Georgia NOW News for Tuesday April 28, 2026

A major Ponzi scheme case out of Georgia is now driving change at the State Capitol. Federal prosecutors have charged Brant Frost IV in connection with an alleged $140 million fraud tied to First Liberty Building & Loan, as victims continue to wait for answers—and their money. Now, a new law signed by Brian Kemp could help. Senate Bill 284 allows the state to return recovered funds directly to investors, a significant shift from previous rules that sent penalties to the state instead.

Meanwhile, Georgia is being recognized nationally for efforts to streamline the path from high school to college. With support from the Lumina Foundation, state leaders are expanding programs like Georgia MATCH, which connects students directly to colleges based on their academic record—cutting down on the stress and uncertainty of traditional applications.

Wildfires continue to devastate parts of South Georgia, with tens of thousands of acres burned in Clinch and Brantley counties. Despite some weekend rain, containment remains low, and local leaders describe the destruction as heartbreaking as crews begin assessing damage to homes and infrastructure.

In other news, new data shows a sharp rise in immigration arrests across the state. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Georgia now ranks among the top states for enforcement activity, averaging dozens of arrests per day earlier this year.

And concerns are growing near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after officials reported an unidentified petroleum-based substance near the headwaters of the Flint River. Authorities say the material appears contained, but the source remains unknown.

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