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Receiver’s Report Says Uncle Nearest Can Be Reorganized Non-Core Assets May Be Sold

Court filings show payroll now stabilized under Genesis Global as Receiver Phillip G. Young Jr. manages costs, consultants, and $2.5 million in immediate receivership expenses at Uncle Nearest.

By Milton Kirby | Shelbyville, TN | October 5, 2025

Uncle Nearest can be reorganized as a going concern and does not need a fire-sale liquidation, according to the first quarterly report from court-appointed receiver Phillip G. Young Jr.

The receiver says the whiskey company has “significant value” and a realistic path to refinance debt, sell select assets, or be sold as a going concern in an orderly process.

Why This Matters

The report is the first public, court-filed snapshot since the receivership began on August 22. It outlines what was stabilized, what remains at risk, and what comes next for a high-visibility brand now under tight cash controls and lender oversight.

Path Forward: Stabilize, Cut, Sell What’s Non-Core

The receiver laid out a short timeline. He aims to sell non-income-producing assets in the next quarter and finish the overall process by the end of the first quarter of 2026 through either a debt refinancing, a new investment, or a going-concern sale.

Key asset moves include:

Cognac Project Assets (France): A château, vineyards, and intellectual property related to a planned cognac line. The receiver estimates a $15–$25 million investment would be needed to launch the line. The estate lacks that capacity now, so he intends to sell these assets. One offer is in hand, with additional interest reported.
Other Properties: Non-income real estate in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and several parcels in Bedford County, Tennessee, are under review for potential sale to reduce debt.

Payroll and the Role of Genesis Global

One of Young’s first priorities was payroll. When he arrived, the company’s employee pay system faced a shortfall. Payroll has since been stabilized under Genesis Global, a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that handles payroll, benefits, tax filings, and HR services for the company.

A PEO works as a partner — sharing employer responsibilities so that small and midsize firms can focus on operations while the PEO manages human resources and compliance. Genesis Global had already been engaged before the receivership and continued under the Receiver’s supervision, ensuring consistent payroll operations. Its support allowed Uncle Nearest to meet payroll deadlines and rebuild employee confidence after weeks of uncertainty.

Cash, Controls, and a 13-Week Budget

The receiver and his advisors built a rolling 13-week budget and reached a forbearance deal with Farm Credit Mid America, the senior lender, to fund immediate needs. The plan included about $2.5 million in one-time cash: roughly $1.0 million to clear urgent payables and $1.5 million for professional fees. Excluding those extraordinary items, the budget was balanced.

Collections and Spending in the Period

Category	Amount (USD)	% of Total
Collections
Operating Receipts	$1,451,747	46 %
Farm Credit Support	$1,700,000	54 %
Total Collections	$3,151,747	100 %
Expenditures
Operating Disbursements	$2,081,796	84 %
Professional Services	$405,370	16 %
Total Expenditures	$2,487,166	100 %
Budget for Period	$3,206,546	—
Variance (Under Budget)	$719,380	—

All bank balances were moved into receiver-controlled accounts. Weekly reconciliations and pre-approval for major disbursements were instituted to preserve liquidity.

Breakdown of Professional Fees

Vendor / Service Category	Amount (USD)	% of Total Fees
Legal Counsel (Bass, Berry & Sims PLC)**	$210,000	52 %
Financial Consultants (Crowe LLP)**	$105,000	26 %
Operational Advisory and HR Support (Genesis Global)**	$55,000	14 %
Receiver Administrative and Compliance Costs	$35,370	8 %
Total Professional Fees	$405,370	100 %

Figures based on allocations detailed in the Receiver’s First Quarterly Report and estimated vendor summaries.

Operations: Trims, Product Flow, and Distributors

To cut costs, the receiver reduced headcount by 12 positions (13%), with further efficiency reviews underway. The team also reset expectations with distributors and vendors. Tennessee Distilling Group partially lifted a credit hold, allowing some product to ship while talks continue toward full release. New product releases are anticipated next quarter.

Records, Cap Table, and Internal Reviews

The report flags gaps in historical records and internal controls:

Lost Data: Many pre-2024 financial records were allegedly erased by a former employee. Recovery efforts are underway.
Financials: Some statements are incomplete; the team is recreating reliable reports from source data.
Capitalization Table: The shareholder list is “incomplete and inaccurate,” with unrecorded secondary sales noted. Shares linked to Fawn Weaver were reportedly transferred by a former employee, possibly without authority. The receiver is contacting shareholders to reconcile the cap table.
Misconduct Checks: No evidence of misappropriation by the founder, current management, or employees. Allegations against a former employee remain under investigation.

Taxes and Compliance

Payroll has stabilized under Genesis Global after the initial shortfall. The receiver is assessing income, excise, sales, and property-tax exposures, with Tennessee and New Jersey flagged for possible issues. Future motions may seek court approval to prioritize tax and warehouseman’s-lien payments where needed.

International Steps

French counsel is translating and domesticating the U.S. receivership order to assert control over a French bank account and clear the path to sell the Cognac-region assets.

Timeline

The receiver aims to close the process by late Q1 2026 through refinancing, new equity, or a going-concern sale.

This article was originally published on The Truth Seekers Journal.

Related stories:

Uncle Nearest: A Billion-Dollar Brand

Uncle Nearest at Legal Crossroads

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Thurgood Marshall: The People’s Lawyer Who Became America’s First Black Supreme Court Justice

By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | October 2, 2025

Fifty-eight years ago today, the marble halls of the U.S. Supreme Court bore witness to a moment that reshaped American history. On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall raised his right hand and swore the oath of office, becoming the first African American justice to serve on the nation’s highest court.

For many watching, the image was more than ceremonial. It was the realization of a dream born from centuries of struggle — a Black man ascending to the bench of an institution that had once sanctioned slavery, segregation, and the denial of equal rights.

President Lyndon B. Johnson, who nominated Marshall just months earlier, called it “the right man, at the right time, in the right place.” In Marshall, America had found a justice who carried the Constitution not only in his mind but etched deeply into his lived experience.

From Baltimore Streets to Legal Scholar

Born in Baltimore on July 2, 1908, Marshall’s journey to the Supreme Court began in a household that valued both discipline and education. His father, William, a railroad porter, often debated court cases at the dinner table. His mother, Norma, an elementary school teacher, nurtured a love of learning.

As a mischievous schoolboy, Marshall was once punished by being forced to memorize the entire U.S. Constitution. The lesson stuck. Decades later, he joked he could still recite it word for word — but it also planted the seed of his life’s mission: to hold America accountable to its own promises.

Marshall attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1930. He then enrolled at Howard University School of Law, where he studied under Charles Hamilton Houston, a brilliant strategist who believed lawyers must serve as “social engineers.” Houston instilled in Marshall a conviction that the courtroom could be a battlefield against injustice.

“Mr. Civil Rights”

By the mid-1930s, Marshall had joined the NAACP and quickly rose to become its chief counsel. His legal work became the backbone of the civil rights movement. Over the course of his career, Marshall argued 32 cases before the Supreme Court — and won 29 of them.

His most famous victory came in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), where he persuaded the Court to strike down segregation in public schools. The unanimous decision overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson “separate but equal” doctrine and became a cornerstone of the modern civil rights era.

But Brown was just one milestone. In Smith v. Allwright (1944), Marshall dismantled the “white primary” system that excluded Black voters. In Sweatt v. Painter (1950), he challenged unequal law school facilities, a precursor to broader desegregation. Earlier, in Chambers v. Florida (1940), he defended Black men coerced into confessing murder.

Through relentless litigation, Marshall became known as “Mr. Civil Rights” — a lawyer who used the Constitution as both shield and sword against Jim Crow.

“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings,” Marshall once said, “we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”

A Judge and Solicitor General

Marshall’s impact extended beyond the NAACP. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Four years later, President Johnson tapped him as the nation’s first Black Solicitor General — the government’s top lawyer before the Supreme Court.

In that role, Marshall argued 19 cases and won 14. His victories ranged from labor rights to antitrust law, further cementing his reputation as one of the era’s most formidable legal minds.

Johnson saw Marshall’s elevation to the Supreme Court as a natural progression. “I believe he has earned that appointment. I believe he deserves it,” the president declared when he announced the nomination in June 1967.

A Historic Confirmation

Marshall’s confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee were contentious. Some senators pressed him aggressively on criminal justice issues, while Southern opponents masked their discomfort with questions about his qualifications.

But Marshall’s calm, thorough answers won the day. On August 30, 1967, the Senate confirmed him by a vote of 69 to 11. Two months later, he was sworn in — breaking a barrier that had stood since the Court’s founding in 1789.

For millions of Black Americans, Marshall’s appointment symbolized progress that once seemed unthinkable. Here was a man who had fought segregation in classrooms now seated in the chamber that set the law of the land.

“A child born to a Black mother in a state like Mississippi,” Marshall reflected, “has exactly the same rights as a white baby born to the wealthiest person in the United States. That is the principle I fought for.”

On the Bench: A Voice for the Marginalized

During his 24 years on the Court, Marshall consistently championed the rights of individuals, the poor, and the marginalized. He opposed the death penalty, arguing it was applied disproportionately against minorities and the poor.

US Supreme Court – April 1988 – AP Photo

In Furman v. Georgia (1972), Marshall sided with the majority in striking down existing death penalty statutes. In later dissents, he argued that the death penalty itself was cruel and unusual punishment.

Marshall was also a strong defender of affirmative action. In Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), he argued that remedies for centuries of discrimination were both constitutional and morally necessary.

His guiding principle was simple yet profound: “Equal means getting the same thing, at the same time, and in the same place.”

Even as the Court grew more conservative in the 1970s and 1980s, Marshall’s voice remained steady. Often in dissent, he nevertheless articulated a vision of justice rooted in fairness and equality.

Retirement and Passing the Torch

Marshall retired in 1991, citing declining health. His departure marked the end of an era. President George H.W. Bush appointed Clarence Thomas, a conservative jurist, as his successor — a decision that underscored the sharp ideological shift of the Court.

Marshall passed away on January 24, 1993, at age 84. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, honored as both a civil rights giant and a Supreme Court justice.

Legacy and Relevance Today

Marshall’s legacy reverberates through every corner of American law. Schools, courthouses, and even Baltimore/Washington International Airport bear his name. His career stands as proof that the law, when wielded with courage, can dismantle walls of oppression.

But Marshall himself was clear-eyed about the limits of the legal system. “The legal system can force open doors and sometimes even knock down walls,” he once said, “but it cannot build bridges. That job belongs to you and me.”

Today, as debates rage over voting rights, affirmative action, and racial equity, Marshall’s words carry renewed urgency. His belief in the Constitution as a “living document” — one meant to expand justice rather than freeze it in time — is echoed in current struggles to define equality in America.

Closing Reflection

October 2, 1967, was not just the day a man took an oath. It was the day a nation took a step toward becoming what its founding documents had always promised.

Thurgood Marshall’s life was proof that the Constitution, in the hands of those brave enough to demand its full measure, could be both weapon and witness for justice.

More than half a century later, his shadow stretches across courtrooms, classrooms, and communities. The boy who memorized the Constitution as punishment grew into the justice who forced the country to live up to it.

And in doing so, he gave America not only its first Black justice but also its enduring conscience.

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SilverSneakers and Kroc Atlanta Center Bring Seniors Together for 2K Walk

Nearly 30 Atlanta seniors joined SilverSneakers and Kroc Atlanta Center’s free 2K walk, highlighting fitness, fellowship, and healthy aging in the Pittsburgh community.

Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | October 1, 2025

Nearly 50 local seniors laced up their walking shoes on Tuesday morning as SilverSneakers and The Salvation Army’s Kroc Atlanta Center teamed up to host a free 2K walk in the heart of Atlanta. The event gave older adults of all fitness levels a chance to get moving, meet new friends, and discover resources for healthy living.

The walkers, wearing numbered bibs, circled the Kroc Center’s indoor track 16 times to complete the 2K distance. Along the way they enjoyed a group warm-up, music, prize giveaways, and a cool-down session to finish strong. For some, it was their first organized walk; for others, it was another step in a lifelong commitment to staying active.

“Seeing the energy and camaraderie at this event in Atlanta displayed the power of community,” said Melissa Anthony, Regional Growth Manager for SilverSneakers. “More than just a run, it was incredible to witness the visible boost in confidence each participant demonstrated when they completed those 16 laps. Our top walker got in more than 10,000 steps.”

The program highlights an important message: staying active is central to healthy aging. With seniors now the fastest-growing age group in the United States, SilverSneakers has built its reputation by providing fun, low-pressure opportunities to help older adults maintain mobility and confidence.

Local partners Humana, Paradise Smoothies & Juice Bar, and JenCare Senior Medical Center joined in to support the event, providing refreshments and information about senior health resources.

The Kroc Atlanta Center, a 53,500-square-foot community hub in the city’s Pittsburgh neighborhood, provided a fitting backdrop. More than a gym, the center offers space for worship, arts, education, and recreation. Its facilities range from a multi-use gymnasium and computer labs to performing arts stages and community meeting rooms.

“Our mission is to be a beacon of hope and a gathering place for all,” said a Kroc Center representative. “This walk shows how seniors can come together to strengthen not only their bodies, but also their sense of belonging.”

The Salvation Army Kroc Centers trace their roots back to Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. After seeing firsthand how underserved communities lacked safe, welcoming spaces, she donated more than $1.5 billion to build centers nationwide. Today, 26 Kroc Centers carry forward her vision of nurturing children’s potential, supporting families, and strengthening neighborhoods.

Tuesday’s walk was the first of two group events planned this year. Organizers say seniors of all abilities are invited to join the next one.

For the participants, however, it wasn’t just about distance or steps—it was about being seen, supported, and celebrated. As one participant remarked after crossing the finish line, “It feels good to know I can still do this—and I’m not doing it alone.”

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Dickens, Invest Atlanta Board Advance Affordable Housing Push Amid National Crisis

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Invest Atlanta approved housing projects to add 2,500 affordable units, part of a broader response to America’s worsening housing crisis.

Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 29, 2025

Atlanta’s affordable housing efforts took a major step forward on September 18, 2025 when Mayor Andre Dickens and the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved a slate of projects that could yield more than 2,500 affordable housing units across the city.

The board’s actions span 10 of the city’s 12 council districts, reflecting both the broad demand for affordable housing and Atlanta’s growing population pressures.

“Now more than ever, we must continue to be resourceful and innovative in our approach to meeting the needs of the community,” said Mayor Dickens, who also serves as chair of the Invest Atlanta Board. “The number of actions taken today sends a strong message about the need to continue expanding housing options across our city.”

Major Approvals and Investments

The board authorized two bond resolutions that will support 351 affordable housing units expected to close by the end of the year. Those approvals unlock bond financing through Invest Atlanta.

In addition, 14 inducement resolutions were passed for projects that—if approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs—could finance another 2,201 affordable units. Because inducement resolutions must pass through a statewide competitive process, Invest Atlanta officials stressed that these approvals are an important but early step in securing funding.

Collectively, the projects could inject more than $891 million in capital investment into Atlanta’s economy, funding both new construction and rehabilitation of existing communities.

Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, emphasized the economic link. “Atlanta’s continued economic growth depends on our ability to ensure that the people who power our city—our teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, and service professionals—can afford to live here,” she said. “When families can live near jobs, transit, and schools, we strengthen our workforce, reduce barriers to opportunity, and build a more resilient economy.”

Project Highlights

Among the key developments approved:

City Lights South (404 Boulevard NE, Old Fourth Ward): $30.9 million in tax-exempt bonds for 159 new affordable units.
Ashley Cascade (1371 Kimberly Way SW, Ashley Courts): $25.6 million for rehabilitation of 384 units as part of a HOPE VI revitalization.
Columbia Senior at Mechanicsville (555 McDaniel St SW): $8.5 million to rehabilitate 150 affordable senior units near downtown.
Folio House Phase II (143 Alabama St SW, Downtown): $22 million to build 149 new affordable units alongside commercial space.

Since 2022, Invest Atlanta has financed 7,141 housing units, including 6,302 affordable units, contributing to Dickens’ goal of creating or preserving 20,000 affordable homes by 2030.

Part of a National Crisis

Atlanta’s actions come as experts warn of a deepening national affordable housing crisis. The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2025 The Gap report found that extremely low-income renters face a shortage of 7.1 million affordable homes nationwide. Only 35 affordable and available homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies reports that22.6 million renter households are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Among extremely low-income renters, many spend more than half their income on rent, a situation HUD labels “worst case housing needs.”

Polling shows that 77% of Americans believe the nation faces a housing shortage and needs more homes and rentals, according to the Center for American Progress.

Experts point to multiple causes: underproduction of new housing, restrictive zoning and land-use rules, rising construction costs, stagnant wages, and the loss of older affordable units to gentrification or deterioration.

Local Action, National Relevance

While the national crisis cuts across regions, Atlanta’s approvals highlight how local governments can leverage bond financing, inducements, and partnerships to tackle affordability challenges. Yet the scope of the crisis means such efforts, while significant, remain one part of a much larger puzzle. As Dickens noted, ensuring every Atlanta resident has access to safe, affordable housing is both a moral and economic imperative. With billions in investment on the table and projects spread across the city, Atlanta is positioning itself as a case study in how local leadership can respond to a national challenge.

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

Mayor Dickens Names New Housing Leadership Team to Drive Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Vision

Mayor Dickes Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments

Dickens, Invest Atlanta Board Advance Affordable Housing Push Amid National Crisis

Bridge to the Future: Ted Turner Bridge Reopens After 7-Year Closure, Reconnecting Downtown Atlanta

Walmart Returns to Vine City Location

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Hartsfield-Jackson Loses $37M FAA Funding Over Refusal to Abandon Minority Contracting Program

Atlanta forfeited $37.5M in FAA funding after refusing to abandon DEI programs, raising questions about airport projects, federal policy, and Mayor Dickens’ reelection-year decisions.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 28, 2025

ATLANTA — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has forfeited more than $37 million in federal funding after refusing to disavow diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, a condition imposed by the Trump administration through a January executive order.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Atlanta lost $37.5 million from a $57 million allocation for infrastructure upgrades, including taxiway pavement replacement, restroom renovations, and sustainability projects aimed at lowering emissions. About $19 million of that total may still be available in the next federal budget cycle if the city agrees to new grant language, the AJC reported.

At the center of the dispute is Executive Order 14151, signed by President Donald Trump in January, directing agencies to terminate DEI offices, equity-related action plans, and environmental justice initiatives, and requiring federal grantees to certify that they do not operate such programs.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

Atlanta leaders declined to sign the FAA’s new conditions by a July 29 deadline, according to AJC reporting, citing the city’s longstanding commitment to minority and women-owned business participation at the airport. That program, requiring that 25% of airport business go to minority-owned firms and 10% to women-owned firms, was pioneered by former Mayor Maynard Jackson during a $400 million expansion in the 1970s.

“Federal funding for the airport, while important, represents less than 10%—approximately $1 billion over the next six years—of the airport’s total capital program over the same period,” Michael Smith, a spokesperson for Mayor Andre Dickens, said in a City of Atlanta statement. “We are confident that the airport will be able to pursue alternative funding to advance these projects without impacting customers or airport service providers.”

The lost FAA money comes as the airport manages nearly $1 billion in ongoing construction. According to a City of Atlanta financial report for fiscal 2024, Hartsfield-Jackson generated $989 million in revenue against $845 million in expenses, supported entirely by airport-generated income.

Still, federal funds remain critical for certain large-scale projects. For example, the expansion of Concourse D has leveraged $40 million in U.S. Department of Transportation grants, according to city filings.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Hartsfield Jackson International Terminal

FAA records also underscore what is at stake. In a newsroom release dated August 13, 2024, the agency announced $20.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Hartsfield-Jackson to rehabilitate taxiways and taxilanes. The airport has historically put such grants to work on targeted infrastructure upgrades, ensuring safety and efficiency across its vast operations. The newly lost $37.5 million is nearly double that amount.

Atlanta officials unsuccessfully lobbied the FAA to alter the new grant conditions, according to the AJC. Meanwhile, several other major cities—including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Minneapolis—have sued the Trump administration, arguing the DEI ban exceeds presidential authority and interferes with congressionally approved grant programs. A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of the new rules for those plaintiffs, but not for Atlanta.

Mayor Dickens, who faces reelection this fall, has signaled he may reconsider aspects of the city’s DEI programs to preserve access to federal funds across city departments. But by the time deliberations began, tens of millions in aviation money had already slipped away, according to FAA and AJC accounts.

The City of Atlanta emphasized in its official statement that the airport remains financially secure and committed to balancing compliance with federal law while upholding “our long-held values, local policy, and federal law.”

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Atlanta Beltline Nears 2030 Completion with Big Progress and Bigger Goals

Atlanta Beltline marks 20 years at State of the Beltline 2025, highlighting housing, jobs, trails, and community equity while charting a path toward 2030 completion.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 25, 2025

Atlanta — The Atlanta Beltline celebrated two decades of progress on Wednesday with its 2025 State of the Beltline address, drawing more than 350 leaders, developers, and community voices to The Eastern.

The breakfast event, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth, highlighted the Beltline’s growing economic, cultural, and social impact across the city. Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. and 2025 Council Chair, joined Anna Roach of the Atlanta Regional Commission for a fireside chat reflecting on the project’s past and future.

Affordable housing and lasting investment

Higgs credited early visionaries who launched the Beltline in 2005, noting that 76% of its affordable housing target has already been met. The project is on pace to surpass 7,000 units by 2030. He pointed to the City Council’s approval of a Special Service District in 2021, which unlocked $350 million in local and leveraged funding. “That’s how we can now say definitively we will finish the loop by 2030,” Higgs said.

The economic impact is substantial: $800 million in public investment has spurred nearly $10 billion in private development and created over 26,000 permanent jobs. Higgs also announced a $2 million Local Developer Incentive Fund to help small businesses and legacy entrepreneurs remain competitive along the trail. “We need to make sure we are preserving the culture, the legacy of Atlanta, and making sure everyone is winning because of this investment,” he said.

Community connections and mobility

City of Atlanta Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks opened the program, recalling the skepticism that surrounded the Beltline’s early years. “Twenty years ago, we were dreamers gathered around the table, determined to reconnect Atlanta,” she said. “With each challenge came another chance to deliver on our promise that every Atlantan will have a place on the Beltline and a stake in the city’s future.”

Atlanta Beltline COO Ruben Brooks shared that 12.8 miles of trail are now complete, with six construction projects in motion. By mid-2026, 18 miles are expected to be open, including the Southside Trail ahead of the World Cup. “We are accelerating like never before, and we do not intend to stop,” Brooks said.

Philanthropy and equity

Rob Brawner, Executive Director of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, highlighted $225 million in philanthropic support from foundations, corporations, and individuals. He pointed to the Legacy Resident Retention Program, which has helped more than 270 homeowners keep property taxes at 2019 levels. “At its core, the Beltline is about people,” Brawner said.

Looking ahead

Higgs closed by reminding attendees that the Beltline is “the people’s project,” urging continued collaboration. “Don’t assume we’ve got it covered—we still need you. Challenge us, push us, and then when it’s time to make a decision, get behind it and go.”

As the Beltline advances toward its 2030 completion, the project’s trails, parks, housing, and business investments continue to reshape Atlanta, positioning the city for a more equitable and connected future.

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MARTA to Close Peachtree Entrance and Federal Tunnel at Five Points Oct. 13

MARTA will close the Peachtree entrance and federal tunnel at Five Points Oct. 13. Riders must use Forsyth Street as transformation work continues

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 23, 2025

MARTA riders will soon face another major change at Five Points Station. On Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, the Peachtree Street entrance and the federal tunnel for employees will officially close.

From that date forward, all access to Five Points will be available through the Forsyth Street entrance. This step, deemed necessary by MARTA officials, is to safely demolish and remove the aging concrete canopy that has loomed over downtown’s busiest station for decades.

Limited Access

When the Peachtree entrance closes, Forsyth Street becomes the single access point. The Alabama Street and Broad Street Plaza entrances remain closed. Restrooms are also closed. Bus riders will continue boarding on Forsyth Street.

Photo by Milton Kirby – MARTA Gold line train

Rest assured, rail service and transfers remain unaffected. Elevators remain open, though MARTA warns of temporary escalator and stair closures as crews erect scaffolding and overhead protection. Signage will direct customers through the changes.

Customer service offices have already relocated temporarily and are scheduled for a permanent move to Ashby Station. MARTA will announce the opening date in the coming months.

Station Transformation

The closures are part of the $230 million Five Points Transformation project. MARTA plans to turn the station into a vibrant hub with improved transit connections, safer infrastructure, and new public spaces.

Phase one focuses on dismantling the existing canopy. Future phases will add a modern canopy, a centralized bus hub, and a pedestrian link to Broad Street. Community spaces, public art, and even agriculture are also in the plans.

The project is funded primarily by the More MARTA half-penny sales tax approved by Atlanta voters, with additional money from the state of Georgia ($13.8 million), a $25 million Federal RAISE Grant, and MARTA’s core penny fund.

Long-Term Vision

Officials say the disruption will pay off with a safer, more connected Five Points at the heart of Atlanta. This is part of a long-term vision for a vibrant hub with improved transit connections, safer infrastructure, and new public spaces. For now, MARTA is urging riders to plan ahead, use Forsyth Street, and be aware of construction-related detours.

More updates and construction details are posted on MARTA’s website.

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Uncle Nearest at Legal Crossroads: Debt, Receivership, and What Comes Next

Uncle Nearest faces receivership and $108M debt, but CEO Fawn Weaver rallies support with faith, leadership, and booming sales in Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Alaska.

By Milton Kirby | Shelbyville, TN | September 21, 2025

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a thriving brand valued at $1.1 billion in 2024 by Forbes and other sources and recognized as the fastest-growing Black-owned spirits brand in the nation, is now embroiled in a federal court battle. A receivership order, linked to a staggering $108 million debt, has handed over the reins of the company’s finances and operations to external parties. This pivotal moment could potentially reshape one of the most celebrated American whiskey stories in recent history.

How the Case Started

On July 28, 2025, Farm Credit Mid-America filed suit, alleging that Uncle Nearest, Nearest Green Distillery, and founders Fawn and Keith Weaver defaulted on over $100 million in loans. The lender accused the company of:

Overstating the value of whiskey barrels used as collateral by $21–24 million.
Failing to keep a $1.5 million cash balance required under loan agreements.
Falling behind on payments and breaching covenants on net worth and net income.
Selling or discounting future revenues without proper notice.

Farm Credit also claimed “insufficient internal financial controls” and said defaults date back to 2023. Still, the lender extended additional credit at the time, “in reliance upon Uncle Nearest’s representations as to its success and strategic growth.”

Uncle Nearest Pushes Back

The Weavers argue the picture is more complicated. In sworn filings, Fawn Weaver declared that former CFO Mike Senzaki “was the sole point of contact responsible for inventory reporting and for signing off on all funding requests tied to those barrels.” She maintains that discrepancies surfaced in early 2024, months before Farm Credit sued.

On the Martha’s Vineyard home purchased through UN House MV LLC, Uncle Nearest submitted internal emails showing that Farm Credit executives “were not only aware of the property but also attended an inaugural Gospel Brunch event at the home.” The filing added, “These were not covert maneuvers.”

Weaver has also spoken directly to supporters. In a widely shared Instagram video, she declared:

“Don’t believe the fake news. Some reports claim I no longer own Uncle Nearest and that I’m not running it. Let me be clear. I built this company. I run this company. And my leadership team, who have all been with me for 6 to 8 years, are right here building alongside me. Our team remains unshaken and unmoved.”

Growth & Market Momentum

On August 16, 2025—two days after the court appointed a receiver—Fawn Weaver took to Instagram to rally customers and partners. She emphasized that, despite legal pressures, Uncle Nearest continues to expand in key markets “in a year where spirits are down.” This continued growth and market momentum is a testament to the company’s resilience and a reason for optimism about Uncle Nearest’s future

Photo by Milton Kirby – Uncle Nearest Flight

She pointed to sales surges across the country, noting:

Illinois: +216% this month, +21% year-to-date.
Florida: +92% this month, +24% year-to-date.
Georgia: +31% this month, +53% year-to-date..
Maryland: +30% this month, +49% year-to-date.
Alaska: +423% this month, +44% year-to-date.
South Carolina: +48% this month, +53% year-to-date.
Texas: +44% this month, +34% year-to-date.
New Mexico: +32% this month, +22% year-to-date.

Her message was pointed:

“Don’t forget, keep clearing them out, leave no doubt, send a loud message that you are behind this brand and the team that built it.”

The Court’s Decision

On August 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. appointed Phillip G. Young Jr. as receiver, finding that receivership was “necessary under the circumstances” due to questions of solvency, inadequate collateral, and ongoing defaults.

Young, a bankruptcy and business attorney, has hired turnaround specialists Newpoint Advisors Corp. to assess the company’s financial health, with Thoroughbred Spirits Group managing operations. Belcher, Sykes & Harrington has been engaged as counsel for alcohol and beverages, while Young’s firm, Thompson Burton, serves as receivership counsel

The order effectively shifts day-to-day financial and operational control to the receiver, while leaving branding and public-facing work partially in the hands of Uncle Nearest leadership.

Money In and Money Out

Records show that Uncle Nearest made large payments before the lawsuit: $9 million in 2024 and $7.5 million earlier this year. Yet Farm Credit says those payments did not cure defaults or fix repeated covenant breaches.

The dispute over barrel values is especially critical. Farm Credit claims the inventory overstatement inflated its lending exposure. Uncle Nearest insists the problems trace back to one former executive.

Assets in Question

The receivership may extend beyond the distillery and barrels. The receiver has asked the court to clarify whether other Weaver-connected entities should be pulled in, including:

Uncle Nearest Real Estate Holdings LLC
Shelbyville Barrel House BBQ LLC
Humble Baron Inc.
Grant Sidney Inc.
Uncle Nearest Spurs VI
Quill and Cask Owner

Additional law firms are also reviewing potential assets in Massachusetts and France.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Uncle Nearest Horse Barn

Costs of Receivership

The Financial Impact of Receivership oversight comes at a cost. Young has already hired multiple consulting and legal teams to stabilize operations. These include financial consultants, operational managers, and attorneys specializing in alcohol law.

While the exact fees have not been disclosed in public filings, industry observers note that receivership and professional services can be expensive. For a company already under heavy debt, these additional expenses could create new pressure on cash flow and raise the risk of bankruptcy if revenue cannot keep pace.

Local Impact

The distillery in Shelbyville has become a destination in its own right. Reports show that the site attracted 5,000 to 8,000 visitors every weekend in 2023. The company claims it ranked as the seventh-most visited distillery in the world among its peers. This local economic impact is a testament to Uncle Nearest’s importance to its community and the connections it fosters.

Tourism tied to whiskey is a growing sector in Tennessee, part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail that draws travelers from across the U.S. and abroad. For Shelbyville, the ripple effects include job opportunities, tourism, and spending at local hotels and restaurants.

How the receivership affects visitor traffic and local suppliers remains unclear, but the stakes are high.

A “People’s CEO” Message

Weaver has leaned into her identity as what she calls the “People’s CEO.” She told followers:

“Keep clearing the shelves. Every bottle you move tells our distributors and partners the same thing. We’ve built one of the strongest and most resilient brands in American history.”

“From the start, I’ve shared the ups and downs of building Uncle Nearest, that transparency is a part of my calling. That is what built one of the strongest brand communities in American history.

That’s why they call me the People’s CEO — because I don’t just show the gloss, I show the grind, the grit, and the gunk.”

She also reminded entrepreneurs of the long road:

“Entrepreneurialism will give you a hundred reasons a day to quit, but strong leadership doesn’t panic. It keeps a steady hand and moves forward.”

What to Watch

The receiver’s first quarterly report, due October 1, 2025, which should reveal cash flow, solvency, and collateral status.
Whether additional Weaver-linked LLCs will be pulled into the receivership.
Possible legal action against the former CFO, or counterclaims from Uncle Nearest.
The impact of consultant and legal fees on the company’s ability to restructure debt.
Continued sales growth in markets like Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Alaska.

A Story Still Unfolding

“What the enemy meant for evil? God meant for good,” Weaver told her audience. That note of faith and defiance now hangs over the courtroom battles and boardroom decisions.

Uncle Nearest’s future is tied to the courts, consultants, and creditors as much as to its whiskey barrels and brand story. The next reports, hearings, and filings will determine whether this is a path toward restructuring or toward deeper financial trouble.

For Shelbyville, for whiskey fans, and for those invested in the legacy of Nearest Green, this is a story to keep watching.

Atlanta BeltLine Marks 20 Years at State of the Beltline Address

Atlanta leaders gather Sept. 24 at The Eastern for the 2025 State of the Beltline, marking 20 years of progress in trails, housing, and community growth.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 18, 2025

ATLANTA — Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. President and CEO Clyde Higgs will deliver the 2025 State of the Beltline address on September 24, marking 20 years of the transformative project and laying out the next chapter of development.

The event, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth at The Eastern in Atlanta’s Eastside, is expected to draw more than 350 guests. It will close out the Council’s annual series of “State of” addresses, following similar reports on MARTA and regional counties earlier this year.

BeltLine’s Generational Impact

The BeltLine — once a vision of converting rail corridors into trails, transit, and green space — has become one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in the country. Over the past two decades, it has reshaped neighborhoods, attracted billions in investment, and created new housing and recreation options for Atlanta residents.

This year’s theme, “20 Years of Generational Impact: Dreaming, Doing, Delivering,” reflects both the project’s progress and the challenges that remain.

Clyde Higgs’ Leadership

Higgs, who also serves as the 2025 Board Chair of the Council for Quality Growth, has led BeltLine, Inc. since 2019. Under his tenure, the project has expanded trail mileage, advanced affordable housing initiatives, and deepened partnerships with city leaders and private developers.

“Clyde’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping the BeltLine into what it is today,” the Council for Quality Growth said in its announcement. “His vision continues to push Atlanta toward a more connected and equitable future.”

What’s Next

The upcoming address is expected to spotlight ongoing work to complete the 22-mile loop, expand transit options, and meet affordable housing goals as development pressures mount. Officials also anticipate discussion of how the BeltLine will position Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the city will host matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: The Eastern, 777 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA
Host: Council for Quality Growth & Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
Expected Guests: 350+ business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders

Tickets and sponsorship details are available through the Council for Quality Growth

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

Atlanta launches ATL BIZ, a user-friendly online platform replacing ATL CORE, streamlining business licensing, taxes, permits, and payments with faster processing and a centralized dashboard.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 17, 2025

The City of Atlanta has launched ATL BIZ, a modern, user-friendly online platform that replaces ATL CORE as the city’s primary portal for business services. With its intuitive design and easy navigation, ATL BIZ is designed to streamline processes and better support the city’s business community. It will serve as a one-stop hub for managing occupational tax certificates, permits, taxes, and payments, making it easier and more convenient for our users.

“We are proud to provide this new way of doing business with the City of Atlanta for our business community. ATL BIZ offers Atlanta businesses a modern, more user-friendly and intuitive way to meet their finance needs,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

“This furthers our Administration’s mission of making it easier to connect with our business community, both large and small, ensuring we are a city built for the future.”

Managed by the Department of Finance’s Office of Revenue, the platform includes several upgrades:

A streamlined interface that is easier to navigate
Faster processing times for applications and payments
Enhanced features to support business needs
A centralized dashboard to view balances, credits, and messages
The ability to manage multiple revenue types in one place
Options to renew occupational tax certificates, pay via ACH, and track status in real time

To ensure a smooth transition, all existing records from ATL CORE are being automatically transferred to ATL BIZ. This convenient feature eliminates the need for manual data migration, providing reassurance and comfort to our users. Step-by-step login instructions are available online, and the system is live at atlbiz.atlantaga.gov.

Background and Context

Atlanta remains one of the nation’s top hubs for entrepreneurship. Over the past five years, the city has averaged 28.5 new business applications per 1,000 residents — nearly double the national city average. Metro Atlanta is home to more than 150,000 businesses, and across Georgia, business formation filings have surged in recent years, with 323,669 new filings in 2021, a record high. The state now has more than 1.5 million active business entities, from small LLCs to Fortune 500 corporations.

While no public data is available on the number of users who relied on the former ATL CORE platform, city officials emphasized that ATL BIZ is designed to handle the growing demand for online business services more efficiently.

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North Carolina A&T Reaches Historic Enrollment of 15,275: Growth Powers Greensboro, Defines HBCU Excellence

North Carolina A&T sets a record with 15,275 students, reinforcing its role as America’s largest HBCU and a cultural, economic, and alumni powerhouse worldwide.

By Milton Kirby | Greensboro, NC | September 17, 2025

Enrollment Growth

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has once again made history. This fall, the Greensboro-based institution surpassed the 15,000-student mark for the first time, enrolling 15,275 students, a nearly 1,000-student increase over last year. That jump of 6.7% represents the single most significant one-year gain in A&T’s long history.

For the 12th consecutive year, A&T holds the title of the largest public historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation. And for the fourth year in a row, it stands as the largest HBCU that America has ever produced.

Photo by Milton Kirby NC A&T Williams Cafeteria

“The 2025-26 student body reaffirms our commitment to the people of North Carolina, our national appeal and impact as an exponential, doctoral research HBCU, and the promise that North Carolina A&T holds for students around the world,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II. “We embrace the opportunity to prepare them for a world undergoing seismic knowledge and technology shifts and to guide their development as individuals, ready for lives of achievement and meaning.”

This surge not only reflects national interest in HBCUs but also the powerful draw of A&T’s academic programs, competitive outcomes, and a cultural experience deeply rooted in community and legacy.

Academic Excellence and Student Profile

The university welcomed an entering class of 3,021 first-year students this fall. Their academic credentials tell a story of rising standards and rising demand. The average GPA for the entering class stands at 3.7, while out-of-state freshmen arrived with an impressive 3.93 average GPA. Students came from 36 states plus Washington, D.C., further evidence of A&T’s reach.

Once enrolled, students can look forward to opportunities that rival — and often surpass — those of much larger and more established institutions. A&T hosts some of the largest career fairs in America, connecting students with leading employers. Ten years after graduation, an A&T degree pays off. Forbes reports that bachelor’s degree earners from the university enjoy a median salary of $112,000 — second in the University of North Carolina system.

Graduate and Transfer Expansion

This year also marked a watershed moment for graduate education at A&T. For the first time in its history, the Graduate College enrolled more than 2,000 students. The headcount of 2,018 reflects 11.2% growth over last year. Within that, doctoral enrollment surged to 702 students, a 23.4% increase.

The university’s expansion of new master’s and doctoral programs over the past five years is paying clear dividends, both in enrollment and in advancing A&T’s reputation as a research institution.

Transfer students also added to the momentum. 814 new transfers enrolled this fall, a 17% increase. As A&T’s freshman admissions become more competitive, pathways through community colleges and other universities have become vital. These transfers strengthen the student body and underscore A&T’s role as a welcoming, upward-mobility institution.

The university also posted its best-ever freshman-to-sophomore retention rate: 81%. That metric shows more students are not only enrolling but staying and succeeding at A&T.

International and Geographic Reach

Unlike many universities grappling with declining international enrollment, A&T’s global reach is growing. The university enrolled nearly 1,000 international students this fall, a 10.3% increase from last year. Nearly half hail from African nations, underscoring A&T’s global appeal and connections to the African diaspora.

Geographic diversity is also striking. Students come from 97 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 43 states, and 103 foreign nations. That breadth of representation ensures A&T’s classrooms reflect not just the state’s demographics but also the wider world.

“As interest in A&T continues to grow, our team of enrollment professionals remains dedicated to finding the best and brightest students from North Carolina and beyond for the class of 2030,” said Joseph Montgomery, associate vice provost for Enrollment Management. “We will continue to review all applicants carefully, intentionally, and through a comprehensive, holistic process that aims to identify students who will excel at A&T and become future leaders.”

Economic Impact on Greensboro and North Carolina

The enrollment milestone is not just a number on a spreadsheet; it represents a powerful economic engine for Greensboro, Guilford County, and the state of North Carolina. With over 15,000 students, 2,600 degrees awarded annually, and 65,000 living alumni, A&T stands as one of the region’s most significant contributors to workforce development.

The university’s College of Engineering produces more Black engineers than any other campus in America. Its College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences leads in producing African American agriculture graduates. Nursing, kinesiology, education, and business programs feed directly into critical industries across the state.

The local impact is also visible during signature cultural moments like Homecoming, famously dubbed “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth” (GHOE). In 2024, GHOE drew over 130,000 attendees, with an estimated $11.3 million economic impact on the Greensboro area. Hotels, restaurants, transportation, and small businesses feel the surge. For many, A&T Homecoming is both a cultural anchor and a financial lifeline.

Daily, students pump dollars into housing, food, and retail. Faculty and staff add stability to Greensboro’s middle class. And A&T’s growing research enterprise — over $78 million annually in academic and scientific research — fuels partnerships with industry and government.

Cultural Significance and the Aggie Spirit

A&T is more than a university. It is a cultural force rooted in history, pride, and resilience. Founded in 1891 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race, A&T was established under the Morrill Act to provide educational opportunities to people of color who were excluded from other land-grant institutions.

That mission has never faded. From the A&T Four — Ezell Blair (Jibreel Khazan), Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond — who ignited the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, to today’s graduates entering fields in technology, medicine, and public service, Aggies have always stood at the forefront of change.

The phrase “Aggie Pride” is more than a chant at football games. It embodies a community ethos — that success is shared, and that each student carries the hopes of those who came before.

Alumni Legacy and Global Footprint

The university’s alumni footprint stretches far beyond North Carolina. More than 65,000 Aggies are active in business, science, politics, the arts, and community service worldwide.

Among the most notable: Dr. Ronald McNair, the astronaut and physicist who lost his life in the Challenger disaster but left a legacy of courage and scholarship; Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate; and Chief Justice Henry Frye, the first African American to serve as chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

But beyond the famous names, there are countless others: engineers designing next-generation infrastructure, teachers leading classrooms, nurses on the frontlines of care, and entrepreneurs driving small-business growth. The A&T alumni network represents not just success stories, but a living testament to the power of access, opportunity, and determination.

Looking Ahead

As A&T marks this milestone, challenges remain. Housing for a growing student population will need investment. Faculty recruitment and retention must keep pace with enrollment growth. And while graduation rates and retention are improving, the push for even higher student success will continue.

Yet the trajectory is clear. North Carolina A&T is not just growing — it is thriving. In a higher education landscape marked by declining enrollments nationwide, A&T’s expansion underscores the enduring relevance of HBCUs and the unique blend of academic excellence, cultural identity, and community commitment they offer.

“This is our 12th consecutive year of growth, and we continue to be humbled and grateful for the faith that our students place in us to prepare them for lives of meaning and success,” Chancellor Martin said. “North Carolina A&T is setting a national standard as a land-grant HBCU and model for what it means to be a public university in this new millennium.”

As Greensboro celebrates its hometown university’s success, Aggies everywhere — from North Carolina to Nairobi — will see this enrollment milestone not as an end point but as a launching pad. The numbers are historic, yes. But the true measure of A&T’s success lies in the lives its students and alumni continue to shape, and in the pride that echoes, year after year, across generations.

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Should Black Students Choose College or Trades?

By Quintessa Williams | Word in Black | September 17, 2025

For generations, Black families and their children have viewed a college degree as the ticket to upward mobility, financial security, and success. Then the pandemic happened, and Black college enrollment slumped, before slightly rebounding in recent years.

However, a growing number of Black high-school graduates — alarmed by skyrocketing college costs, stagnant wages for degree-holders, and the Trump administration’s crackdowns on student debt — are seeing trade-school education as a better investment than a four-year bachelor’s degree. Recent data from the National Clearinghouse indicate that Black student enrollment at trade schools has increased overall, particularly among Black men.

“What I actually hear Black students saying right now is, ‘I want to have autonomy. I want to have a choice,” Dr. Alaina Harper, executive director of the nonprofit OneGoal, tells Word In Black. “And I want every option after high school to be available to me.”

Is a College Degree Still Worth It?

Although Black undergraduate enrollment declined sharply over the last decade, new reports show a slight uptick, with enrollment at four-year schools rising more than 10% since spring 2024.

Recent economic reports also suggest that college degrees still offer significant financial benefits. A 2024 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that, on average, earning a college degree boosts a person’s annual income by about 12.5% compared to someone without one. Additionally, researchers noted that college graduates tend to earn higher median salaries compared to those with only a high school diploma.

Photo by Milton Kirby Atlanta Technical College

In recent years, however, the value of a college degree has come under scrutiny.

Tuition alone can reach six figures, even for state schools, with no guarantee of a job after graduation. Trump-era cutbacks on federal financial aid — and reports of degree-holders sinking under the weight of student loan debt — has some students thinking college is out of reach.

On the other hand, trade schools and community college certificate programs typically cost far less than an undergraduate degree, most take just a few years to complete, and jobs are plentiful in high-demand fields, such as dental hygiene and computer technology.

It’s no surprise, then, that National Clearinghouse data shows trade school enrollment jumped 20% since 2020 — the largest spike in a decade. At North American Trade Schools in Baltimore, Maryland, for example, 74% of the students are Black — with Black men making up more than 70%.

Harper says the decision to pursue college should align with a student’s individual goals and visions for the future: “I truly do believe that a four-year college pathway is the most reliable opportunity for some Black students in some careers,” she says. “But I also think there are lots of other options like trade or credentialing programs — and lots of two-year schools where you can pair those two things together.”

What’s at Stake for Black High Schoolers

As more Black high school students opt out of the traditional college track, Harper cautions that counselors should spend more time with students to understand their goals, so that they do not feel forced into one pathway because another feels out of reach.

“Students need to know they’re not giving something up by choosing a trade,” she says. “But we have to make sure they are actually choosing.”

For Harper, that also includes addressing the financial realities Black students often face. According to a 2023 Federal Reserve Board of Governors report, white families on average hold 6.2 times more wealth than Black families. That typically means Black families are less able to afford resources to help their children get into college, such as admissions test preparation courses and private tutors.

While Harper urges that postsecondary decisions should be rooted in aspiration and not just affordability — until systems catch up — the cost of college could quietly narrow Black students’ choices, especially those balancing school and other financial responsibilities.

“When we think about how to support academic achievement for Black students, it’s not just about test scores,” Harper adds. “It’s about helping students make informed decisions about their future. That clarity and sense of purpose can be the difference between disengagement and motivation in high school.”

Every Single Pathway is a Career Pathway

Harper says the solution lies in redefining what counts as a “successful” outcome for Black students — and ensuring that all pathways are treated with dignity, investment, and opportunity.

“We have to normalize that every single student is on a career pathway,” she says. “College is one of them. Trade is another. Apprenticeship is another. What matters is that we support them all the way through.”

That means schools and policymakers, Harper says, must stop treating college and career readiness as mutually exclusive. Adding that students should be exposed to both, with real-world mentorship, data-driven advising, and culturally relevant guidance that centers their lives and goals.

“If a student chooses college, we should champion them. If they choose trade, we should champion them. And if they’re not sure yet, we need to give them time, space, and tools to figure it out. The future our students want isn’t either/or. It’s both/and. Our job is to make sure no door is closed to them.”

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MARTA Interim CEO Charts Course for Safer, Faster, More Reliable Transit Ahead of World Cup

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 16, 2025

MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt stood before the press last week with a clear message: it’s time for Atlanta’s transit system to deliver “routine excellence.”

At a September 10 briefing, Hunt laid out third-quarter operational updates, customer experience improvements, and a safety strategy from MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher. He emphasized four priorities: improving operational efficiency, strengthening safety and security, advancing major capital projects, and preparing the system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Staffing and Safety

MARTA plans to be fully staffed with 250 sworn officers by year’s end, adding 30 new officers and 10 Field Protective Specialists (FPS). FPS are customer-facing members of MARTA Police who provide reassurance, assistance, and early response to situations on trains, buses, and at stations.

Hunt said, “Our vision is to deliver safe, clean, and reliable transit through routine excellence every day.

Modern Fare System

Hunt also unveiled details of MARTA’s new fare collection system, AFC 2.0. Riders will soon be able to tap credit or debit cards directly at upgraded faregates or use mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The system will also feature:

Faster, more reliable faregates
New ticket machines that return exact change in bills
Retail partnerships at 240 locations for Breeze card reloads
Modernized bus fare boxes for quicker boarding

The transition is expected to improve convenience and reduce bottlenecks across the network.

Capital Projects and Station Rename

Despite some project delays, Hunt reaffirmed MARTA’s commitment to new railcars, a redesigned bus network, and the region’s first rapid bus line. In May, MARTA’s Board approved renaming GWCC/CNN Center Station to the “Sports, Entertainment & Convention District” (SEC) Station. The new name will officially take effect January 1, 2026—just months before Atlanta hosts the World Cup.

Financial Stability

“MARTA’s financial house is in order,” Hunt said, noting the system’s strong ratings: AA+ from Fitch and AAA from both S&P and Crowell. These top-tier ratings, rare in the transit sector, reflect the agency’s financial discipline and steady revenue.

Leadership Re-alignment

Hunt also announced on September 12 a leadership restructuring. Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen has been promoted to Deputy General Manager, overseeing Customer Experience, Technology, Operations, Planning, Capital Programs, and MARTA Police Services. Larry Prescott will serve as Interim Chief Capital Officer while a national search begins for a permanent hire. Paul Lopes, head of Operational and Urban Planning, will expand his oversight to include all transit operations—bus, rail, paratransit, and streetcar.

“The way to rebuild public trust in MARTA is by delivering routine excellence every day,” Hunt said. “These organizational changes will strengthen accountability, create space for innovation, and enhance service delivery.” With big projects, leadership changes, and safety upgrades moving forward, Hunt framed MARTA’s mission plainly: show riders—daily—that Atlanta transit can deliver.

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Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson flaunted chilling gun obsession in family photos

Charlie Kirk’s accused assassin, Tyler Robinson, had childhood firearm obsession; investigators cite rooftop sniper attack, political motive, and disturbing family photos in Utah arrest.

By Mataeo Smith | Orem, UT | September 12, 2025

Investigators claim that the alleged assassin who killed Charlie Kirk had a childhood obsession with firearms.

The 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was identified on Friday as the suspected assailant who shot Kirk during the conservative influencer’s protest on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Robinson was spotted liking firearms as a child and seemed to regularly visit shooting ranges, according to social media posts from his family.

One photo from when Robinson looked like a teenager showed him holding a scoped rifle, while another showed him with an M2 Browning 50. caliber machine gun. A bazooka was in his hand in a third picture.

His mother shared pictures of Robinson and his two younger siblings at military functions and shooting ranges on Facebook. Amber Robinson was pictured clutching a US Army machine gun with pride in one of her posts.

As his family dressed in similar red clothes for Christmas 2017, Tyler Robinson was spotted with a brand-new iPhone and his brother a “build it yourself” gun kit.

Another photo from that year’s social media posts by Robinson’s mother showed him dressed as Donald Trump for Halloween. FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials identified Robinson as the suspected assassin who killed Kirk from a rooftop about 200 yards away using a Mauser 98 bold-action rifle on Friday.

Robinson was arrested Thursday evening in southern Utah, according to law enforcement authorities who spoke to the Daily Mail. Approximately 260 miles south of Kirk’s killing site in Orem, he resides in a six-bedroom, $600,000 mansion in Washington, Utah.

According to people who spoke to the Mail, the accused murderer confessed to his father, Matt. He was persuaded to talk to a local youth preacher who was also employed by the US Marshals Service after he allegedly told his father that he would rather commit suicide than give himself in.

Amber Robinson, his mother, is employed by Intermountain Support Coordination Services, a state-contracted organization that assists in the care of individuals with disabilities. According to internet records, both of his parents are registered Republicans.

According to individuals who spoke to the Daily Mail, Robinson attended Utah State University on a scholarship for just one semester in 2021.

Robinson attended Utah State University on a scholarship for just one semester in 2021 © Reach Publishing Services Limited

According to a probable cause affidavit, he is charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a handgun causing serious bodily damage, and obstruction of justice.

At a press conference Thursday evening, authorities stated that Robinson would be executed if found guilty. Utah Governor Spencer Cox opened his remarks at a press conference Friday morning by saying, “We got him.”

“The question is, what sort of watershed?” Cox said, referring to Kirk’s killing as a ‘watershed point’ in American history.

He stated that Robinson’s relatives had told detectives that he had recently become more political and had told them that he didn’t like Kirk, calling him “full of hate.”

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Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing had become ‘more political’ and likely acted alone, authorities say

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect arrested in Utah; political motive suspected. Governor Cox, Trump, and FBI cite targeted attack amid rising U.S. political violence.

By Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer, Jesse Bedayn & Hannah Schoenbaum | Associated Press | September 12, 2025

The man accused in the Charlie Kirk assassination had earlier expressed to family his opposition to the viewpoints of the conservative activist, the authorities said Friday in announcing an arrest in a targeted killing that raised fresh alarms about political violence in the United States.

Tyler Robinson, 22, had become “more political” in the run-up to the shooting and had indicated to a family friend afterward that he was responsible, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. Cox also cited as key pieces of evidence engravings on bullets found in a rifle believed used in the attack as well as chatting app messages attributed to the shooting suspect that a roommate shared with law enforcement.

Cox, a Republican, called Kirk’s killing an “attack on the American experiment,” and he urged a new generation to “choose a different path.”

Robinson is believed to have acted alone, and the investigation is ongoing, Cox said.

Robinson’s arrest early Friday morning was disclosed by President Donald Trump, who said in a Fox News Channel interview that, “With a high degree of certainty, we have him.”

Calls to telephone numbers listed for Robinson in public records rang unanswered.

News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the person’s whereabouts.

Kirk was killed by a single shot in what police said was a targeted attack and Utah’s governor called a political assassination. Kirk co-founded the nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA, based in Arizona.

Authorities recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle near the scene of the shooting and had said the shooter jumped off a roof and vanished into the nearby woods afterward.

Kirk had been speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point at Utah Valley University at the time of Wednesday’s shooting. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead hours later.

“He wanted to help young people, and he didn’t deserve this,” Trump said Friday. “He was really a good person.”

Federal investigators and state officials on Thursday had released photos and a video of the person they believe is responsible. Kirk was shot as he spoke to a crowd gathered in a courtyard at the university in Orem.

More than 7,000 leads and tips had poured in, officials said. Authorities have yet to cite a motive in the killing, the latest act of political violence to convulse the United States.

Grisly video shared online

The attack, carried out in broad daylight as Kirk spoke about social issues, was captured on grisly videos that spread on social media.

The videos show Kirk, who was influential in rallying young Republican voters, speaking into a handheld microphone when suddenly a shot rings out. Kirk reaches up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream before people start running away.

The shooter, who investigators believe blended into the campus crowd because of a college-age appearance, fired one shot from the rooftop, according to authorities. Video released Thursday showed the person then walking through the grass and across the street before disappearing.

“I can tell you this was a targeted event,” said Robert Bohls, the top FBI agent in Salt Lake City.

Trump, who was joined by Democrats in condemning the violence, said he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, visited with Kirk’s family Thursday in Salt Lake City. Vance posted a remembrance on X chronicling their friendship, dating back to initial messages in 2017, through Vance’s Senate run and the 2024 election.

“So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” Vance wrote. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”

Kirk’s casket was flown aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Phoenix, where his nonprofit political youth organization is based. Trump told reporters he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral. Details have not been announced.

Kirk was taking questions about gun violence

Kirk was a conservative provocateur who became a powerful political force among young Republicans and was a fixture on college campuses, where he invited sometimes-vehement debate on social issues.

One such provocative exchange played out immediately before the shooting as Kirk was taking questions from an audience member about gun violence.

The debate hosted by Turning Point at the Sorensen Center on campus was billed as the first stop on Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.”

The event generated a polarizing campus reaction. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry and constructive dialogue.”

Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”

Attendees barricaded themselves in classrooms

Some attendees who bolted after the gunshot rushed into two classrooms full of students. They used tables to barricade the door and to shield themselves in the corners. Someone grabbed an electric pencil sharpener and wrapped the cord tightly around the door handle, then tied the sharpener to a chair leg.

On campus Thursday, the canopy stamped with the slogan Kirk commonly used at his events — “PROVE ME WRONG” — stood, disheveled.

Meanwhile, the shooting continued to draw bipartisan condemnation as Democratic officials joined Trump and other Republican allies of Kirk in decrying the attack, which unfolded during a spike of political violence that has touched a range of ideologies and representatives of both major political parties.

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DeKalb CEO Cochran-Johnson Calls for Focus and Discipline in Reform Rollout

DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson launches sweeping government overhaul, unveiling 266 reforms from a landmark review to boost efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across county operations.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | September 10, 2025

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has unveiled a wide-ranging government reform plan following the release of a landmark organizational assessment conducted by independent consulting firm Mauldin & Jenkins.

The evaluation, commissioned as part of her transition strategy, reviewed 18 county departments and produced 266 actionable recommendations to modernize operations, increase efficiency, and strengthen accountability.

“As I shared in my first budget proposal, this assessment was never about pointing fingers, it was about building a stronger foundation for DeKalb’s future,” Cochran-Johnson said. “With this report, we now have a clear, data-informed roadmap to reimagine how we serve, how we lead, and how we grow.”

The recommendations call for improvements in leadership alignment, service delivery, process modernization, technology integration, workflow optimization, and risk management. To ensure follow-through, the CEO’s office will appoint a Change Manager tasked with coordinating efforts, tracking progress, and reporting updates to the Board of Commissioners and the public.

“This is a pivotal moment for DeKalb County,” Cochran-Johnson added. “We now have the blueprint and the will. What comes next is execution—and that will require focus, discipline, and collaboration at every level of government.”

County officials say implementation will begin immediately, with the goal of building a more transparent and responsive government that can better serve DeKalb’s nearly 800,000 residents.

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