Georgia Today – February 27, 2026

Host: Peter Biello (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Main Topics: GOP Ponzi scheme fine, Moratorium on data centers, Colin Gray defense

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today features in-depth coverage of three major stories shaping Georgia’s news landscape:

• The state’s securities regulator issues a half-million dollar fine tied to a GOP-linked Ponzi scheme.
• A Northeast Georgia county imposes a 180-day moratorium on new detention and data centers in the wake of a proposed ICE facility.
• Colin Gray, father of the accused Apalachee High School shooter, testifies in his own defense. Additional news includes legislative updates, local infrastructure changes, and a preview of the Atlanta Braves’ upcoming season.

1. Colin Gray Testifies in Apalachee High Shooting Case

Timestamp: 00:36 – 01:45

Key Points

• Colin Gray took the stand in his own defense, disputing claims he was negligent or absent as a father.
• He recounted a history of family instability, including marital strife and his late wife's addiction struggles.
• He claimed to have had a trusting relationship with his son, the accused school shooter, Colt Gray.
• Prosecutors cross-examined Gray about signs of long-standing behavioral issues in Colt dating back to elementary school.

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t know if anybody could ever see that kind of evil. And I like the Colt I knew and relationship I had. There’s this whole other side of Colt I didn’t know existed.” – Colin Gray (00:24, 01:17)

2. GOP Ponzi Scheme Fine

Timestamp: 01:45 – 02:31

Key Points

• Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger fined Timothy Darnell, president of the Georgia Republican Assembly, $500,000.
• Darnell is accused of orchestrating a $140 million Ponzi scheme through First Liberty Building and Loan in Noonan, tied to high-profile GOP figures.
• The scheme is believed to have defrauded at least 300 investors; federal and state investigations are ongoing with a new special agent appointed.

Notable Quotes

• “Jason Doss now has been equipped and empowered…he has subpoena power, he’s got deposition power, and he also has a team of forensic auditors. And so they’re following the money trail.” – Brad Raffensperger (02:19)

3. Georgia Statehouse: Insurance and Election Reforms

Timestamp: 02:31 – 04:47

Insurance Legislation (02:52 – 03:32)

• Four new bills aim to penalize insurance violations, streamline post-storm claims, and address uninsured drivers.
• The bills passed nearly unanimously and are headed to the Senate.

Notable Quote

• “This bill does good things from good ideas from around the country that is working elsewhere.” – Rep. Matt Reeves (03:12)

Election Overhaul (03:32 – 04:47)

• Republican-led bill proposes removing Dominion voting machines in favor of hand-marked paper ballots.
• The automatic recount threshold would be lowered, and recount oversight would shift to the state election board.
• The bill also restricts early voting options and transfers costs to counties.
• Democrats claim the bill will suppress voting.

Notable Quote

• “Once again, the Republican Party is trying to suppress vote…” – State Minority Leader Harold Jones

4. Data Center & Detention Center Moratorium

Timestamp: 04:47 – 05:49

Key Points

• Hall County commissioners imposed a 180-day pause on new detention centers and data centers, reacting to a federal property purchase for a proposed ICE facility in Oakwood.
• Officials cite environmental and infrastructure concerns; public commenters warn of community risk.
• The pause is unlikely to halt the federal ICE project due to federal authority overriding local zoning.

Notable Quote

• “If something happens and something terrible happens there, that’s going to be on all of us. You understand? All of us.” – Resident Juan Morfa (05:18)

5. Other Local Developments and Human Interest Stories

Condo Demolition in South Fulton

Timestamp: 05:49 – 07:08

• Four condemned buildings at Camelot Condominiums are finally being demolished after years of neglect and HOA scandals, displacing long-time residents.

  • Quote: “They don’t show enough care for the people that are here. We got people that have been here 40 years…” – Kondia Perry, resident (06:47)

Water Wars Case Dismissed

Timestamp: 07:08 – 07:38

• Federal court concludes a long litigation battle among Georgia, Florida, and Alabama over water rights; environmental groups continue advocacy.

  • Quote: “It seems almost like a never-ending thing.” – Cameron Baxley, Apalachicola Riverkeeper (07:34)

Behavioral Health Services Expansion

Timestamp: 08:53 – 09:42

• Wellroot Family Services launches clinics offering comprehensive behavioral healthcare in DeKalb and Hall counties.

  • Quote: “When a child is in a trauma-informed environment…It’s basically a vaccine for future trauma.” – Christina Lennon, Wellroot Family Services (09:15)

Atlanta Airport Exhibit

Timestamp: 09:42 – 10:19

• New exhibit at Hartsfield-Jackson celebrates 100 years of the airport’s development, role in civil rights, and artifacts from its storied history.

6. Business & Industry Briefs

• Papa John’s Closures: 300 underperforming pizza franchises across North America set to shut down, with 200 closures in 2026.
• Kia Georgia Milestone: First hybrid vehicle assembled; marks 5 million vehicles produced since 2009, affirming impact on local employment.

7. Atlanta Braves Spring Training & Season Preview

Timestamp: 10:43 – end

Key Points

• Season kickoff on March 27th against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park.
• Preview of the pitching lineup—Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and roster depth discussed.
• Offseason saw few acquisitions despite healthy revenues, prompting fan criticism.
• On offense, Ronald Acuña Jr. appears healthy, and roster adjustments continue.

Notable Quote

• “The team’s execs always try to be both highly competitive while also staying as immensely, and I mean immensely, profitable as possible.” – David O’Brien, former Braves reporter

8. Weekend Weather & Events

• Expect spring-like temperatures (60s–70s statewide); festivals happening in Dublin, Augusta, Braselton, and Atlanta.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Family Tragedy: “There’s this whole other side of Colt I didn’t know existed.” – Colin Gray (00:24, 01:17)
• On Local Consequences: “That’s going to be on all of us. You understand? All of us.” – Juan Morfa (05:18)
• On Trauma Prevention: “It’s basically a vaccine for future trauma.” – Christina Lennon (09:15)

Episode Timeline

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|-------------| | Colin Gray defense/testimony | 00:36–01:45 | | GOP Ponzi scheme fine | 01:45–02:31 | | Insurance legislation | 02:52–03:32 | | Election overhaul | 03:32–04:47 | | Data/detention center moratorium | 04:47–05:49 | | South Fulton condo demolition | 05:49–07:08 | | Water litigation update | 07:08–07:38 | | Wellroot Family Services clinics | 08:53–09:42 | | Atlanta Airport centennial exhibit | 09:42–10:19 | | Braves season preview | 10:43–end | | Weather, festivals, and community events | 10:43–end |

This episode offers a comprehensive look at urgent legal, political, and local issues—from high-stakes court testimony and political scandals to infrastructure impacts and community stories—tied together with GPB’s trademark attention to Georgia’s rapidly changing landscape.