signed a sweeping education bill that could dim the futures of millions of American students. Buried in its pages are changes to the Pell Grant program — a 50-year lifeline for students from low-income families.
Every year, more than seven million students rely on Pell Grants to help cover tuition, housing, books, and food. For many, Pell is the difference between walking onto a college campus or walking away from the dream of higher education. Now, with cuts enacted, that dream is under threat — and no group feels the pressure more than the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
What the Law Changes
The new law rewrites parts of Pell eligibility starting July 1, 2026. Some changes expand access; others tighten the belt.
Aid overlap: Students who receive other grants — state aid, institutional scholarships, or private awards — that fully cover the cost of attendance will lose Pell eligibility. That means “full-ride” athletes, many of them from low-income families, will miss out on support for everyday living costs.
Income and assets:Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) double the maximum Pell award will also be cut off. Supporters call it a fairness tweak; critics see it as punishing students whose families look wealthier on paper than they really are.
Foreign income counts: Families with income abroad will see it added into Pell calculations.
Family protections return: Small businesses, family farms, and now family fisheries are again shielded from aid calculations, undoing an earlier change that penalized them.
At the same time, Pell eligibility expands to cover very-short-term training programs — eight to fifteen weeks long — giving students a path to credentials in high-demand trades. But without data reporting or accountability built into the law, some fear shady operators will swoop in to grab federal money without delivering real value.
The Cut That Hurts Most
The law sets the stage for a $9 billion reduction in Pell funding. Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, the maximum grant will fall from $7,395 to $5,710. Students must complete 30 credit hours annually — 15 a semester — to receive the full award. Those who attend part-time, often working parents or adult learners, will receive smaller grants or none at all.
Community colleges could be hit hardest. Many of their students juggle jobs, childcare, and school. Twelve credits a semester has long been considered full-time. Now, under the new rule, it won’t be enough.
“Students who can’t carry a full load will be shut out entirely,” warned one higher-ed advocate.
HBCUs on the Front Lines
For HBCUs, where Pell recipients make up the majority of students, the stakes could not be higher.
Tuskegee University President Mark A. Brown told senators that Pell cuts would force students to borrow more — or not enroll at all. “Today, Pell Grants cover only 31 percent of average public college costs, compared to 79 percent in 1975,” he said. “Cutting further puts college out of reach for millions.”
The warning comes as HBCUs face another blow: more than $140 million in federal grants have been canceled since March, including awards for research and scholarships at Hampton, Howard, Tennessee State, Florida A&M, and Morehouse. For campuses already under-resourced, this one-two punch — canceled research dollars and shrinking Pell support — threatens both institutional stability and student opportunity.
“Pell cuts would be devastating,” said Lodriguez V. Murray of the United Negro College Fund. “Instead of cutting, we should be doubling Pell. Lawmakers who wrote this bill are out of touch with reality.”
The Bigger Picture
Pell is not just a number in the federal budget. It is woven into the stories of first-generation students who show up at campuses with more hope than savings. Roughly 61 percent of recipients come from families earning less than $30,000. About 20 percent are parents themselves.
At community colleges, Pell helps single mothers cover daycare while finishing nursing degrees. At HBCUs, Pell has opened doors for generations of Black students locked out of wealth-building opportunities by systemic racism. Since its creation, Pell has supported more than 80 million low-income families.
Cutting the program now, analysts say, is a step backward. Katherine Meyer at Brookings called it a “retreat from the federal role in higher education” that will leave states and families scrambling. “Without robust federal funding, the end result will be fewer opportunities for the lowest-income students.”
Stopgaps and Shortfalls
To keep the program afloat, lawmakers added $10.5 billion in mandatory funding for FY2026. But this is a temporary patch. Because Pell is funded through a mix of annual appropriations and mandatory money, shortfalls happen regularly. Analysts argue the only real fix is to move Pell entirely to the mandatory side of the budget, with automatic adjustments based on enrollment. Until then, the program will lurch from one funding crisis to the next.
Signed Into Law — What Comes Next
On July 1, the Senate narrowly passed the reconciliation package — with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The House approved the Senate’s version two days later, and President Trump signed it into law on July 4.
That means the Pell changes are now part of law. The next battles will focus on implementation and oversight. The Department of Education faces a tight deadline to enforce the new eligibility rules by 2026. With staffing cuts underway, states may have to step in with stronger consumer protections to ensure quality outcomes, especially for fast-track training programs.
Meanwhile, advocates are preparing the next front: pushing future Congresses to restore or expand Pell. Already, Democrats and higher-ed groups are drafting proposals to revisit the maximum award and eligibility definitions in the next budget cycle. Civil rights groups are also weighing legal challenges, arguing that the changes disproportionately harm Black, Latino, and low-income students.
In other words, the law may have passed — but the debate over Pell’s future is far from over.
Why It Matters
For half a century, Pell Grants have embodied America’s promise: that college should be within reach for anyone willing to work for it. Cuts now would betray that promise, slamming shut doors of opportunity just when the country needs more trained workers, more teachers, more nurses, more innovators.
And for HBCUs — institutions born in struggle and sustained by faith in education’s power to transform lives — the stakes are even higher. Pell is not just financial aid. It is survival.
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Sixty-four percent of Americans say racism is widespread—yet most oppose new civil rights laws, revealing a gap between recognition and real commitment to racial equity.
Data from a new Gallup poll that asks respondents’ views on racism finds some common ground between Black and white Americans — except when it comes to addressing the problem.
It’s the kind of polling data that gets a “water is wet” side-eye from Black folks. But the results of a recent Gallup poll reveal that when asked whether racism against Black people is “widespread,” nearly two-thirds of Americans now say yes.
Sixty-four percent, to be precise — the same record-high number Gallup recorded in 2021, in the summer of the so-called racial reckoning after George Floyd’s murder. But if Americans think racism is so pervasive, what do they want to do about it?
It turns out, not much.
The Vanishing Appetite for Civil Rights Laws
In our current whitelash reality of Project 2025 and anti-DEI crusades, when even acknowledging racial inequities has become a liability for grade schools and colleges, less than half of America believes the country needs new civil rights laws to reduce discrimination. That’s down 15 points from 2020 after Floyd’s murder.
Stark differences between white and Black Americans show up in the poll results. Nearly 75% of Black adults want new civil rights protections, while just 40% of white adults say new ones are needed.
Gallup has been asking the question “Do you think racism against Black people is or is not widespread in the U.S.?” since 2008. Back then, almost 60% of U.S. adults agreed racism was widespread. By the following year, when hope and change put Barack Obama in the White House as the nation’s first Black president, only 51% said racism was widespread.
By 2015, when a white cop in Ferguson, Missouri, gunned down Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager — igniting a wave of protests and turbocharging the Black Lives Matter movement — 60% of Americans said racism was widespread. Since then, the survey results have barely dipped.
Black Americans continue to experience the country differently from other racial groups. Eight in 10 Black adults told Gallup they believe racism is widespread, compared with 61% of white adults and 64% of Hispanic adults.
And when asked about everyday situations — at work, in stores, at the doctor’s office, on the street — whether or not Black folks experience racism is a matter of debate for white America.
Black People and Reality
Seventy-seven percent of Black adults say they are treated less fairly than white people in encounters with police; 59% say the same about how they’re treated in healthcare and around the office. By contrast, just three in 10 white adults say they see Black people treated unfairly on the job.
When it comes to concrete opportunities, the divide between Black folks and everyone else continues. Fifty-five percent of all Americans say Black people have as good a chance to get a job they’re qualified for as white people, and 56% say the same about housing. Those numbers are basically unchanged since 2021, but far below where they stood in the 1990s and early 2000s, when roughly 70% of Americans were far more likely to believe equality had been achieved.
Meanwhile, white adults remain about twice as likely as Black adults to believe job and housing opportunities are equal
Civil Rights, But Make it Relative
Even as most Americans say racism is everywhere, most also say civil rights for Black people have improved in their lifetimes. Sixty-eight percent believe things are “somewhat” or “greatly” better. But optimism is waning
In 2011, at the height of the Obama years, nearly 9 in 10 respondents said Black civil rights had advanced. That sank to 59% in 2020, after George Floyd’s death. Now, 73% of whites say civil rights for Black people have improved, while only 53% of Black people agree.
So what does the data point — that 64% of people who believe racism exists — really tell us? That polls don’t magically solve racism. That Americans can acknowledge anti-Blackness exists without actually having to confront it. That progress hasn’t erased bias in workplaces, hospitals, or during interactions with police.
And that Black folks live in reality, while white communities toggle between recognition and denial.
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Tips for dealing with rising home insurance premiums
By Kerri Anne Renzulli | August 31, 2025
Living in an oceanfront condo on Florida’s Space Coast was Jim McGuigan’s retirement dream, so 12 years ago, he and his wife, Debbie, sold their family home in Orlando and moved to Cocoa Beach. But earlier this year, the couple packed up and moved back inland.
Behind that was insurance. Premiums for the high-rise where they owned a unit had tripled in recent years; that increase, along with repairs necessary to maintain coverage, drove their condo association fees up 141 percent over the same period. The prospect of even higher insurance-related costs prompted the McGuigans’ return to Central Florida, where they’ll spend $4,760 a year less in insurance and fees. “When we bought the condo, I didn’t think I was ever going to move again,” says Jim 66. “But insurance and other things have made the cost of living there too much.”
The McGuigans joined millions of Americans who, in recent years, have been forced to deal with home insurance premium increases and fewer choices as more carriers exit high-risk areas and decline to renew policies.
From 2021 to 2024, premiums rose an average of 24 percent in the U.S. and were higher in 95 percent of ZIP codes, reports the Consumer Federation of America (CFA). While Floridians pay the highest average annual premiums, at $9,462, non-coastal states like Arizona, Illinois, and Pennsylvania saw premiums grow by 44 percent or more. Thanks largely to these increases, nearly 1 in 7 owner-occupied U.S. homes are uninsured, estimates LendingTree. And other homeowners are likely struggling: A Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas study found that mortgage delinquencies increase 8 percent in the year following a typical price hike.
Because mortgage and home equity lenders require insurance, paying these premiums is nonnegotiable for most homeowners. But the following strategies can help reduce how much of your money insurance consumes.
REVIEW COVERAGE
Along with raising your deductible — a standard way to lower premiums — check that your various coverage amounts don’t leave you overinsured. You may be able to tailor your policy’s default limits to reflect just what you have, says Alyssa Bourgeoris, an indedpendent broker with the Marsh McLennan Agency in Metairie, Louisiana. You can try this with other structures coverage, which protects things like fences and detached garages, or with your contents coverage. Before making the change, however, weigh the consequences. “Dropping personal property coverage from 75 percent of your dwelling limit to 25 percent might only save $100 a year,” says Peter O’Keefe, an independent broker with Connor, Alexander and Sullivan in San Francisco. “Do you really want to give up that much coverage to save less than $10 a month?
CHECK THE MARKET
“If you feel like you’re getting a bad deal, shop around,” says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate with CFA. Annual rates from different insurers can vary by $1,000 or more for identical coverage, NerdWallet found. Many insurers make it easy to get a quick quote: Visit their website and plug in some basic information. You can use sites like Insure.com, Policygenius or The Zebra to see offers from multiple carriers simultaneously. Also, your state insurance department may provide rate comparison tools.
If you get a nonrenewal notice from your carrier, start shopping around at once since many states require only 30 days’ notice. “Ask the insurer the reason for the nonrenewal and see if you can make any improvements or changes to keep your insurance,” says Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy organization.
GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
Independent insurance agents and brokers can do the legwork of finding better coverage for you; they have access to policies and pricing information from multiple insurance companies, unlike captive agents who represent a single firm. “They can vouch for an insurance company that you may have never heard of,” Bach says. Ask how the broker or agent is compensated so you understand up front any potential biases. Visit trustedchoice.com to find more than 250,000 U.S. independent agents.
WIDEN YOUR SEARCH
If you can’t find good options through regular channels, consider state-created insurers of last resort, like California’s FAIR Plan (for fire insurance) or Louisiana Citizens.
Should one of those not be available, you might even consider non-admitted carriers, which don’t have state insurance licensing and lack guarantees that claims will be paid if they go belly-up. Non-admitted carriers may be riskier, but they must meet state requirements, and many are affiliated with traditional insurers. Mortgage lenders will OK them if they meet their financial standards, typically based on ratings—which are publicly available—from companies such as A.M. Best, De-motech or Standard & Poor’s. Don’t go with a non-admitted carrier unless you research its finances and work with a reputable broker, advises United Policyholders.
LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS
Ask your insurer about any price breaks it offers. Retirees can get up to 10 percent off with some insurers, since they spend more time at home, making them likelier to spot issues quickly. Other insurers offer lower rates to people in specific occupations, like the military or members of certain credit unions or professional associations. Opting for paperless statements and setting up automatic payments may also shave a bit off your premium, as can living in a gated community.
STRENGTHEN YOUR HOME
Improvements that make your home more resistant to risk, like storm shutters, a fire-resistant roof or a reinforced roof, could reduce your premium and give you more insurance carrier options, DeLong says. In some states, insurers are even required to offer discounts to homeowners who show proof they’ve added such features. Homeowners with security systems save between 2 and 15 percent—$100 less on average, according to Policygenius. Before making any upgrades, check that your insurer will reward the change and that it meets the carrier’s requirements.
Your state insurance department may provide grants or other assistance to help offset certain improvement costs, DeLong says. Alabama, for instance, offers homeowners grants of up to $10,000 for roof fortification in select counties.
IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE
In most states, insurers can set your rates and decline to renew your policy based on your credit history and scores, DeLong says. Rightly or wrongly, homeowners with poor credit scores are viewed as less reliable and so pay higher premiums than those with good scores—as much as 102 percent more, based on data from Policygenius. To help boost your score, make on-time payments, chip away at credit card balances and review your credit report for errors.
SELF-INSURE
Dropping supplemental coverage—like flood or earthquake insurance—or ditching home insurance altogether could save you thousands in the short run but puts your biggest asset at risk. “Without insurance, it’s entirely on you if something goes wrong,” says Dale Porfilio, chief insurance officer for the Insurance Information Institute. Anyone considering this option should have a financial plan for replacing possessions and obtaining housing in the event of a total loss. This may mean setting up a large emergency fund, deciding which assets to sell in a worst-case scenario or sacrificing retirement money. For most, even 20 years of investing saved premiums won’t equal the six-figure fund needed to rebuild entirely. If you have a mortgage on your property and drop coverage, your lender will make you pay for force-placed insurance, which is usually more expensive and protects only the lender’s financial interest, not yours.
CHANGE YOUR SITUATION
If home insurance squeezes your budget so tightly that you’re cutting or charging necessary purchases and constantly dipping into savings, you may no longer be able to afford to live where you do, says Sheryl Hanshaw, who heads the county-run Greenville Financial Empowerment Center in South Carolina. Contact your lender, advises Bruce McClary of the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). The lender may be able to lower your monthly payments—at least temporarily—though you’ll typically pay more interest and fees over time.
If that isn’t possible, consider selling your home and moving to a place with lower insurance costs, Hanshaw says. But also assess whether, after the change, you’d be better off financially and whether you’d lose what’s important to you, like proximity to your support network. For free advice about your mortgage, find a nonprofit financial counselor via NFCC’s website at nfcc.org, or go to answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling to connect with a local HUD housing counseling agency.
Kerri Anne Renzullihas worked at CNBC and News-week, Money and Financial Planning magazines.
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