Category: Community

Louisiana Republicans Eliminate Elected Position Days Before Democrat was to Assume Office

Louisiana Republicans eliminate an elected clerk position days before Calvin Duncan takes office, raising concerns over voter disenfranchisement and judicial restructuring

By Sara Cline and Jack Brook | Baton Rouge, LA & New Orleans, LA | May 3, 2026

Louisiana Republicans eliminated an elected position days before an exonerated man who overwhelmingly won the New Orleans-based clerk seat was set to take office.

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Thursday quietly signed into law legislation abolishing the long-standing Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court position, according to Louisiana Secretary of State spokesperson Trey Williams.

Republicans say wiping away the office is a consolidation effort meant to make the local judicial system more efficient and cut costs. But Democrats condemn the change as government overreach, arguing that it infringes on a predominantly Black parish’s decision at the polls.

Calvin Duncan, who spent nearly 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, easily won election to the criminal court clerk position in November, beating the incumbent and earning more than two-thirds of the vote. He had been set to take office Monday and has asked a federal judge to allow him to take office as scheduled.

“It’s a sad thing to see the state government repeating what happened to Black public officials during Reconstruction,” Duncan said. “They will do what they do, and I will do whatever I have to do to vindicate the voters of New Orleans and make sure that what happened to me never happens to anybody else.”

Landry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Duncan, a Democrat whose murder conviction was vacated in 2021 after evidence emerged that police officers lied in court, has vowed to help fix the system that once failed him.

Duncan, 63, and his supporters say he is being targeted by the most powerful Republicans in the state, including those who have denied his innocence, even though Duncan’s name is listed on the National Registry of Exonerations.

“We’re doing something because powerful people don’t like him,” Rep. Mandie Landry, a New Orleans Democrat, told lawmakers during a legislative committee hearing in April. Landry, who is not related to the governor, described the Republican efforts as “atrocious” and worries what they could mean for other elected positions in the state.

Law consolidates two court clerk positions

Republicans say the legislation consolidates the civil and criminal court clerks’ offices in Orleans Parish, putting it in line with all other parishes in the state, which have a single clerk’s office. The civil clerk position would remain and absorb the criminal clerk’s role.

Eliminating the clerk position saves the state about $27,000 and the city $233,000, according to the office of the legislative auditor, which added that the long-term costs of consolidation are “unknown.” The legislation also shifts about $1.17 million in state expenditures to the parish. The civil and criminal court clerks have separate physical offices and different case management systems.

The governor told the Associated Press that eliminating Duncan’s elected office was about improving government efficiency and “cleaning up a system in Orleans Parish that has been plagued by dysfunction and corruption for years.”

The consolidation is part of a broader GOP effort during the ongoing legislative session to overhaul the judiciary in New Orleans — including bills that propose abolishing several other elected judicial positions in the parish. However, those jobs would be eliminated further down the line, allowing officials to serve out their terms.

The bill’s Republican author, Sen. Jay Morris, who represents a district several hours from New Orleans, said the goal was to implement the clerk consolidation before Duncan takes office, preventing him from starting a four-year term. Morris acknowledged that he expects lawsuits to be filed because of this law but believes the change to be constitutional.

“It’s unfortunate for Mr. Duncan, I concede that,” Morris told lawmakers in April. “He seems very nice, but we don’t make policy around here for just one person.”

Key takeaways

  • Election Overturned: Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed a law eliminating the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position just days before Calvin Duncan, an exonerated Democrat, was set to assume office.
  • Consolidation & Cost: The law merges civil and criminal clerk offices, aiming to cut costs ($27,000 state, $233,000 city) and improve efficiency, though long-term savings are uncertain.
  • Voter Concerns: Critics argue the move disenfranchises voters, undermining the will of a predominantly Black electorate that elected Duncan with 68% of the vote.

Concerns of disenfranchisement

Although conversations have revolved around Duncan, many also raise concerns about how the change potentially could disenfranchise voters — a heightened worry in a deeply red state that has been central to efforts to weaken the Voting Rights Act, including the case at issue in a landmark Supreme Court ruling last week. Orleans Parish is a Democratic hub with a predominantly Black electorate.

“Mr. Duncan was elected by 68% of the vote in a city that’s majority African American. This is the will of the people, and what your bill attempts to do is usurp the will of the people,” Rep. Edmond Jordan, a Democrat, told Morris.

Well before the legislation reached the governor’s desk, Duncan said he could see the writing on the wall. Ahead of the outcome, Duncan’s advocates held a ceremonial swearing-in for him. Hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the Orleans Parish criminal courthouse to support him.

Duncan told lawmakers that along the campaign trail last year, he spoke with many people who told him they typically abstain from voting in elections. “Now, this bill tells people exactly what they had believed — that their vote doesn’t count,” he said.

Cline and Brook write for the Associated Press and reported from Baton Rouge, La., and New Orleans, respectively.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Related articles

Metro Leaders Urge Veto of HB 369, Call Bill “Targeted” and “Discriminatory”

Truth Seekers Journal thrives because of readers like you. Join us in sustaining independent voices.

Insurance Reform Takes Center Stage as DeAndre Mathis Pushes Consumer-Focused Agenda in Georgia Race

Georgia Insurance Commissioner candidate pushes reforms to end credit-based premiums, strengthen consumer protections, and hold insurers accountable while promoting fairness and transparency statewide.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | May 2, 2026

DeAndre Mathis, candidate for Georgia Insurance Commissioner is building his campaign around a simple but forceful message: the system is not working for everyday policyholders and it needs to change.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Mathis is calling for sweeping reforms aimed at transparency, fairness, and consumer protection. His platform focuses on eliminating what he describes as systemic inequities in how insurance rates are determined, while restoring accountability to both insurers and the regulatory office itself.

At the core of his campaign is a push to end the use of credit scores in determining insurance premiums. He argues that credit-based pricing unfairly penalizes working families, particularly those in historically underserved communities.

“Your premiums should be based on your safety record, not your bank account or ZIP code,” he said, framing the issue as a form of “modern-day redlining.”

Mathis also plans to prioritize enforcement against what he calls “bad faith” practices within the insurance industry. He says the current system too often targets individual policyholders for minor infractions while failing to hold large insurance companies accountable.

“The office should work for the people, not just the providers,” he said, emphasizing the need to rebalance the role of the Insurance Commissioner toward consumer advocacy.

Another key component of his platform is increasing oversight of mutual insurance companies—firms that are technically owned by their policyholders. He argues that many of these companies are not operating in the best interest of those stakeholders, particularly when it comes to sharing profits.

“If companies are profitable, those gains belong to the policyholders—not just executives,” he said.

Beyond financial reforms, Mathis is also highlighting public safety concerns tied to insurance regulation. His campaign includes proposals to modernize fire safety standards across the state, particularly for multi-family housing and high-rise developments. He points to gaps in statewide fire code enforcement as a risk to both urban and rural communities.

“Safety is more than a policy—it’s prevention,” he said, adding that rural fire departments and emergency infrastructure need stronger support.

The campaign’s broader message is rooted in a belief that the Insurance Commissioner’s office has lost critical authority over time. Mathis has pledged to push for legislative changes that would restore regulatory power, including greater oversight of rate increases.

He also plans to use existing enforcement tools—such as fines and investigations—more aggressively, arguing that consistent oversight can deter unfair practices even before new laws are passed.

As the race develops, DeAndre Mathis positions himself as both an industry insider and a reformer—someone who understands the system from within but is willing to challenge it.

“Our priorities are about fairness,” he said. “That means putting people first.”

Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Truth Seekers Journal and help us continue telling the stories that matter.

MARTA, Regional Transit Riders Face May 2 Deadline to Switch to New Better Breeze System

MARTA riders must switch to the Better Breeze system by May 2 as new fare gates close, ending old cards and introducing tap-to-pay options.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 1, 2026

MARTA and its regional transit partners are entering a major transition this weekend as the new Better Breeze fare payment system becomes the standard across the network.

Riders on MARTA, ATL Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas, and Ride Gwinnett must switch to the updated system by Saturday, May 2, when new fare gates begin closing and fare payment becomes mandatory.

The rollout marks MARTA’s largest fare technology upgrade in more than a decade.

Installation is still underway at many stations, prompting MARTA to leave older fare gates open temporarily to maintain access. However, the agency stresses that open gates do not mean free rides. Beginning May 2, all riders must pay using one of the newly approved methods.

Old Breeze cards, paper tickets, and the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app will no longer be accepted.

At stations where construction is ongoing, older fare gates may remain open, but riders should not interpret this as free entry. Fare payment is still required.

New Ways to Pay

MARTA West End – patrons buying Better Breeze fare – Photo by Milton Kirby

The Better Breeze system introduces several payment options designed to speed up boarding and reduce wait times:

  • Tap-enabled bank cards – Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover can be tapped directly at faregates and validators
  • Mobile wallets Riders can tap smartphones or smartwatches linked to a bank card
  • New orange Breeze cards – available at ticket vending machines, Ride Stores, the new Breeze Mobile app, and breezecard.com
  • Virtual Breeze cards – available in Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet, with Apple Wallet support expected soon

Cash remains an option with limitations. Riders may use cash at ticket vending machines and Ride Stores to purchase cards or tickets. On buses, cash is accepted for one-way fares only and does not include transfers.

Where to Get the New Breeze Cards

Beginning May 2, new ticket vending machines will be active at major stations including Airport, Buckhead, Civic Center, Doraville, East Point, Georgia State, H.E. Holmes, Kensington, Lenox, Lindbergh, Midtown, North Springs, Sandy Springs, Vine City, and West End. Additional machines are being installed daily.

Cards may also be purchased online at breezecard.com or at MARTA Ride Stores located at Airport and Sandy Springs stations.

Specialty cards including Reduced Fare and Mobility cards are being mailed to certified customers. Riders who have not received theirs may visit the Reduced Fare office at MARTA headquarters during extended hours from May 2 through May 7.

What Riders Need to Know About Fare Gates

New fare gates across the system will begin closing on May 2.

At stations still under construction, older gates may remain open. MARTA emphasizes that riders must still pay using one of the new payment methods, regardless of gate status.

Transit ambassadors and signage will be available systemwide to assist riders during the transition.

MARTA King Memorial – Crew installing Better Breeze dispensers

Transferring Old Breeze Balances

Riders with unused balances on old Breeze cards will be able to transfer funds to a new, registered account beginning May 5.

The transfer window will remain open through October 30. MARTA says detailed instructions will be released in the coming days.

Staying Connected

MARTA encourages riders to stay informed through:

  • Official website and Better Breeze information hub
  • breezecard.com
  • Social media: @MARTAservice and @MARTAtransit
  • Customer service: 404-848-5000

Instructional “how-to” videos available in English and Spanish

Support open, independent journalism—your contribution helps us tell the stories that matter most.

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 6

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo expands its legacy of community care through a new partnership with Guardant Health, bringing life‑saving colorectal cancer screening and education directly to Black communities.

Riding for Our Lives: How the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Is Expanding Its Legacy of Community Care Through a New Partnership With Guardant Health

By Milton Kirby | Memphis, TN | May 1, 2026

For forty‑two years, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) has been more than a showcase of Black cowboy excellence. It has been a cultural institution, a traveling classroom, a family reunion, and a lifeline — a place where heritage is preserved, children are affirmed, and communities gather to celebrate themselves. Long before “community engagement” became a corporate buzzword, BPIR was already doing the work: educating youth, supporting families, creating safe spaces, and showing up in cities where resources were thin but hope was abundant.

That legacy continues today through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF), whose mission is rooted in value‑driven philanthropy and whose vision is clear: preserving heritage, empowering communities, and inspiring generations. Since 1987, the Foundation has delivered health and wellness programs, STEM initiatives, scholarships, senior support, emotional‑intelligence workshops, and anti‑violence education across the country. Its values, generosity, compassion, empathy, equity, inclusion — are not slogans. They are the operating system.

So, when BPIR announced a new partnership with Guardant Health, a trusted leader in blood-based cancer tests for more than a decade, as part of its “Riding Across America for Community Health” initiative, it wasn’t a pivot. It was a continuation.
It was BPIR doing what BPIR has always done: meeting the community where it is and bringing life‑saving information directly to the people who need it most.

The Heartbeat of the Mission: Rodeo for Kidz Sake

If you want to understand BPIR’s soul, you start with the children.

The Rodeo for Kidz Sake (RFKS) program is one of the most powerful expressions of BPIR’s values, an immersive, educational, joy‑filled introduction to Black cowboys and cowgirls, Western history, and the “cowboy mystique” that shapes childhood imagination. For many inner‑city students, RFKS is their first time seeing a horse up close, touching an animal, or witnessing Black excellence in a space they never knew belonged to them.

On Friday, April 10, nearly 4,000 students filled the AgriCenter Showplace Arena in Memphis. They laughed, learned, asked questions, and saw themselves reflected in a history that has too often been erased. RFKS events now take place in Denver, Memphis, and Washington, D.C./Maryland and for many children, the experience is life‑changing.

Photo by Milton Kirby – For Kidz Sake

Margo Wade‑LaDrew, National Development / Sponsorship Director told me this as cowboys and cowgirls streamed past us, moving through the lines to enter the arena for Saturday night’s show a reminder that BPIR’s commitment to community isn’t theoretical. It lives in the dust, the boots, the laughter, and the anticipation of families gathering for a night of culture and competition.

“The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is committed to empowering and uplifting communities across the country through dynamic outreach initiatives. We focus on promoting health, education, emotional intelligence, life skills, career development, anti‑bullying, and anti‑violence awareness,” she said. “This new partnership with Guardant Health is in total alignment with that legacy.”

RFKS is the heartbeat of that commitment — a reminder that BPIR’s work is not just about preserving the past, but preparing the next generation to thrive.

A Longstanding Commitment to Health and Healing

BPIRF’s health outreach didn’t begin with Guardant Health.
For years, the Foundation has delivered timely education on:

  • COVID‑19 and flu vaccination
  • Domestic and community violence prevention
  • Anti‑bullying and emotional intelligence
  • Mental health and suicide prevention
  • Breast cancer, prostate health, diabetes, and high blood pressure

Through partnerships with Anti‑Violence Ventures and the Black Beauty & Wellness Foundation, BPIRF has created safe spaces for emotional expression, healing, and empowerment — reaching both men and women with culturally grounded resources.

This is the context that makes the Guardant partnership meaningful.
BPIR wasn’t looking for a sponsor.
It was looking for alignment.
And it found it.

The Crisis: Colorectal Cancer in Black America

Colorectal cancer is the second‑leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Guardant Shield


For Black Americans, the burden is even heavier:

  • 20% higher incidence
  • 40% higher mortality
  • More likely to be diagnosed at a younger age
  • More likely to be diagnosed at a later stage

The difference between early and late detection is staggering:

  • 91% survival when caught early
  • 13% survival when caught late

We don’t fully understand why colorectal cancer behaves more aggressively in Black patients. But we do know this: early detection saves lives.

And that is where Guardant Health enters the story.

Shield Across America: Innovation Meets the Arena

On April 11, 2026, the Guardant Health mobile colon cancer screening education tour bus rolled into Memphis to join BPIR’s tour stop, marking a milestone in the “Riding Across America for Community Health” initiative. The bus is part of Shield Across America, a nationwide effort to expand access to colorectal cancer screening and education about Shield, the first and only test FDA‑approved as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer for average‑risk adults 45 and older.

Shield is:

  • non‑invasive
  • accessible
  • covered by Medicare, and the VA Community Care Network
  • designed to meet people where they are

For communities facing systemic barriers to healthcare including Black Americans this partnership is more than symbolic. It is lifesaving.

Courtesy photo – Sam Asgarian, Guardant Health’s vice president of clinical development for screening

The Science Behind Shield: A Conversation With Dr. Sam Asgarian

To understand the test’s impact, I spoke with Dr. Sam Asgarian, Guardant Health’s vice president of clinical development for screening. He explained that Shield’s FDA approval was built on one of the largest colorectal cancer screening studies ever conducted.

In 2019, Guardant launched the ECLIPSE Study, enrolling more than 20,000 Americans across the country. The goal was not just size – it was representation.

“We made sure the study matched the demographics of the United States,” Asgarian said. “Not just white participants, not just white and Black participants — but a true reflection of the country.”

The results were strong:

  • 83% detection rate for colorectal cancers
  • 10% false‑positive rate
  • Consistent performance across ethnicities

For Black families who have historically been excluded from clinical trials, this matters.

Cost, Coverage, and the Reality of Access

Eligible Medicare Part B or Fee for Service (FFS) patients will have $0 out-of-pocket cost for the Shield test. Medicare Advantage patients may be subject to co-pays, co-insurances and deductibles, depending on their specific plan. Veterans have zero copay through VA Community Care.

Coverage varies depending on private insurance.

But here’s where Guardant does something unusual:
They don’t leave patients to navigate the insurance maze alone.

“Every time a test is ordered, we reach out to patients,” Asgarian said. “We tell them what we think their coverage will be. We work with insurance companies. We help with financial assistance. We don’t want people going through that alone.”

As someone who has had two colonoscopies myself, I asked whether people like me could switch to the blood test going forward.

“It’s entirely up to you and your physician,” he said. “You have options now.”

Optionality saves lives.

Memphis: What Happened on the Ground

The Shield Across America tour launched in Las Vegas in March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, it has made several stops across the country navigating festivals, charity walks, and any event with enough space to park a 45‑foot mobile lab. The BPIR was a natural partnership for the tour.

Outside the arena, I saw a steady flow of people approaching the Shield Across America. Inside, Guardant had a table set up for conversations, questions, and education. I didn’t see the table myself — I was photographing from the opposite side of the arena — but the team reported strong engagement.

Even a few hundred screenings can shift outcomes in a community.

Looking Ahead: Atlanta and Beyond

When I asked about the next stop, Asgarian said the team was still finalizing the Atlanta layout, but that the latest information could be found at ShieldCancerScreen.com.

BPIR is uniquely positioned to make this work.
The rodeo is already a family event.
Adding health engagement to the pre‑show atmosphere is a natural fit.

This is not a one‑off partnership.
It is the beginning of a sustained health equity effort.

The Human Barrier: Fear, Anxiety, and Avoidance

Asgarian said something that stayed with me:

“People aren’t avoiding screening because they don’t care. They’re afraid. They’ve had bad experiences. They don’t trust the system. They don’t know what’s available.”

This is why meeting people at the rodeo matters.
When people are in a space they love — surrounded by culture, joy, and community — they are more open to engaging with healthcare.

BPIR becomes the bridge between fear and action.

The Role of Trusted Media

When I asked what Truth Seekers Journal could do to strengthen the partnership, Asgarian didn’t hesitate:

“There’s so much noise in the world. Breakthroughs get drowned out. When people hear about this from a trusted source — your publication — it means more. It pushes them to act.”

That is the responsibility of Black media:
to amplify what saves us, not just what threatens us.

Colorectal cancer is the second‑leading cancer killer.
But unlike many cancers, early detection changes everything.

This is breakthrough technology.
This is life‑saving access.
This is information our community deserves.

Closing: Riding for Our Lives

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has always been about more than competition. It is about culture, community, and care. It is about honoring the past while protecting the future. It is about showing up; for children, for families, for elders, for each other.

Now, through its partnership with Guardant Health, BPIR is riding for something even deeper: our lives.

Preserving heritage.
Empowering communities.
Inspiring generations.
Protecting futures. One family, one child, one screening, one city at a time.

Event Tickets and additional information

Related articles

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 7

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 5

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 4

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 3

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 2

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 1

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Names 2025 Champions After a Year of Grow and New Partnerships and a Powerful Legacy

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo National Finals Nominated for USA TODAY’s Best Rodeo Award

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Celebrates 40 Years of Tradition and Excellence

Martin Luther King, Jr. African-American Rodeo of Champions Thrills Denver Audience

Support open, independent journalism—your contribution helps us tell the stories that matter most.

Dickens Administration Expands Blight Tax to Revitalize Neighborhoods

Atlanta proposes stronger blight tax law, increasing penalties on neglected properties up to 25 times, aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and hold absentee property owners accountable.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 30, 2026

The administration of Andre Dickens has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening Atlanta’s fight against blighted properties, expanding enforcement tools and increasing pressure on negligent property owners across the city.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Atlanta City Councilmember Byron D. Amos, builds on the city’s existing “blight tax,” formally known as the community redevelopment ad valorem tax. The measure is part of the mayor’s broader Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, which seeks to reverse long-standing disinvestment in Atlanta communities.

Under current law, properties deemed blighted—based on criteria outlined in O.C.G.A. 22-1-1—can face steep financial penalties. The updated legislation strengthens that framework, allowing the city to more aggressively apply a tax increase of up to 25 times the standard rate on qualifying vacant properties.

“Neglected properties drain the vitality from our neighborhoods,” Dickens said in a statement. “This legislation sends a clear message: if you own property in Atlanta, you have a responsibility to maintain it.”

City leaders say blighted properties often trigger a ripple effect in surrounding communities, lowering home values, attracting crime, and increasing strain on public services. The enhanced legislation aims to interrupt that cycle by accelerating enforcement and expanding accountability.

Amos emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that many residents have endured deteriorating properties for years. “Let this legislation be a message to delinquent property owners throughout the City that their behavior will no longer be tolerated,” he said.

The strengthened blight tax is one of several legal tools available to the city. Officials say it will be used alongside judicial in rem actions, nuisance prosecutions, condemnation authority, and traditional code enforcement measures.

Raines Carter, who serves as the city’s designated Public Officer for blight enforcement, said the city plans to focus on the most severe cases. Once a property is officially designated as blighted, owners are given a limited window to correct violations before the increased tax penalty takes effect.

“The City will strategically deploy the blight tax and all other remedies available to hold delinquent property owners responsible,” Carter said, urging residents to report problem properties through Atlanta’s 311 system.

The legislation follows the Atlanta City Council’s 2024 passage of Ordinance 24-O-1370, which authorized the initial use of the blight tax and set the groundwork for implementation. Since then, multiple city departments have coordinated to develop enforcement procedures and identify eligible properties.

City officials say they will monitor the program’s outcomes during its first year, with plans to refine and potentially expand enforcement to additional neighborhoods. The move signals a more aggressive posture by Atlanta leaders in addressing blight—one that combines financial penalties with legal enforcement in an effort to stabilize communities and restore long-neglected areas.

Support open, independent journalism—your contribution helps us tell the stories that matter most.

Downtown Atlanta Enterprise Zone Proposed to Leverage World Cup for Long-Term Growth

Atlanta proposes a Downtown Enterprise Zone to capture World Cup revenue, funding affordable housing and small businesses while accelerating long-term revitalization efforts in the city’s core.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 23, 2026

Mayor Andre Dickens has introduced legislation to establish a new Downtown Enterprise Zone, a move city leaders say will channel the economic surge expected from the FIFA World Cup 2026 into long-term investment for housing, small businesses, and neighborhood revitalization.

The proposed zone, part of the mayor’s broader Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, is designed to transform a key section of Downtown Atlanta into a reinvestment engine—capturing revenue generated during major global events and redirecting it into community development.

“As part of our Administration’s unwavering commitment to changing generational outcomes for Atlantans, we are using every tool at our disposal to bring investment to high opportunity areas like Downtown,” Dickens said in the announcement. “The new Downtown Enterprise Zone will strategically harness the revenue and momentum of the World Cup events to create investment for new affordable housing and small businesses.”

Targeted Area, Strategic Timing

The Enterprise Zone would cover nearly 30 acres of Downtown, bounded roughly by Marietta Street NW, Peachtree Street SW, Trinity Avenue SW, and Ted Turner Drive/Forsyth Street SW. The designation is being coordinated with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which oversees such economic development zones.

City officials say the timing is intentional. With Atlanta set to host matches during the 2026 World Cup, leaders are looking to ensure that the influx of visitors and spending produces benefits that extend beyond the event itself.

Under the proposal, the city could capture up to 5% of gross sales from qualifying businesses within the zone. Those funds would then be reinvested into local projects, including affordable housing initiatives and support for small, locally owned businesses.

A Piece of a Larger Strategy

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier, whose district includes Downtown, emphasized that the Enterprise Zone is one part of a broader redevelopment effort.

“The timing of this legislation is no accident,” Dozier said. “No single policy is a panacea, and this initiative is one part of a broader, coordinated effort to help Downtown Atlanta live up to its fullest potential as a neighborhood, as a community and as a destination.”

Dozier added that the goal is to convert short-term economic activity into “lasting benefits and sustained momentum” for both residents and businesses.

Private Investment Already Underway

The success of the Enterprise Zone will depend heavily on the number of participating businesses and their economic activity. Increasing the number of viable businesses in the district is seen as critical.

That effort is already underway in parts of Downtown, particularly in South Downtown (SoDo), where David Cummings and his firm Atlanta Ventures are leading a large-scale redevelopment.

Cummings’ company controls a 58-building portfolio of historic mixed-use properties and is focused on attracting small, local retailers. Five businesses have already opened, with 11 more expected by June 2026—including a new location of El Tesoro.

“This Enterprise Zone ensures that as the district grows, we are simultaneously investing in the affordable housing and small businesses needed to support that growth,” Cummings said.

Why This Matters

The proposed Enterprise Zone reflects a growing trend among cities hosting global events: using short-term tourism spikes as catalysts for long-term urban investment. For Atlanta, the stakes are particularly high as leaders seek to reshape Downtown into a more livable, economically inclusive neighborhood.

If approved, the legislation could create a model for how major events like the World Cup can be leveraged not just for visibility, but for sustained economic impact—especially in areas that have long struggled to balance development with affordability.

Related articles

Atlanta Turns Infrastructure into Canvas with New Public Mural in Mechanicsville

Atlanta Marks Major Housing Milestone with Opening of The Beacon at Cooper Street

Atlanta Launches Human Rights Plan Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

City of Atlanta Launches ATL BIZ: New Platform Set to Simplify Permits, Taxes, and Payments Services

City Leaders Help Atlantans Start Fresh at Justice Fair

Atlanta Pauses Construction for Fourth of July, Ramps Up FIFA World Cup Prep

Truth Seekers Journal thrives because of readers like you. Join us in sustaining independent voices.

MARTA Riders Face May 2 Deadline to Switch to New ‘Better Breeze’ Fare System

MARTA riders must switch to the new Better Breeze fare system by May 2, 2026, as old Breeze cards and apps are phased out.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 22, 2026

Riders across metro Atlanta’s transit network are approaching a firm deadline to transition to a new fare payment system, as Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority officials confirm that all customers must convert to the “Better Breeze” system by May 2, 2026.

The upgrade affects not only MARTA riders but also customers using regional transit partners, including ATL Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas, and Ride Gwinnett.

Transit officials say the new system is already live, with installation of updated fare equipment ongoing. For now, station gates remain open during the transition period—but that grace window will close May 2, when new faregates activate and payment will be required to ride.

What Riders Need to Know

Under the Better Breeze system, riders must use one of the following payment methods:

Better Breeze Card – Courtesy MARTA
  • A new orange Breeze card
  • A major bank card
  • A mobile wallet

New Breeze cards are available at ticket vending machines in select stations, MARTA Ride Stores, and online through Breezecard.com. Riders who qualify for reduced fares or mobility programs will automatically receive new cards by mail, while institutional cards are being distributed through employers, schools, and partner organizations.

Cash will still be accepted on local bus routes—with important limitations. Riders must provide exact change, will receive no transfers, and cannot load cash onto Breeze cards while on the bus. Cash is also not accepted onboard the Rapid A-Line.

What Will No Longer Work

Beginning May 2, several familiar options will be phased out:

  • Old Breeze cards
  • Breeze Mobile 2.0 app
  • The new BreezeMobile app for fare payment (it is currently for account management only)

Officials emphasize that while the new app exists, riders must still use a physical card or bank/mobile payment for now.

What Happens to Existing Balances

MARTA is assuring customers that unused balances will not be lost. Riders who register their new Breeze accounts will be able to transfer funds from old accounts between May 5 and October 30, 2026.

What’s Coming Next

The agency says additional improvements are on the way, including:

  • Virtual Breeze cards stored in mobile wallets
  • Retail availability of Breeze cards
  • New onboard cash fareboxes

Why It Matters

The Better Breeze rollout represents one of the most significant fare system upgrades in MARTA’s history, aligning Atlanta with other major transit systems that have shifted toward contactless payments.

But the transition also raises practical concerns—especially for riders who rely on cash or may not yet have access to updated cards. With the May 2 deadline approaching, transit officials are urging riders to act now to avoid disruptions.

Customers can find more information, including instructional videos in English and Spanish, through MARTA’s website, social media channels, or customer service line.

Related articles

MARTA Launches First Phase of Rapid A-Line Bus Service, Marking Major Step in Atlanta Transit Expansion

MARTA Launches “Better Breeze” Fare System, Begins Five-Week Transition Period

New Year, New MARTA: 2026 Upgrades Aim to Boost Safety, Reliability, and the Rider Experience

MARTA rolls out Big Changes with New Fare System Upgrades

MARTA Unwraps the Holidays with Free Rides, Festive Buses, and Gifts for Riders

From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay: MARTA Unveils Better Breeze

World-Class Transit for World-Class Soccer: MARTA Steps Up

MARTA rolls out Big Changes with New Fare System Upgrades

MARTA Unwraps the Holidays with Free Rides, Festive Buses, and Gifts for Riders

MARTA Rolls Out an Outkast Tribute Across Atlanta

MARTA Completes Garnett Station Platform Renovation

From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay: MARTA Unveils Better Breeze

MARTA to Close Five Points Peachtree Entrance as Next Phase of Transformation Begins

Support open, independent journalism. Your contribution helps us tell the stories that matter most.

Grambling State University to Welcome Fawn Weaver as Spring 2026 Commencement Speaker

Grambling State University names Fawn Weaver as Spring 2026 commencement speaker, highlighting entrepreneurship, leadership, and the achievements of graduates across diverse academic programs.

By Milton Kirby | Grambling, LA | April 22, 2026

Grambling State University has announced that entrepreneur, author, and business leader Fawn Weaver will deliver the keynote address at its Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises.

The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, where graduates from across the university’s academic programs will gather to mark the culmination of their studies.

University President Martin Lemelle Jr. called commencement a defining moment for students and families, emphasizing both achievement and future promise.

“Commencement is a proud moment for Grambling State University—an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievement, resilience, and promise of our graduates,” Lemelle said. “We are honored to welcome Ms. Weaver, whose leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to purpose reflect the excellence we seek to cultivate in every Grambling State graduate.”

Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Inc., leads one of the fastest-growing independent whiskey brands in the country. Through her work, she has also elevated the legacy of Nathan Green, widely recognized as the first known African American master distiller.

Beyond her role in the spirits industry, Weaver is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, a popular TED speaker, and a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building brands. Her credentials include certification as a Corporate Director from Harvard Business School, a summa cum laude degree from the University of Alabama, and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Bluefield State University. She is also currently pursuing a Master of Finance at Harvard Business School.

Her selection as commencement speaker places a nationally recognized business voice before graduates at one of the nation’s most storied historically Black colleges and universities, reinforcing the institution’s focus on leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven careers.

A Celebration of Academic Excellence

The Spring 2026 graduating class will include students earning degrees across multiple disciplines:

Graduate programs will confer doctoral and master’s degrees in fields ranging from education and public administration to criminal justice, nursing, and social work.

Undergraduate degrees will span the College of Arts and Sciences, including biology, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, and political science, alongside programs in music, theatre, and English.

The Thomas and Joyce Moorehead College of Business and Entrepreneurship will award degrees in accounting, management, marketing, economics, and information systems, while the College of Education and College of Professional Studies will recognize graduates in teaching, kinesiology, mass communications, psychology, and related fields.

University officials say the ceremony will reflect not only academic achievement, but also perseverance—an especially meaningful theme for a graduating class shaped by rapid change in higher education and the broader economy.

Additional information about the Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises is available through the university’s official website.

Related articles

Uncle Nearest to Remain Under Federal Control as Judge Evaluates Competing Claims of Solvency

A Federal Judge Weighs Control, Cash Flow, and Confidence at Uncle Nearest

Is the Cure Worse Than the Crisis? Judge Weighs Uncle Nearest Receivership

Fight for a Billion-Dollar Brand: Weavers Move to Halt Receiver’s Actions

Uncle Nearest: A Billion-Dollar Brand, a $25 Million Question & The Unanswered Future

Receiver’s Report Says Uncle Nearest Can Be Reorganized

Uncle Nearest at Legal Crossroads

Support open, independent journalism—your contribution helps us tell the stories that matter most.

MARTA Launches First Phase of Rapid A-Line Bus Service, Marking Major Step in Atlanta Transit Expansion

MARTA launches Rapid A-Line, Atlanta’s first bus rapid transit route, connecting downtown to southside neighborhoods with faster service, dedicated lanes, and phased station improvements.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, Georgia | April 18, 2026

Atlanta’s transit system reached a milestone Saturday with the launch of the first phase of the Rapid A-Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit corridor operated by Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

The new five-mile route connects Downtown Atlanta to key neighborhoods, including Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the BeltLine’s Southside Trail. Riders can also transfer to MARTA’s rail system at Five Points, Georgia State, and Garnett stations.

The Rapid A-Line begins service as part of MARTA’s broader NextGen Bus Network redesign, a systemwide effort aimed at improving frequency, reliability, and access across metro Atlanta.

A Phased Opening with Immediate Service

Phase One service began April 18 with buses running daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. The line currently operates using 40-foot compressed natural gas (CNG) buses branded for the Rapid A-Line.

While the system is designed to deliver rail-like features, some elements will roll out in stages. Off-board fare payment at stations is scheduled to begin May 2, along with additional amenities such as real-time arrival information.

MARTA Rapid Busing – Courtesy photo

In areas where construction is complete, buses travel in dedicated red lanes reserved strictly for transit and emergency vehicles. At several major intersections—including Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at Forsyth Street and Hank Aaron Drive at Haygood Avenue—buses receive signal priority, allowing them to move through traffic more efficiently.

Where construction is still ongoing, riders will use temporary stops located near future station sites. These stops are currently fare-free to accommodate the phased rollout.

Connecting Communities and Key Destinations

The Rapid A-Line is designed to improve connectivity between downtown and fast-growing neighborhoods south of the city center. The route links residential communities with major destinations such as the Georgia State University Convocation Center and the expanding BeltLine corridor.

Transit officials say the project represents a shift toward faster, more reliable bus service that mirrors many of the benefits traditionally associated with rail.

Delays and Challenges Along the Way

Despite the milestone, the project has faced hurdles. During construction, crews encountered unexpected underground infrastructure that slowed progress. In addition, a battery recall affecting the New Flyer electric buses originally planned for the route forced MARTA to adjust its rollout strategy.

Those challenges led to the decision to launch the line in phases. Full completion of all bus rapid transit stations is now expected in Phase Two, scheduled for fall 2026.

What Drivers Need to Know

MARTA is urging drivers to pay close attention along the corridor. Red bus-only lanes are restricted to transit vehicles and emergency responders, with no driving or parking permitted.

Motorists are also advised to follow traffic signals carefully at intersections where buses receive priority and to allow buses to clear before proceeding.

A Step Toward the Future

The Rapid A-Line marks Atlanta’s first true entry into bus rapid transit, a model used in cities nationwide to deliver faster service without the cost of rail expansion. As MARTA continues to build out its NextGen Bus Network, transit leaders say the A-Line will serve as a blueprint for future corridors aimed at improving mobility across the region.

Related

The Better Breeze rollout represents one of the most significant fare system upgrades in MARTA’s history, aligning Atlanta with other major transit systems that have shifted toward contactless payments.

But the transition also raises practical concerns—especially for riders who rely on cash or may not yet have access to updated cards. With the May 2 deadline approaching, transit officials are urging riders to act now to avoid disruptions.

Customers can find more information, including instructional videos in English and Spanish, through MARTA’s website, social media channels, or customer service line.

Related articles

MARTA Launches “Better Breeze” Fare System, Begins Five-Week Transition Period

New Year, New MARTA: 2026 Upgrades Aim to Boost Safety, Reliability, and the Rider Experience

MARTA rolls out Big Changes with New Fare System Upgrades

MARTA Unwraps the Holidays with Free Rides, Festive Buses, and Gifts for Riders

From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay: MARTA Unveils Better Breeze

World-Class Transit for World-Class Soccer: MARTA Steps Up

MARTA rolls out Big Changes with New Fare System Upgrades

MARTA Unwraps the Holidays with Free Rides, Festive Buses, and Gifts for Riders

MARTA Rolls Out an Outkast Tribute Across Atlanta

MARTA Completes Garnett Station Platform Renovation

From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay: MARTA Unveils Better Breeze

MARTA to Close Five Points Peachtree Entrance as Next Phase of Transformation Begins

Truth Seekers Journal thrives because of readers like you. Join us in sustaining independent voices.

Atlanta Marks Major Housing Milestone with Opening of The Beacon at Cooper Street

Atlanta celebrates opening of The Beacon at Cooper Street, marking 500 rapid housing units delivered to address homelessness through innovative modular construction and community partnerships.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 17, 2026

Atlanta leaders, community members, and housing advocates gathered this week in the Mechanicsville neighborhood to celebrate a major milestone in the city’s fight against homelessness: the ribbon cutting of The Beacon at Cooper Street, the final development needed to reach the city’s goal of 500 rapid housing units.

Mayor Andre Dickens called the moment “promises made and promises kept,” emphasizing that the project represents more than just construction.

“This work is not just about numbers,” Dickens said. “It represents 500 opportunities, 500 lives, and 500 chances at stability and dignity.”

Mayor Andre Dickens The Beacon @ Coopers Street – Photo by Milton Kirby

The Beacon at Cooper Street includes two multi-story buildings with 100 modular studio units, each designed to provide safe, supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The development also includes on-site offices for case management, mental health services, and other support systems aimed at helping residents rebuild their lives.

A Citywide Effort

The project is part of Atlanta’s broader Rapid Housing Initiative, a strategy launched by the Dickens administration to address homelessness by quickly converting underutilized city-owned land into permanent supportive housing.

From its earliest days, the initiative relied on partnerships across government, nonprofit organizations, developers, and the private sector.

“This is what it looks like when we listen, when we engage, and when we build together,” Dickens said during the ceremony.

City officials highlighted earlier developments in the initiative, including The Melody, a container-based housing community that gained international recognition, and Waterworks Village, a modular apartment complex delivered in record time.

Community Support in Mechanicsville

Leaders also praised the Mechanicsville community for embracing the project, noting that neighborhood support played a key role in its success.

“There’s a lot of ‘not in my backyard’ across the country,” Dickens said. “But this community said yes—and that made all the difference.”

District 4 Councilmember Jason Dozier described the development as both personal and transformative, pointing to the broader impact stable housing can have on families and neighborhoods.

“Housing creates the foundation for safety, health, and economic stability,” Dozier said.

More Than Housing

Officials emphasized that The Beacon is not just a housing project, but part of a larger ecosystem of care.

Thirty units are dedicated to individuals who need ongoing medical and mental health support through partnerships with local healthcare providers. The development also includes a “housing navigator” program to help individuals transition from hospitals and shelters into stable living environments.

The Beacon @ Coopers Street – Photo by Milton Kirby

Research cited during the event shows that rapid housing programs are effective, with 70 to 90 percent of participants remaining housed after one year.

Looking Ahead

While the ribbon cutting marked a significant achievement, leaders were clear that the work is far from finished.

Speakers emphasized that while the milestone is significant, much work remains to address homelessness across the city.

With the 500-unit goal now achieved, city officials signaled plans to expand the model and continue building housing solutions across Atlanta and the broader region.

As Dickens put it, “Love ought to look like something—and today, you can see what that looks like.”

Related articles

Atlanta Launches Human Rights Plan Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

City of Atlanta Launches ATL BIZ: New Platform Set to Simplify Permits, Taxes, and Payments Services

City Leaders Help Atlantans Start Fresh at Justice Fair

Atlanta Pauses Construction for Fourth of July, Ramps Up FIFA World Cup Prep

Truth Seekers Journal thrives because of readers like you. Join us in sustaining independent voices.

The Weight of a Life Taken Too Soon

A life taken too soon leaves a community grieving, questioning motive, seeking justice, and confronting the painful truth that no loss is ever just another headline.

By Milton Kirby | Charlotte, NC | April 15, 2026

There are moments when a life is taken so suddenly, so violently, that the world seems to tilt. A man is gone, and the questions begin to circle like smoke: Was it for property? Was it for money? Was it sheer meanness? Did the perpetrator believe he would get away with it—or did it even matter to him at all?

A face that once belonged to someone loved, someone known, someone real, now risks becoming one more among the faceless victims of senseless violence. His memory will remain vivid to those who cared for him, but to the wider world he becomes another name, another headline, another loss absorbed into the background noise of tragedy.

It isn’t that people don’t care. It’s that they don’t feel the closeness. When pain doesn’t touch our own doorstep, we often treat it as someone else’s burden. But violence is never someone else’s problem. It is a wound to the whole community, whether we acknowledge it or not.

No article can stop the next person determined to commit harm. But sometimes words reach the ones who are still reachable—the ones whose hearts are open enough to be changed.

When details are scarce, the mind fills the silence with questions: What if? Could anything have been done? Should something have been done differently? These questions haunt the people left behind, because the truth is simple and brutal: no amount of money, property, or pride is worth a human life.

So what do we do with the pain? We keep living. We keep hoping. We try—slowly, painfully—to place the hurt behind us. The hurt and images soften with time, but they never disappear. The face never leaves us.

And then comes the hardest question of all: Could I have done something if I had been there? The honest answer is often the only one we have—I don’t know.

Technology has made policing more efficient. Investigators can find perpetrators faster than ever before. We can only hope that in this case, justice follows truth, and truth follows evidence.

When the full story emerges, one family may feel a measure of relief, even as the pain deepens. Another family may face shock, disappointment, or disbelief. Violence ripples outward, touching more lives than the one it took.

And for those responsible, the question lingers: If they could do it all over again, would they? Would they choose differently—not because they were caught, but because hindsight reveals the weight of what they destroyed?

These are not easy questions. But they are necessary ones. Because the value of a life demands nothing less.

Support open, independent journalism—your contribution helps us tell the stories that matter most.

Wear Your Health on Your Sleeve

“Smart devices now track heart rate, sleep, and glucose, turning everyday wear into powerful tools for health awareness, prevention, and community wellness.”

You can track your heart rate, sleep, even glucose levels  just by strapping on a device. Are these next-generation right for you?

By Jeanne Dorin McDowell | April 12, 2026

Wearable health monitors have come a long way since Fitbits and Apple Watches introduced the idea of digitally counting steps and calories burned.

Today’s wearables include a dizzying array of devices—armbands, smart rings, smart eyeglasses, chest-strap monitors, clothing embedded with sensors—to track physical activity, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygen, glucose levels, stress, sleep patterns and movement.

And while it can be fun to track your biometrics on your own, wearables are having a big impact on doctor-patient relationships by giving health care providers real-time access to critical health data. Some can record and transmit electrocardiogram (ECG) readings; others can detect falls and epileptic seizures before they happen.

“I ask my patients to self-monitor to tell me what their heart rates are,” says Niraj Varma, M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist and professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic who routinely recommends wearable monitors for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (A-fib), a common heart disorder that can disrupt blood flow and lead to blood clots and an increased risk of stroke.

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans use a wearable device, such as a smartwatch or band, to track their health and fitness. But not all remote monitors are created equal.

  • Consumer-grade wearables, such as smart-watches and rings, which you can buy online or at retail stores, may be fairly accurate but are not FDA-approved, which means they have not met stringent regulatory requirements.
  • Medical-grade wearables, such as most continuous glucose monitors, which measure sugar levels, usually require a doctor’s prescription and are FDA-approved. Health information is transmitted via an app or a receiver and can be shared remotely with a physician, so it can be interpreted and discussed with the patient.

While the accuracy of consumer devices varies across brands and the metrics that are being measured, they are not considered as accurate as medical-grade wearables.

But even if the accuracy falls short, one of the intrinsic values of consumer wearables is that they can signal that something is wrong.

“If you are tracking your activity and motion as well as heart rate, and suddenly there’s a change—not from yesterday to today but a definite trend of something happening—the wearable can be an alert system that tells you something is going on,” says Albert Titus, a professor of biomedical engineering at the University at Buffalo.

Here’s a rundown of widely used wearable tech devices and what doctors who work with them have to say.

SMARTWATCHES AND FITNESS TRACKERS

BEST FOR: Monitoring basic health metrics and exercise

If your idea of a fitness tracker dates back 15 years or so, you might want to see what the new models can do. Through a technique called photoplethysmography, which detects heart rate by measuring changes in the volume of blood flowing near the surface of the skin, sensors can measure heart rate and even stress levels.

They can also flag an irregular heartbeat, says Erica Schorr, associate professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota and a member of the American Heart Association’s Center for Healthy Technology and Innovation, Digital Science Working Group. That said, watches and trackers are not a replacement for regular checkups; they can’t diagnose a heart attack or other serious medical condition.

SMART RINGS

BEST FOR: Monitoring sleep

Smart rings emit light at specific wavelengths into the skin, then measure how much of that light is reflected back to the ring. Since blood absorbs more light than other tissue does, the ring can monitor the rhythmic ebbs and flows in blood volume to track your heart rate and sleep cycles. These devices typically connect to a phone app and may require a monthly subscription.

Smart rings may compile heart rate data more accurately than smartwatches and may produce more accurate measurements in people with darker skin tones than wrist-worn devices do. (Melanin, a dark pigment in the skin, can absorb some of the light emitted by optical sensors and distort heart rate measurements. But there is less melanin on the inside of the fingers than on the wrist.)

While sleep monitoring is a selling point of these devices, not everyone is sold on the value of this function. “It’s challenging for many wearables to accurately assess deep and REM sleep,” says Cheri Mah, M.D., a sleep physician and adjunct lecturer with the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center. “People can get fixated on their daily sleep outcomes and on perfecting those numbers.” Instead, she recommends looking at your results in terms of trends rather than nightly performance.

SMART GLASSES AND SMART CLOTHING

BEST FOR: Serious fitness enthusiasts

Smart clothing refers to garments—usually shirts and leggings—with embedded sensors that monitor vital signs and track physical performance. Like other health wearables, smart clothing monitors heart rate, temperature, heart rhythm and physical movements; the data is transmitted via Bluetooth to an app in real time. Some smart clothes send alerts when the wearer experiences an irregularity or a health problem.

Even eyeglasses can come with health trackers nowadays. Smart eyewear is equipped with sensors and Bluetooth connectivity embedded in the frames, and some can monitor heart rate and calories burned. But, like wrist-based monitors, they’re not as accurate as some other products.

CHEST-STRAP HEART MONITORS

BEST FOR: Serious athletes, people with heart conditions While the heart rate monitors in your smartwatch or ring can provide useful data about your general fitness and exercise levels, a wearable that wraps around your chest to measure heart rate is considered the gold standard. Chest-strap monitors use electrocardiography to measure electrical signals from the heart, which makes them more precise than the sensors used in wrist- or finger-based devices. In April, researchers at the University of Missouri College of Engineering announced the development of a starfish-shaped wearable powered by Al technology that can detect heart problems with 90 percent accuracy.

Some of these devices connect with a cable or wirelessly to a device that you can tch to your clothing or carry in a pock-while many newer models use wireless nections to send data to your phone or another device.

If you have a heart condition, your doctor might prescribe a medical-grade heart monitor that records the heart’s rhythm, such as a Holter, which your physician reviews after return the device. These monitors are even more accurate than the retail versions.

CONTINOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS

BEST FOR: People with diabetes or prediabetes, biohackers

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which are worn as a patch and use a sensor that’s inserted under the skin with a needle, continuously record glucose levels, sending an alert when they rise or fall too far.

“People who benefit most from CGMs are those with diabetes who require insulin therapy, because these monitors have been associated with reducing the risk of severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar,” one of the most feared complications of insulin use, says Aoife M. Egan, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic.

The American Diabetes Association advocates for CGM accessibility for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who are required to take insulin. But CGMs have also become popular with people who just want to know more about the impact of food, stress and activity on their glucose levels. The emergence of several kinds of nonprescription CGMs have empowered the biohacking-curious to measure the sugar in their bloodstream, although over-the-counter CGMs give less-detailed feedback than prescription models.

An effective glucose monitor needs to pierce the skin, researchers say. Last year the FDA alerted consumers that using smartwatches or smart rings that claim to measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin “can lead to errors in diabetes management.”

Is a Wearable Monitor Right for You?

Wearables continue to evolve: Scientists are working on a smart ring that can help detect hand tremors, a Parkinson’s disease symptom; wearables that will be able to detect neurodegenerative diseases, like multiple sclerosis and ALS, in the earliest stages; and even a wrist-worn device that tracks activity patterns, which may catch early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. But while wearables have myriad benefits, some people find that continuous monitoring of their health creates anxiety. Fluctuations in heart rhythms or blood sugar levels are normal and often insignificant, but if your device sends up an alarm, it can provoke unneeded stress. “Telling someone they’re experiencing a heart arrhythmia if they don’t feel it can create more anxiety,” says Lindsey Rosman, assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Rosman says we need more studies both on the adverse effects of wearables and on who would actually benefit from these devices. —J.M.

Jeanne Dorin McDowell writes about health and wellness for national print and digital publications.

Support open, independent journalism—your contribution helps us tell the stories that matter most.

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 5

Nathaniel “Mr. Bowleggs” Dansby’s Soul Country journey reclaims Black roots in country music, blending faith, legacy, and storytelling into a timeless cultural revival.

Nathaniel “Mr. Bowleggs” Dansby Reclaims the Roots of Country Music

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 6, 2026

Nathaniel Dansby’s journey into Soul Country began long before he stepped onto a stage. Long before he became “Mr. Bowleggs,” the rising force who fought his way from third place to champion of the Soul Country Music Star (SCMS) competition, he was simply a boy in a crowded Alabama home—one of six children raised in a family where music wasn’t a hobby. It was a mandate.

“We were kind of like the Jackson 5,” he said with a grin. “We got our tail whooped if we didn’t stay in the room and practice until we perfected it.”

Under the strict but loving guidance of his mother, Dansby began singing at age three. By five, he was performing publicly with his siblings as The Little Gospel Wonders, carrying harmonies from church revivals to community gatherings across Alexander City. His mother saw something in him early, something she named out loud.

Nathaniel Dansby – Courtesy Photo

“My mom told me, ‘Nate, you’re my special child,’” he said. “I lost her in 1998, but I still hear her voice. Before I entered this competition, she came to me and said, ‘Hey, you got it. You’re a winner.’ I had to give it my all because I had that confirmation.”

Her belief became the quiet engine behind his reinvention, heartbreak, and eventual triumph.

A Calling, Not a Career

Dansby doesn’t describe music as a profession. He calls it a calling—one shaped by faith, family, and a desire to give people something real.

“I don’t want to create music just for now,” he said. “I want it to last forever.”

That spiritual grounding shapes not only how he sings, but why he sings. His mission is simple: to give people hope, to make them feel something, and to create music that outlives him.

Finding Country and Finding Himself

Country music was not always part of Dansby’s plan. After years rooted in gospel and R&B, he began singing country music about seven years ago. What started as a new direction quickly became something deeper, something that felt like home.

“I never thought in a million years I’d be singing country,” he said. “But it fits my heart.”

Country music offered him something the other genres didn’t: a place where storytelling, vulnerability, and emotional clarity mattered more than vocal gymnastics.

“Country music is a story. It’s life. I want people to see what I’m singing about.”

Rickey Davis Scott the musician and cultural historian and Soul Country Music Star judge —puts it plainly:

“The history of country music… it’s all from us. From the banjo in South Africa to the rhythms that shaped Hank Williams. Black artists aren’t new to country—we’re the architects.”

Season One: The Third Place Finisher Who Refused to Quit

Dansby’s first appearance on the SCMS stage didn’t end in victory — in fact, he didn’t even make it to the top two. He finished third at the Atlanta regional competition in Season One. The placement stung, not because he expected an easy win, but because he knew he hadn’t yet shown the fullness of who he could be. “I thought, ‘I’m good, I got this,’” he admitted. “But I didn’t. I wasn’t prepared.”

Scott remembers it clearly.

“He went up there and sang R&B,” Scott said. “He didn’t know the country lyrics, the catalog, the tradition. The voice was there, but the identity wasn’t activated yet.”

The crowd loved him.
The judges didn’t.
And he felt the sting.

But he didn’t quit.

“It taught me to give everything—my pain, my soul—because if people can’t feel it, there’s no point.”

The Transformation

After Season One, Dansby went to work.

He studied country music intentionally, the artists, the phrasing, the emotional truth‑telling that defines the genre. He learned to sing country, not imitate it.

“He’d come to me talking about songs he heard on the radio,” Scott said. “That’s when I knew he was embracing the culture, not just the sound.”

Dansby became, in his own words, a musical chameleon, able to shift between genres without losing himself.

“I realized the only thing stopping me was me.”

Season Two: The Redemption and the Crown

When Dansby returned for Season Two, he wasn’t the same artist who had finished third the year before. He came back humble, focused, and prepared—determined not to repeat the mistakes of his first run.

He was grounded.
Focused.
Present.

“I wanted to give everything in my soul so people could feel it,” he said.

And they did.

This time, he didn’t just advance, he dominated. Dansby won the Atlanta regional competition, earning his place on the national stage in Hollywood. And when he stepped into that spotlight, he delivered the performance of his life.

He killed it.
The festival crowd loved him.
And the judges felt what they hadn’t felt before: a fully realized Soul Country artist.

When his name was called as the Season Two national winner, the room erupted. The man who once doubted whether he belonged in country music had now proven himself at the highest level.

“Going to LA showed me I belonged,” he said. “It showed me I could stand with anybody.”

Now, with a potential 2026 tour with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) on the horizon, Dansby returns to the national spotlight not as a newcomer, but as a contender—sharpened, seasoned, and ready for whatever comes next.

“It was the greatest feeling of my life,” he said. “I’ve never felt anything like it.”

 “I want to leave my footprint in the sand. I want people to say, ‘He was here, and he’s here to stay.’”

A Performer Driven by Connection

On stage, Dansby doesn’t perform to the audience, he performs with them.

He describes entering a “zone,” where the goal is not perfection but impact. Whether through clapping, movement, or quiet attention, he looks for signs that the audience feels the music.

“That connection fuels me,” he said. “It turns each song into a shared experience.”

The Cultural Weight of Soul Country

To understand Dansby’s rise, you have to understand the movement behind him.

Soul Country Music Star is not just a talent competition—it is a cultural restoration. A reclamation of a musical tradition whose roots are Black, Southern, rural, and deeply African.

“We’re creative people,” Scott said. “Everything the world loves—we created. Country music is no different.”

Dansby is part of that reclamation—a living reminder of what was lost, and what is returning.

BPIR: The Cultural Homecoming

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo—the nation’s oldest Black rodeo—has become a proving ground for Soul Country artists. It is where Black audiences show up early, buy tickets, buy merch, and support their own.

“It’s a blessing to the people,” Dansby said. “That’s what excites me most—connecting with them.”

Scott sees BPIR as a cultural anchor.

“It’s a community” he said. It’s a place where our artists can be embraced without running away from their own people.”

The Duet the World Is Waiting For

Dansby and fellow Soul Country artist Kirk Jay have been discussing a duet—a collaboration both artists believe could be a defining moment for the genre.

Dansby says the contrast in their vocal styles is what makes the idea so powerful.

“When we finally record it, it’s going to be something special,” he said.

Scott agrees.

“Two Black men in country, both with powerhouse voices—that’s rare. That’s history.”

A Legacy in the Sand

At 43, Dansby sees his career not as a late start, but as a divine timeline.

He wants his music to be evergreen.
He wants his story to inspire.
He wants his children—and the world—to know that anything is possible.

“I want to leave my footprint in the sand,” he said. “I want people to say, ‘He was here, and he’s here to stay.’”

As “Mr. Bowleggs” continues his ascent, he carries Alexander City, The Little Gospel Wonders, and the full weight of Soul Country’s rebirth with him—proving that the soul of country music has always been right where it started: in the heart.

Country Roots, Diverse Beats: Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Soul in Country Music.

Agricenter International Showplace Theater – 7777 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120

Agricenter International Showplace Arena – 105 Germantown Parkway, Cordova, TN 38018

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

Rodeo for Kidz Sake – Friday, April 10, 2026 | 10:00am

Music Competition – Friday, April 10, 2026 | Doors open 7:00pm Competition 8:00pm

BPIR Rodeo – Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 1:30 pm or 7:30 pm

Event Tickets and additional information

Upcoming in the TSJ series – Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

— Rodeo for Kids’ Sake and the Next Generation

Related articles

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 7

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 6

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 4

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 3

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 2

Inside the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — Part 1

Truth Seekers Journal thrives because of readers like you. Join us in sustaining independent voices.

Metro Leaders Urge Veto of HB 369, Call Bill “Targeted” and “Discriminatory”

Metro Atlanta leaders urge Governor Kemp to veto HB 369, warning the bill targets five counties, undermines voter clarity, and threatens local control.

Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 5, 2026

A coalition of metro Atlanta leaders gathered at the Georgia State Capitol on March 31 to deliver a unified message: veto House Bill 369.

Led by DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, officials from DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties stood alongside members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus to oppose the Senate substitute version of the legislation. Their appeal was directed squarely at Governor Brian Kemp.

At issue is a provision that would make local elections nonpartisan—but only in five of Georgia’s 159 counties.

A Bill Reshaped Late in the Process

State Representative Carla Drenner opened the press conference by raising concerns about how the bill evolved. She noted that HB 369 “began as something entirely different” before being significantly altered through a Senate amendment that did not receive full debate in the House.

“That matters,” Drenner said, emphasizing that legislative process ensures transparency and public trust.

Leaders argued that such a late-stage transformation raises questions about fairness, particularly given the bill’s targeted scope.

What HB 369 Would Do

Under the proposed substitute, elections for key local offices—including commissioners, district attorneys, and tax officials—would become nonpartisan in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.

Those counties represent nearly four million residents and a significant share of Georgia’s economic activity.

Cochran-Johnson and other leaders emphasized that these same counties are largely led by Democratic and African American officials—an overlap they say cannot be ignored.

“If fairness and election integrity are truly the goals,” Cochran-Johnson asked, “why does this bill apply to only five counties out of 159?”

Concerns Over Voter Impact

Speakers repeatedly stressed that removing party affiliation from ballots could make it harder for voters to make informed decisions.

“It matters who represents you,” Cochran-Johnson said. “Party affiliation is often a precursor to values and ideology.”

Clayton County Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson Henry echoed that concern, warning the bill would create “two different election systems” within the same state—one for most counties and another for just five.

“That is not fairness,” she said. “That is discrimination.”

A Broader Question of Local Control

Beyond voter clarity, leaders framed the issue as one of local governance.

Henry County Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell, whose county would not be directly affected, said the bill sets a troubling precedent.

“If the state can redefine election structures in one set of counties today,” she said, “it opens the door for similar interventions across the state in the future.”

That sentiment was echoed across the podium: decisions about local elections, they argued, should originate within local communities not be imposed by the state.

A United Regional Front

The event brought together an unusually broad coalition of elected officials across metro Atlanta, signaling the regional weight behind the opposition.

Gwinnett County Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark described the bill as a “targeted” effort to reshape political power, while Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called for collaboration rather than division.

Even counties not directly impacted stood in solidarity, underscoring concerns that the legislation could reshape governance statewide.

The Call to Action

Cochran-Johnson closed her remarks with a direct appeal to the governor.

“If our counties, our state, and our nation are to remain beacons of democracy,” she said, “we must reject laws like HB 369 that target, divide, and discriminate under the guise of good policy.”

She added a final warning: “Today, both the people and the world are watching Georgia. Let us not fall on the wrong side of history. Democracy has a price.”

As of this writing, Governor Kemp has not publicly indicated whether he will sign or veto the bill.

Metro leaders say they will continue to monitor its progress—and remain prepared to push back.

Truth Seekers Journal thrives because of readers like you. Join us in sustaining independent voices.

Exit mobile version