Business & Finance Archives - The Truth Seekers Journal

Charter School Funding and Tax Relief Dominate Pre-Crossover Debate

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 16, 2026

With Crossover Day approaching and the legislative calendar tightening, Georgia lawmakers accelerated activity beneath the Gold Dome last week, advancing a slate of tax, education, and regulatory reform bills that are shaping the policy direction of the 2026 session.

The flurry of movement includes sweeping income tax proposals, early literacy initiatives, and structural changes to how state agencies interpret and implement Georgia law.

Tax Cut Proposals Move at Unusual Speed

Two major tax cut bills—Senate Bill 476 and Senate Bill 477—introduced just last week by Senate Appropriations Chair Blake Tillery, advanced rapidly through the Senate. The Senate Finance Committee approved both measures Tuesday, and the full Senate passed them Thursday.

SB 476, titled the Income Tax Reduction Act of 2026, would effectively eliminate the first $50,000 of taxable income for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers. The measure proposes offsetting revenue losses by phasing out corporate tax credits by 2032.

SB 477 would gradually reduce Georgia’s personal income tax rate to 3.99% by 2028.

The House is pursuing its own tax reduction path. House Bill 880, introduced by Rep. Shaw Blackmon, also aims to lower the income tax rate to 3.99% and would allow a portion of undesignated surplus funds to be used for tax relief. After carrying over from the 2025 session, HB 880 cleared the House Ways and Means Committee this week.

Blackmon is also sponsoring House Bill 1116, which received its first hearing. The proposal would authorize local governments and school systems to exempt homesteads from property taxes by shifting to local sales taxes instead. The bill includes caps on revenue growth from non-exempt properties and makes technical adjustments to education funding formulas and tax digest procedures.

Early Literacy Gains Momentum

Education policy is also advancing. Both chambers now have versions of the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026—House Bill 1193, sponsored by Rep. Chris Erwin, and Senate Bill 459, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman.

The House version passed out of committee Thursday. Both proposals would fund K–3 literacy coaches through Georgia’s education formula and require kindergarten attendance before first grade. Supporters say the measures are designed to strengthen foundational reading skills and improve long-term academic outcomes.

Charter School Infrastructure and Regulatory Reform

Companion bills—Senate Bill 498 and House Bill 1253 would establish a Georgia Charter School Facilities Authority. The authority would provide revolving loans and public financing assistance for charter school construction and renovation projects.

Meanwhile, regulatory reform efforts are advancing. House Bill 1247, the Georgia Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act, would end “Chevron-style” judicial deference at the state level by directing courts not to automatically defer to agency interpretations of Georgia law.

Another measure, House Bill 903, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, passed the House this week. The bill would expand the scope of Georgia’s Administrative Procedure Act, increasing transparency and oversight across the executive branch. HB 903 now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SIDEBAR: What Is Crossover Day?

Crossover Day is one of the most important deadlines in the Georgia General Assembly’s 40-day legislative session. It marks the point—typically Day 28—when a bill must pass out of its chamber of origin to remain viable for the year.

Why It Matters

A House bill must pass the House by Crossover Day to be considered by the Senate.
A Senate bill must pass the Senate to move to the House.
Bills that fail to “cross over” are effectively sidelined unless revived through procedural maneuvers or attached to other legislation.

What Happens on Crossover Day

Lawmakers often work late into the night.
Floor calendars are packed with high-profile and time-sensitive bills.
Leadership prioritizes measures with broad support or strategic importance.
Controversial bills sometimes move quickly, while others stall by design.

Why It Shapes the Session

Crossover Day forces legislators to make strategic choices:

Which bills advance
Which bills die quietly
Which issues will define the remainder of the session

For reporters and the public, it marks a clear dividing line between early-session positioning and late-session negotiation. After Crossover Day, attention shifts to reconciliation, amendments, and final passage before Sine Die.

A Compressed Timeline

With a shorter week ahead and Crossover Day looming, lawmakers are expected to intensify debate and floor action. Measures that do not pass at least one chamber by the deadline face a steeper path forward this session. As Georgia’s 2026 legislative agenda takes shape, TSJ will continue tracking the fiscal impact, education implications, and regulatory shifts emerging from the Gold Dome.

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

From inside federal court, TSJ reports judge keeps Uncle Nearest in receivership, sets March 5 deadline amid $164M debt concerns and affiliate scrutiny.

After a marathon six-hour hearing, Judge Atchley orders supplemental briefing on missing records and “commingled” funds.

By Milton Kirby | Knoxville, TN | February 15, 2026

“The status quo shall remain unchanged,” the court wrote. “The Receiver continues to possess all the powers granted to him … and the receivership retains its original scope.”

In plain terms: the court‑appointed receiver remains in complete operational control of the company while the judge evaluates the evidence presented during Monday’s hearing.

Federal Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. kept the Uncle Nearest receivership firmly in place Monday after a six‑hour hearing that among other issues, revisited questions about the company’s finances, governance, and record‑keeping. From my seat inside the courtroom, it was clear the judge saw enough unresolved issues to maintain full federal control while he reviews the new testimony and evidence.

Collins Challenges the Receiver

Much of Monday’s questioning was led by Michael Collins, attorney for Uncle Nearest. His direct examination of Receiver Phillip G. Young, Jr. focused sharply on three themes:

Whether the Receiver and his consultants were effectively managing the company
Whether the Receiver had been transparent about the company’s solvency
Whether the receivership itself was harming the brand’s operations

Collins pressed witnesses on financial assumptions, operational decisions, and communications with vendors. The strategy was clear: challenge the narrative that Uncle Nearest is irreversibly insolvent and question whether the Receiver’s management has improved or worsened the situation.

Anthony Severini’s Testimony

One of the most striking moments came during testimony from Anthony Severini, CFO of Global Genesis the company responsible for processing Uncle Nearest’s payroll.

Severini testified that Global Genesis believed in the Weavers and the long‑term viability of Uncle Nearest. Because of that trust, Global had processed payroll and extended 60‑day payment terms prior to the receivership, applying payments to the oldest outstanding invoices.

According to Severini, after the Receiver was appointed, he was told that pre‑receivership debts would effectively be stayed and that future payroll processing would be paid when due. He said the Receiver offered no assurances about prior balances.

Severini further testified that during an early conversation, the Receiver indicated he planned to sell the company by the end of 2025. He also said the Receiver described himself as “right‑sizing the ship” and suggested control would eventually return to company leadership.

In one of the more serious allegations presented in open court, Severini stated that the Receiver “lied” to him about the company’s financial condition. He testified that he did not learn of significant cash‑flow concerns on the part of the Receiver until January 2026.

These statements were presented as part of Uncle Nearest’s broader argument that the Receiver’s communications and management decisions have contributed to instability.

Notably, neither the Receiver’s attorney nor counsel for Farm Credit Mid‑America chose to cross‑examine Severini, leaving his testimony including his statement that the Receiver “lied” to him unrebutted in the record.

The Receiver’s Position

The Receiver, by contrast, has asserted that Uncle Nearest faces approximately $164 million in debt, missing documentation, and troubling intercompany transfers — including funds that flowed through Grant Sidney Inc.

The court has not ruled on the truth of these competing characterizations. Instead, Judge Atchley ordered supplemental briefing focused specifically on “new evidence and testimony” introduced at the hearing, including issues involving erased records, fund transfers, and solvency.

The “Affiliated Seven” and Scope Expansion

The hearing was also intended to address whether seven related entities including Humble Baron should be brought under receivership control.

Time constraints prevented full oral argument. The judge directed attorneys to address “flow of funds” and “commingling” concerns in written briefs due:

February 26, 2026 — Supplemental briefs
March 5, 2026 — Responses

After March 5, the court is expected to issue a decision on whether the receivership:

Continues
Expands
Or is terminated

The Funding Variable

The ruling also preserves a key condition tied to emergency financing.

Creditor Farm Credit Mid‑America has indicated it would provide $2.5 million in funding only if the Receiver remains in control. By maintaining the current structure, the judge ensures that option remains available while the dispute unfolds.

What Was Clear in the Room

From inside the courtroom, one thing was evident: this case is no longer just about numbers on a balance sheet.

It is about credibility of leadership, of management, of financial reporting, and of the receivership process itself.

Judge Atchley did not telegraph a decision. Instead, he signaled caution.

For now, the Receiver stays. The founders wait. And the future of one of the nation’s most prominent Black‑owned spirits brands remains under federal court supervision.

Once the March 5 filings land, Judge Atchley will decide whether to maintain the status quo, widen the receivership’s reach, or return control to the founders. TSJ will continue monitoring the docket and reporting developments from Knoxville.

“The status quo remains unchanged while the Court evaluates competing claims over solvency, transparency, and control.”

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

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

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

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

Receiver’s Report Says Uncle Nearest Can Be Reorganized

Uncle Nearest at Legal Crossroads

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

A federal judge heard testimony on whether the Uncle Nearest receivership should continue, weighing claims of insolvency against arguments that court control has slowed recovery.

By Milton Kirby | Knoxville, TN | February 10, 2026

On a cold Monday morning in February, the future of a nationally watched American whiskey brand was argued not through press releases or filings, but inside a quiet federal courtroom in Knoxville, where tone, preparation, and credibility carried as much weight as any document.

At 10:00 a.m., the question before U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. was deceptively simple: should the court-ordered receivership overseeing Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey continue, or had it outlived its purpose?

What unfolded during several hours of testimony revealed a case less about a single balance sheet and more about control, delay, and whether a receivership meant to stabilize a company had instead become a constraint on its recovery.

A Courtroom Prepared for Conflict

Entry into the courtroom underscored the seriousness of the proceeding. All electronic devices were barred entirely collected in secured bins at the security checkpoint. Even attorneys granted special permission were required to keep phones powered off. The rule was absolute, creating a room focused entirely on testimony, documents, and the judge’s questions.

The courtroom itself had been configured in advance for a document-heavy hearing. Multiple viewing screens lined the walls. Counsel tables formed an L-shaped arrangement, with the receiver and his attorney seated directly before the judge and attorneys for Farm Credit Mid-America positioned against the wall to the receiver’s left.

By 9:15 a.m., Farm Credit’s legal team was the first to arrive, carrying boxes of documents and thick binders that would later populate the screens. Attorneys for Uncle Nearest arrived shortly afterward, carrying only backpacks. As the gallery filled, suited observers took seats on both sides of the aisle, some exchanging brief greetings the attorneys also greeted each other across party lines, suggesting professional familiarity despite opposing positions.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Uncle Nearest Flight

The Case Against the Receivership

Attorneys for Uncle Nearest opened by challenging the effectiveness of the receivership itself. They argued that the company’s financial decline coincided not with internal mismanagement, but with the filing of Farm Credit’s lawsuit in July 2025 and the subsequent appointment of a receiver the following month.

Central to that argument was market data. Counsel pointed to Nielsen reporting showing that Uncle Nearest outperformed the broader spirits market from January through July 2025. After the lawsuit was announced and the receivership imposed, they argued, the brand underperformed the market through January 2026—by double-digit percentages, in some months approaching 27 percent.

The receiver, Phillip G. Young Jr., was called as the first witness. Under questioning, he maintained that Uncle Nearest was cash-flow negative, insolvent, and unable to meet obligations as they became due. He testified that his mandate was not to grow the business but to stabilize it, preserve lender interests, and explore a potential sale.

Attorneys for Uncle Nearest countered that stabilization had come at the cost of operational paralysis. They argued that decision-making which once took minutes began to stretch into weeks after the receiver’s appointment, undermining sales execution and marketing strategy.

Operational Friction Under Oath

That theme was reinforced by testimony from Katherine Jerkins, the company’s Chief Business Officer. Jerkins testified that prior to the receivership, management decisions including promotions and pricing could be made in as little as 20 minutes. Afterward, decisions requiring receiver approval could take up to 30 days.

She pointed specifically to Limited Time Offers, a sales tool she described as critical to the brand’s momentum. According to her testimony, delays in approval rendered those programs ineffective, contributing to declining sales.

Independent third-party witnesses echoed concerns about disruption. Daniel Romano of Romano Beverage, a major distributor, testified that his company had sold the first case of Uncle Nearest whiskey and maintained a long-standing relationship with the brand. He emphasized the importance of founder Fawn Weaver’s personal presence, testifying that events featuring Weaver routinely sold out and that she remained central to the brand’s identity.

Anthony Severini, CFO of Global Genesis, testified that his firm continued processing Uncle Nearest payroll prior to the receivership based on trust in management and extended payment terms. He testified that after the receiver’s appointment, he was instructed that prior obligations would be stayed, with assurances only for future payroll. Severini further testified that he was not informed of the company’s cash-flow problems until January 2026.

Data, Doubt, and Credibility

The hearing also turned on competing interpretations of financial data. Kevin Laurin of NewPoint Advisors testified regarding documents submitted to the receiver but struggled under questioning to clearly explain how those materials captured the company’s financial condition.

Economist David Ozgo, president of Advocacy Analytics, testified in support of the Nielsen data relied upon by Uncle Nearest. Ozgo described Nielsen as a reliable industry benchmark covering roughly 40 percent of the spirits market, primarily national brands. While conceding that independent sellers were underrepresented, he testified that volume trends among large and small sellers generally move together. Under cross-examination, Ozgo acknowledged that he was compensated for his testimony.

At several points during testimony, Judge Atchley leaned forward in his chair, closely tracking witness responses and attorney questioning.

The Founder Takes the Stand

Photo by Milton Kirby – Uncle Nearest Street View

The final witness for Uncle Nearest was founder and CEO Fawn Weaver. Early in her testimony, Judge Atchley admonished Weaver for addressing the court directly, instructing her to wait for questions and respond only through counsel.

Weaver testified that management had begun cutting expenses prior to the receivership, reducing costs by approximately 40 percent. She further testified that the company paid $7.5 million in debt service to Farm Credit during 2025 before the receiver’s appointment.

Weaver described herself as the public face of the brand, testifying that her travel was frequently offset by paid speaking engagements and appearances. She asserted that the company’s consumer base is uniquely loyal, recounting that after the receivership was confirmed, she urged supporters on social media to purchase remaining inventory—and that they did.

She testified that with control returned, she could reengage that base and restore momentum. Weaver asked the court to return operational control to management while leaving the receiver in an oversight role, stating that consumers “still believe in me” and that she could rebuild the company.

Sidebar | Who Testified — and Why It Mattered

Phillip G. Young Jr. — Court-Appointed Receiver
Young testified that Uncle Nearest was insolvent, cash-flow negative, and unable to meet financial obligations as they became due. He emphasized that his mandate was not to grow the business but to stabilize it, preserve lender interests, and explore a potential sale—framing the receivership as protective rather than operational.

Katherine Jerkins — Chief Business Officer, Uncle Nearest
Jerkins testified that decision-making slowed sharply after the receiver’s appointment. She said actions that once took minutes could take weeks, weakening sales execution. Her testimony focused on the disruption of Limited Time Offers, which she described as key to prior growth.

Daniel Romano — Romano Beverage (Chicago)
Romano testified that his company sold the first case of Uncle Nearest whiskey and has maintained a long-standing distributor relationship. He emphasized founder Fawn Weaver’s role as the face of the brand, stating that events featuring Weaver routinely sold out.

Anthony Severini — CFO, Global Genesis
Severini testified that his firm continued processing payroll before the receivership based on trust in management and extended payment terms. He stated that after the receiver’s appointment, prior obligations were stayed, assurances applied only to future payroll, and that he was not informed of cash-flow problems until January 2026.

Kevin Laurin — NewPoint Advisors Corporation
Laurin testified about financial documents prepared for the receiver. Under questioning, he struggled to clearly explain how certain materials reflected the company’s financial condition, drawing scrutiny to the data relied upon during the receivership.

David Ozgo — President, Advocacy Analytics
Ozgo testified that Nielsen market data used by Uncle Nearest was valid and widely relied upon in the spirits industry. He stated that the brand outperformed the market prior to the receivership. Under cross-examination, he acknowledged being compensated for his testimony and that Nielsen does not fully capture independent sellers.

Fawn Weaver — Founder and CEO, Uncle Nearest
Weaver testified that management reduced expenses by roughly 40 percent before the receiver’s appointment and that $7.5 million in debt service was paid in 2025. She argued that her leadership and consumer loyalty are central to the brand’s success and asked the court to return control to management with the receiver in an oversight role.

No Ruling Yet

After hearing testimony, Judge Atchley offered an opportunity for additional evidence, then made clear that all existing orders would remain in effect. He directed the parties to submit briefs outlining what they believed should happen next and stated that he would rule after reviewing those submissions.

The hearing ended without a decision but not without signals. What the court ultimately decides may turn less on any single metric than on whether continued control by a receiver is stabilizing Uncle Nearest or quietly constraining the very recovery it was meant to protect.

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

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

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

Receiver’s Report Says Uncle Nearest Can Be Reorganized

Uncle Nearest at Legal Crossroads

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Council for Quality Growth Charts 2026 Course Under New Chairman Gerald McDowell

The Council for Quality Growth names ATL Airport CIDs Executive Director Gerald McDowell as 2026 Chair, setting transportation and mobility priorities for metro Atlanta’s future.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 8, 2026

The Council for Quality Growth has announced its 2026 Board of Directors and officers, naming Gerald McDowell as Chairman as the organization enters its 41st year advocating for balanced, responsible growth across metro Atlanta.

The 2026 Board was ratified during the Council’s 40th Annual Meeting & Legislative Reception, held December 18, 2025, at the Cherokee Town Club. More than 350 members, state legislators, and local elected officials attended the event, which also marked four decades of the Council’s influence on regional growth policy.

Council President-Elect Marci Collier Overstreet delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the City of Atlanta, while State Representative Matthew Gambill addressed attendees and presented a proclamation from Governor Brian Kemp recognizing the Council’s milestone. A second proclamation, from Mayor Andre Dickens, was also presented honoring the organization’s four decades of work promoting sustainable development.

The annual meeting also highlighted the Council’s achievements in 2025 under outgoing Chair Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of the Atlanta BeltLine. During Higgs’ tenure, the Council reached record membership and program participation and secured several notable regional policy wins, including work related to the City of Atlanta’s Tree Protection Ordinance, Forsyth County impact fees, and Cobb County stormwater utility fees.

McDowell, the Executive Director of the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts, becomes the Council’s 39th Chairman. He has served on the Council’s Board since 2017 and joined its Executive Committee in 2022. At the Board’s first meeting of the year on January 23, McDowell outlined strategic priorities centered on transportation, mobility, and the intersection of public policy and private investment.

“Georgia is a leader in emerging mobility technology,” McDowell said, emphasizing the need for candid conversations about transit performance and the range of solutions available as metro Atlanta communities pursue high-capacity transportation options. He noted that the Council is uniquely positioned to bring together public officials and private mobility providers to help shape the region’s future.

Since 2015, McDowell has led ATL Airport CIDs through a period of expansion and innovation, including the relaunch of the Shift commuter services program supporting more than 157,000 workers, pilot projects in micro-transit and automated transit, and extensive infrastructure, landscaping, and public safety improvements across the 15.7-square-mile district. His work has focused heavily on partnerships with local governments, transportation agencies, and private stakeholders.

“Gerald brings a thoughtful and steady leadership style that will benefit the Council as we head into 2026,” said Michael Paris, President and CEO of the Council. “He understands the Council’s role and is focused on positioning the organization to effectively serve its members and the broader region.”

The Council also announced its 2026 officers: Rob Garcia of Pinnacle Financial Partners as Vice Chair, Ellen Smith of Parker Poe as Treasurer, and Audra Cunningham of Acre Consultants as Secretary. Higgs will remain in leadership as Immediate Past Chair. The full 2026 Board will include 96 voting members and two appointed seats.

Six new directors were elected to begin two-year terms in 2026: Lisa Exley of Volkert, Inc.; Ben Hefner of DCCM; Michael Hightower of The Collaborative Firm, LLC; Greg Mullin of AECOM; Anthony Rodriguez of the South Forsyth County CID; and Jue Wang of T. Dallas Smith & Company. As it begins its 41st year, the Council for Quality Growth says it will continue focusing on advocacy, education, and policy engagement aimed at strengthening metro Atlanta’s economic competitiveness while addressing infrastructure demands and quality-of-life challenges.

Council for Quality Growth to Honor Tommy Holder with 2025 Four Pillar Tribute

Atlanta BeltLine Marks 20 Years at State of the Beltline Address

Atlanta Leaders to Tackle Infrastructure and Funding at 2025 INTERSECTION Conference

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

A federal judge will hear arguments Monday over whether Uncle Nearest’s court-ordered receivership should continue, be narrowed, or end, reshaping the future of the Tennessee whiskey brand.

By Milton Kirby | Knoxville, TN | February 7, 2026

A federal judge in Knoxville will hear arguments Monday morning that could determine whether Uncle Nearest, one of Tennessee’s most prominent spirits brands, remains under court control or begins the process of reclaiming its operations.

The 10:00 a.m. hearing before U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. comes after a flurry of emergency filings challenging the receivership imposed last fall at the request of lender Farm Credit Mid-America. At issue is whether the extraordinary remedy—placing the company under the control of a court-appointed receiver—still serves its intended purpose.

Attorneys for Uncle Nearest, its founders Fawn and Keith Weaver, and their affiliated entity Grant Sidney Inc. argue that it does not.

In court papers, the founders contend the receivership was meant to stabilize a business facing uncertainty not to drain value from a company they say remains solvent and capable of meeting its obligations. They argue that after roughly five months under receiver control, more than $2 million has been spent on professional fees, while sales have declined and brand momentum has slowed.

The founders assert that the receiver has found no evidence of fraud by current management and has produced limited financial reporting, while failing to pursue claims tied to a former chief financial officer who allegedly admitted misconduct before the receivership began. They further argue that retail sales declines followed the receiver’s appointment and diverged from broader whiskey industry trends.

Central to the dispute is insolvency. The Weavers argue that both federal and Tennessee law rely on a balance-sheet test comparing assets to liabilities and maintain that Uncle Nearest’s assets exceed its debts. They cite distillery property, tens of thousands of barrels of aging whiskey, domestic and international real estate holdings, and the underlying brand itself, which they say was valued near $1 billion prior to the receivership.

The receiver and the lender both argue that conditions justifying the receivership still exist.

Receiver Phillip G. Young Jr. has told the court that Uncle Nearest remains financially unstable, cannot meet obligations without continued lender advances, and may carry debt exceeding the realizable value of its assets. He attributes declining sales to industry headwinds and distributor disruption, not receivership decisions, and says incomplete company records have slowed his ability to reach firm conclusions.

Farm Credit Mid-America supports that position, warning that lifting the receivership prematurely could expose collateral to risk and undermine creditor protections.

Judge Atchley is not being asked to resolve those underlying disputes Monday. Instead, the hearing will focus on whether the receivership should continue as structured, be narrowed, or be terminated altogether.

The decision could reshape the future of Uncle Nearest—either keeping the company in a holding pattern under court supervision or allowing its founders to attempt a recovery while litigation continues.

What to Watch at Monday’s Hearing

1. Solvency vs. Stability
The judge will weigh competing narratives: whether Uncle Nearest is balance-sheet solvent, as the founders claim, or operationally unstable, as the receiver contends.

2. Cost of the Receivership
Expect scrutiny of professional fees, burn rate, and whether the receivership is preserving or eroding enterprise value.

3. Sales Decline Evidence
Both sides cite sales data. The court may probe whether declines are tied to market conditions or changes implemented after the receiver took control.

4. Scope of Court Control
The judge could leave the receivership intact, limit it to financial monitoring, or return day-to-day operations to company leadership.

5. What Happens Next
While Monday’s ruling won’t end the case, it may determine who controls Uncle Nearest’s future during the months ahead.

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

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

Receiver’s Report Says Uncle Nearest Can Be Reorganized

Uncle Nearest at Legal Crossroads

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Inside Thee Manor Private Members Club: Atlanta’s Premier Social Club

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 2, 2026

In an era of digital noise and fast fashion, Thee Manor Private Members Club stands as a defiant sanctuary of quiet luxury and refined intentionality. Located at 760 10th Street NW, this three-story enclave is not merely a social club; it is a meticulously curated experience designed to engage all five senses.

Founded in 2021 by Sir Jay-De Robinson and co-founder Chef Patricia, the concept emerged from what Managing Director Robinson describes as a void. “Exclusivity what I wanted for myself but couldn’t find became the reason to build it,” he said. The result is a carefully layered environment designed for mature adults who value presence as much as polish

A Three-Tiered Masterpiece

Even the furniture is intentional. Sixteenth-century Victorian chairs from England, antique cutlery, and antique serving utensils define the space. Nothing is modern unless it is meant to be.

The club is housed in a structure where every floor offers a distinct chapter of exclusivity.

The First Floor: Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery

The journey begins with the tactile. Here, the scent of fine textiles meets the sight of bespoke garments in various stages of creation. Members have access to over 1,000 seasonal fabrics and executive image consulting. Jay-De Robinson, a former professional musician, believes your aesthetic is your first introduction.

In any situation, “before they hear you, they must first see you so make sure what they are looking at is going to be worth listening to” he noted

After once being told to either dress down or teach the people around him to dress up, he chose the latter and Thee Manor became the answer.

The Second Floor: The Piano Bar & Gallery

The atmosphere shifts to the auditory and visual. High-back 16th-century Victorian chairs from England and artifacts from Italy and Asia provide the backdrop for a world-class piano bar. On the fourth Thursday of every month, the air fills with the jazz and blues stylings of pianist Philip Adair and vocalist Song Bird Maya Richardson.

The Third Floor: The Culinary Quarters

The pinnacle of the Manor is dedicated to the palate. Chef Patricia, a Philippine-born and French-trained pastry chef, curates seasonal menus and private dining experiences that blend her international expertise with the club’s antique-heavy elegance. Nothing is modern unless it is meant to be.

A private dining room sits just beyond the bar. Chef Patricia merges technique with imagination. Her culinary department was the second arm of Thee Manor to open, and her influence is unmistakable.

Beyond the Ambiance: The Power of “Netweaving”

While Thee Manor is steeped in history boasting an antique guest registry signed by every visitor since its inception its mission is firmly focused on the future.

The club hosts Mastermind Mondays, a dedicated safe space for entrepreneurs. Unlike standard networking, these sessions focus on “netweaving,” where members discuss business strategy, mental health, and financial hurdles in a supportive environment. For the women of Thee Manor, the second Saturday of each month is reserved for Tea Time, a dedicated space for collaboration and relaxation.

The Philosophy of the Unspoken

Art is the connective tissue of Thee Manor, featuring rotating exhibitions and immersive pieces, including works by celebrated artist Andrea McKenzie. Robinson maintains a strict philosophy regarding the collection:

“An artist should never explain their work to a viewer. They should craft, then allow the interpretation to come from the viewer.”

This ethos extends to every corner of the club. From smoking jackets and private lapel pins to shoe care and closet pickup services, Thee Manor is designed for the mature adult who understands that true luxury is felt, not just seen.

Every detail from antique cutlery to curated sound reinforces Thee Manor’s mission: come taste the food, feel the ambiance, and let your senses wander.

It is not simply a private members club.
It is a philosophy made physical.

For more information about Thee Manor Private Members Club

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DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson to Retire After 26 Years of Public Service

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson will retire Dec. 31 after 26 years of service, with Chief Deputy Nicole M. Golden set to succeed him.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 26, 2025

After nearly 26 years of service to DeKalb County—10 of them as tax commissioner—Irvin J. Johnson will retire effective Dec. 31, 2025, closing a long chapter in county government marked by stability, modernization, and consistent revenue performance.

Johnson announced his retirement while highlighting the work of the office he led through a decade of change. He credited staff for maintaining operations during the pandemic, expanding digital services, strengthening security protocols, and increasing community outreach.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead one of DeKalb’s key governmental functions,” Johnson said in a statement. “We achieved the approval of 10 consecutive and timely tax digest submissions, which supported county and school operations. Those results came from a committed and excellent team.”

Leadership Transition Already in Place

Photo Courtesy Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden

Under Georgia law, the office will transition to Nicole M. Golden, the current chief deputy tax commissioner. Golden will assume leadership to ensure operational continuity. The tax commissioner is an elected position; Johnson was reelected in 2024, with a term that runs through 2029.

Golden brings more than 20 years of legal experience and nine years as chief deputy. Johnson said she is well prepared to lead the office and maintain service levels across all divisions.

A Career Built From the Inside Out

Johnson began his career in the tax commissioner’s office in July 2000 as a network coordinator. He advanced through multiple roles, including supervisor, manager, and chief deputy. In 2016, he succeeded former Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson and was later elected.

Before joining the county, Johnson held leadership roles in the private and nonprofit sectors. His experience included quality systems management at Square D Company, training supervision at Michelin Tire Corporation, manufacturing supervision at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and job development work with the Shenango Valley Urban League.

Community and Professional Leadership

Beyond his county role, Johnson has been active across DeKalb and the state. He is a past president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club and a former chair of the Georgia Tax Commissioners’ Technology Development Council. He has also served on the board of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority and on the board of directors at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Tucker.

In 2024, Johnson was named Tax Commissioner of the Year by the Georgia Association of Black County Officials, in recognition of his leadership and service.

An Office With Broad Responsibilities

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office collects and disburses personal and real property taxes, administers homestead exemptions, processes vehicle registrations and renewals, and collects motor vehicle taxes. Johnson said modernizing these services was a priority throughout his tenure.

As he prepares to step away, Johnson expressed confidence in the office’s future. With Golden set to lead and an experienced team in place, county officials say residents can expect continuity in one of DeKalb’s most essential operations.

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Senate Democrats Push $15 Billion Plan to Reconnect Communities Divided by Highways

Senate Democrats introduce the $15B REPAIR Infrastructure Act to reconnect communities divided by highways, prevent displacement, and expand funding for equitable transportation projects nationwide.

By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | December 22, 2025

A bipartisan-backed effort to repair the long-term damage caused by urban highways moved forward this week as U.S. Senate Democrats introduced legislation to reauthorize and expand the federal government’s flagship program aimed at reconnecting communities split apart by legacy infrastructure.

The Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient Infrastructure Act, known as the REPAIR Infrastructure Act, would invest $15 billion over five years to help cities and towns redesign or remove divisive roadways, restore neighborhood connections, and prevent displacement tied to major transportation projects.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Raphael Warnock, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Sen. Jeff Merkley, building on the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

From Pilot Program to Permanent Policy

Since its launch, the U.S. Department of Transportation has funded 257 projects in 47 states, supporting initiatives that redesign streets, remove outdated highway structures, improve transit access, and spur local economic development. Supporters of the REPAIR Act say those early successes justify turning the pilot into a permanent, fully funded program.

Under the legislation, Congress would authorize $3 billion annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, funded through the Highway Trust Fund. Of that total, $750 million each year would be dedicated to planning grants, while $2.25 billion would support capital construction projects.

“These projects are about more than concrete and asphalt,” supporters argue. “They are about restoring access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and opportunity.”

Guardrails Against Displacement

A central feature of the bill is its focus on equity and community protection. The REPAIR Act would formally require projects to promote economic development while preventing displacement of existing residents, a frequent criticism of past infrastructure investments.

Projects would be evaluated on whether they include robust community participation plans, partnerships with local organizations, and strategies to preserve affordability. Eligible efforts could include renter and homeowner assistance, affordable housing preservation, mixed-income development, and protections for small businesses.

The legislation also bars grant funds from being used to increase the number of travel lanes on existing highways, signaling a shift away from highway expansion and toward neighborhood-scale reconnection.

Broader Eligibility Across Federal Programs

Beyond direct grants, the REPAIR Act expands eligibility for reconnection projects across multiple federal transportation programs, including:

National Highway Performance Program
Surface Transportation Block Grants
Highway Safety Improvement Program
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program
National Highway Freight Program
Rural Surface Transportation Grants
Carbon Reduction Program

The bill also formally defines “divisive roadway infrastructure,” including limited-access highways and viaducts that act as barriers to mobility and economic activity.

Georgia Examples Loom Large

The legislation carries particular significance for Georgia, where highway construction in the mid-20th century reshaped cities and displaced historically Black neighborhoods. In Atlanta, the Downtown Connector severed once-thriving communities. In Savannah, the I-16 flyover cut through Black business districts near the city’s core.

Backers of the bill say REPAIR funding could help address those lingering impacts while guiding future projects toward community-led solutions.

Broad Coalition Support

The REPAIR Infrastructure Act is endorsed by a wide coalition of planning, environmental, and local government organizations, including Smart Growth America, the National League of Cities, the American Society of Landscape Architects, America Walks, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Rails to Trails Conservancy, along with more than 70 additional national groups.

Supporters argue the bill reflects a growing consensus that transportation policy must balance mobility with health, climate resilience, and neighborhood stability.

What Comes Next

The bill has been referred to committee, where lawmakers will debate funding levels and implementation details. If passed, it would mark one of the most significant federal commitments to undoing the social and economic harms caused by 20th-century highway construction. For cities still living with the consequences of those decisions, proponents say the message is clear: reconnecting communities is no longer an experiment — it is national policy.

From OutKast to Urban Renewal: The Civic Center and Atlanta’s Complicated Progress

The Atlanta Civic Center’s story spans fire, displacement, Broadway, OutKast, and redevelopment — revealing how culture, land, and power shaped one of Atlanta’s most iconic sites.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 14, 2025

For nearly half a century, the Atlanta Civic Center stood as one of the city’s most important cultural crossroads — a place where Broadway met ballet, punk rock met opera, and civic life met national television. Built in 1967 and officially closed in 2014, the venue played an outsized role in shaping Atlanta’s artistic identity during a period of explosive growth and transformation.

Now, more than a decade after its final curtain call, the Civic Center site is entering a new chapter. As of December 9, 2025, a multi-phase redevelopment led by Atlanta Housing is underway, with plans to honor the site’s legacy while addressing one of Atlanta’s most urgent modern needs: housing.

But the story of the Civic Center did not begin in 1967. Long before the first spotlight was raised, this land carried a deeper history — one marked by destruction, resilience, and displacement.

Before the Spotlight: The Land Beneath the Civic Center

The ground beneath the Atlanta Civic Center has been asked to start over more than once.
In 1917, the Great Atlanta Fire tore through this area, destroying more than 1,900 buildings and displacing over 10,000 residents. From the ashes emerged Buttermilk Bottom — a working-class, majority-Black neighborhood that took root in what is now considered Midtown and the Old Fourth Ward.

Buttermilk Bottom was not vacant land waiting for redevelopment. It was a living community defined by churches, extended families, small businesses, music, and culture. Residents built full lives there despite persistent neglect, as city investment flowed elsewhere.

By the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was labeled a “slum” by city leaders and the local press. In 1963, then-Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. unveiled plans to redevelop Buttermilk Bottom using federal urban renewal bonds. Homes were demolished. Businesses were shuttered. A school was closed. Families were forced to move.

Rather than replacing the neighborhood with new public housing, the city cleared the land for a civic complex — an auditorium and exhibition hall designed to project Atlanta’s modern image to the nation. When the Atlanta Civic Center opened in 1967, Buttermilk Bottom was gone. The area was rechristened Bedford Pine.

Protests against the destruction of the neighborhood coincided with national unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, underscoring the racial and economic tensions embedded in Atlanta’s redevelopment choices.The Civic Center rose as a symbol of progress — but one built atop displacement.

A Pattern Beyond One Site

The clearance of Buttermilk Bottom was not an isolated decision. During the same era, Atlanta pursued similar urban renewal projects across the city, particularly in working-class and Black neighborhoods.

Just south of downtown, the Washington-Rawson neighborhood — once a thriving in-town community — was carved apart by expressway construction and demolition. Part of the land was designated for public housing. Another section was set aside for Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, completed in 1965 as the city sought national recognition and a Major League Baseball franchise.

For many residents, the promise was familiar: progress, opportunity, renewal. The result was often the same — displacement without replacement. Together, these projects revealed a redevelopment philosophy that prioritized national visibility over neighborhood stability.

Against this backdrop, the Civic Center took shape — both a cultural achievement and a reminder of the costs of progress.

A City Builds a Cultural Anchor

When the Atlanta Civic Center opened in 1967, Atlanta was positioning itself as the cultural and commercial capital of the New South. City leaders envisioned a modern performance venue capable of hosting national touring productions, large civic gatherings, and televised events.
With a seating capacity of approximately 4,600, the Civic Center was the largest performance stage in the Southeast at the time. Designed to replace the aging Municipal Auditorium, it quickly became a centerpiece of Atlanta’s arts and entertainment ecosystem.
For audiences, the Civic Center symbolized access — a place where Atlanta could experience world-class performances without leaving home.

Broadway Comes to Atlanta

Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the Civic Center became synonymous with Broadway in Atlanta. National and regional touring productions regularly filled its stage, bringing marquee shows to audiences who might not otherwise travel to New York.

Productions such as Two Gentlemen of Verona (1974), George M! (1981), and The Wizard of Oz during its 1999 national tour helped cultivate Atlanta’s theatergoing audience and cemented the city’s reputation as a serious stop on the national touring circuit.

For decades, the Civic Center functioned as a cultural bridge — connecting Atlanta’s growing metropolitan population with the broader world of American theater.

A Home for High Culture

In its early decades, the Civic Center also played a critical role in Atlanta’s classical arts scene. Beginning in 1969, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, along with opera and ballet companies, used the space for major performances.

Before newer, specialized venues emerged, the Civic Center was where many Atlantans first encountered large-scale orchestral music, opera, and ballet. These performances helped establish Atlanta as a city capable of supporting both popular entertainment and high culture — a dual identity that still defines the region.

Television Lights and National Exposure

From 2011 to 2015, the Civic Center reached millions of living rooms as the filming location for Family Feud during Steve Harvey’s tenure as host.

The show’s presence quietly reinforced Atlanta’s growing role in television production, years before the city’s reputation as “Hollywood of the South” fully took hold. The venue also hosted graduations, political rallies, church services, and mayoral inaugurations, strengthening its role as both a cultural and civic gathering place.

SciTrek and a Generation of Curiosity

One of the Civic Center’s most distinctive chapters began in 1988, when SciTrek, an interactive science museum, moved in. For 16 years, until 2004, SciTrek welcomed thousands of schoolchildren from across Georgia.

For many Atlantans who came of age in the 1990s, SciTrek was their first exposure to science beyond the classroom — another reminder of the Civic Center’s adaptability and reach.

From Symphony to Punk Rock

As Atlanta’s music scene diversified, so did the Civic Center’s bookings. In later years, the venue hosted pop-punk bands like All Time Low, punk icons Dropkick Murphys and Rancid, and local artists including Hoodrich Savo and Ms. Honesty.

From opera to punk, the Civic Center became known for its range — a venue willing to host contrasting worlds under one roof.

Why the Curtain Fell

Despite its cultural importance, the Civic Center struggled to remain viable in the 21st century. Operating costs increasingly outweighed revenue. Built in 1967, the facility lacked the amenities and technology expected by modern touring productions.

A $2 million renovation in 2001 offered only temporary relief. As newer venues such as State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened, fewer major acts chose the Civic Center.
By 2014, declining bookings made continued operation difficult to justify. The Civic Center officially closed in October of that year, ending a 47-year run.

A Sale, a Promise, and a New Vision

In 2017, the City of Atlanta sold the 19-acre Civic Center property to the Atlanta Housing Authority for just over $30 million. In December 2025, officials broke ground on a multi-phase redevelopment that will ultimately include approximately 1,500 housing units, 38 percent of which will be affordable.

The first phase is a $60 million project delivering 148 apartments for low-income seniors, scheduled for completion in 2027. Plans for the broader site include retail, office, community, and cultural spaces, a hotel, a grocery store, a public plaza, and the possible creation of an arts-centered high school.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Mayor Andre Dickens reflected not only as the city’s leader, but as someone personally shaped by the Civic Center. He recalled seeing OutKast perform on its stage and later returning to the same space for his own graduation — moments that captured how the venue functioned as both a cultural launchpad and a civic gathering place.

“This is sacred ground, sacred work,” Dickens said. “We made a promise to the people of Atlanta to make this a city where everyone can live, grow, and retire with dignity — a city of opportunity for all — and we intend to keep it that way.”

Once a site of graduations, concerts, church services, and inaugurations, the Civic Center is now part of what city leaders describe as a return to purpose — a future shaped by memory as much as by momentum.

A Legacy That Still Echoes

The Atlanta Civic Center’s story is not simply one of closure, but of evolution. For nearly five decades, it reflected Atlanta’s ambitions, creativity, and contradictions.

From Broadway classics to punk rock anthems, from symphonies to science exhibits, and from civic ceremonies to game-show lights, the Civic Center captured the full spectrum of Atlanta life — even as it stood on land shaped by loss and resilience.

As cranes rise where spotlights once shone, the Civic Center’s physical form may fade, but its meaning deepens. It becomes part of a larger story — of a city continually remaking itself, learning, and, perhaps this time, remembering who was here before.

Chit Chat Atlanta Tours Launches “Main Artery” Experience

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

Peachtree Street has long been called Atlanta’s spine — a corridor where commerce, culture, and conflict have intersected for more than a century. Now, a new tour experience aims to tell that story with greater depth, balance, and historical honesty.

Chit Chat Atlanta Tours this week unveiled its newest cultural offering, “Peachtree Street: The Main Artery,” a guided experience designed to trace Atlanta’s growth through the people, institutions, and neighborhoods that shaped its most iconic street.

Rather than focusing solely on skyline views and postcard landmarks, the tour places equal emphasis on overlooked histories, particularly Black institutions and communities whose stories have often been pushed to the margins.

“This tour is about more than buildings,” organizers said in announcing the experience. “It’s about understanding how Peachtree Street reflects Atlanta’s past, its present, and the people who built it.”

A Church That Anchors Buckhead’s Black History

One of the most significant stops along the route is New Hope AME Church, recognized as the oldest Black church in Buckhead. Long before luxury towers and high-end retail defined the area, New Hope AME stood as a center of worship, education, and civic leadership for Black Atlantans navigating segregation, displacement, and change.

By highlighting New Hope AME, the tour expands the narrative of Buckhead beyond affluence and architecture, grounding it in resilience and community continuity. For many visitors, it is a revelation — a reminder that Black history in Atlanta extends well beyond downtown and Sweet Auburn.

Literary Legacy and Southern Elegance

The experience also includes visits to some of Peachtree Street’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Margaret Mitchell House, where the Pulitzer Prize–winning author wrote Gone With the Wind. The site remains a touchstone for discussions about Southern literature, memory, and mythmaking.

Nearby, guests encounter the Georgian Terrace Hotel, long regarded as one of the South’s most elegant historic hotels. Its halls have hosted dignitaries, artists, and civic leaders, making it a fitting symbol of Peachtree Street’s role as Atlanta’s front parlor.

Together, these stops illustrate how Peachtree Street has served as both a cultural stage and a mirror, reflecting the values and contradictions of the city across generations.

Urban Living and a Changing Skyline

As the tour moves north and south along the corridor, it explores Atlanta’s transition into a modern metropolis. A featured stop includes the city’s first luxury condominium, a development that marked a turning point in how Atlantans viewed urban living.

That moment signaled Peachtree Street’s evolving identity — from commercial thoroughfare to residential destination — and helped redefine how the city grew upward rather than outward.

Remembering Johnsontown

Perhaps the most powerful segment of the tour centers on Johnsontown, one of Buckhead’s historic Black communities. Long before Buckhead became synonymous with exclusivity, Johnsontown existed as a self-sustaining neighborhood rooted in faith, family, and land ownership.

Its story — shaped by endurance, displacement, and transformation — adds necessary context to Peachtree Street’s modern prosperity. By including Johnsontown, the tour acknowledges that development often came at a human cost, and that Atlanta’s growth cannot be fully understood without reckoning with those realities.

An Invitation to Locals and Visitors Alike

Chit Chat Atlanta Tours says the “Main Artery” experience is designed for longtime residents, newcomers, and visitors who want more than surface-level history. The tour blends architecture, social history, and lived experience into a single narrative that feels both educational and personal.

By centering untold stories alongside familiar landmarks, the experience positions Peachtree Street not just as a road, but as a living archive of Atlanta itself.

Tours are now open for booking at www.ChitChatCommunications.biz.

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