Family of man who died in Bibb jail preps civil lawsuit; Kemp considers Senate run

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: Family of man who died in Bibb jail preps civil lawsuit; Kemp considers Senate run
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

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1. Civil Lawsuit Preparation Following Stephen Fossett’s Death in Bibb County Jail

The episode opens with a deeply concerning report on the death of Stephen Fossett, a mentally ill man who died in Macon’s Bibb County Jail. Fossett’s family is preparing to file a civil lawsuit against the county, citing negligence in his treatment.

Key Points:

• Stephen Fossett's Death: Fossett died after being subdued by jailers who used stun guns.
• Family’s Argument: The family contends that jail staff failed to recognize and appropriately treat Fossett's schizophrenia, especially considering his history with mental illness.
• Legal Actions: Attorney Nathan Fitzpatrick announced plans to leverage Georgia’s Open Records Law to obtain all related evidence from the District Attorney’s office, Bibb County Sheriff's Office, and the Taser manufacturer.

Notable Quote:

"From the district attorney's office, from the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, from the Taser manufacturing companies. We want all the information that is available in this case and we want it released pronto."
— Attorney Nathan Fitzpatrick [01:35]

The district attorney, Anita Howard, has stated there will be no criminal charges, attributing Fossett’s death to his combative behavior and synthetic cannabis use during an altercation in the jail. The family remains unconvinced, pushing forward with their legal challenge.

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2. Senator Raphael Warnock’s Initiative to Expand the Federal Child Income Tax Credit

Senator Raphael Warnock has introduced legislation aiming to significantly enhance the federal child income tax credit, reflecting a broader effort to support family economics.

Key Points:

• Current vs. Proposed Credit: The existing credit allows up to $2,000 per child, while Warnock's proposal seeks to increase it to over $4,000 for children under six and $3,600 for those aged six to seventeen.
• Economic Impact: Sarah Kalis highlights that the temporary expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in child poverty rates, which surged again as benefits waned.

Notable Quote:

"I want to give our moms and dads a break. I want to give them an opportunity to thrive because we know that when ordinary people thrive, the whole economy thrives."
— Senator Raphael Warnock [02:24]

Warnock emphasizes that without legislative changes, the credit may revert to half its current value, exacerbating economic hardships for families.

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3. CDC’s Potential Reorganization and Impact on Public Health

The podcast discusses alarming news regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with indications that the agency might undergo significant restructuring.

Key Points:

• Workforce Reduction: The CDC's workforce, primarily based in Atlanta, has decreased from 13,000 to approximately 9,500 employees due to actions initiated during the Trump administration.
• Reorganization Plans: The chief medical officer has instructed staff to prepare for a potential breakup of the agency, with federal health officials required to propose plans by Monday.
• Concerns: Experts warn that relocating staff to Washington, D.C., may lead to further talent loss if employees are unwilling or unable to move.

This restructuring poses a threat to the CDC’s operational efficacy, potentially hindering public health responses.

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4. Governor Brian Kemp’s Consideration of a 2026 Senate Run

Governor Brian Kemp is contemplating a bid for the U.S. Senate seat in 2026, a decision that is under significant scrutiny within the Republican Party.

Key Points:

• Decision Process: Kemp indicated he needs time to “do some due diligence” before making a public announcement.
• Potential Competitors: Other GOP figures, including Insurance Commissioner John King and U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, are rumored to be interested in the seat.
• Incumbent’s Campaign: Democrat John Ossoff has been aggressively fundraising, having raised $11 million this year alone.

Notable Quote:

"Run and then I'm going to try to get, you know, a little bit of downtime where I can to kind of think through things, do some due diligence, and then we'll keep people posted."
— Governor Brian Kemp [03:37]

Kemp faces pressure from within his party to commit early, especially as the political landscape intensifies.

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5. Tuberculosis Testing at Fitzgerald High School

In response to a confirmed tuberculosis case in Ben Hill County, Georgia’s Department of Public Health is proactively testing students and staff at Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy.

Key Points:

• Extent of Testing: Approximately 130 individuals were tested following the positive case.
• Historical Context: A similar instance in Cobb County last October resulted in 300 tests, although the infection did not spread beyond the initial exposure.
• CDC Data: Tuberculosis rates in the U.S. have risen to the highest levels in over a dozen years, driven primarily by international travel and migration.

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6. Bird Flu Concerns Amid Turkey Hunting Season

With turkey hunting season underway, there are emerging concerns about the spread of bird flu among wild turkeys. However, experts reassure hunters about the low risk.

Key Points:

• Expert Insight: Nicole Nemeth of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Diagnostic Service explains that turkeys are less likely to spread avian influenza due to their behavioral and biological characteristics.
• Preventative Measures: Hunters are advised to report any sick or dead birds to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Notable Quote:

"Turkeys aren't going to be spending a lot of time in the water. They're not going to be ingesting lots and lots of water. They just take little drinks to what they need and then they're going to move on."
— Nicole Nemeth [05:18]

These measures aim to mitigate any potential outbreaks while allowing the hunting season to proceed safely.

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7. Erroneous Release of Convicted Killer in Clayton County

An alarming incident was reported where Katan Guzman, a convicted felon, was mistakenly released from Clayton County Jail, leading to immediate concerns.

Key Points:

• Background: Guzman was convicted of felony murder for causing the 2022 choking death of Delilah Grayson and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
• Current Status: Following the erroneous release, Guzman is currently on the run.
• Official Response: District Attorney Tasha Moseley confirmed the mistake, but the Sheriff’s Office has not provided further details despite GPB’s inquiries.

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8. Impact of President Trump’s Tariffs on Georgia Businesses

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the repercussions of tariffs imposed during President Trump’s administration on Georgia’s economy. Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, provides an in-depth perspective.

Key Points:

• Tariff Modifications: Recent changes include a 90-day delay in reciprocal tariffs, but existing tariffs on Chinese goods remain elevated.
• Sectoral Impacts:
  • Agriculture: Reciprocal tariffs could hinder exports of Georgia’s key agricultural products like peanuts and pecans. Clark notes relief from delayed tariffs but warns of potential barriers that could disrupt international sales.
  • Steel and Aluminum: While steel fabricators might benefit from protective tariffs, construction and road-building sectors could face increased costs due to higher import prices.
  • Automotive Industry: The Port of Brunswick, a major hub for imported vehicles, may experience reduced volumes of luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz if tariffs remain, affecting both imports and exports.
  • Consumer Prices: Consumers are already feeling the pinch with higher prices on imported goods, and this trend is expected to continue.

Notable Quotes:

"I want to give our moms and dads a break. I want to give them an opportunity."
— Senator Raphael Warnock [02:24]

"I think consumers are feeling that crunch and they'll continue to do so as we maneuver through this, you know, this tricky next 90 days."
— Chris Clark [10:12]

Recommendations for Businesses:

• Proactive Measures: Large companies are advised to stockpile goods and diversify supply chains in anticipation of ongoing tariff-related disruptions.
• Support for Small Businesses: Mid-sized and smaller companies, which lack the capital for stockpiling, are particularly vulnerable and require strategic support to navigate these challenges.

Clark emphasizes the importance of adaptability and long-term planning to mitigate the adverse effects of tariffs on Georgia’s diverse economic landscape.

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Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today delves into critical issues affecting Georgia residents, from legal battles over jail conduct and potential political shifts to economic challenges posed by federal tariffs. The comprehensive coverage provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how these events intersect and impact the state’s future.

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For more detailed updates on these stories, visit gpb.org/news.

Transcript

[Nicole Nemeth]

DBHDD is reminding Georgians that the 988 lifeline can help those worried about opioid and stimulant misuse. The three digit number is free and confidential. Help is available 24. 7 More [e-mail].

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we feature the latest reports from the GPB news team. On today's episode, the family of a man who died in the Macon Bibb County Jail prepares a civil lawsuit. Governor Brian Kemp considers a Senate run in 2026, and golf's most anticipated event, the Masters Tournament, tees off in Augusta.

[Chris Clark]

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2025 Masters tournament is now officially underway.

[Peter Biello]

Today's Thursday, April 10th. I'm Peter Biello and you're listening to Georgia Today. Attorneys for the family of a mentally ill Macon man who died in the Bibb County Jail after jailers stun gunned him say they are preparing a civil lawsuit. GPB's Grant Blankenship has more.

[Grant Blankenship]

The legal challenge comes a day after Macon District Attorney Anita Howard released a statement saying she will not pursue criminal charges in the death of Stephen Fossett. Howard says Fossett was combative and high on synthetic Cannabis during a 2024 altercation in the jail. Fawcett's family says jailers should have recognized and treated Fossett's schizophrenia because of prior jail stays. Attorney Nathan Fitzpatrick says now he'll attempt to use Georgia Open records law to get his and the family's first look at the DA's evidence from the GBI.

[Peter Biello]

From the district attorney's office, from the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, from the Taser manufacturing companies. We want all the information that is available in this case and we want it released pronto.

[Grant Blankenship]

The attorneys expect a response to their record request next week. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship in Macon.

[Peter Biello]

Georgia US Senator Raphael Warnock introduced legislation yesterday to expand the federal child income tax credit. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[Sarah Kalis]

The current child tax credit allows eligible families to reduce their federal income tax by up to $2,000 per child. Warnock, alongside other Democratic US senators, introduced the legislation that would more than double that. Families could see a credit of over $4,000 for children under and $3,600 for children 6 to 17.

[Chris Clark]

I want to give our moms and dads a break. I want to give them an opportunity.

[Peter Biello]

To thrive because we know that when ordinary people thrive, the whole economy thrives.

[Sarah Kalis]

Child poverty briefly plummeted during the COVID Pandemic when the child tax credit was temporarily expanded, only to rise again as those emergency benefits began to fade. If nothing changes now, the federal credit stands to fall again to half its current level. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis in Atlanta.

[Peter Biello]

The chief medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week told staff to start planning for the agency to be broken up. Most of CDC's workforce is based in Atlanta. The agency had about 13,000 employees at the beginning of the year. The Trump administration has reduced that number by at least 3,500. Federal health officials have until Monday to tell the White House how the remaining staff will be reorganized. Some could face relocation to Washington, D.C. something that experts warn could lead to further loss of agency talent if those workers are unable or unwilling to move. Governor Brian Kemp says he is still weighing whether to run for U.S. senate in 2026. The term limited. Republican answered questions yesterday about a potential.

[Chris Clark]

Run and then I'm going to try to get, you know, a little bit of downtime where I can to kind of think through things, do some due diligence, and then we'll keep people posted.

[Peter Biello]

Kemp is facing pressure to announce a decision. Other GOP officials rumored to be considering a bid for the seat include Insurance Commissioner John King and U.S. representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Incumbent Democratic U.S. senator John Ossoff so far this year has raised $11 million for his campaign. The Georgia Department of Public health tested about 130 students and staff at Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy for tuberculosis yesterday. This came after a student at the school in South Georgia's Ben Hill county tested positive for the infection. The agency says nurses will return to the school tomorrow to share preliminary results from the tests. A similar case in metro Atlanta's Cobb county last October resulted in 300 students being tested. In that case, the infection did not spread beyond the original student exposed. Preliminary data released last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed TB rising in the US to its highest levels in more than a dozen years, CDC officials say. The RIS this is mainly due to international travel and migration. It is turkey hunting season in Georgia, and with the spread of bird flu and wild birds, some hunters might be worried about sick turkeys. As GPB's Chase McGee explains, the risk is relatively low.

[Nicole Nemeth]

Nicole Nemeth is the head of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Diagnostic Service. She says that both behaviorally and biologically, turkeys are just different than the wild ducks that more commonly spread avian influence.

[Chris Clark]

Turkeys aren't going to be spending a lot of time in the water. They're not going to be ingesting lots and lots of water. They just take little drinks to what they need and then they're going to move on.

[Nicole Nemeth]

Turkeys are also a prey species, so they don't do other things that spread bird flu like hang out in big flocks or feed on the remains of other sick birds. Georgia's Department of Natural Resources has other bird flu tips for turkey hunters. Nemeth says hunters should report sick or dead birds to DNR, too. For GPB News, I'm Chase McGee.

[Peter Biello]

The district attorney in metro Atlanta's Clayton county says her office found out on Monday that a convicted killer was mistakenly released from the county jail. In a statement this morning, DA Tasha Moseley said the county sheriff has confirmed the erroneous release of Katan Guzman. GPB's requests for more information from the sheriff's office have gone unreturned. A jury last October convicted Guzman of felony murder for the 2022 choking death of 19 year old Delilah Grayson. A judge sentenced him to life in prison. He's now on the run. Tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump have upended US Trade policy and created significant uncertainty in the marketplace. A new report by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce suggests that Georgia businesses and consumers may face higher prices as a result of these tariffs. But some domestic companies that compete with counterparts overseas could see their fortunes improve. With me now to discuss this is Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

[Chris Clark]

Thanks for having me, Peter.

[Peter Biello]

Changes have been made to President Trump's tariffs since the publication of this tariff briefing. So would any of those modifications change the conclusions that you reached?

[Chris Clark]

I think what we saw Yesterday was a 90 day delay in many of the reciprocal tariffs. Obviously, the tariffs on Chinese goods and products remain remained high and actually went up the 10% baseline tariffs remained into place. The threat of additional tariffs on pharmaceuticals, precious metals remained in place and expect those sometime in the next few weeks. So I think our report, which was really meant to help Georgia businesses maneuver through this very disruptive period, I think it stands, I don't think we change any of our outcomes or recommendations to our members. It's just constantly trying to keep them updated in the general public, updated on on both what the administration in Washington does, but also what other countries are doing in response as we move through the next 90 days.

[Peter Biello]

And the Georgia Chamber of Commerce tariffs briefing broke down how different sectors of Georgia's economy may feel the impact of these tariffs. So I wanted to talk a little bit about a few of those and wanted to start with agriculture since it's such a huge part of the state's economy. Georgia's a leading exporter of poultry, peanuts, timber, paper products. How might these tariffs impact Georgia's farmers?

[Chris Clark]

So I think from the agricultural standpoint, what we're most concerned about right now would be the reciprocal tariffs. And so hearing that some of those were canceled or delayed yesterday is obviously a sigh of relief to our farmers in Georgia. But that's. That's what you're careful of our. Listen, Georgia farmers are selling their goods and products all over the world. Between them and manufacturers, we're in 292 markets somewhere around the world. And so making sure that someone doesn't input another barrier to them selling pecans or peanuts somewhere I think is very important. And we did see that. Right. We saw early, about a month ago potential reciprocal tariffs would made it more difficult to ship Georgia peanut products, particularly from Fitzgerald, Georgia, around the world. And so that's been our biggest concern and remains there. Not so much in Georgia, but we've heard from other partners with ag states that have said farmers were delaying their plannings until they had some clarity. They didn't want to lose their product that they would normally sell in an Asian market or European market. Haven't heard that as much in Georgia, but I know that's on. On a lot of folks minds.

[Peter Biello]

What about the steel and aluminum industry and the tariffs there? Would, would those tariffs be a good thing for Georgia steel fabricators?

[Chris Clark]

Well, I think there's. There's two parts here, so we do have some steel fabricating. But when, when you look at the. The manufacturing of those steel products, construction could slow down road building can sl importing steel. We're actually importing concrete from all over the world. We don't have any concrete owned companies in the US Anymore. And so there's lots of ways that this could be an impact. Do we think there's opportunities out there? Absolutely. And we're encouraging Georgia manufacturers to look into the state for some of the other fabricators. But when you start talking about those big steel mills, those big plants, most of those products are coming from overseas and could slow down product development. Construction particularly should continue to be a concern.

[Peter Biello]

And does a slowdown translate to higher prices for consumers down the line?

[Chris Clark]

I think so. I think we're already seeing some of that right now. I think you'll continue to see some of it. I think, particularly in the ag space. If we're putting tariffs or seeing if we're putting the 10% tariffs on all goods and then, then you have to realize fruits, vegetables, things that we might bring in from Mexico or from South America is going to be impacted immediately at the grocery store. But then a lot of stuff that we order online, a lot of the goods and products in our retail markets are already going to see that the 10% tariffs or the reciprocal impact of those to drive up prices. So I do think consumers are feeling that crunch and they'll continue to do so as we maneuver through this, you know, this tricky next 90 days.

[Peter Biello]

The port of Brunswick handles a lot of imported vehicles. Would tariffs change what happens at the Port of Brunswick and if so, how?

[Chris Clark]

Yeah, I think there's two parts of that, right? So there's the immediacy, which we're seeing a huge increase in volume as particularly luxury automakers that aren't in the US Import more product into America to get it into the market before the tariffs go into effect. And so you're seeing a little bit of a boom right now. If these tariffs go into effect in 90 days, then you're not going to see as many Mercedes Benz come through the port. And then likewise, we send out a lot of what we build here in Georgia, whether it's in Savannah or West Point or in Tennessee with Volkswagen or Hyundai in Alabama, you're seeing a lot of those products be exported through the Portis of Brunswick. And so if reciprocal tariffs go into place, we might not sell as many vehicles to Dubai or to other countries around the world. So yeah, there's a potential for an impact, I think more so there over the long term with these tariffs than maybe the Port of Savannah, which I think is obviously is a much more diversified port report and doing extremely well right now.

[Peter Biello]

Your report advises Georgia businesses to take a quote, proactive stance in the face of these changes. What does that mean?

[Chris Clark]

So I think you're seeing particularly large companies have been very proactive, right? They've read the tea leaves, they've heard what the administration has been saying since they came into office in January. And so they've stockpiled goods and products, they brought in additional supply chains. Some have been thinking about this for years and have already reordered their supply chains. I think where it gets more difficult for the mid cap sized companies and small, small companies that don't have the capital to buy long term, maybe that are living month to month, they can't stockpile, they don't have that ability. And so I think they're gonna, they're starting to see the impact. That's who I'm hearing the most from right now. And so we're encouraging companies one, to be patient, think long term, don't overreact, stockpile when you can, rethink your supply chains. And then for some companies that are operating, maybe they're manufacturing around the world, but they're selling heavily in the US they need to follow the lead of dozens of other companies that Governor Kemp's helped to recruit here and to open facilities in America. And I think that's where, you know, I think there are two potential positives through all of this. One is more foreign direct investment, and the second is to open new markets to Georgia goods and products and to our farmers.

[Peter Biello]

Chris Clark is president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

[Chris Clark]

Thanks, Peter. Appreciate all you do.

[Sarah Kalis]

This is Tonya Moseley, co host of FRESH air. You'll see your favorite actors, directors and comedians on late night TV shows or YouTube, but what you get with FRESH AIR is a deep dive. Spend some quality time with people like Billie Eilish Questlove, Ariana Grande, Stephen Colbert and so many more. We ask questions you won't hear asked anywhere else. Listen to the FRESH AIR podcast from NPR and whyy.

[Peter Biello]

Golf's most anticipated major is underway in Augusta. That's honorary students Tom Watson at the Masters. Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus also hit ceremonial opening tee shots at the scenic opening hole. Augusta national chairman Fred Ridley welcomed patrons.

[Chris Clark]

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2025 Masters tournament is now officially underway.

[Peter Biello]

Watson, Player and Nicklaus have a combined 11 green jackets. The tradition of honorary starters began in 1963. In other sports, the Atlanta Braves lost to the Philadelphia Phillies last night, 43 to notch their ninth loss in the team's first 11 games. Starter Grant Holmes held the Phillies scoreless through four innings and struck out a season high six batters, but racked up more than 100 pitches, forcing Atlanta to turn to the bullpen, which gave up homers to Phillies star Bryce Harper and Trey Turner. Still, despite the loss, Holmes says the Braves over the last two games have shown what they're capable of hitting.

[Chris Clark]

Starting to come around. You know, I feel like it's starting to click a little bit more. You know, this, this club is the guys are amazing, amazing athletes. You know, it's just a matter of time before everything starts clicking.

[Peter Biello]

The two teams face off again tonight for the last of a three game series. All right, that's a wrap on Georgia today. Thank you so much for tuning in. If you want updates to any of these stories, you can always check gpb.org news it is time for an Atlanta springtime tradition, the 89th annual Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park. Starting tomorrow and running through Sunday the 13th, the Dogwood Festival features a fine art market, live music, the mimosa 5k Saturday night fireworks and much more. GPB is going to have a booth. You could stop by and say hello to some of your favorite GPB hosts, and Peach Jam's Jeremy Powell will be hosting a performance by the Jesse Williams Band Saturday afternoon on the Coca Cola Main Stage. More information about the Dogwood Festival can be [e-mail] regarding this podcast, we will be back in your feed tomorrow afternoon. The best way to stay on top of the news, of course, is to subscribe to this podcast, and if you've got feedback to help us make it better, send us an email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks very much for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.