Wildfires cause curfew; Emory professors sue; Giant pandas return to Zoo Atlanta

Summary

Georgia Today – April 24, 2026

Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Episode Theme:
This episode offers a sweeping look at key events across Georgia including intensified wildfires in the south, free speech litigation at Emory University, closure of a prominent Black-owned market, reproductive health advocacy for veterans, and the long-awaited return of giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta. The episode balances hard news, human interest, and community milestones.

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Key Stories and Insights

1. Wildfires Spark Curfew in Brantley County

• Overview:
  Massive wildfires in southeast Georgia have prompted authorities in Brantley County to enforce a nighttime curfew and urge residents to be ready for potential evacuation.
• Response:
  Firefighters have been at work for days, utilizing fire lines and aerial fire retardants.
  The Southern Area Incident Management Team, coordinating across 13 states, arrived for support.
• Local Leadership:
  County Manager Joey Kasem addressed the urgency:

  "Curfew will be enforced by all law enforcement. It will go from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. in the mornings. That will remain in effect until this event is under control." — Joey Kasem (01:19)

• Governor Involvement:
  Gov. Brian Kemp is making a site visit as part of the state’s emergency response.
• Timestamps: 00:45 – 01:44

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2. Billboards Connect Veterans to Abortion Resources

• Overview:
  After the VA formally removed abortion care from its benefits, reproductive health advocates introduced billboards outside the Atlanta VA Medical Center. The campaign, bearing the message "We've got your six," aims to help veterans access abortion services in states where they remain legal.
• Organizations Involved:
  • Bridgid Alliance (abortion care access)
  • Vet Voice Foundation
• Notable Quote:

  "To know that there are people out there who might need help and don't know where to seek it or to access it. If one person sees a billboard and is able to get the care, the counseling that they need, that's a win for me." — Janessa Goldbeck, CEO, Vet Voice Foundation (02:19)

• Additional Context:
  Similar ad campaigns are active in New Mexico and Virginia. The Atlanta billboard is temporary, scheduled to come down at the end of the weekend.
• Timestamps: 01:44 – 02:31

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3. The New Black Wall Street Market announces Closure

• Overview:
  The Black-owned business marketplace, established in 2022 east of Atlanta and inspired by Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street, is closing after its final sale weekend. Founders and managers have not publicly explained the closure.
• Tenant Testimony:
  Former bookstore owner Cynthia Chambry shared disappointment over unfulfilled promises:

  "There was supposed to be a organic grocery store, a holistic pharmacy, a beauty salon, a barber shop. So when those anchors did not manifest ... people would come and then leave." — Cynthia Chambry, former tenant (03:12)

• Comeback Efforts:
  The farewell weekend features music, food, sales, and communal celebration.
• Timestamps: 02:52 – 04:06

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4. Emory Professors Sue Over Protest Arrests

• Overview:
  Three Emory University professors are suing the school, alleging violation of free speech policies during a 2024 protest related to the Israel-Hamas war. The suit demands repayment for legal expenses and seeks punitive damages after misdemeanor charges were dropped.
• Admin Response:
  Emory’s spokesperson maintains that the “lawsuit is without merit.”
• Broader Context:
  28 people were arrested in the campus protest crackdown.
• Timestamps: 04:06 – 04:44

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5. Redistricting Moves and D.C. Borders Bill

• Overview:
  Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick has introduced the “Make D.C. Square Again Act,” aiming to redraw D.C.’s boundaries, controversially shifting voters in Virginia following a Democratic shift in that state’s House delegation.
• Political Climate:
  The measure is widely considered symbolic and unlikely to succeed, reflecting ongoing redistricting battles ahead of the coming midterms.
• Timestamps: 04:44 – 05:18

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6. $140 Million Ponzi Scheme Charges

• Overview:
  Edwin Brant Frost IV, founder of the high-profile Georgia firm First Liberty Building and Loan, faces wire fraud charges tied to a massive Ponzi scheme that shook the state’s Republican elite.
• Case Details:
  Frost pled not guilty and was released on bail. The scandal impacted political and financial communities.
• Timestamps: 05:18 – 05:50

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7. New Health & Human Services Facility in North Fulton

• Overview:
  North Fulton’s new center offers closer access to health boards, vital records, and senior support—previously residents had to drive to Sandy Springs or Atlanta.
• Highlights:
  • Senior center with arts, fitness, and community activities.
  • State-funded behavioral health crisis center planned for the campus.
• Quote:

  "One is a senior center, which will have a host of activities from arts classes, fitness classes, everything you need to remain engaged in the community and keep your body and mind and your spirit healthy." — Pamela Rochelle, COO, Fulton County Gov. (06:19)

• Timestamps: 06:00 – 06:35

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8. Atlanta Bids for the Democratic National Convention

• Overview:
  Atlanta is a finalist city to host the Democratic National Convention, last hosted there in 1988. DNC leadership scouted major venues including State Farm Arena and the World Congress Center.
• Quote:

  "We talk a lot in this party about meeting voters where they are. Atlanta is literally where they are, culturally, generationally, aspirationally." — Mayor Andre Dickens (07:18)

• Other Finalists: Philadelphia, Boston, Denver, Chicago.
• Timestamps: 06:47 – 07:27

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9. Giant Pandas Set to Return to Zoo Atlanta

• Overview:
  Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association announced a new decade-long partnership that will bring a male and a female panda back to the zoo, resuming a tradition that ended in 2024.
• Geopolitical Angle:
  The news comes amid renewed US-China diplomacy, with a presidential visit to China upcoming.
• Details:
  The pandas’ arrival date has not yet been shared.
• Timestamps: 07:44 – 08:25

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10. Iconic Savannah Nightclub Club One Relocating

• Overview:
  Club One, a pillar of Savannah’s LGBTQ community and made famous by The Lady Chablis, will close its original location after nearly 40 years, moving just a block away due to development pressures.
• Quote:

  "It has been so bittersweet. You know, this whole month has been a month of lasts ... So it’s been an emotional roller coaster." — Travis Cole, manager (08:45)

• Legacy:
  Club One is celebrated for its inclusivity, shows, and community impact.
• Timestamps: 08:25 – 08:57

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11. Sports Highlights

• Braves Update:
  • Series opener at home against the Phillies.
  • Pitcher J.R.R. Richie’s memorable MLB debut: home run on first pitch but solid performance overall (striking out 7).
  • Braves Hall of Fame to induct manager Brian Snitker in a pregame ceremony.
• Timestamps: 08:57 – 10:24

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Reproductive Rights and Veterans:

  "If one person sees a billboard and is able to get the care, the counseling that they need, that’s a win for me." — Janessa Goldbeck, Vet Voice Foundation (02:19)

• On Market Closures and Community Hopes:

  "...when those anchors did not manifest ... people would come and then leave." — Cynthia Chambry, Former Black Wall Street Market tenant (03:12)

• On Senior Services in North Fulton:

  "Everything you need to remain engaged in the community and keep your body and mind and your spirit healthy." — Pamela Rochelle, COO, Fulton County Gov. (06:19)

• On the DNC’s possible Atlanta convention:

  "Atlanta is literally where they are, culturally, generationally, aspirationally." — Mayor Andre Dickens (07:18)

• On Club One’s move:

  "It has been so bittersweet ... a month of lasts ... it’s been an emotional roller coaster." — Travis Cole, Club One manager (08:45)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Wildfires and Curfew in Brantley: 00:45 – 01:44
• Veterans, Billboards, and Abortion Access: 01:44 – 02:31
• Black Wall Street Market Closes: 02:52 – 04:06
• Emory Lawsuit Over Free Speech: 04:06 – 04:44
• Redistricting & Borders Bill: 04:44 – 05:18
• Ponzi Scheme Charges: 05:18 – 05:50
• New North Fulton Service Center: 06:00 – 06:35
• DNC Convention Bid: 06:47 – 07:27
• Giant Pandas’ Return: 07:44 – 08:25
• Club One Savannah Moves: 08:25 – 08:57
• Braves Sports Update: 08:57 – 10:24

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Episode Takeaways

This episode demonstrates the breadth and complexity of Georgia’s current news landscape: climate disasters, civil rights clashes, economic shifts, and moments of celebration in both community milestones and sports. The mix of policy, local perspectives, and colorful quotes presents a vivid snapshot of a state at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.

Transcript

[A]

GPB belongs to Georgia and you are the center of everything we do. Become a GPB sustainer today or increase your monthly gift to fortify our work enriching Georgians of all ages. Visit gpb.org to donate today and thanks.

[B]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom on today's episode. Wildfires continue to burn in South Georgia. A large indoor market featuring black owned shops prepares to close and new billboards aim to connect military veterans to abortion services in states where it's still legal.

[C]

If one person sees a billboard and is able to get the care, the counseling that they need, that's a win for me.

[B]

Today is Friday, April 24th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Authorities in southeast Georgia's Brantley county are ordering residents to stay at home at night while a massive wildfire tears through the area. GPB's Chase McGee has more firefighters have

[D]

been battling the blaze for days, cutting fire lines and dumping fire retardants from aircraft. Brantley County Manager Joey Kasem says residents still need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. And for now, a curfew is in place.

[E]

Curfew will be enforced by all law enforcement. It will go from 8:30 to p.m. to 6:30am in the mornings. That will remain in effect until this event is under control.

[D]

The Southern Area Incident Management Team arrived on Friday morning. They're part of a multi agency wildfire response group across 13 Southern states. Governor Brian Kemp is also making a visit to the area. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee.

[B]

Reproductive Health Care advocates have launched an ad campaign geared toward veterans who need abortion services but can't get them at the va. The billboard outside the Atlanta VA Medical center, created by Bridgid Alliance, a group that helps people access abortion, and Vet Voice foundation aims to connect veterans with resources to help them travel to states where abortion is still legal. The billboards read We've got your six, which is a common military phrase meaning we've got your back. Last year, the VA issued a rule that eliminates abortion care and counseling from the VA's medical benefits package. Janessa Goldbeck is a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation.

[C]

To know that there are people out there who might need help and don't know where to seek it or to access it. If one person sees a billboard and is able to get the care, the counseling that they need, that's a win for me.

[B]

The organizations are running similar ad campaigns near VA clinics in New Mexico and Virginia. The billboard in Atlanta will stay up through this weekend. A large indoor market featuring black owned shops that opened to lots of attention east of Atlanta in 2022 is closing. GPB's Orlando Montoya reports.

[F]

The new Black Wall Street Market on Thursday announced its closing sale, providing no reasons for the closure. Market managers did not respond to requests for comment, but former Market tenant, former bookstore owner Cynthia Chambry says the market promised traffic generating anchor stores but instead turned into mostly an artist's gallery.

[G]

There was supposed to be a organic grocery store, a holistic pharmacy, a beauty salon, a barber shop. So when those anchors did not manifest, you know, people would come to see what businesses were there and you know, some of the artwork. People would come and then leave.

[F]

Chambry left the market two years ago and transitioned from retail to institutional book selling. The market was founded by business icon and philanthropist Bill Allen, who who died in 2024. It was inspired by a historic area in Tulsa, Oklahoma known as Black Wall street that was home to a prosperous community before it was destroyed in a 1921 massacre. The final weekend of the new Black Wall Street Market is expected to include music, food and discounts. For GPB News, I'm Orlando Montoya.

[B]

Three professors at Emory University have filed a lawsuit claiming the school violated its free speech policies during a 2024 campus protest over the Israel Hamas war. The civil lawsuit filed yesterday demands the private school repay the three for money spent defending themselves against misdemeanor charges that were later dismissed. They're also seeking punitive damages. Police arrested 28 people in aggressively breaking up the protest. An Emory spokesperson says the university believes the lawsuit is without merit. A Republican congressman from Georgia has introduced legislation that would expand the Borders of Washington, D.C. and cost Virginia Democratic voters. The move comes after Virginia voters approved a redistricting referendum this week that could NET Democrats a 10 to 1 seat advantage in the Virginia House delegation. SUWANNEE Congressman Rich McCormick yesterday introduced the Make D.C. square Again act that would undo the 19th century return of the southwestern part of the District to the state of Virginia. The measure is unlikely to pass, but it's the latest partisan salvo and tit for tat gerrymandering efforts in a closely divided House ahead of the midterm elections. Federal prosecutors have charged the founder of a Georgia investment firm with wire fraud in connection with an alleged $140 million Ponzi scheme. The collapse of the company, First Liberty Building and Loan, rocked many in the upper echelons of the Georgia Republican Party. The company's politically connected founder, Edwin Brant Frost iv, allegedly scammed clients, family and friends with illusory promises of sizable returns on investments. He was formally charged in an Atlanta courtroom yesterday and released on bail after entering a plea of not guilty. Residents in north Fulton county now have access to health and human services closer to home. GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports on a new facility that officially opened earlier this month.

[H]

Residents in north Fulton who previously had to travel to Sandy Springs or downtown Atlanta now have their own board of health, vital records and support for seniors. Pamela Rochelle is the chief operating officer for Fulton county government. She says among the services there are two programs for those 55 and older.

[G]

One is a senior center, which will have a host of activities from arts classes, fitness classes, everything you need to remain engaged in the community and keep your body and mind and your spirit healthy.

[H]

A state funded behavioral health crisis center is also planned to be open in about two years or on the 24 acre campus. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[B]

Atlanta could host the Democratic National Convention for the first time since 1988, GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[I]

Atlanta is one of five finalist cities bidding to host the convention, where the Democratic nominee for president will be selected. Representatives from the Democratic National Committee, including Chairman Ken Martin, visited Atlanta this week to scout locations for the event, including State Farm arena and the World Congress Center. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens says that Georgia's swing state status makes the state's capital city the right choice.

[J]

We talk a lot in this party about meeting voters where they are. Atlanta is literally where they are, culturally, generationally, aspirationally.

[I]

Philadelphia, Boston, Denver and Chicago are also in the running. Atlanta was also a finalist for the 2024 convention, but the DNC ultimately chose Chicago for the event. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[B]

Giant pandas will be returning to Georgia. Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation association say the two pandas, a male and a female, will be part of a decade long partnership between the two organizations. The announcement comes amid plans for diplomacy between between the US And China. President Donald Trump plans to visit the country in May. Beijing had long used pandas as part of its international soft power. Zoo Atlanta had four pandas until 2024 when they left for China, ending a 25 year program. The organizations didn't say when the pandas would arrive. One of the most iconic nightclubs in Savannah on Monday will close at the location that defined the business for nearly four decades. Club One Jefferson at 1 Jefferson St. Plans to move to a new building a block away after years of development pressure and ownership changes. Longtime club manager Travis Cole says the bar, dance club and theater gained notoriety after being featured in a popular 1990s book and movie.

[K]

It has been so bittersweet. You know, this whole month has been a month of lasts because we host various performance troupes, burlesque troupes, theater troupes. So it's been an emotional roller coaster.

[B]

The Lady Chablis was a drag queen and one of the most recognizable celebrities to come from Savannah in the late 20th century. She died in 2016. Club One has been a staple and safe haven for Savannah's LGBTQ community since it opened in 1988. It has hosted not only drag shows and dance parties, but also community and fundraising events. Coles says it'll be about a month before the club opens in its new location. In sports, the Braves return home tonight to begin a three game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. And yesterday, pitcher J.R. r. Richie made a memorable major league debut for the Atlanta Braves. Washington's James Wood homered on Richie's first pitch, but the 22 year old right hander rebounded to lead the Braves to a 72 victory over the Nationals. Richie, selected 35th in the 2022amateur draft, allowed just one more run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two. Braves manager Walt Weiss praised Richie's control and resilience. The Braves will decide soon if you'll make another big league start tomorrow. The Braves will induct longtime coach and manager Brian Snicker into the Braves hall of Fame in a special pregame ceremony at Truist Park. Braves hall of Famers representing several eras of Braves baseball are expected to be on hand, including Tom Glavin, Andrew Jones, Chipper Jones and Dale Murphy. The ceremony will thank Snitka for his impact on the team with tribute videos, speeches, a jacket and a plaque presentation. That's a wrap on a busy week

[K]

of news you know Every day on Up First, NPR's Golden Globe Night morning news podcast. We bring you three essential stories. the heart of each story are questions what really happened? What really mattered? What happens next? At npr, we stand for your right to be curious and to follow the facts. Follow up first wherever you get your podcasts and start your day knowing what matters and why.

[B]

Thank you so much for tuning in to Georgia today. We'll hope you'll come back on Monday. Remember to subscribe to this podcast. That way we will pop up automatically in your feed and you won't miss a thing. And remember too you can check gpb.org news for any updates to the stories you heard on the podcast today. You can also check out new headlines as they are written by our fabulous team of reporters. And if you've got feedback or maybe a story you think one of our reporters should look into, let us know by email. Our address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thank you again for listening. We will see you next week.