by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2026

Pat McGrath Labs Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Cancels Auction

Pat McGrath Labs narrowly missed being auctioned off after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Pat McGrath Labs has pulled its beauty empire from auction after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy just before the sale was set to begin.

On Jan. 26, a spokesperson for the makeup brand confirmed the Chapter 11 filing, saying the company plans to continue operating while working toward long-term stability, WWD reported.

“During this process, the company will continue operations in the ordinary course of business while working to restructure its balance sheet and to forge a path to thrive,” the spokeswoman for Pat McGrath Labs said in a statement. “Pat McGrath Labs remains committed to its community, customers, partners and stakeholders as it continues delivering its signature, high-quality products and culture-defining artistry and innovation.”

The bankruptcy filing comes just over a month after reports surfaced of a planned auction for the makeup company, created by the celebrated editorial and runway makeup artist Pat McGrath. Reports indicated the company was up for sale, with Hilco Global overseeing an auction scheduled for Jan. 26.

The planned auction was set to include assets pledged by Pat McGrath Cosmetics, LLC, and its founder, Dame Pat McGrath. However, on Jan. 22, Pat McGrath Labs filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The Chapter 11 filing indicates the company has time to restore profitability, as it allows it to continue operating while restructuring its debt. Hilco Global, the auction facilitator, has since removed Pat McGrath Labs’ listing from its website.

The bankruptcy filing comes just over a decade after McGrath launched Pat McGrath Labs in 2015 with Gold 001, a $40 metallic foil that sold out in minutes and set the brand’s buzz-driven model. The company raised $60 million from Eurazeo Brands in 2018 at a valuation reportedly exceeding $1 billion, but in recent years has faced operational struggles, executive turnover, and layoffs. Once valued far higher, the brand’s worth has since declined sharply, with Eurazeo quietly exiting its stake and sales reportedly totaling about $50 million last year.

Despite the company’s struggles, McGrath remains in high demand, most recently serving as beauty director for Louis Vuitton’s La Beauté makeup collection.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 27, 2026

Health Officials Warn Of Incurable Nipah Virus Outbreak Reported In India

Data from the World Health Organization revealed the natural host of Nipah virus comes from fruit bats and can be transmitted from pigs, contaminated foods, and direct human-to-human contact.

Health officials in India are waving red flags and warnings against the Nipah Virus, a deadly and incurable virus labeled as zoonotic — meaning it affects both animals and people, People reports.

Two nurses working at private hospitals near Kolkata, West Bengal, were suspected of being infected after working together between Dec. 28 and Dec. 30. Days later, between Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, both healthcare professionals started to have high fevers and experienced respiratory distress.

After an initial investigation, health officials suggested both nurses caught the virus from a patient who died before being tested for Nipah, who came in with severe respiratory symptoms. The nurses were both admitted Jan. 4 to the intensive care unit following worsening conditions, including one nurse being in a coma.

“The most likely source of infection is a patient who had been admitted to the same hospital previously,” one senior health official serving in West Bengal’s Nipah surveillance efforts said.

“That individual is being treated as the suspected index case, and investigations are ongoing.”

However, there seems to be a little more to the story.

Data from the World Health Organization revealed that the natural host of the Nipah virus is fruit bats and that it can be transmitted from pigs, contaminated foods, and direct human-to-human contact. Researchers have also collected blood and swab samples from bats at Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo to rule out infection.

Narayan Swaroop Nigam, principal secretary of health and family welfare in West Bengal, has begun implementing quarantine and surveillance measures as the number of tested people has reached 180. Twenty high-risk contacts have been quarantined.

Since officials highlight preventative measures already put in place, they insist there is “no reason for immediate panic.” “All of them are asymptomatic and tested negative. We will again test them before their 21-day quarantine ends,” Nigam said, according to USA Today.

In a post on X, India’s Ministry of Health shared “do’s and don’ts” for preventing Nipah virus infection. Similar to the global COVID-19 pandemic, people should continue to wash their hands and wear protective clothing when around or handling animals.

Follow these essential precautions to prevent Nipah Virus infection. Stay alert, stay informed, and follow advisories issued by local health authorities.#NipahVirus #PublicHealth #HealthForAll pic.twitter.com/itTuZA18ev
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 22, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released symptoms to be aware of as they typically appear four to 14 days after infection, such as fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. More serious symptoms include encephalitis, another word for brain swelling, which can ultimately cause drowsiness, seizures, or comas.

Blind SIde, Quinton Aaron, actor, infection, GoFundMe

by Keka Araújo

January 27, 2026

‘The Blind Side’ Star Quinton Aaron Fighting For Life After Sudden Collapse

To the world, he is the “gentle giant” who brought the story of Michael Oher to the silver screen in the Academy Award-winning film The Blind Side. But today, 41-year-old Quinton Aaron is facing a battle more harrowing than any scripted drama.

Aaron is currently hospitalized in Atlanta on life support, fighting a sudden and severe blood infection that has left his family and fans in a state of shock. The crisis began last week when Aaron collapsed at his home after his legs unexpectedly gave out while climbing the stairs.

The Anatomy of a Crisis

Loved ones have described the health scare as “sudden, frightening, and overwhelming.” Aaron, who inspired many by sharing his journey of losing over 200 pounds in October — dropping from 575 to 375 pounds — was rushed to the hospital after slipping in and out of consciousness.

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A post shared by Quinton Aaron (@officialquintonaaron)

His wife, Margarita, recalled the terrifying moment his legs failed him, leading to a fall that ultimately revealed the underlying systemic infection.

“Quinton is one of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever meet,” a representative from the Veterans Aid Network shared. “He shows up for others. He encourages, uplifts, and gives freely of himself. Today, he needs us to show up for him.”

As of Jan. 26, there are small but poignant signs of hope. An update from the medical team confirmed that Aaron has opened his eyes and regained some sensation in his foot. While the almost seven-foot actor remains on life support and partially dependent on medical devices to breathe, his wife remains optimistic, noting he is “showing a lot of improvement” and even gave a thumbs-up to communicating with family members.

“Quinton has opened his eyes and has some feeling in his foot! He is still on life support and going through tests. We are looking at quite a recovery time and will need a wheelchair when he is released, while he goes through therapy to walk again. Thank you to all of you for your support and prayers,” the organization updated via GoFundMe.

The Road Ahead: Recovery and Resilience

The road to recovery will be long and arduous. Doctors are still working to pinpoint the exact cause of the severe blood infection, which led to him being intubated last Friday when his breathing became unstable. Even after he is stable enough to leave the intensive care unit, Aaron will require extensive physical therapy and is expected to need a wheelchair as he learns to walk again.

The financial toll of such a crisis is immense. Between mounting medical expenses and the loss of income during a lengthy rehabilitation, Aaron’s family is facing a significant burden. The Veterans Aid Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that typically assists military families, has stepped in to organize a fundraiser at the request of Quinton’s wife, Margarita, noting that Quinton is part of a veteran family.

Alcon Entertainment, the production company behind The Blind Side, has already stepped up with a $10,000 lead donation to the $35,000 goal.

For his care, the ask is $35,000, and the fundraising site has surpassed the goal by almost $3,000.

A Legacy of Compassion

Beyond his Hollywood success — including roles in Law & Order: SVU, One Tree Hill, and his upcoming project Mothers and Daughters — Aaron has dedicated much of his life to the Quinton Aaron Foundation, advocating against bullying and providing resources to children in crisis. This isn’t his first health hurdle; he previously battled a severe respiratory infection in 2019 and a bout with pneumonia and Type A flu in early 2025.

Now, the man who spent his career reminding us that humanity matters is the one in need of our compassion. His family is requesting privacy but expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of love.

“We all have faith in God that he will walk out of here fully recovered,” Margarita said.

San Antonio, St. Paul Historic District,

by Kandiss Edwards

January 27, 2026

The Black History, Art, And Food Powering San Antonio

While kinfolk may not be obvious in the landscape, they are there.

Black kinfolk may not be immediately visible across San Antonio’s landscape, but they are present. A closer look reveals a deep history, a growing cultural footprint, and an ongoing fight for recognition.

Arriving at the airport, it may not be immediately apparent that Black residents are present. The city’s large Hispanic and white populations can leave some feeling out of place and push them to search elsewhere for community. However, visitors should begin looking beyond the city’s most well-known attractions, including the Alamo, the River Walk, and the Tower of the Americas.

History

In the shadows of the Alamo, Black Texans host Black history tours that educate visitors about St. Paul Historic Square, tucked beside The Aiden Hotel, which serves as a meeting place to kick off the experience. Few would guess that a quiet contemporary lodging sits amid a deep legacy of Black perseverance. The lives and legacies of San Antonio natives Myra Davis Hemings, Artemesia Bowden, and Hattie Briscoe are revealed through art and storytelling led by tour guide Aundar Ma’at. The tours also pay homage to one of the region’s earliest Black settlements through murals, historic markers, and a modest informational center. Deeper on the east side, the Bexar County Buffalo Soldier Association relays the history of the Black cavalry and infantry soldiers formed after the Civil War.

Buffalo soldiers, San Antonio, Bear

Art

Museum curator Maria Williams owns the Eye of the Beholder Black Art Gallery. A lover of the arts, Williams grew dismayed after realizing that Black representation was limited within the city’s cultural landscape. Her discovery led her to pursue the Art of Four Initiative, which sought out grants for artists that were going largely unused by local creatives. Williams successfully secured funding and transitioned from an event planner to a curator. Eye of the Beholder is now a central destination for visitors seeking Black art and cultural context in the city.

Black San Antonio residents are still working out the kinks in telling their own story. As such, the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) seeks to tell the expansive story of Black folks from their time in then Mexico to the evolution of the community in the Republic of Texas.

Eye of the Beholder, San Antonio — Credit: BE/KEdwards

Cuisine

Beyond history and art, what is a trip without food? While San Antonio has its flaws and a questionable history, its food scene hosts premier Black chefs. Freight Fried Chicken, owned by Chef Nicola Blaque, is beyond satisfying. The restaurant is located at The Pearl, a shopping, food, and entertainment hub built into the bones of a brewery, along with another culinary gem. Michelin Star-winning Nicosi Dessert Bar is only a stone’s throw away. With a no-phone policy and blacked-out windows, the Nicosi Dessert Bar takes its environment, its desserts, and customer experience to the next level.

For those looking for a taste of down-home cuisine and R&B, Tryst Kitchen+Cocktails serves up traditional southern delicacies, including gumbo, oxtail, shrimp po’ boys, and a honey cornbread to write home about. For a delicious brunch, Box Street, located a short walk from the Tower of America, does breakfast with a Hispanic twist. To engage with Texas’s famous fare, a Texas pitmaster mans Pinkerton’s BBQ, and the succulent meat proves the mastery.

San Antonio, Nicosi, Freight Fried Chicken, Tryst — Credit: BE/Kedwards

San Antonio is beautiful. The many murals that adorn the city speak to a spirit of artistry and inclusion. The Martin Luther King Jr. March, said to be the largest MLK commemorative march in the U.S., speaks to the region’s desire to embrace differences and cohabitate in peace. On a regular day, you may have to be intentional about interacting with the city’s Black folk; on that day, you can find them gathered joyfully in community with their diverse neighbors. The beauty of Blackness shines bright in San Antonio. Look closely, you’ll see it there, and it’s worth searching for.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2026

How Crystal Nicole Went From Civil Engineer To Full-Time Beauty Influencer

The former civil engineer shares how she went from a 9-to-5 job to a deal-closing beauty influencer.

Crystal Nicole, a former civil engineer turned beauty influencer, credits her 9-to-5 background for the structure and discipline behind her content creator career.

The Dallas-based beauty influencer has built a following of more than 1 million across social media, landed major brand partnerships with Kiehl’s, Olay, Aveeno, SheaMoisture, NYX Cosmetics, and L’Oréal Paris, and spoken at the Sephora Impact Summit. Content creation wasn’t always something she imagined pursuing. Nicole was steered to a civil engineering degree by her mother, who questioned the practicality of fashion and design.

“She said, ‘You have cousins who are engineers, why don’t you look up engineering?’ I also am a math head; I love math. So it wasn’t a terrible idea … And I found the one sector of engineering that felt the most [like] design, and that was civil,” Nicole told AfroTech. “I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll be designing buildings or highways instead of clothes.’”

While studying at the University of New Orleans, Nicole began documenting her natural hair journey after ditching a relaxer she’d used for more than a decade. As questions about her routine poured in, she recognized a lack of representation and resources, which led her to start a YouTube channel in 2017 to share her experience and help others on their natural hair journeys.

“I wasn’t even an influencer at that time. I was literally just making videos for fun to help other people,” Nicole recalled. “It was never something that I thought would become a career. And I also found so much passion in it because there was so many Black women who didn’t know who they were naturally or how to even take care of what was given to them, including my mom … It was just something that I was doing to provide education for people and to do for fun while I was still in college.”

After graduating, Nicole accepted a full-time civil engineering job. She earned about $70,000 running her YouTube channel on the side. As her content income grew to surpass her roughly $4,000 monthly take-home pay, she decided at the start of the pandemic to pursue content creation full-time.

“I’m making two, three, four times my engineering salary off of three deals, and I’m straight out of college,” Nicole said.

As her platform expanded, Nicole landed major partnerships with brands including Youth to the People, Charlotte Tilbury, CeraVe, Clinique, and Kérastase, while stepping into leadership roles such as moderating CurlyCon, speaking at the Sephora Impact Summit, and keynoting the WEB Who Is She Brunch in Charlotte.

She credits her engineering background with shaping the discipline and structure behind her influencer career. “The structure helps a lot because I still have that structure from my 9-to-5,” Nicole shared. “It allows me to juggle and balance so many different events, and I’m pretty good with time management.”

As she looks to expand her creative footprint through product collaborations, Nicole offers a blunt reminder to aspiring creators: stay organized—because when you work for yourself, it’s all on you, and the IRS is watching.

“That was my reality check when I realized the IRS is gonna be coming for this money … I feel like a lot of influencers don’t understand is, when you’re an influencer, when you’re your own entity, you have even more of a responsibility than when you were a nine-to-five. There’s no such thing as you getting a tax return. You’re paying taxes and you’re paying them at 30% typically,” she explained.

“If you’re not setting money aside, you’re gonna have money piled up, but you’re also gonna have money that is due, and you don’t realize how much is due because you’ve never had to pay taxes, you’ve only had taxes returned to you.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2026

The Isley Brothers To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame This Week

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that the group will receive the 2,834th star.

The legendary career of the Isley Brothers will be celebrated once again.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that the group will receive the 2,834th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The dedication will start at 11:30 a.m. PT at 7051 Hollywood Boulevard. at 7051 Hollywood Boulevard. The emcee for the presentation will be KTLA Entertainment Anchor Melvin Robert .Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Publishing, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, music producer, and songwriter Terry Lewis are scheduled to speak.

The Isley Brothers are being honored in the recording category.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is shouting how proud we are to welcome The Isley Brothers to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” said Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame producer, in a written statement. “Their incredible legacy in music has influenced generations of artists and fans around the world, and we’re proud to celebrate their enduring impact with this well-deserved star.”

The group of brothers, featuring O’Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, and Ronald Isley, began their musical journey in the 1950s. In 1973, the trio became a six-member R&B group when Jasper (Rudolph’s brother-in-law), Ernie Isley, and Marvin Isley joined the group.

The Isley Brothers celebrated a milestone in 2025 that may never be matched, when they had a song that charted for an eighth consecutive decade on the Billboard charts. They are also the most sampled group of all time.

The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. The group, now a duo featuring Ron and Ernie, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. Last November, it was inducted into the newly formed New Jersey Hall of Fame.

The duo released its last project in 2022, Make Me Say It Again, Girl,” and is still performing.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 26, 2026

Beyoncé Wants You To ‘Bey Mine’ This Valentine’s Day With Rocker-Inspired Merch Collection

The singer mentioned some rocker-inspired pieces for her latest merch drop.

Will you be Beyoncé’s Valentine? The singer just dropped a new Valentine’s Day collection that fans consider a nod to her rumored rock album.

Beyoncé has the Beyhive buzzing again with her racy “Beymine” collection, which is all about love. The items not only reflect the different moments of her career but may signal the dawn of an era to come.

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The collection comes with items that could make for a full outfit. Big fans could purchase a “Naughty Girl” rhinestone set and a cherry satin “Renaissance” robe, complete with a “Cater 2 U” eye mask. The sexy assortment, exclusively sold on Beyoncé’s website, is to create a “touch of fantasy” from the “Dangerously in Love” woman.

“A touch of fantasy that will hit in any light,” the website boasts. “Make a sexy statement in the sparkling gold or silver Naughty Girl Rhinestone set featuring thong & nipple tassels with Lady Bey charms.”

The featured items also include bundle sets with her Cé Noir and Cé Lumière perfumes. However, some of the outfits have raised eyebrows for reasons outside the scantily clad designs. With one “Bodyguard” chocker detailed as having “a little rock n roll with a whole lotta sexy,” members of the Beyhive believe that the description says more about her upcoming LP.

Beyoncé has long described 2022’s Renaissance and 2024’s Cowboy Carter as part of a trilogy, with many fans expecting her to announce a rock album this year. The Grammy winner has released previous holiday-inspired apparel befitting her brand, launching a country Christmas collection late last year. However, only time will tell if her latest rollout is a sign of more music to drop.

In the meantime, lovers of Beyoncé and Valentine’s Day flair can grab their most wanted gift from Queen Bey herself. Items ordered by Feb. 1 can arrive right on time to celebrate love like a superstar singer.

Teyana Taylor, Essence, Apollo,, Innovator Award

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 26, 2026

Teyana Taylor Gives Sneak Preview Of Air Jordan 3 ‘Concrete Rose’

No release date has been announced.

Last summer, Teyana Taylor announced a collaboration with Jordan Brand’s Air Jordan, the Air Jordan 3 “Concrete Rose.” Not too long after the Harlemite won her first Golden Globe for her role in “One Battle After Another,” Jordan Brand released photos of the upcoming sneaker.

According to Complex, the sneaker giant showcased the mostly green colorway of its footwear and gear in an Instagram post. Wearing a green sweatsuit emblazoned with Michael Jordan’s number 23, she sits on a bench with the Air Jordan 3 “Concrete Rose” on her feet. This comes after the 2023 launch of the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 “A Rose From Harlem.”

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There has been no reported release date, but it definitely comes at a great time, as Taylor is up for a Grammy Award on Feb. 1. This is her very first nomination, which is for Escape Room, nominated for Best R&B album. If she does take home a prize, she will be halfway to EGOT (Emmy-television/GRAMMY-music/Oscar-film and Tony-theater) status. And she’s up for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for One Battle After Another.

The singer was the host of this past weekend’s Saturday Night Live. She was prepping for the gig when she found out about her Oscar nomination.

At the rate Taylor is going, she may also become a successful chef if she chooses to do so. She told her social media followers last summer that she was taking classes at a culinary school, revealing her apron and chef’s hat in a playful Instagram video. She said she was called the “Hood Betty Crocker” because she baked treats for her friends.

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Miami Heat,Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers' Head Coach, Chauncey Billups

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 26, 2026

NBA And WNBA Players Speak Out After Federal Agents Fatally Shoot Alex Pretti

The NBA and WNBA are speaking out after federal agents fatally shot a man in Minneapolis over the weekend.

Players from both the NBA and WNBA have spoken out amid political and social unrest after videos surfaced showing federal agents fatally shooting ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minnesota this weekend.

Several well‑known NBA and WNBA players took to social media after seeing videos of Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse, being fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on Jan. 24. Coming just weeks after federal agents fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis, Pretti’s death has fueled widespread outrage over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Among NBA players who reacted, Indiana Pacers All‑Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton was one of the first to post on social media, bluntly declaring, “Alex Pretti was murdered.”

Alex Pretti was murdered.
— Tyrese Haliburton (@Hali) January 25, 2026

The shooting affected the entire league, and the NBA postponed a Minnesota Timberwolves–Golden State Warriors game scheduled for Jan. 24, saying it wanted to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.” The game was rescheduled for Jan. 25, and Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said the team was “heartbroken” by what the city has been forced to witness and endure.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed his condolences for the city of Minneapolis amid the ongoing unrest surrounding the tragedy.

“I’ve been following everything; it’s very sad. This has always been a great stop in the NBA tour. I love the city of Minneapolis; people here are wonderful, and it’s very sad what’s happening,” he said. “I think the general feeling is one of sadness for Minneapolis, the city, they have been through a lot, and we empathize with the citizens here.”

A moment of silence was also held for Pretti ahead of the game.

BREAKING: The Minnesota Timberwolves held a moment of silence to honor Alex Pretti tonight. They are doing far more than our President could ever. It shouldn’t be this way. pic.twitter.com/F2xLUu9hmj
— Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) January 25, 2026

Two-time NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas also spoke out by sharing Bernice King’s statement on Pretti and other posts denouncing his killing. He also sent out a tweet directly calling out the federal agents involved in the shooting.

He wrote: “6 guys beating the sh-t outta ONE person then KILLING him!! F-ck the ICE agents,” Thomas wrote. “6 against one and yall still shoot and kill somebody. Yall had him out numbered and decided to KILL him like it was a video game, and he can just he his life back smh.”

Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Jaylen Clark posted the graphic video of Pretti’s killing to his Instagram story, captioning it “sick world man.”

In the WNBA, league stars like A’ja Wilson and Angel Reese spoke out, with Reese posting that she is “praying for our country” amid the unrest, while Wilson expressed the need for change. Two‑time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart made a visible protest before an Unrivaled league game by holding up an “Abolish ICE” sign during player introductions.

Unrivaled co-founder and WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart held up an “Abolish ICE” sign during player intros ahead of Mist’s game this afternoon.

Photo via @Unrivaledwbb pic.twitter.com/mK9TDIJ6Ge
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) January 25, 2026

“Really, all day yesterday, I was just disgusted from everything that you see on Instagram and in the news,” Stewart later told ESPN. “Everyone here [at Unrivaled] is feeling that way, one way or another. We’re so fueled by hate right now instead of love, so I wanted to have a simple message of ‘Abolish ICE,’ which means having policies to uplift families and communities instead of fueling fear and violence.”

The National Basketball Players Association, the official union for NBA players, released a statement saying that “NBA players can no longer remain silent” in response to the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good and stand with those calling for justice and change.

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by Sharelle B. McNair

January 26, 2026

Uncle Nearest Founders Challenge Receivership With Emergency Motion For Fast-Tracked Hearing

The couple argues the measure isn't still needed with claims it is hurting the brand’s market, sales, and value.

The fight over the receivership of the Black-owned whiskey brand Uncle Nearest is heating up, as founders Fawn and Keith Weaver filed an emergency motion to expedite the evidentiary hearing, scheduled to determine whether the receivership is still needed.

The Moore County Observer reports the motion was filed Jan. 20 by Grant Sidney Inc., a private investment company, and the married couple, with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The couple argues the measure isn’t still needed, with claims it is hurting the brand’s market, sales, and value. In the growing case brought on by Farm Credit Mid-America, PCA, the Weavers seek an expedited, multi-day evidentiary hearing on the pending motion to reconsider the receivership.

The troubled whiskey brand’s owners claim the receivership was imposed too quickly, with little to no notice or time. There was also allegedly a lack of a full presentation on the full matters of the issue. Asking for a two-day hearing in the next two weeks, the Weavers argue that federal courts can change or terminate receiverships due to circumstantial changes and feel the time is now.

Things have been shaky for the Shelbyville-based brand since the company’s main lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, filed a federal lawsuit in July 2025 claiming Uncle Nearest and the couple defaulted on over $108 million in loans and breached loan terms.

The motion highlighted the brand’s growth prior to the receivership. According to The Spirits Business, throughout the first eight months of 2025, Uncle Nearest outperformed the US whiskey market overall, but then things took a turn. But after news of a receiver appointment, sales went from positive to an overall decline, underperforming by more than 18% in January 2026.

Fawn and Keith attribute the decline to operational disruptions, inventory shortages, and a lack of category-specific expertise in managing a premium whiskey brand under receivership. “The continued delay risks irreversible harm to the company’s brand and enterprise value,” the filing reads.

The Weavers also push that things are solid at Uncle Nearest and that a forced sale or liquidation-style process could undervalue the business. During the hearing, the founders want to show documentation and provide testimony in hopes that the court will make the right decision. They have waved flags of concern regarding the receivership and lawsuits. One concern is how quickly a Farm Credit officer approved roughly $67 million in loans more than 13 months before the company sought a receiver.

The Weavers also claim the company had not been in default, and after missing one payment in January 2024, Uncle Nearest gave $15 million to Farm Credit before the receivership.