Truth Seekers Journal

Virginia’s Next Governor Will Be a Woman—Earle-Sears and Spanberger Set for Historic Clash

Virginia will elect its first female governor this November—either Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears—in a race closely tied to Trump’s second term.

By Milton Kirby | Richmond, VA | June 17, 2025

It’s a primary election day in Virginia, but the real showdown is already locked in. For the first time in the Commonwealth’s 235-year history, voters are guaranteed to elect a woman as governor this November, marking a significant milestone in Virginia’s political landscape.

On one side is Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, former CIA officer, and three-term

congresswoman known for her centrist policy stances and sharp national security credentials. On the other is Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican and the state’s current lieutenant governor, who made history in 2021 as the first woman of color elected to statewide office in Virginia.

The matchup between Spanberger and Earle-Sears will be one of the most closely watched races in the country, offering an early reading on how voters are reacting to President Donald Trump’s second term ahead of the 2026 midterms. While Spanberger and Earle-Sears ran unopposed in their respective primaries, the campaigns they’ve launched are already sharply defined—and fiercely competitive.

Winsome Earle-Sears – Hannah Mckay/Reuters

A Historic Race, A Stark Contrast

Spanberger, 45, brings a national profile and significant fundraising muscle to the race. Backed by over $14 million in campaign funds as of early June, she has unified the Democratic Party in Virginia around a platform focused on reproductive rights, economic relief, gun safety, and protecting the state’s large federal workforce—especially from cuts pushed by the Trump administration and Elon Musk.

“Virginia’s future depends on what we protect now,” Spanberger said Monday night at a rally at her alma mater, J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County. “Our schools, our workers, our freedoms, our safety—these are not political slogans. These are what make us who we are.”

In a nod to her bipartisan image, Spanberger also pledged to “listen more than I speak” and build bridges across party lines. As part of her campaign rollout, she’s embarked on a “Span Virginia Bus Tour,” pledging to stop in 40 cities in eight days and appear with the eventual Democratic nominees for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Earle-Sears, 61, is pitching herself as the natural continuation of the Youngkin administration, promising to preserve what she describes as “a prosperous path” for the state of Virginia.

A former Marine and Jamaican immigrant, Earle-Sears has a compelling personal story that resonates with many conservative and independent voters. She has emphasized “parents’ rights,” expanded school choice, and lower taxes as her campaign’s top issues while casting Spanberger as a rubber stamp for President Biden and the Democratic establishment.

“Abigail Spanberger represents the Biden status quo—higher prices, soft-on-crime policies, and a war on parents’ rights,” said Peyton Vogel, a spokesperson for the Earle-Sears campaign. “Winsome is building a movement powered by real Virginians who want to keep Virginia on the right track.”

Yet, questions linger among Republicans about the strength of Earle-Sears’ campaign. GOP strategists have quietly expressed concerns about her lack of a central message and a weak fundraising operation—her campaign had less than $3 million in cash on hand as of June 5.

“She has a great story and can be electrifying on the stump,” one Republican operative told NBC News. “But Spanberger has the money, the discipline, and the edge.”

Trump Looms Large

Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot, but his influence saturates the race.

Spanberger has positioned herself as a counterweight to Trump’s second-term agenda, especially his aggressive downsizing of the federal government—a major employer in Virginia. At a March event, she warned that cuts orchestrated by Trump and former DOGE director Elon Musk are threatening the livelihoods of thousands.

“We know that Virginia’s economy is tied to the work of people serving in federal agencies like the IRS, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Library of Congress,” Spanberger told supporters. “I will stand up for them and for the stability they bring to our state.”

More than 340,000 federal workers live in Virginia, many of whom are facing uncertainty amid ongoing lawsuits and agency reorganizations. While Virginia’s state revenue has remained stable through April, the long-term impact of Trump’s cuts on local economies is still unfolding.

Meanwhile, Earle-Sears has largely avoided commenting on the federal workforce issue, instead focusing on her allegiance to Youngkin-era policies. But Democrats have seized on the opportunity, portraying her as out of touch with one of the state’s largest and most politically engaged constituencies.

The Stakes Beyond the Governor’s Race

In addition to the governor’s mansion, Virginians will vote in November for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. While the state Senate is not up for re-election, the Democrats currently control both legislative chambers. They also hold a slim 51-49 majority in the House, which Republicans hope to overturn.

The Democratic primary for lieutenant governor is crowded, with six candidates, including state Sens. Ghazala Hashmi and Aaron Rouse, former Richmond mayor Levar Stoney, and others. For attorney general, voters will choose between former delegate Jay Jones and Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor—both of whom have promised to “stand up to Trump” if elected.

The general election contest will pit the winner against incumbent Republican Jason Miyares, who has warned that Democrats will misuse the office to launch partisan attacks on Trump. “The law is a shield, not a sword,” said Miyares’ spokesperson, Alex Cofield.

Reproductive Rights, Guns, and Affordability

Spanberger’s campaign has focused heavily on access to abortion—a key issue for Virginia Democrats since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Virginia remains one of the last Southern states with access to abortion care until viability. Spanberger supports codifying those protections in state law.

She has also received the endorsement of Moms Demand Action, a national gun safety group, and pledged to pass laws banning high-capacity magazines, ghost guns, and assault-style weapons—measures previously vetoed by Gov. Youngkin.

“As a former law enforcement officer, I know gun violence prevention is pro-police,” she said in Alexandria during her endorsement event. “The fewer ghost guns on our streets, the safer our communities.”

Spanberger’s economic agenda includes proposals to tackle housing affordability, cap prescription drug prices, and lower energy costs—issues she argues will appeal to moderates and working-class voters.

Earle-Sears, meanwhile, has emphasized school reform, tax cuts, and opposition to what she calls “radical social policies.” Though she has avoided spelling out specific proposals, she has frequently invoked Youngkin’s record, hoping his popularity will buoy her bid.

A Defining Moment

For decades, Virginia’s off-year gubernatorial election has served as a bellwether for the national political climate. Since 1977, the party not in the White House has won 11 out of 13 times.

But political trends are shifting. Kamala Harris carried the state in 2024 by six points, and Democrats now hold a fragile edge in the urban and suburban regions that dominate voter turnout. Whether Spanberger can harness dissatisfaction with Trump’s federal cuts—and whether Earle-Sears can rekindle the energy that propelled Youngkin to victory in 2021—will define the final months of this campaign.

Regardless of the outcome, history is guaranteed. When Virginians head to the polls on November 4, they will elect the first female governor in the state’s history—a milestone long overdue.

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‘Forgiveness is between him and God:’ Families reflect on decade since Charleston church massacre

“When President Obama sang ‘Amazing Grace,’ we wept. Not just for loss, but for a nation still bleeding from racism, violence, and unhealed wounds of history.”

By Deborah Barfield Berry | USA Today | June 16, 2025

Melvin Graham sat on the right of the arena with other families and listened as Barack Obama read the names of the nine churchgoers who were killed by a White supremacist at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.

He heard Obama call the name of his younger sister, Cynthia Graham Hurd.

That was emotional enough. But at one point, the president broke out singing “Amazing Grace.’’ Pastors, families, choir members joined in.

“That’s one of those moments when you just wanted to break out and cry,’’ said Graham, who had heard and sung the hymn plenty of times over the years. “Not in the context of having lost a loved one.’’

The shooting 10 years ago at Emanuel AME Church, a historic Black church also known as “Mother Emanuel,” shocked the nation. Members− including Cynthia, a librarian − were at Bible study that June 17 evening when a White man they had welcomed shot nine of them to death. Five others survived.

Some family members called Obama’s presence days later at a funeral service and his rendition of the hymn a poignant moment as the country grappled with the horror of people gunned down at church.

“Even though this happened to Black people in a church … It felt like that sent a message of ‘This could happen to anybody,’ ” said the Rev. Sharon Risher, whose mother, Ethel Lee Lance, was among the Emanuel Nine. “The sympathy from the country was overwhelming.”

The nation was also gripped by some of the families publicly forgiving the shooter. But in the decade since the massacre, the families and others have been troubled by other deadly attacks against people because of their race, ethnicity or faith. And while they continue to demand justice for loved ones they lost, they also call for more efforts to prevent gun violence and tamp down on divisiveness plaguing the country. Families and community leaders hope commemorating the 10th anniversary will lead to more action.

To mark the anniversary, Mother Emanuel will host a series of events, including a service June 17, during what it called “Acts of Amazing Grace Month.’’

The Graham family held a memorial service June 12 for Cynthia at the church, followed by a town hall, ”The Way Forward,” to discuss efforts to heal and take action a decade later.

“It is a moment for us to move from mourning to commemoration,’’ Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of the International African American Museum in Charleston, told USA TODAY. “But that move comes with the real responsibility, and we’ve got to ask: So, what now? We have a moral obligation to do more than remember that moment – we must learn from it and use those lessons of history to inform our future.’’

‘Move from mourning to commemoration’

Across Charleston, there are monuments and tributes to honor the Emanuel Nine, including wooden benches inscribed with their names at a park near the church.

More: ‘We’ve slipped into forgetfulness’: Charleston church shooting survivors demand gun control

There are also scholarships, foundations and memorial gardens named in their honor. A library has been renamed the Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. Andrews Library.

Construction is underway for the Emanuel Nine Memorial at the church. Church officials hope it will provide a space to help with healing.

“They’re being memorialized and they’re being remembered,’’ said Graham, adding that racial attacks still happen. “But we have to put a stop to this.’’

‘Someone is going to act on the lie – again’

Attacks against people because of their faith, race or ethnicity have continued since the shooting at Mother Emanuel. In 2022, 10 Black shoppers were killed by a White supremacist at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York.

Communities have condemned such attacks, but overt racist rhetoric, including against immigrants, has ramped up, said Holly Fisher-Hickman, a history professor at Bowie State University in Maryland.

Beyond Trump administration policies, such as travel bans including from African countries and challenges to birthright citizenship, people are more vocal about attacking other communities, she said.

“It’s worse,” Fisher-Hickman said. “Now we have someone who is blatantly saying it’s OK to do what you feel.”

Graham said national leaders should take the lead to condemn divisive rhetoric. He hopes the commemorations remind people of the harm that can come from it.

“The undercurrent for this to happen is right there,’’ Graham said. “Someone is going to believe the lie and someone is going to act on the lie – again.’’

‘Forgiveness is between him and God’

Risher was as surprised as anyone when some family members, including her own, told Dylann Roof at a court hearing soon after the shooting that they forgave him.

“They just felt compelled, and the words just came out of their mouths,” said Risher, who believes God intervened.

She called the public forgiveness significant because it “set the tone of what was going to go on in Charleston.”

The community rallied.

It took Risher, who also lost a childhood friend and two cousins in the church shooting, more time to forgive. “I’m like, ‘Oh, hell no,’’ she said.

It was two years later during a sermon at an interfaith service in Virginia before Risher said she was moved to publicly forgive Roof.

“God allowed me to work it out in my own time,” said Risher, author of “For Such a Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness after the Charleston Massacre.”

Over the past decade, she has been an advocate for gun violence prevention and abolishing the death penalty.

Last month, families of the Emanuel Nine joined a Zoom call with a victim’s advocate to get an update on Roof’s appeals.

Roof, who was 21 at the time of the shooting, was one of three prisoners on federal death row who were not granted commutations on their sentences by President Joe Biden last December.

Historically, the African American community has given grace to others, Fisher-Hickman said. But some today don’t feel that way.

“Now people are saying, ‘I’m not giving any more grace. Grace has run out,’’ she said.

Though some families of the Emanuel Nine have expressed forgiveness, not everyone has.

“Forgiveness is between him and God,’’ Graham said.

“You can’t execute my sister and say, ‘Forgive me,”’ he said. “He planned the day, the time and the moment of my sister’s death.’’

Instead, he said, the family is pressing for lawmakers to adopt stricter gun laws and keep the memory of the Emanuel Nine alive. Graham’s brother, Malcolm, recently released a book, “The Way Forward: Keeping the Faith and Doing the Work Amid Hatred and Violence.’’

“We don’t want to be the angry Black family,” Melvin Graham said. “But we have to stand up for what’s right.’’

Remembering their names

The Rev. Clementa Pickney, 41, senior pastor at Mother Emanuel and state senator

The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45, associate pastor, high school coach

Cynthia Graham Hurd, 54, longtime librarian, branch manager

Susie Jackson, 87, church trustee, member of the choir

Ethel Lee Lance, 70, sexton, longtime member of Mother Emanuel

DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49, minister at the church, admissions coordinator, singer

Tywanza Sanders, 26, recent college graduate, aspiring rapper

Daniel Simmons Sr., 74, retired pastor, Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient

Myra Thompson, 59, teacher, counselor, church trustee

Felons, Fascists, and False Prophets—Oh My!

“Felons, fascists, and false prophets—oh my! America staggers toward collapse, haunted by cowardice, corruption, and moral decay. This isn’t Oz—it’s our reckoning. Fight or perish.”

By Lola Renegade | June 16, 2025

As a child in the Jim and Jane Crow South, I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz every year. In the movie, the iconic chant—”lions and tigers and bears—oh my!”—is more than a child’s (Dorothy) fearful rhyme. It’s a lyrical lament whispered in a dark forest of uncertainty, a rising drumbeat of dread as Dorothy and her companions inch through the unknown. That moment, filled with imaginative terror and looming shadows, mirrors the emotional climate of America today. There’s the Tin Man in search of a heart so that he could have the capacity for love, compassion, and empathy. The scarecrow who wanted a brain to have intelligence, and the Lion was seeking courage. And Dorothy, she just wanted to go home. The forest is ours now—dense with hate of people of color, misinformation, domestic terrorists’ extremism, and institutional decay—and we, too, chant through clenched teeth: “Felons, fascists, and false prophets—oh my!”

Like Dorothy, we wander a fractured path, seeking wisdom, justice, and courage, only to find that the monsters we defy aren’t imagined—they’re elected, emboldened, and televised – the Southern Strategy on steroids. And the Cowardly Lion? He lives within too many of America’s citizens, paralyzed by fear of a degenerate president – Donald Trump – yet aching to act, hoping someone else will lead the charge toward truth. This isn’t Oz—it’s America. And the yellow brick road leads straight through a nation’s reckoning.

The American experiment is on life support, wheezing, coughing, and sputtering under the weight of moral rot, civic amnesia, and weaponized delusion. Once heralded as a beacon of democracy and the greatest country in the world, America now lurches forward like a drunkard sailor at a wake—disoriented, belligerent, and refusing to admit the death in the room – democracy. The stench? It’s not just decay. It’s felons, fascists, and false prophets—oh my.

We’ve entered an era where being indicted and incompetence are no longer disqualifying—it’s branding, a badge of honor, and a shoo-in for an election win. It’s beige (white) America’s own DEI – Demonic, Egregious, and Incompetent and WEI – White, Entitled, and Inept (Aswad Walker). White-collar criminals and political con men wear their mugshots like medals, fundraising off felony charges and calling themselves martyrs. The rule of law is now a revolving door for the powerful and a steel trap for the poor. America’s prisons overflow with Black and brown bodies—children of poverty, trauma, and systemic neglect—while high-ranking officials with rap sheets longer than confessionals run for re-election with full support of their party’s machinery, unlimited funding, and become president of the (un)United States of America as well as congresspeople.

This is not justice. This is sanctioned injustice. A nation that invests $217,517 annually to incarcerate one child in Georgia, but balks at paying its citizens, especially teachers a living wage, is not broken. It is working exactly as designed. God’s rejects of crude, rude, dangerous, and socially unacceptable beings elected Burt Jones to the post of Lt. Governor in Georgia – someone who was a criminal fake elector.

The fascists don’t wear red and white plaid shirts anymore—they wear flag pins and carry pocket Constitutions they’ve never read. The Confederate states are not known for literacy. They chant “freedom” while legislating repression. They claim to protect children while banning books, criminalizing truth, and whitewashing history. From statehouses to school boards, authoritarianism is on the march, wrapped in red, white, and blue and baptized in hate.

They traffic in coded language: “states’ rights,” “election integrity,” “traditional values.” But the translation is clear: racists, voter suppression, anti-Blackness and others of color, anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry, and fear-driven control. The very foundations of democracy—free press, peaceful protest, public education—are under siege, and far too many Americans are either cheering it on or scrolling past it with a want-to-be king – Donald Trump and his cult of assassins – killing everything positive at its helm. Please hold my hair back as I puke.

And then there are the false prophets—slick-haired, greasy, gold-ringed, Bible-toting, scripture-quoting hustlers peddling nationalism as gospel. They’ve traded Christ for Caesar, compassion for control, and truth for tithes. These prophets don’t feed the hungry or clothe the poor. They platform mentally incompetent presidents, bless billionaires, and call it holy. In their world, Jesus votes Republican, wears an AR-15, sanctions unjust wars, and supports tax cuts for the rich. It is clear they don’t believe in the Bible that they so often quote. Their scholarships to hell await them.

But let’s be clear: the Jesus who flipped tables in the temple would flip the entire political-industrial-evangelical complex on its head. These preachers are not defenders of faith—they are CEOs of manipulation, conmen in clerical drag, wolves howling “Hallelujah” with blood on their hands and the smell of Trump’s flabby ass on their breath.

We are not just living through a political crisis—we are in the grip of a moral collapse. Our institutions are cracking under cowardice. Our courts are bleeding justice. Our communities—especially those long trampled under racism, poverty, and systemic neglect—are being sacrificed on altars of power, profit, and piety.

But America cannot be healed by denial. It must be fully exorcised. This is the moment to name the demons: Felons. Fascists. False Prophets. And then we must fight—with truth, with courage, with solidarity, and with a memory longer than the news cycle.

History is watching. The whole world is watching. The ancestors are watching. And the children we claim to love are waiting to see what kind of country we leave behind as their inheritance.

Oh my, indeed.

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Boldest, Baddest, Ballin’est: Phoenix Aim for Glory in High-Stakes Home Playoff Game

Atlanta Phoenix host Carolina Stars June 14 in a landmark AWFL playoff battle, showcasing elite talent and leadership shaping the future of women’s tackle football.

By Milton Kirby | Clarkston, GA | June 13, 2025

A thrilling new chapter in professional women’s football will be written this Saturday, June 14, as the Atlanta Phoenix host the Carolina Stars in a high-stakes Divisional Round playoff game at Hallford Stadium in Clarkston, Georgia. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. EDT, and fans are preparing for a battle between one of the sport’s established powerhouses and its most exciting newcomers.

This matchup is more than just a playoff game—it’s a symbol of growth, evolution, and fresh competition in women’s tackle football. Both teams are competing under the American Women’s Football League (AWFL) banner, a new league created to modernize and professionalize the sport. The AWFL has quickly earned a reputation for doing things differently, focusing on innovation, national visibility, and long-term sustainability.

“The AWFL isn’t here to follow the norms—we’re here to set new ones,” reads the league’s mission, and Saturday’s game reflects that ambition.

🏈 The Home Team: Atlanta Phoenix

Founded in 2012, the Atlanta Phoenix have earned their place as one of the premier teams in women’s professional football. With a record of 74–22–1 and seven division titles over 13 full seasons, the Phoenix are known for their consistent dominance, elite athleticism, and loyal fanbase. In 2025, the team made a strategic move to join the American Women’s Football League (AWFL), aligning with the league’s bold, forward-thinking approach to growing the sport.

The Phoenix are co-owned by three Atlanta natives: April Christler, Moncrief Hart, and Sylvana Holmes. Christler, who also serves as General Manager, brings over two decades of experience in leading major sports and media projects for brands like NFL, Turner Sports, Warner Bros Discovery, and HBO. A former defensive tackle herself, Christler pairs her business savvy with a gritty, on-the-ground leadership style that has helped secure game-changing sponsorships from companies like MHP – A Porsche Company, Waffle House, and Morgan & Morgan. Her work in tech and sports has earned her features on CNN, Lifetime TV, and CBS News.

On the field, the team is guided by head coach and co-founder Moncrief Hart, whose intensity and strategic vision have shaped the Phoenix’s hard-hitting, high-performing identity. Holmes, the third co-owner, continues to be a force as both a leader and player, anchoring the defense at tackle and end.

With standout veterans like Team USA alum Jenitra “J Roc” Shields leading the offensive line, the Phoenix are charging into the playoffs boasting the league’s top-ranked offense, defense, and overall team performance. Known by their rallying cry—“Boldest, Baddest, Ballin’est”—the Atlanta Phoenix are more than a football team. They are a brand.

🌟 Carolina Stars: The Rising Powerhouse

The Carolina Stars are the newest force in women’s football, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and playing their inaugural season in the AWFL. Despite being new to the league, the Stars are no strangers to high standards. Their foundation is built on discipline, excellence, and community impact.

They are led by Head Coach Tia Hopkins, a legend in her own right. Hopkins is a former defensive lineman for the Miami Fury and New York Sharks, where she also served as general manager and offensive line coach. She helped the Sharks win a WFA National Championship and an international tournament in 2018, before being inducted into the AFE Hall of Fame in 2021.

Off the field, Hopkins serves as Chief Cyber Resilience Officer at eSentire and teaches cybersecurity, proving her commitment to leadership and mentorship in multiple arenas. Her role as a mentor is crucial, as under her guidance, the Stars have already made a significant impact, raising thousands of dollars in grassroots support, recruiting top-tier talent, and launching youth and volunteer outreach initiatives across the Carolinas.

🏟️ A Battle of Visions and Values

Both the Phoenix and the Stars are competing not just for a championship berth, but to shape the future of women’s football.

The Phoenix offer legacy and professionalism—representing a city that has supported women’s football for over a decade. Meanwhile, the Stars bring an edge of innovation and community focus, rooted in diversity and rising potential.

Their meeting this Saturday is the definition of high-stakes sports: a seasoned champion versus a hungry contender.

The winner will advance to the AWFL Conference Championship on June 28, and potentially to the Emerald Bowl National Championship on July 12, which will also be held at Hallford Stadium.

🎟️ Game Details

Matchup: Atlanta Phoenix vs. Carolina Stars
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM EDT
Location: Hallford Stadium
789 Memorial College Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021

Tickets are available online and at the gate. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for pre-game festivities and to witness this pivotal moment in women’s football.

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Falcons Fans Invited to Watch 2025 Camp Practices Live

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The Atlanta Falcons announced 11 open training camp practices for 2025, including two joint sessions with the Titans and a fan-focused Back Together Weekend.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 13, 2025

Atlanta Falcons fans, you’re in for a treat this summer! You’ll have the exclusive opportunity to witness your team in action before the 2025 NFL season kicks off. The team has just announced that its annual training camp will feature 11 open practices at IBM Performance Field, starting July 24.

Each practice is free to attend, though space is limited, and tickets must be reserved in advance.

The schedule includes several standout dates. On Saturday, July 26, the team will celebrate the NFL’s “Back Together Weekend” with a fan-focused practice that features special appearances by head coach Raheem Morris, general manager Terry Fontenot, Freddie Falcon, cheerleaders, and former Falcons stars.

Even more excitement awaits in August when the Tennessee Titans visit Flowery Branch for two joint practices ahead of their Aug. 15 preseason matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. These collaborative sessions, scheduled for August 12 and 13, will give fans a glimpse of how the Falcons measure up against another NFL squad in real-time drills and scrimmages.

Here’s the full schedule of open practices:

Thursday, July 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m. (Back Together Weekend)
Sunday, July 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, July 31 at 9:30 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 9:40 a.m. (Joint with Titans)
Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 9:40 a.m. (Joint with Titans)

The open practices offer fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at preseason preparation. It’s not just about watching the team in action, it’s about the chance to interact with team personnel and fellow supporters, creating a sense of community in a relaxed setting. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit the official Falcons website.

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NextGen Bus Network Set to Transform Atlanta Transit

MARTA adopts $1.55B FY 2026 budget, funding safety, new trains, a better fare system, and expanded projects without raising fares.

Biggest Changes Since Authority Was Founded

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 12, 2025

The MARTA Board of Directors has approved a bold redesign of the region’s entire bus system. Called the NextGen Bus Network, it’s the most significant overhaul since MARTA began.

The new plan, set to launch in late 2025, promises to revolutionize bus service across metro Atlanta. It’s designed to be faster, simpler, and more reliable, with over 100 routes restructured to serve a larger number of people and better connect them to jobs, hospitals, and grocery stores.

“This is a major step toward a more equitable and rider-focused transit system,” said MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood. “It’s built from the voices of the people we serve.”

Key Changes

Frequent service routes will increase from 5 to 17.
The 20-minute service will be expanded to 11 routes.
Twelve new on-demand zones will be added for flexible trips.
Every route will run seven days a week.
Bus routes will be simplified from 113 to 81.
Riders will benefit from more frequent, reliable, and easier-to-understand service.

MARTA says the new plan will triple the number of people with access to frequent service—defined as buses arriving every 15 minutes or less. More people will live near transit that runs every 30 minutes or better.

Who Benefits?

The redesign is a testament to MARTA’s commitment to equity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location or income, have access to improved transit services.

+6% more people will live near a MARTA bus stop.
+11% increase in minority residents near transit.
+7% increase in low-income residents served.
+22% more jobs reachable within 60 minutes.
+31% more hospitals reachable in an hour.

The plan also makes it easier to transfer between routes. New transfer points will feature scheduled connections and upgraded stops.

Built on Public Feedback

The plan took four years of planning. MARTA held more than 60 public meetings and gathered over 15,000 survey responses. Community voices played a key role, especially from low-income and minority neighborhoods.

What’s Next?

With the board’s final approval, MARTA will now begin to prepare for the official launch in late 2025.

To learn more and view new route maps, visit martanextgenbusnetwork.com

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MARTA Approves Budget Focused on Rider Experience, Infrastructure Upgrades

MARTA adopts $1.55B FY 2026 budget, funding safety, new trains, a better fare system, and expanded projects without raising fares.

System Investments Move Forward Without Fare Increase

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 12, 2025

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors has adopted a balanced $1.55 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget that maintains steady fares and funds major infrastructure upgrades focused on safety, cleanliness, and reliability.

This milestone, marking MARTA’s 14th consecutive balanced budget, not only reaffirms its top-tier credit ratings—AAA and AA+—but also underscores the agency’s unwavering fiscal responsibility in the face of rising operational costs. This achievement should instill confidence in our stakeholders and the public about MARTA’s financial stability.

“We had to tighten our belt this year, but we remain committed to growing ridership and making good on commitments to our jurisdictional partners,” said MARTA Board Chair Jennifer Ide. “By keeping safe, clean, and reliable as our north star, we were able to focus on necessary system improvements while remaining good stewards of public money.”

The FY 2026 plan includes $652 million in operating funds and $901.8 million in capital funding. MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood emphasized the transformative nature of the coming year.

“The next fiscal year will be one of incredible improvement, with systemwide once-in-a-generation investments that ensure a safer, cleaner, more reliable MARTA,” Greenwood said. “Customers will see new state-of-the-art railcars, a better, more flexible Breeze system, and an entirely redesigned bus network that increases service frequency.”

Major Investments Rolling Out

Key budget items include:

$115 million for new trains, with the first set to enter service this fiscal year.
$104 million to implement a next-generation fare system.
Nearly $50 million for MARTA’s Station Rehabilitation Program, which upgrades safety and customer experience at all 38 stations.

MARTA’s capital projects span multiple jurisdictions and neighborhoods. In Atlanta, the agency is advancing construction on the Rapid A-Line through Summerhill and the transformation of the dramatic Five Points Station. Projects such as the Bankhead Station platform extension and the Cleveland/Metropolitan Avenue Arterial Rapid Transit (ART) are also in development.

In Clayton County, the investment will support Southlake and SR54 Rapid lines, as well as the Clayton County Operations and Multipurpose Facility and a Justice Center transit hub.

Budget Breakdown

A significant portion of MARTA’s funding comes from local sales tax revenue, projected to exceed $400 million in FY 2026. Farebox revenue and federal assistance comprise the following most significant sources, totaling $155 million.

The operating budget covers a 3% salary increase for non-represented employees and honors all collective bargaining agreements. Rising healthcare and pension costs are also accounted for, and a net reduction of 191 positions—mostly unfilled—helps control expenses without impacting service delivery

Looking Ahead

MARTA’s redesigned bus network and new railcars are poised to reshape the rider experience. The enhanced Breeze fare system will offer more flexibility and convenience. Leaders say these improvements are designed not only to modernize MARTA’s infrastructure but also to restore and grow ridership.

To view the full FY 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets, visit itsmarta.com.

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From Tupelo to the World: Elvis Presley’s Birthplace Preserves His Legacy

Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum in Tupelo honors the King’s humble roots, rich musical heritage, and the fans who keep his legacy alive.

By Milton Kirby | Tupelo, MS | June 12, 2025

In a modest two-room shotgun house built in 1934 by Vernon Presley with just $180, the King of Rock’ n Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley, was born on January 8, 1935, in East Tupelo. Nearly a century later, the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum stands as a globally recognized tribute to the musical legend who never forgot his roots preserving his legacy for generations to come.

From Poverty to Legacy

Life was difficult for the Presley family. Vernon and Gladys Presley, Elvis’s parents, struggled to make ends meet and eventually lost their home due to nonpayment of the loan. The family relocated several times around Tupelo before moving to Memphis when Elvis was 13.

Yet it was in Tupelo that Elvis’s musical identity began to take shape. He attended the Assembly of God Church, where he was first exposed to Southern gospel. He also lived near the Shake Rag community home to blues musicians and Black gospel music that influenced his unique musical style. It was in the Country radio programs added to the fusion of sound that would one day revolutionize the music world.

Honoring the Boy Who Dreamed Big

Today, visitors to the Elvis Presley Birthplace, Museum, Chapel, and Park can walk the same paths Elvis once roamed. The 15-acre campus welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually, offering an immersive experience anchored by Elvis’s childhood home, the relocated church where he worshipped, and stunning life-size statues that symbolize his journey.

One of the museum’s most beloved landmarks is the bronze statue of 13-year-old Elvis, sculpted at the suggestion of Irish fans Maurice and Maureen Colgan. The statue, crafted from historical photos, portrays Elvis in oversized overalls and plain shoes, representing the modesty of his upbringing. Positioned between the church and museum, the statue’s placement reflects Elvis’s deep spiritual roots and the material world he would later enter as a superstar.

Nearby, atop the Tupelo Overlook, a powerful art installation known as “BECOMING” features two Elvis statues—”Elvis the Boy” and “Elvis the Entertainer”—each facing west toward Tupelo. The path leading to them zigzags, a visual metaphor for the winding, complex journey Elvis walked on his way to icon status.

A Tribute Model: David Lee

The 1970s-era Elvis statue unveiled in 2015 carries a special connection to David Lee, a world-renowned Elvis tribute artist from Birmingham, Alabama. Lee served as the model for the sculpture and played a key role in securing $1 million in government funding to expand the museum.

A two-time world champion and the 2015 Ultimate Elvis titleholder from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Lee has performed across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and international waters. His authentic performances and gospel roots have made him a favorite among fans and festival-goers alike. His contributions to Tupelo’s Elvis legacy include receiving the Key to the City, having his name engraved at the base of the statue in Fair Park, and being the first performer at the museum’s 120-seat auditorium in 2013.

“Elvis is gone and irreplaceable,” Lee said, “but my tribute hopes to do him justice.”

Living History on Display

The Assembly of God Church—where a young Elvis learned to play his first chords—has been preserved and moved to the Birthplace grounds. Visitors can experience a 1940s-style Pentecostal service through multimedia displays that include singing, preaching, and praise-filled worship. It was here, under the guidance of Brother Frank Smith, that Elvis learned to play “Ole Shep” with just three chords: D, A, and E.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Elvis Presley’s Childhood Church

The Elvis Presley Center, under the leadership of Executive Director Roy Turner and Associate Director Rhonda Lamb, continues to expand. The $6.5 million complex includes the birthplace home, museum, chapel, theater, event center, and scenic trails where visitors can reflect on the King’s journey.

A City’s Pride

Tupelo embraces Elvis’s legacy at every turn. From decorative guitars on street corners to murals and events, the City celebrates its native son with pride and purpose. Mr. Henry Dodge, retired chair of the board of directors, described the winding path from the museum to the statue as symbolic of Elvis’s climb from poverty to global fame.

“Elvis dreamed a dream from this very soil,” said one local visitor. “Now the world walks where he once walked.”

A Lasting Connection

For fans of Elvis Presley, the museum is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a pilgrimage site. It’s a place to experience the humble beginnings of a boy who went on to become a world icon. A place to honor music’s power to transcend barriers. And a place to celebrate a legacy rooted deeply in Mississippi soil.

The Horn Family at the 2025 Elvis Presley Festival

Photo Gallery

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Carolina Crusher, Grave Digger, and Zombie: Three Icons, Three Paths, One Sport

From Carolina Crusher to Grave Digger, the sport of monster trucks has grown in power and diversity—thanks to icons like Gary Porter, Bari Musawwir, and Krysten Anderson.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 11, 2025

In 1981, a small-town mechanic with a dream fired up an engine that would eventually roar through stadiums worldwide. Gary Porter, a native of Wadesboro, North Carolina, didn’t set out to become a legend. But when he opened Porter’s 4×4 Shop with his brother and began tinkering with lifted trucks, the seeds of something bigger were planted.

“I went to the bank and asked the lady there if I could borrow $9,500 to build me a monster truck,” Porter recalled. “She nearly had a heart attack and asked me, ‘Does your mamma and daddy know what you’re doing?’”

By 1985, Porter had built the Carolina Crusher, his first monster truck, and debuted it that summer. What began with displays and small-town pulls quickly gained traction. By 1988, Porter was competing nationally on the TNT Motorsports Monster Truck Challenge, later claiming his first world championship in the PENDA Points Series in 1991. He wasn’t just racing—he was helping define the very foundation of the sport.

“In the early days, you built whatever truck you had the money to build. There were no safety rules,” Porter said. “One of the most difficult challenges in the beginning was being a one-man team. Making sure that the truck was race ready for the next weekend was hard—there just weren’t enough hours.”

Major improvements came along when formal competitions started and the points system was instituted. Bigger checks led to bigger ambitions. Teams began upgrading trucks constantly—new shocks, lighter frames, more horsepower—all while trying to survive the pounding these machines took during jumps and freestyle runs.

Porter’s decades of work didn’t go unnoticed. In 2013, he was inducted into the International Monster Truck Hall of Fame, and again in 2021 into the Monster Jam Hall of Fame. In July 2017, after 32 years in the sport, Porter officially retired from monster truck driving, leaving behind a legacy built on resilience, innovation, and raw horsepower.

The Evolution of a Sport—and a Culture

The sport’s roots stretch back to the 1970s when off-road enthusiasts modified trucks for mud bogging and tractor pulls. Then came Bob Chandler’s Bigfoot—a lifted Ford F-250 that crushed two junked cars in a promotional stunt. This iconic car-crushing run at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1982 captivated fans and launched the monster truck craze as a national entertainment force, marking a significant turning point in the sport’s history.

By the late ’80s and early ’90s, with Gary Porter and trucks like Grave Digger on tour, monster trucks had become a household attraction. In the 2000s, Monster Jam, operated by Feld Entertainment, refined the show with stadium production, international tours, and superstar drivers. Now, in the 2020s, the sport is evolving yet again—with electric prototypes, smarter suspensions, and a growing diversity among its stars.

Trailblazer Behind the Wheel: Bari Musawwir

When Bari Musawwir saw his first Monster Jam show at the Silverdome in 1986, he had no idea it would shape his life. A kid from Cleveland who loved cars, Musawwir got into racing through radio-controlled trucks, eventually mastering the art by competing in national RC events. His journey from radio-controlled car tracks to stadiums filled with 60,000 fans would rewrite what was possible for Black athletes in the sport.

Photo courtesy Monster Jam – Bari Musawwir

His big break came in 2006 during an RC competition at Digger’s Dungeon, the home of Grave Digger. A Monster Jam official happened to witness his performance and invited him to test a real truck. Though Musawwir had no formal motorsports experience, his skill was evident—and after several years of persistence, he made his pro debut in 2010, driving Backwards Bob.

Since then, he’s earned:

Rookie of the Year (2011)
Young Guns Shootout Champion (2012)
Multiple World Finals Appearances
Two Guinness World Records

More than his accomplishments, Musawwir’s presence as the first Black Monster Jam driver in the sport’s 70-year history opened new doors. “I want young people to see me and know they belong here too,” he says.

Representation, Cost, and the Road to Inclusion

For decades, monster trucks were a white, male-dominated arena. That’s changing—but slowly. Musawwir’s rise shows that passion and opportunity can still break barriers, but entry into the sport remains expensive.

💰 Average Startup Costs:

Build a Monster Truck: $250,000–$350,000+
Launch a Team: $500,000–$750,000+
Annual Operations: $150,000–$250,000

The high price tags for chassis, tires, engines, and crew limit access for many aspiring drivers. Used trucks and sponsorships help, but visibility and representation are critical—especially in communities where kids rarely see themselves reflected in motorsports.

Musawwir, now also driving the Marvel-themed Black Panther truck, has made it a mission to mentor, encourage, and represent. “This is my passion. It’s a dream I had since I was six years old,” he says. “Now I get to be the person I once looked up to.”

Leading Lady of the Lanes: Krysten Anderson

While Musawwir was blazing new ground, Krysten Anderson was carrying the weight of a legacy. The daughter of Grave Digger founder Dennis Anderson, she became the first woman ever to drive the iconic truck—and she did not disappoint.

Krysten’s Monster Jam journey began in 2017, after growing up around trucks with her two brothers, Adam and Ryan, both professional drivers. Although she initially studied art and planned to become a graphic designer, the opportunity to take a drive in a monster truck changed her career path.

Today, she’s not only the face of Grave Digger—she’s also the first female Monster Jam Series Champion (2022) and a fan favorite across the country.

Photo courtesy Babbit Bodnor – Krysten Anderson

“Protecting the Grave Digger brand is a big responsibility. Since my name is Anderson, I take it very seriously,” she said. “I want to represent my family well, the brand well, and I also want to represent the ladies well.”

At 5’7″, she’s just an inch taller than the massive BKT tires on her truck. Yet, she commands the arena with power and grace. Fans, especially young girls, are sometimes stunned to see a woman behind the wheel of one of the sport’s most legendary machines.

“It kind of blows their mind sometimes,” Krysten said. “When I put on that helmet and get behind the wheel, I have a big job to do, and I take it very seriously.”

Safety, Grit, and Legacy

Anderson’s job isn’t just about fame—it’s about trust and safety. Drivers are outfitted with custom helmets, neck restraints, reinforced steel roll cages, seven-point harnesses, and remote ignition interrupters—a single-button emergency stop controlled by race officials.

Before every race, Krysten checks the track, dirt and layout, tuning in for the unpredictable. “The trucks have evolved tremendously,” she said. “The tracks are always different. You have to dial it in every time.”

Her career is already storied. A veteran among just nine full-time female drivers, Anderson still feels in her prime. “There’s no end in sight right now,” she said. “I’m here to compete, to represent, and to make our fans proud.”

Her father, Dennis, remains her compass. “He taught me about life and racing,” she said. “He always reminds me why we do this—from humble beginnings to the most iconic truck in monster truck history. Love the fans, and they will love you back.”

When she’s not in the arena, she unwinds on the beach—recharging for what could be a grueling 20-week tour. June 20–22 will mark her first appearance in Athens, Georgia, where she aims for a clean sweep.

With all of the safety factors in place, “The only thing I worry about is the green light, the checkered flag, and the trophy,” she said.

Paving the Way for Future Generations

The sport has expanded beyond its early roots. Since Debrah Ann Miceli, better known as Madusa, broke into Monster Jam in 1999, women have steadily claimed their space. Madusa proved that monster truck racing wasn’t just for men—and now, names like Kayla Blood, Becky McDonough, Cynthia Gauthier, and Rosalee Ramer are helping redefine what a champion looks like.

Anderson is proud to lead the new wave.

The Road Ahead

Today, monster truck competitions include categories for racing, two-wheel skills, and freestyle—each judged for speed, control, creativity, and risk. Trucks are smarter, safer, and faster than ever. But the soul of the sport still lies in the people—those who drive, build, and dream.

Gary Porter built Carolina Crusher because he loved 4x4s. Bari Musawwir fought for a place he didn’t even know was available. Krysten Anderson carries a name, a brand, and the future of female drivers.

Together, their stories crush old expectations and build new ones—one jump, one flip, one stadium at a time.

For more information about Monster Jam – Athens, GA June 20-22, 2025

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The Devil’s Proxies: How the Reincarnation of Racist Governor George Wallace Rules America Again Through the Presidency of Donald Trump and His Cult

In 2025, Trump’s return—fueled by voter suppression, disinformation, and GOP corruption—echoes Wallace’s legacy. Weaponized hate, authoritarianism, and moral decay now define America’s unraveling

By Lola Renegade | June 10, 2025

In 2017, the political spirit of George Wallace slithered into the Oval Office in the person of Donald J. Trump. And in 2025, thanks to voter suppression, disinformation, and a morally bankrupt Republican Party, it has returned. A cadre of predators from every sphere—an unlimited number of felons, misogynists, and undeniable dolts—has joined him again, eager to wield power, undermine democracy, and profit from America’s unraveling.

Trump is the literal and figurative reincarnation of Wallace in every meaningful way—rhetorically, ideologically, and strategically—he is Wallace’s heir. The Devil’s proxies now rule America once more, their mission unchanged: to sow division, weaponize hate, and derail this nation’s fragile pursuit of justice and democracy.

Trump has always been the monosyllabic turd in the punch bowl of American democracy. The stench is unmistakable. The rot is plain to see. And yet, the Republican Party—with eyes wide open—keeps ladling out another cup to drink and insisting the rest of us should do the same.

America is not the greatest country in the world. It can’t be. Their demonic actions have dragged America backward—not merely into a third-world state, but a fourth-world nation, where truth is mutilated, justice is auctioned off, cruelty is exalted as virtue, and the White House is for sale to anyone who will line Trump’s pockets.

Under Trump’s rule, his acolytes have sunk so low they could walk under a snake’s belly without touching it. And they do so proudly—grinning, gaslighting, and daring anyone to call it what it is: the moral collapse of a political movement, and a dangerous infection in the embryonic soul of America.

When George Wallace stood on the steps of the Alabama Capitol in 1963 and bellowed, “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” he became the face of white resistance to progress—a slick-talking, anti-intellectual, and violence-stoking avatar of American apartheid.

For decades, many Americans comforted themselves that Wallace and his kind had been consigned to history’s dustbin. But history, it turns out, is no graveyard. It is a recycling bin for America’s degenerates and never-ending syndicated horror shows.

Wallace built his career by stoking white resentment amid the victories of the civil rights movement. Trump surfs a similar tide, fueled by the demographic shifts of the 21st century and white backlash to the Obama presidency.

Where Wallace denounced “pointy-headed intellectuals who can’t park their bicycles straight,” Trump demonizes scientists, historians, and anyone with the courage to speak truth. Where Wallace called federal judges “tyrants in robes,” Trump demands a judiciary that bends only to his will.

This strain of anti-intellectualism is no accident. It is a core strategy of authoritarians: inflame the passions of the mob, vilify expertise, and dumb down the electorate so lies can thrive.

Wallace’s rallies were notorious for violence against civil rights protesters. Trump’s rallies are their modern-day equivalent—sites of hate and intimidation. When Trump told his crowds “Knock the crap out of them, I’ll pay the legal fees,” the echo of Wallace’s era was unmistakable.

Both men understood the power of cruelty as spectacle. Their movements are not about governance but about grievance. Not about policy but about punishing the vulnerable and dissenting voices.

Let us speak plainly: Trump is an incompetent, dangerous idiot. His first term left a trail of mismanagement, from the botched COVID-19 response to countless assaults on basic governance. But in Trump’s America, competence is not a prerequisite for higher offices. Obedience and cruelty are their currencies of power.

Incompetence becomes a weapon when government agencies are gutted, expertise is driven out, and public trust is corroded. Wallace pioneered this playbook in Alabama. Trump has brought it to Washington on steroids.

And let us not forget the other enablers. Many of the women in Trump’s orbit are today’s Carolyn Bryants—the lying, preening enablers of racist violence. It was Bryant’s false accusations that led to the brutal lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Today, women in MAGA hats, racist media personalities, and political spouses perform the same role: lying, gaslighting, and seeking the approval of Satan’s spawns—their husbands, their political masters, their toxic movement.

Their lies fuel an ecosystem of conspiracy, cruelty, and chaos. And they do it with performative piety and crocodile tears, as if history has taught nothing.

This is not leadership. It is surrender to the darkest impulses of our national character.

This is no ordinary presidency. It is a test of whether America’s democratic experiment can survive its most brazen modern threat.

George Wallace ultimately expressed regret for his sins. Trump boasts of his—and vows to commit more.

But this is bigger than Trump alone. It is about an American political tradition we thought we had buried. Instead, we find it resurgent, emboldened, and sitting once again in the seat of power.

The Devil’s proxies now strut openly through our government, our media, and our public life. The question is whether the American people, in their multiracial, moral majority, will rise with greater resolve than ever before.

Our democracy—and the sacred memory of every child like Emmett Till—demands nothing less.

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