MARTA Approves $1.5 Billion Budget

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) approved a comprehensive $1.5 billion fiscal 2026 budget aimed at enhancing the system’s safety, reliability, and cleanliness.

Over $900 million from the budget is allocated for capital improvements. MARTA is advancing several infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Rapid A-Line in Summerhill, a complete overhaul of the Five Points Station, and more.

$219 million will be spent on new railcars and modernizing MARTA’s fare system, with an additional $50 million going toward its ongoing station rehabilitation program.

Most of the $652 million in operating funds will be sourced from the projected $400 million in 2026 fiscal year sales tax revenue, supplemented by nearly $155 million from fares and federal aid.

  Mitzi Bickers Resentenced for Atlanta Corruption Case

Former Atlanta city official Mitzi Bickers had her prison sentence reduced from 14 years to 12 years after four wire fraud convictions were vacated.

Bickers was found guilty of multiple counts in 2022, including accepting approximately $3 million in bribes to help contractors secure almost $17 million in city contracts for projects such as bridge repairs and snow removal. She was ordered to pay $2.9 million in restitution.

The reduction follows last month’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the legal interpretation of wire fraud in public corruption cases.

Federal Judge Blocks President’s Executive Order

A federal judge in Atlanta has blocked President Trump’s March 25 executive order aimed at reshaping federal election rules, siding with a group of Democratic state attorneys who deem it unconstitutional.

The order would require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandate that all ballots be received by Election Day.

The White House has reasoned that the order equates to “standing up for free, fair, and honest elections,” and called proof of citizenship a “commonsense” requirement.

The ruling is not the only legal setback for the election order. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., previously blocked parts of the directive in April.

➤ Atlanta: A 12-year-old boy, believed to be an innocent bystander, was tragically killed on Thursday in a crossfire shooting at an apartment complex near Cushman Circle. (More)

➤ Lumpkin: A 45-year-old man in ICE custody died last weekend while detained at the Stewart Detention Center after being found with a ligature around his neck. The cause of death is still under investigation. (More)

➤ Gwinnett County: Ten people have been charged after police dismantled a multimillion‑dollar “porch pirate” ring accused of stealing and fencing over $6 million in electronics. (More)

➤ DeKalb County: Two deceased cats, one found in Doraville and another in Stone Mountain, have tested positive for rabies. (More)

➤ Sandy Springs: An ambulance carrying a patient caught fire on GA‑400 southbound near the Abernathy Road exit, prompting fire crews to extinguish the blaze, shut down all lanes, and transfer the uninjured patient to another ambulance. (More)

➤ Buckhead: A man’s body was recovered early Friday morning from Peachtree Creek near Howell Mill Road and Peachtree Battle Avenue. (More)

Enjoy reading The Georgia Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.✈️

➤ Pastor Troy, the Southern hip‑hop icon, will headline a live performance at the Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft watch party on June 25 at State Farm Arena, with $5 tickets available and all proceeds benefiting the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. (More)

➤ The Atlanta United remain winless on the road this season after being shut out for the eighth time this year in Thursday’s 0-4 loss against the New York City FC. (More)

➤ Craig Kimbrel signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers just days after being released by the Atlanta Braves. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NBA | WNBA | NCAAB | PGA | LPGA | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Never lose a photo again! ThePhotoStick® Omni automatically finds and backs up all your precious memories in seconds—no cloud, no monthly fees. Works on phones, tablets, and computers. Just plug it in and save thousands of photos and videos with one click. Fast, easy, and stress-free!

Hearing Aids Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Say goodbye to overpriced, bulky hearing aids. Oricle delivers crystal-clear sound, wireless charging, and all-day comfort—all for under $100. These sleek, nearly invisible devices are changing the way over 150,000 people hear the world. No prescriptions. No appointments. Just powerful, affordable hearing you can count on.

Big brands want you to pay thousands, but Oricle gives you premium performance without the premium price tag. Don’t miss out. Try Oricle today and rediscover great hearing.

➤ Hundreds of Atlanta fathers have been gathering weekly at a South Fulton County library to read with their kids and build a supportive community centered on literacy. (More)

➤ Over 800 volunteers are preparing to assist with the FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (More)

➤ A Newton County sheriff’s deputy and a Covington police officer used their own money to pay for a hotel room to shelter a homeless couple and their two dogs from a severe rainstorm. (More)

Do you have plans for Father’s Day?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever eaten at a Taco Mac?

1. Yes: 49%
2. No: 51%

Which Georgia town is known for its Watermelon Days Festival?

Show me the answer