Uncle Nearest founders file an emergency motion to stop a possible asset sale, arguing the receiver is moving too far without letting them defend the debt itself.
By Milton Kirby | Chattanooga, TN | November 28, 2025
Control of a Billion-Dollar Brand Is Now at Stake
The future of Uncle Nearest, one of the most celebrated American whiskey brands of the last decade, now turns on a single question: who gets to decide what happens next — the founders or the federal receiver?
That tension moved into a new phase this month after founders Fawn and Keith Weaver filed an emergency motion asking a federal judge to let them defend themselves, assert counterclaims, and stop the receiver from making irreversible moves that could reshape the entire company.
At the same time, the receiver is quietly laying the groundwork for what could become one of the most watched spirits-industry sales in recent years. Those two paths now collide.
How the Receivership Started
The company entered receivership in August after Farm Credit Mid-America accused Uncle Nearest and related entities of defaulting on more than $108 million in loans.
U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. appointed Tennessee attorney Phillip G. Young Jr. as receiver, giving him control of the company’s operations, finances, and records — and placing a legal stay on all other litigation.
That stay meant the Weavers could not answer the lawsuit. They could not defend themselves. And they could not file counterclaims, even though they said the loan balances were based on data they dispute.
Receiver’s Expanding Role Raises New Tensions
In late October, the court entered an Agreed Order that required the receiver to file monthly reports and review financial records from affiliated Weaver entities.
Not long after that, the receiver began working with Arlington Capital Advisors, a national investment bank known for handling high-profile transactions in food and spirits.
According to filings and media reports, Arlington has already begun receiving inquiries from industry competitors looking for access to the company’s internal data.
For the founders, that signaled something deeper: a possible sale of “substantially all assets,” including the distillery, real estate, and intellectual property.
They argue that giving outside companies access to private information — during a global slump in the spirits market — could threaten the long-term value of the Uncle Nearest brand.
The Emergency Motion: A Bid to Regain a Voice
On November 24, the Weavers filed a detailed emergency motion that asks the judge to lift the litigation stay.
If granted, they would finally be allowed to:
Answer the complaint
Present defenses
File counterclaims
Challenge the validity or size of the Farm Credit debt
In the filing, they say there has been “no adjudication” of whether the loan amounts are correct or whether the debt should be reduced “in whole or in part.”
They also express alarm that the receiver is sharing “competitively sensitive” information with outside parties while exploring far-reaching strategic options.
Their message to the court is straightforward: “Do not let major decisions be made before we get a chance to defend ourselves.”
Receiver Pushes Back
On November 26, the receiver filed a response opposing the emergency motion. He argues that allowing open litigation now would:
Distract from the financial review
Harm negotiations with lenders
Complicate refinancing efforts
Disrupt any possible sale process
The receiver also says the stay is essential to stabilize the company and maintain control of the process.
In short, while the Weavers want to regain participation and slow the receiver’s momentum, the receiver believes that loosening the stay could undermine the very restructuring he is tasked with managing.
A December Deadline Looms
Judge Atchley has given Farm Credit and the receiver until December 2 to respond fully to the Weavers’ emergency motion.
After that, the court is expected to rule — either:
keeping the stay in place,
modifying it,
or allowing the Weavers to fully re-enter the litigation.
That decision will determine whether the next chapter of Uncle Nearest is shaped by its founders or by the receiver’s ongoing evaluation of refinancing and sale options.
What Happens Next
The stakes are unusually high.
Uncle Nearest reached a $1 billion valuation
just a year ago — a remarkable figure powered by its cultural resonance, aggressive marketing, and strong distribution footprint.
Now, with the spirits market cooling and lenders applying pressure, the company’s future could be decided not by brand strength but by a judge’s ruling on procedural rights.
If the stay is lifted, the Weavers regain a voice in the litigation and can challenge the debt, the numbers, and the narrative.
If it remains in place, the receiver’s next filings — including any move toward a full sale — will carry far greater weight.
Either way, December begins a new phase in a case that now mixes business, culture, valuation, and the fight for control of one of the most important Black-led spirits brands in the United States.
MARTA begins installing its new Better Breeze fare system across the region, bringing contactless payments, new Breeze cards, and upgraded faregates by spring 2026.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | November 26, 2025
MARTA riders will soon tap into a new era of transit travel. The agency has begun a major, systemwide installation of its updated fare collection system, called Better Breeze, with work continuing through spring 2026.
The upgrade will replace every Breeze card reader, faregate, ticket machine, validator, and mobile app, ensuring a more reliable and efficient payment experience for riders across metro Atlanta.
Phased Work, Station by Station
To keep stations open during the transition, MARTA is closing faregates in phases and posting clear signs inside the stations. Riders should expect detours but no service cuts.
The schedule moves across several stations from late November through early December:
West End Station – Nov. 24
Riders parking in the south lot at South faregates should follow the signs to reach the north entrance and allow extra time for their trip
.
North Springs Station – Nov. 25
West faregates near the bus loop closed. Riders should use east faregates on the opposite side of the station.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Crew Installing new faregates at Kensington Station
Kensington Station – Nov. 26
East and west faregates closed. Bus loop faregates remain open. Riders coming from the north lot should follow the signs to the bus loop. ADA riders should allow extra time.
Doraville Station – Dec. 1
South faregates are already closed. More closures begin Dec. 1. Riders must use emergency gates for entry. A valid fare is still needed to exit at the destination.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Indian Creek Entrance
Indian Creek Station – Dec. 3
East faregates at the bus loop closed. Riders must use west faregates.
Additional ongoing work continues at Dunwoody, East Point, Lindbergh Center, Ashby, and Georgia State stations. Some stations will use emergency gates during construction, and riders must have a fare to exit at their destination.
What Riders Need to Know
MARTA says customers should continue using the current Breeze card, old Breeze vending machines, and the existing mobile app. New faregates will be visible but not yet active until the final launch next spring.
The Better Breeze system will bring several major changes:
Photo by Milton Kirby – New Fare Collections Machines At Kensington
New Fare Equipment
New contactless faregates, validators, and touchscreen vending machines. The new gates are harder to tamper with, helping reduce fare evasion and improving station security.
New Ways to Pay
Open payment technology will let riders tap a bank card or mobile wallet directly on the faregate or bus farebox.
New App
The current Breeze Mobile 2.0 app will be retired. Riders will download a new Breeze app and create a virtual Breeze card in their account.
New Breeze Cards
All riders will move to account-based Breeze cards. Fare will be stored in the account rather than on the card, making replacement easier and reducing lost value.
Reduced Fare, Mobility, and Partner Agencies
Riders who use Reduced Fare or Mobility services can choose a new physical card or download the new app. They can contact MARTA by email or phone for help getting set up.
MARTA’s regional partners—including CobbLinc, Ride Gwinnett, and the ATL—will also shift to the new Better Breeze system. Transit customers will receive updates from their local providers in the coming months.
MARTA encourages riders to watch for signs inside stations, listen to announcements, and check online updates as the transition progresses, with detailed guidance on switching to new cards and apps coming closer to the April 2026 deadline.
For more information and to sign up for updates, visit MARTA
Thanksgiving blends history, food, travel, turkey pardons, football, and family traditions. The holiday’s origins, cultural shifts, and modern travel and shopping trends continue to shape its national meaning.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | November 25, 2025
The Origins: A Feast of Survival and Alliance
Thanksgiving began long before football games, parades, or busy airports. The moment most Americans learn about—the 1621 harvest feast in Plymouth Colony—was a gathering shaped by hardship. The Pilgrims arrived in December 1620. Their first winter was cold, brutal and deadly. Only about half survived.
The Wampanoag people, led by Massasoit, chose to help the newcomers. They showed them how to plant corn, grow crops, and fish in local waters. When the Pilgrims held a harvest celebration that fall, roughly 90 Wampanoag arrived—likely after hearing gunfire and thinking the colony was under attack. Instead, they joined the feast.
For three days the groups shared food like venison, fowl, fish, stews, squash, and corn. They raced, fired muskets, and tried to communicate across two very different cultures. The uneasy peace held for decades, until the violent years of King Philip’s War.
Though not the first thanksgiving in North America—Spanish settlers in Florida held one in 1565, and Jamestown colonists in 1610—Plymouth became the story Americans chose to remember.
From Regional Tradition to National Holiday
Thanksgiving stayed mostly local for two centuries. That changed in the 1800s when writer Sarah Josepha Hale championed the holiday in her 1827 novel Northwood, describing a classic New England meal centered on roast turkey. Her influence helped popularize the menu we know today.
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving in 1863, hoping to unite a divided nation. In 1941, Congress fixed Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.
The Fowl History: How Turkeys Took Center Stage
Turkeys were not the star of the 1621 feast, but they became the centerpiece of the modern table because they were large, plentiful, and could feed a family. By the late 1800s, gifting turkeys to the White House became a tradition.
In 1947, farmers sent live hens to protest a government effort to discourage poultry consumption. A peace offering followed: the National Turkey Federation brought President Harry Truman a turkey. Over time, the presentation morphed into myth. Some claimed Truman “pardoned” the bird. Others pointed to an earlier story about Lincoln sparing a Christmas turkey at the request of his son Tad. But no official pardons existed until 1989, when President George H.W. Bush formally granted a turkey clemency—launching a ritual that now draws national attention every year.
Modern Traditions: Food, Travel, Football, and the Shopping Frenzy
Today’s Thanksgiving is a blend of old customs and new habits. What began as a harvest celebration is now a major cultural event shaped by food, travel, entertainment, and commerce.
The Feast
Most households serve roast turkey with dressing or stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. Many families add regional favorites—macaroni and cheese in the South, tamales in Latino households, or seafood in coastal communities. Some swap the turkey entirely for beef tenderloin, ham, or vegetarian dishes.
The holiday has also become a place where cultural humor shows up. Comedian Rickey Smiley often jokes about the difference between simple Thanksgiving menus and the long, elaborate spreads that show up in many Black households. On his nationally syndicated radio show, he playfully contrasts a straightforward plate of turkey, honey-baked ham, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce with the “two-minute roll call” he remembers from his own family gatherings. He jokes that the list could include roasted turkey, two kinds of fried turkey, macaroni with white cheese, macaroni with yellow cheese, multiple greens, dressing, sweet potatoes, and desserts “too many to name.” His humor captures a real truth: every family’s Thanksgiving table reflects their culture, their region, and their own way of celebrating.
Friendsgiving gatherings have grown in popularity, offering a relaxed, potluck-style meal with a chosen family.
The Morning Rituals
Turkey Trots—charity 5Ks and community fun runs—have become a fast-growing tradition. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains a national favorite, with huge balloons and marching bands marking the official start of the holiday.
Gratitude and Service
Many families hold a gratitude circle, sharing something they are thankful for. Volunteers prepare meals at shelters and food banks, keeping alive the holiday’s spirit of giving.
The National Spectacle: Football and Parades
NFL games dominate the afternoon. The combination of food, family, and football is now as traditional as the turkey itself.
The Consumer Shift: Thanksgiving and Black Friday
Thanksgiving also marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Black Friday has crept earlier and earlier, with many retailers opening on Thursday evening. What was once a day of rest and reflection is now tied tightly to doorbuster sales and early holiday deals.
Travel: The Busiest Week of the Year
Thanksgiving remains the country’s biggest travel holiday. TSA expects nearly 18 million passengers during the week, and U.S. airlines plan to carry a record 31 million travelers from Nov. 21 through Dec. 1. The FAA says this will be the busiest Thanksgiving period in 15 years.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to break screening records, with more than 3 million people moving through airports in a single day.
But most people travel by car. AAA predicts about 81.8 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more—another all-time record.
Working on Thanksgiving: The Rules Depend on the State
For many workers, Thanksgiving is not guaranteed. In Wisconsin, for example, state law does not require private employers to give the day off, nor do they have to offer holiday pay. Only federal, state, and municipal workers are automatically guaranteed the day. A few New England states still restrict businesses from opening, based on laws more than 300 years old.
A Holiday With Many Meanings
Thanksgiving is celebrated in different ways across the country—some joyful, some reflective. Since 1970, many Native Americans have gathered in Plymouth for the National Day of Mourning to remember their ancestors and challenge the historical narrative that overlooks centuries of trauma and displacement.
For immigrant families, Thanksgiving is often a chance to blend cultures—mixing traditional dishes with foods that reflect their heritage.
Whether seen as a celebration, a commemoration, or a day of service, Thanksgiving continues to evolve while remaining one of America’s most meaningful and complicated holidays.
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The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo closed its 41st season with packed arenas, rising music stars, bold fashion moments, and championship performances celebrating Black cowboy and cowgirl heritage nationwide.
By Milton Kirby | Denver, CO | November 25, 2025
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo ended its 41st season the same way it started—with packed crowds, big moments, and a whole lot of love for the culture that keeps this tradition alive.
Photo by Milton Kirby -BPIR – Upper Marlboro, MD
BPIR President and CEO Valeria Howard-Cunningham expressed deep gratitude, highlighting how the event celebrates the history, family bonds, and the resilience of Black cowboys and cowgirls who keep this culture alive.
The 2025 tour stretched from Denver to Memphis, moved west through Oakland and Los Angeles, circled back to Atlanta, and touched down four times in historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth. The year closed in the DC/Upper Marlboro area, where the National Championship Finals brought out longtime supporters and new fans who wanted to witness the sport’s brightest stars.
A New Era in Country Music
A cultural shift is happening inside BPIR. The Soul Country Music Star partnership is giving Black country artists a stage they have long been denied. The Soul Country Rodeo Weekend brought immense talent and explosive energy, and the season ended in Burbank with the first-ever Soul Country Music Star Festival. When the dust settled, Atlanta’s Nathaniel Dansby walked away with the 2025 title.
Rodeo Meets Runway
Houston also saw something new when BPIR teamed up with SP5DER for the Sweet Tooth Rodeo. It was a mix of bucking bulls and bold fashion, and the arena looked more like a runway than a dirt floor. Fans are still talking about it.
Photo by Milton Kirby – BPIR – Upper Marlboro, MD
The Champions Who Left Nothing Behind
The athletes are the heartbeat of BPIR. Riders young and old brought fire to every arena this season. Championship titles went to:
Lamarr Hankins in Ranch Bronc.
Haley Mason in Ladies Breakaway.
Harrel Williams Jr in Junior Breakaway.
Tony Aska in Bull Dogging.
Devon Johnson and Montrel Gilder in Team Roping.
Travoris Zeno in Bull Riding.
And a rising generation—Kinley Adair, Rylen Wilburd, Paris Wilburd—claimed their own victories.
Montrel Gilder earned All Around Cowboy. Paris Wilburd took All Around Cowgirl. The future looks strong.
Photo by Milton Kirby – BPIR – Upper Marlboro, MD
Looking ahead
BPIR’s 42nd season is already shaping up with rodeos scheduled across the country, including dates in Fort Worth, Memphis, Atlanta, and Upper Marlboro, to keep the momentum going into 2026.BPIR’s 42nd season is already taking shape, and the movement rolls on with rodeos planned nationwide:
February 14 Fort Worth, TX (1:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
April 10 Memphis, TN (10:00 AM Rodeo for Kidz Sake)
April 11 Memphis, TN (1:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
April 17 Atlanta/Conyers, GA (Rodeo for Kidz Sake, Time TBD)
April 18 Atlanta/Conyers, GA (12:00 Noon & 7:30 PM)
May 16 Fort Worth, TX (1:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
June 20 Fort Worth, TX (1:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
July 11 Oakland, CA (2:30 PM)
July 12 Oakland, CA (2:30 PM)
July 18 Los Angeles, CA (7:00 PM)
July 19 Los Angeles, CA (3:30 PM)
August 1 Conyers, GA (7:30 PM)
August 2 Conyers, GA (3:30 PM)
August 15 Fort Worth, TX (1:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
September 18 Upper Marlboro, MD (10:00 AM & 7:30 PM)
September 19 Upper Marlboro, MD (1:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
October 17 Fort Worth, TX (1:30 PM & 7:30 PM)
Howard-Cunningham closed the season with a message of love and appreciation, emphasizing BPIR’s role in building unity and shared purpose, inspiring ongoing support for the movement into 2026.
Dear Shadow Ball: I have a feeling that I am going to learn some things. Is third baseman Judy Johnson (a 1975 Hall of Fame inductee) a male or female? David Nivens, parts unknown … I should note that Mr. Nivens has supplied two questions thus far and I very much appreciate both … this column exists for only one purpose and that is to answer your questions on Negro League baseball history. To that end, I need your help … if you are reading this column and enjoy it and want it to continue and you don’t already know everything about Negro League history … then please submit a question on any aspect of Negro League history.
– players, teams, events, and more – Your questions are the lifeblood of Shadow Ball—they shape where we go next. Your participation is important and appreciated. Submit your questions to shadowball@truthseekersjournal.com.
Dear David: I have a feeling that I am going to learn some things also. Judy Johnson, like Dolly King, Connie Johnson, Bunny Downs, Bonnie Serrell, Beverly Boanes and Judy Gans, was very much a man. All these fellows were Negro League baseball players. William Julius Johnson was nicknamed “Judy” due to a resemblance to another player with that nickname – “Judy.” Why that player, Robert Edward Gans, was called “Judy” is a question for another day when I figure it out.
Last week’s Shadow Ball Significa question What was the name of Atlanta’s most prolific franchise (in terms of years in the league) in the Negro Leagues? Since this question has stood unanswered for a month, I am going to provide the answer – the Atlanta Black Crackers.
The Atlanta Black Crackers were founded in 1919 as the Atlanta Cubs and lasted, active most years, until their demise in 1943. They were members of the Negro Southern League, later the Negro American League and played as an independent. They never won a pennant.
The Shadow Ball Significa Question of the Week: What Georgia native was the first African American to hit a home run in Yankee Stadium?
Ted Knorr
Ted Knorr is a Negro League baseball historian, longtime member of the Society for American Baseball Research’s Negro League Committee, and founder of the Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference and several local Negro League Commemorative Nights in central Pennsylvania. You can send questions for Knorr on Negro League topics as well as your answers to the week’s Significa question to shadowball@truthseekersjournal.com or Shadow Ball, 3904 N Druid Hills Rd, Ste 179, Decatur, GA 30033
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Devin Haney becomes a three-division world champion with a disciplined win over Brian Norman Jr. in Riyadh, using a sharp jab, movement, and a Round 2 knockdown
By Milton Kirby | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | November 23, 2025
Devin Haney added a major chapter to his legacy Saturday night in Riyadh, defeating previously unbeaten Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision to claim the WBO welterweight title. This victory makes Haney a three-division world champion and positions him among a select group of fighters with titles at lightweight, super lightweight, and welterweight, highlighting its importance in boxing history.
Norman came out strong in the first round landing punches that got Haney’s attention. In the second round Haney (33-0, 16 KOs) gained his composure and then controlled the tempo of fight with sharp footwork, a steady jab, and a clean knockdown in Round 2 that shifted momentum.
Judges scored it 114-113, 117-110, and 116-111. The decision brought cheers, debate, and a new wave of conversation about Haney’s style and place in boxing.
After the fight, Haney reflected on how much the moment meant. “In 2024, I lost everything. Tonight I showed I’m back, stronger than ever.”
The victory also answered doubts about whether he could thrive at 147 pounds. His last outing at a 144-pound catchweight was steady but raised questions after the knockdowns he suffered against Ryan Garcia in 2024. Against Norman, he looked composed and in control.
Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) came in with a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous punchers. His knockout of Jin Sasaki in June was still being called one of the year’s best. Many analysts predicted the outcome before the bell: if it went long, the edge would be with Haney; if someone got stopped, it would be Norman doing the stopping.
Norman pushed forward all night. He forced exchanges, targeted the body, and tried to trap Haney on the ropes. But Haney used angles, clinches, and precise counters to slow Norman’s attack. His discipline allowed him to take control of the middle rounds and build a lead.
Round 1 saw Norman pressing with heavy shots, though Haney stayed calm behind the jab. In Round 2, Haney dropped him with a sharp right hand and opened a cut, giving him the edge.
Norman rallied in Rounds 3 and 5 with strong body work and a right hand that shook Haney. Haney responded with steady jabs, clean counters, and footwork that made Norman miss more as the rounds went on, creating a dynamic back-and-forth that kept viewers on edge.
By Round 8, Haney was in full control, landing jabs and uppercuts while Norman showed frustration. Norman tried to force the action again in Rounds 10 and 12, hoping for a late knockout, but Haney stayed disciplined and sealed the win.
The scorecards fueled the night’s biggest debate. Supporters said Haney’s clean punching and defense were decisive, while critics argued Norman’s pressure and power should have been more rewarded. Many fans questioned the wide 117-110 card, and talk of a rematch began almost immediately, keeping the discussion alive among boxing fans and analysts.
Norman voiced his frustration after the fight, saying Haney “didn’t want to fight — he wanted to survive,” echoing the view of fans who criticize Haney’s safety-first tactics. Haney’s supporters countered that neutralizing a knockout artist is part of the sport’s craft.
The night reflected a wider tension in modern boxing: technical skill versus punishing aggression. Haney’s discipline muted much of Norman’s offense, while Norman’s pressure gave the fight its edge.
Media reaction captured that divide. Yahoo Sports framed the event as part of Haney’s redemption arc. DAZN highlighted his knockdown and steady jab. Boxing News Online praised his ability to neutralize a dangerous puncher. ESPN’s Timothy Bradley Jr. said Haney answered questions about whether he could handle welterweight power. Boxing247 contrasted Norman’s promise of a “violent reality check” with Haney’s calm execution.
With the win, Haney joins a small list of fighters to win titles at lightweight, super lightweight, and welterweight. Norman, who loses for the first time, remains one of the most dangerous young contenders in the division.
Devin Haney:
“In 2024, I lost everything. Everything came crashing on me. Tonight I showed I’m back, and I’m stronger than ever.”
He added that becoming a three-division champion proved his resilience: “They doubted me, but I keep proving them wrong.”
Brian Norman Jr.:
Before the fight, he promised, “No matter what, that boy is going to sleep.”
After the loss, he said Haney’s style stopped him from fighting his fight, arguing that Haney “didn’t want to fight — he wanted to survive.”
Haney now holds titles at lightweight, super lightweight, and welterweight — a rare achievement in modern boxing. He also improved to33-0 with 16 KOs.
Norman falls to 28-1 with 22 KOs, but at only 25 years old, he remains a major threat at welterweight and a contender to watch in future matchups.
Further, the win was clear to some, controversial to others. Supporters say Haney’s clean punching, defense, and control earned the victory. Critics argue Norman’s pressure and heavier shots were undervalued.
As Riyadh’s lights dim and the dust settles, the boxing world is left debating not only the scorecards but the broader question of what defines victory in the sport: technical brilliance or punishing dominance.
Haney walked in with questions hanging over him — and walked out a three-weight world champion.
Haney’s win forces boxing to confront its eternal question: is greatness defined by dominance or by discipline? In Riyadh, the judges chose discipline.
Ntumba blends spiritual insight, heartfelt storytelling, and empowering performance to inspire young women nationwide, guiding them toward inner strength, emotional clarity, and a deeper sense of self-worth.
By Milton Kirby | Truth Seekers Journal | Artist Profiles Series
A Voice of Spirit, Strength, and Transformation
When Ntumba steps onto a stage, she carries more than a message — she embodies a presence rooted in global perspective, spiritual depth, and grounded wisdom that reaches young women wherever they are in life. Whether speaking to a packed auditorium or guiding a small workshop circle, she builds space where women can breathe, heal, and rise.
Biography: A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Born with a natural calling to uplift others, Ntumba has spent years shaping a voice that is part teacher, part storyteller, and part healer. She holds a master’s degree in spiritual professional counseling, grounding her work in both academic training and deep personal insight. This background informs her signature approach: integrating spirituality, emotional wellness, and practical tools for growth.
Her influence spans coast to coast. She has led or collaborated on empowerment programs for young women at major institutions and organizations—including New York University (NYU), the New York State Senate, Teachers College at Columbia University, and the McSilver Institute—earning a reputation for clarity, authenticity, and heartfelt connection that inspires supporters to engage with her work.
Creative Journey: From Personal Transformation to Public Impact
Every chapter of Ntumba’s career reflects intentional evolution. But her most profound shift came through what she describes as a “dark night of the soul” — a period of deep spiritual wrestling that ultimately transformed her understanding of love, identity, and personal wholeness.
From this season emerged her defining epiphany:
You can experience being love — not just “doing” loving things — through the splitting of soul from spirit.
This revelation continues to shape her writing, her curriculum, her stage presence, and the way she mentors young women navigating their own transitions.
Signature Work Spotlight: “Love Savvy Jewel”
Her popular book, Love Savvy Jewel, offers practical and spiritual guidance to women seeking clarity, joy, and groundedness in their love lives. The book’s central message mirrors her own evolution: meaningful relationships begin within. Through stories, meditations, and heartfelt lessons, she helps readers see themselves with compassion and step into relationships with confidence.
Community Connection: A Mission Rooted in Healing
nTumba’s work is not solely for the stage — it is for the world.
Her core mission is to uplift women ages 13 and older who have been shaped, and often wounded, by the messages of modern media and the visual culture surrounding youth, beauty, and identity. She challenges those narratives by:
teaching spiritual concepts that highlight inner beauty
encouraging mental and emotional resilience
creating apparel designs that celebrate the spirit
offering tools to nurture self-worth independent of appearance
Through conferences, workshops, books, clothing, and community programming, she brings women back to themselves — reminding them of the beauty they carry beyond the surface.
Quotes & Voice
“When young women learn to see their worth beyond what the world shows them, everything changes. That’s where healing begins — in the spirit.”
Ntumba & Natacha
Visual Performance
Ntumba brings her work to life through a powerful monologue performance that portrays the journeys of five women featured in her book Love Savvy Jewel. She also performs alongside artist Natacha “Cha~cha” Martin, adding movement, depth, and emotional resonance to the storytelling experience.
Future Outlook: Expanding the Vision
As her platform grows, nTumba is developing new programs that blend spiritual teaching with modern wellness practices. Her upcoming work includes:
expanded national speaking tours
new curriculum for youth empowerment
digital content designed to reach global audiences
additional books and creative projects in the spirit-centered lifestyle space
Her goal remains steady: to help women everywhere experience inner beauty, spiritual grounding, and the freedom to live authentically.
DeKalb County approved a five-year, $78 million ambulance contract that expands coverage to 600 daily unit hours and continues cutting EMS response times across all emergencies.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | November 20, 2025
DeKalb County leaders have approved a five-year, nearly $78 million contract to strengthen ambulance coverage, boost emergency medical staffing, and continue lowering EMS response times across the county.
The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt the new contract with American Medical Response (AMR), setting a maximum value of $77,773,900 based on performance. County officials say the agreement will support long-term growth, expand coverage, and build on the measurable improvements achieved over the past year.
Daily Ambulance Coverage to Reach 600 Unit Hours
The new contract increases daily unit hours—the number of hours ambulances are staffed and in service—to 600 per day, the highest in county history. The agreement also launches several major upgrades, including:
More ambulances in service daily
Improved response-time compliance through additional units and resources
A supplemental ambulance provider during peak call times
Expansion of the Nurse Navigator program and social-services outreach
A whole-blood program for trauma care
A third ambulance deployment center
AI-based analytics to improve ambulance posting and enhance patient care
County officials said these investments will help stabilize the system, especially during peak call periods and high-demand events.
County Leaders Say the System Is Moving in the Right Direction
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said the new contract continues the county’s push to build a modern, high-performing EMS system.
“As we continue to reimagine how EMS is provided in DeKalb County, I am excited at the progress we have made and expect this contract will allow us to better serve our residents,” Cochran-Johnson said. “We will have a world-class emergency medical service.”
Fire Chief Darnell Fullum also praised the results from earlier investments and said the new agreement positions the county for long-term success.
“I am excited about the positive outcomes we’ve achieved since the beginning of the year,” Fullum said. “This contract is a roadmap for success.”
Commissioner LaDena Bolton, who chairs the Employee Relations and Public Safety (ERPS) Committee, said the final agreement reflects community concerns raised during last year’s debate over an extension.
“Earlier this year I voted against an 18-month extension with AMR to push for a competitive RFP process that would secure a long-term contract meeting the service delivery our community deserves,” Bolton said. “Tuesday’s agreement not only ensures improved emergency response, but also provides real-time support for non-emergency calls and alternative ambulatory options. Through deliberation and compromise, we have positioned DeKalb County to deliver excellence in emergency medical services for the next five years.”
Improvements in 2025: Faster Response Times and More Unit Hours
In 2025, the county implemented an AMR contract extension that included a $4.9 million subsidy to increase ambulance availability. The investment immediately raised average daily unit hours from 456 in 2024 to 583 in the third quarter of 2025—a 28 percent increase.
According to county officials:
Response times for critical emergencies, such as heart attacks, are now 23 percent lower than at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All major emergency call types recorded their fastest response times since early 2020 through September 2025.
County leaders credit the gains to more ambulances, the Nurse Navigator system, additional county-funded EMS staff, and improved deployment strategies.
Audit Showed the System Was Underfunded
In 2024, DeKalb County hired Fitch and Associates to conduct a full review of EMS operations. The assessment found that the system was underfunded and recommended an investment between $12.6 million and $16.5 million, depending on the preferred design.
Key recommendations included:
Ensuring long-term financial and operational sustainability
Improving response-time performance
Reducing hospital offload delays
Expanding unit availability during peak hours
Updating EMS unit deployment locations
County officials say these findings guided both the 2025 contract extension and the new competitive RFP process that shaped the five-year agreement approved this week.
Years of Concerns Led to System Overhaul
DeKalb has spent years working to resolve concerns about slow ambulance response times. In 2024, leaders in Brookhaven and Dunwoody raised alarms after emergencies sometimes exceeded 20 minutes—well above the 12-minute benchmark for high-priority calls. Some residents reported waits of more than 25 minutes.
Earlier issues date back to 2018, when the county negotiated staffing and reporting reforms with AMR following service-related complaints.
But by mid-2025, county reports showed major improvement. A June 2025 update documented ambulances arriving nearly three minutes faster on average than before February 2024.
What’s Next
County officials say a press conference is planned for next week to outline the implementation timeline, explain upcoming deployment changes, and discuss additional components of the AMR contract.
The new agreement takes effect in 2026 and is expected to guide the county’s emergency medical services strategy for the next five years.
DeKalb County approves Sky Harbour’s PDK expansion proposal amid debate over airport safety, runway limits, environmental impacts, and rising community concerns about operations and development.
By Milton Kirby | Chamblee, GA | November 19, 2025
When the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted 6–1 on Tuesday, November 18, to authorize Sky Harbour’s proposal for new hangar development at DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK), the decision marked a major turning point in a years-long debate about the airport’s growth, economic footprint, and impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
The vote does not approve construction itself. Instead, it allows the Sky Harbour proposal to move forward under the county’s procurement process, clearing the way for a finalized ground lease and future site development. But inside the chambers—and in the neighborhoods ringing PDK—the decision landed with mixed emotions.
District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears cast the lone “no” vote, arguing that DeKalb County should wait for the results of an ongoing air-quality and noise study before greenlighting any expansion of aviation operations.
“The District 2 office has heard from over 700 people in the area surrounding PDK Airport,” Long Spears wrote in a message to her constituents after the vote. “The vast majority of people have expressed opposition to expansion of airport operations. There has been much concern about the health effects of the noise and jet fuel emissions into the environment. We pledge to work for the health and safety of residents impacted by this decision.”
Supporters of the project, including CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Airport Director Hunter Hines, noted that the proposal falls squarely within long-established development limits and does not permit larger aircraft than those already authorized at PDK today.
What “Operations” Mean at PDK
Much of the community discussion revolves around “airport operations,” a term that can sound technical but has a straightforward meaning.
An operation is either a takeoff or a landing.
One takeoff = one operation One landing = one operation
Touch-and-go training flights count as two operations each time the wheels contact the runway and lift off again.
Why this matters:
PDK averages between 150,000 and 200,000 operations per year.
Many are training flights or flight-school activity.
Business jets represent a smaller—though more visible and louder—portion of total operations.
Sky Harbour’s project focuses specifically on based aircraft, not transient traffic, meaning it would not directly increase flight-school training or unrelated jet activity.
But residents fear that added hangars could indirectly increase operations by attracting more business aviation activity to the airport.
PDK Residents Stand in opposition to PDK development
Runway Incursions at PDK
DeKalb–Peachtree Airport also carries another distinction that shapes community concern: its record on runway incursions. Between 2021 and 2024, PDK ranked at or near the top in the United States for the number of incursions reported to the FAA, including one study that placed it first with 103 incidents. Most of these events were classified as lower-risk, meaning they did not involve an imminent collision, but the frequency underscores the challenges of a busy general aviation airport with heavy training traffic. Residents often point to these numbers when raising questions about safety, oversight, and whether adding new development on the airfield could place additional pressure on the system. Airport officials have noted that high operations volume—especially from flight schools and private pilots—contributes to this ranking, but the raw numbers remain a major point in ongoing community debates.
FAA Runway Safety Upgrades
In March 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a nationwide rollout of new runway-safety technology to reduce these incidents. The Runway Incursion Device (RID), set for installation at 74 air traffic control towers, alerts controllers in real time when a runway is occupied, closed, or at risk. RID can monitor up to eight runways at once and replaces older, inconsistent systems now used across the country. Industry estimates place installation costs between $5 million and $15 million per airport, depending on integration with radar-based systems like ASDE-X or existing runway-status lights. The deployment is part of the FAA’s “Safety Call to Action,” aimed at reducing runway conflicts after a rise in national incidents. The FAA has confirmed the number of airports (74), but no published list identifying those airports could be located, and officials did not respond to requests for comment.
Environmental Impact of Newer Aircraft
Another part of the airport conversation focuses on the environmental footprint of the planes that fly in and out of PDK. Newer business aircraft generate less noise and burn less fuel than earlier generations. Manufacturers have pushed quieter engine designs, cleaner combustion technology, and more aerodynamic airframes, reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions by roughly 15 to 20 percent with each generation. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) can further cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 percent, and both Gulfstream and other jet makers now certify their newer aircraft to run on blends of SAF. While aviation remains difficult to fully decarbonize, modern engines produce fewer particulates, lower nitrogen oxide emissions, and noticeably smaller noise footprints around airports compared to the aircraft they replace. Supporters of PDK modernization say these improvements soften the environmental impact of future operations.
Understanding Repositioning Flights
One of the most misunderstood parts of business aviation is the concept of “repositioning.” A repositioning flight occurs when a jet flies without passengers or cargo so it can be in the correct location for its next trip. These non-revenue flights include “empty legs,” where an aircraft drops passengers at one airport and then must fly empty to another to collect its next set of travelers. At PDK, repositioning also happens when aircraft are based at other airports but use PDK for pickup or drop-off because of convenience or availability. Each repositioning flight counts as an “operation,” adding to both noise and emissions even though no passengers are on board. For communities around PDK, this has become a major concern because empty-leg flights increase total operations without offering any local economic benefit.
The RFP: Why a Gulfstream G650 Sets the Limit
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners issued RFP No. 22-500625 in August 2022 for the Eastside Aviation Development project—15 to 20 acres of unimproved airfield property. One requirement in that RFP has become central to the debate: any hangar development must be designed to house aircraft no larger than a Gulfstream G650, with a wingspan of 99.7 feet and a height of 25.8 feet.
This restriction means:
PDK is not authorizing larger aircraft than those already operating there.
Runway and taxiway limitations prevent heavier or larger jets.
The Sky Harbour project cannot exceed current aircraft-size limits.
PDK’s Runways: What the Airport Can—and Cannot—Handle
DeKalb–Peachtree Airport spans 745 acres and has three runways. The primary runway, 3R/21L, measures 6,001 feet in length with a weight-bearing capacity of 75,000 pounds for dual-wheel aircraft. This capacity is below the maximum takeoff and landing weights of the G650, meaning aircraft of that class must operate with weight restrictions when using PDK. The remaining runways are shorter and primarily serve smaller general aviation aircraft.
Is There Room to Lengthen the Runway?
A recurring question among residents is whether PDK could one day extend its primary runway. The answer is effectively no. The airport is surrounded by residential, commercial, and county-owned property, with major roadways and airspace constraints preventing any practical expansion.
Peachtree DeKalb Airport Map
Planning Document Confirmation
Long-term expansion fears are often linked to runway length, but PDK’s own planning documents make clear that the airfield cannot grow beyond its current footprint. In the airport’s 2018 Master Plan Update, the county states plainly: “There are no plans to lengthen any runways at PDK.” This appears in Chapter 4, the Facility Requirements section, page 4-24. The document cites physical constraints, nearby roadways, and residential development as reasons why expansion is not feasible.
What the Sky Harbour Project Actually Proposes
Sky Harbour, a publicly traded aviation infrastructure company, plans to develop a Home Base Operator (HBO) campus on roughly 13 acres of PDK’s eastside property. Their development includes modern hangars built for G650-class aircraft, dedicated office and operational space, new ramp and taxiway access, additional vehicle parking, and potential fuel facilities authorized under the RFP.
Sky Harbour markets its campuses as offering:
“The shortest time to wheels-up in business aviation”
Dedicated line service for based tenants
A premium environment for corporate and private aviation users
With national locations from Miami to San Jose and Denver to Nashville, PDK represents their 20th site. CEO Tal Keinan has praised the county’s decision, calling it a “triple win” for DeKalb residents, business aviation users, and the company.
Reducing Repositioning Flights
One of the stated goals in the county’s approval of the Sky Harbour proposal is to cut repositioning flights by nearly half. Sky Harbour’s model centers on creating premium home-base hangars on the airfield, allowing aircraft that frequently use PDK to remain on-site instead of flying in from other airports. When an aircraft is based where its flights originate, there is no need for empty positioning legs to bring the jet into place. Supporters argue that this reduction in unnecessary flights would lower noise, emissions, and congestion. Critics counter that total operations may still rise if more planes choose to base at PDK, but the county’s conditions attempt to balance these effects.
Economic Impact and Jobs
The Sky Harbour project is also expected to generate substantial long-term economic benefits for DeKalb County. Structured as a 50-year ground lease, the development requires no county-funded construction or financial contribution; instead, DeKalb collects steady lease payments and related tax revenue over the life of the agreement. County officials estimate the project could generate roughly $500 million in combined revenue and taxes during the lease term, benefiting DeKalb County government, local schools, and the City of Chamblee. The development is also projected to create approximately 600 jobs, including construction roles, aviation line-service positions, maintenance work, and administrative jobs tied to aircraft operations. Supporters say the economic impact positions PDK as an even stronger hub for corporate and private aviation in metro Atlanta, with growth tied directly to based aircraft rather than transient training flights.
The Airport Authority’s Role
The DeKalb Airport Authority advises the CEO and Board of Commissioners on long-term management and planning for PDK. Its statutory purpose includes maintaining a coordinated airport system, ensuring responsible growth, maximizing public benefit, and aligning local operations with national aviation standards.
A Century of History at PDK
From Camp Gordon in World War I to Naval Air Station Atlanta in World War II, and its transition to civilian use in the late 1950s, PDK has played a major role in Georgia’s military and aviation history. Brief commercial service operated between 2017 and 2020 before being suspended due to the pandemic. Today, it is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the Southeast.
What Comes Next
Sky Harbour’s proposal moves into the negotiation and execution phase for a long-term ground lease. Construction will require FAA review, environmental assessments, and continued community engagement. With public opinion divided, the future of PDK development remains a closely watched issue in DeKalb County.
Chit Chat Atlanta Tours celebrates a breakthrough month with national and international visitors, new cultural experiences, and rising demand as the company opens bookings for the holiday season.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | November 19, 2025
October was a breakthrough month for Chit Chat Atlanta Tours. Visitors from London, Ireland, North Carolina, California, Connecticut, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas spent the month exploring Atlanta’s rich history, food, and culture through the company’s signature guided experiences. The wave of national and international guests signals significant momentum for the fast-growing tour company as the holiday season approaches.
A Powerful Journey Through Black History
One of the month’s most memorable moments came during the Black History & Civil Rights Tour. Guests learned about the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre and then met Fabian, the visual artist behind the striking mural honoring the massacre’s victims. For a group visiting from London, the encounter offered a rare, personal connection to the people who continue to preserve Atlanta’s story through art.
Holiday Bookings Now Open
With demand rising, Chit Chat Atlanta Tours is now welcoming groups, families, organizations, and solo travelers to reserve holiday experiences. Tours are available throughout:
Thanksgiving Week
Christmas and Winter Break
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
The company offers options for history lovers, foodies, students, corporate groups, birthday travelers, and visitors from around the world.
Chit Chat Atlanta Tours says its mission is simple: share the stories, culture, landmarks, and hidden gems that make Atlanta one of the most influential cities in the nation.
