Georgia Today – March 2, 2026

Host: Peter Biello, GPB News
Main Theme:
This episode reports on major ongoing stories in Georgia, including the close of the Colin Gray trial, a wrongful death lawsuit connected to Laken Riley’s murder, and Senator Raphael Warnock’s visit to Social Circle to address concerns about an ICE detention center. Additional coverage includes shifts in senior service provision, local development debates, and community assistance for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Colin Gray Trial Wraps Up

[01:13–02:20]

• The highly publicized trial in Barrow County of Colin Gray, father of suspected school shooter Cole Gray, has entered its final stage. Attorneys delivered closing arguments, and the jury must now decide on over two dozen charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
• Prosecution Argument:
  • Prosecutor Patricia Brooks stressed Gray's responsibility:

    “That man was the one person who could have prevented this mass shooting. He was the one man who ensured that Cole Gray had the tools he needed to commit mass murder.” (Patricia Brooks, 01:59)

• The jury may also consider lesser charges. No clear timeframe for a verdict or sentencing if convicted.

2. Senator Raphael Warnock in Social Circle: ICE Detention Center Opposition

[02:20–03:16]

• Sen. Warnock visited Social Circle to listen to city leaders and residents who are concerned about a proposed ICE detention center, fearing strain on municipal resources.
• The city’s aging water infrastructure is inadequate to meet demands if the facility moves in—city leaders noted legal and infrastructural limitations.
• At the press conference, Warnock relayed the sentiments of residents, including some Trump voters, noting:

  "I'll tell you something else they didn't vote for. They didn't vote for potential boil water advisories or sewer overflows." (Sen. Raphael Warnock, 02:56)

• Warnock has proposed an amendment targeting the project, to be debated during Senate discussions on DHS funding.

3. Laken Riley Wrongful Death Lawsuit

[03:16–04:03]

• Jason Riley, father of murdered UGA student Laken Riley, filed a lawsuit against the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, alleging negligence led to her death.
• The suit claims campus officials failed to warn students following a break-in attempt by the convicted killer, Jose Ibarra, and accuses the university system of poor monitoring of campus criminal activity.
• The Board of Regents has not commented, citing ongoing litigation.

4. Southwest Georgia Council on Aging Building Closes

[04:03–04:40]

• The Southwest Georgia Council on Aging is selling its Albany headquarters to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, completing its shift away from providing direct services.
• Executive Director Izzy Sadler explained:

  “The programming in that building is mostly exercise classes, education classes, and that's a very small part of what we do. The core of our programming really is home delivered meals, nutrition programs, making sure that we have services in our seniors’ homes.” (Izzy Sadler, 04:23)

• The sale will allow greater funding for services rather than maintaining a building; the hospital plans to use it for medical residency to help address a physician shortage.

5. Local Gwinnett County Development Proposal and Wildlife Concerns

[04:57–05:36]

• A developer proposes to build 280 homes near Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. The project requires rezoning nearly 30 acres and would place new homes within a few hundred feet of the sanctuary, which houses about 150 rescued animals.
• There are concerns about potential impact on sanctuary operations.

6. Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

[05:36–06:19]

• Georgia State’s “Project Healthy Grandparents” offers a year-long support program to grandparents raising grandchildren due to absent parents.
• Patricia Lawrence of Georgia State explains:

  “The intervention, like I said, is comprised of home visits by social workers, monthly home visits, monthly home visits by nurses when it's appropriate because a lot of grandparents, when they do take over the grandchildren's care, often neglect their own health.” (Patricia Lawrence, 05:47)

• The program screens children for developmental and behavioral challenges, especially those under five, in partnership with the Emory Neurodevelopmental Exposure Clinic.

7. Carter’s Clothing Company Reports Profits

[06:19–end]

• Atlanta-based children’s clothing maker Carter's reports significant profits, with $64 million in the fourth quarter and $92 million overall for the year.
• Company leadership is optimistic about the impact of the Supreme Court striking down many tariffs, describing it as a "net positive" for the company.

Notable Quotes

• Patricia Brooks, Prosecutor:

  “That man was the one person who could have prevented this mass shooting. He was the one man who ensured that Cole Gray had the tools he needed to commit mass murder.” (01:59)

• Sen. Raphael Warnock:

  "I'll tell you something else they didn't vote for. They didn't vote for potential boil water advisories or sewer overflows." (02:56)

• Izzy Sadler, SW Georgia Council on Aging:

  "The programming in that building is mostly exercise classes, education classes, and that's a very small part of what we do. The core of our programming really is home delivered meals, nutrition programs, making sure that we have services in our seniors’ homes." (04:23)

• Patricia Lawrence, Project Healthy Grandparents:

  “The intervention, like I said, is comprised of home visits by social workers, monthly home visits, monthly home visits by nurses when it's appropriate because a lot of grandparents, when they do take over the grandchildren's care, often neglect their own health.” (05:47)

Episode Timeline

• 00:02–01:13 – Episode introduction and political news (Congress votes on war powers resolution, Ossoff & Carter commentary)
• 01:13–02:20 – Colin Gray trial closing arguments
• 02:20–03:16 – Warnock in Social Circle and ICE center debate
• 03:16–04:03 – Laken Riley lawsuit against University System
• 04:03–04:40 – Council on Aging closes Albany building
• 04:57–05:36 – Gwinnett County development and wildlife concerns
• 05:36–06:19 – Support program for grandparents raising grandchildren
• 06:19–end – Carter’s financial results

This episode delivers concise, critical updates on legal, political, and community developments throughout Georgia, with particular attention to accountability, public safety, and the intersecting needs of diverse communities.