MARTA’s $230 million transformation of Five Points Station enters a major new phase next week. Beginning Monday, October 13, the Peachtree Street entrance and the federal employee tunnel will close to the public as crews begin the safe demolition and removal of the aging concrete canopy.
The Forsyth Street entrance will be the only way in and out of the station during this period. MARTA says the closure is essential to keep workers and passengers safe while the structure above the station is dismantled.
What Stays the Same
Rail service, transfers, and elevators will remain open. All buses will continue boarding on Forsyth Street. However, customers should plan for temporary escalator and stair closures in the coming weeks as scaffolding and overhead protection are installed. Clear signage will be in place to guide riders through the changes.
Ongoing Impacts
Other service adjustments will remain in effect:
The Alabama Street and Broad Street Plaza entrances are still closed.
Restrooms remain closed.
Customer service offices have been temporarily relocated and will move permanently to Ashby Station at a later date.
A Reimagined Downtown Hub
Once complete, the reimagined Five Points Station will serve as a modernized urban centerpiece — designed to improve safety, connectivity, and the rider experience. Plans include a new open-air canopy, redesigned bus hub, a pedestrian link to Broad Street, and new community spaces featuring public art and even urban agriculture.
The project is being funded primarily through the More MARTA Atlanta half-penny sales tax, with contributions of $13.8 million from the State of Georgia, a $25 million Federal RAISE Grant, and additional support from MARTA’s core penny fund.
For more details and project updates, visit itsmarta.com.
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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.
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.
Photo by Milton Kirby Uncle Nearest
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.
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.
Thurgood Marshall – Courtesy Britannica
“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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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.”
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.”
Photo by Milton Kirby City Lights South
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.
Photo by Milton Kirby City Lights South
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.
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 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 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 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.
Photo by Milton Kirby
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.
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 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.”
Photo by Milton Kirby Atlanta Beltline
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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