Georgia Today Podcast: March 30, 2026

Host: Peter Biello (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Episode Theme:
This episode provides a timely roundup of Georgia’s top news stories, including relief at the gas pump following a gas tax suspension, the start of early voting in the special election for Georgia’s 14th congressional district, and widespread “No Kings” protests across the state advocating for dignity and against policies seen as anti-immigrant or anti-democratic. It also touches on legal, legislative, and community responses to major events affecting Georgians.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Relief at the Gas Pump

• Georgia’s gas tax suspension has lowered fuel prices, offering residents tangible relief.
  • Average price per gallon of regular gasoline is now $3.58, down 11 cents from the previous week ([04:06]).
  • Governor Brian Kemp signed a 60-day suspension on March 20.

Fulton County Ballot Lawsuit

• Fulton County leaders appeared in federal court in a case against the U.S. government, seeking return of hundreds of original 2020 ballots seized by the FBI in January ([00:32]–[01:45]).
  • US government argues the county should be satisfied with ballot copies.
  • County attorneys argue originals are needed for open records and litigation.
  • Expert testified elections were fair and accurate.
  • Notable quote:

    “The affidavit that was used to secure the warrant in the first place was full of lies, innuendo and the same old falsehoods and accusations, the false accusations that had hurled and levied at Fulton County regarding the 2020 elections.”
    — Rob Pitts, Fulton County Commissioner ([01:19])

“No Kings” Protests Across Georgia

• Over 50 No Kings protests took place statewide as part of a National Day of Action, drawing thousands ([01:45]–[03:51]).
  • Events in cities including Calhoun, Atlanta, Macon, Albany, and Madison.
  • Focus: dignity for all, opposition to restrictive immigration and voting laws, protest of Trump administration.
• Voices from the protests:
  • Claudia Crenshaw (Morgan County):

    “I'm hoping against hope that we have a new leader with Homeland Security and hopefully all that will slow down and we can have a blue House of Representatives and we can get rid of all this as long as it all slows down.”
    ([02:18])

  • Jill Marie Hankinson (Decatur): shares personal impact of immigration policies ([02:41]):

    “Her husband was so close to getting documentation. ... They left and she's not here and I've gone to visit her once but it's really hard to get to Guatemala.”

  • Courtney Briner (Decatur, pediatric psychologist): impact of partial government shutdown ([03:06]):

    “I've had families come in this week ... they're not getting a paycheck because they work for DHS, they work for TSA. ... we're not going to talk about what's going on with their kid this week. We're just talking about how you get through some family stressors.”

• Sen. Raphael Warnock at Atlanta rally, on voting rights:

  “You're trying to make it difficult for the American people to vote, but come November we are going to hold you accountable.”
  ([03:46])

Early Voting in GA-14 Special Election

• Early voting began to fill the seat of former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene ([04:29]).
  • Democrat Sean Harris (retired Army general) vs. Republican Clay Fuller (district attorney).
  • Analysts describe Democrats’ chances as slim in this deeply Republican district.
  • Election is scheduled for April 7.

AI and Legal Ethics Incident in Clayton County

• Clayton County ADA Deborah Leslie apologized to Georgia Supreme Court for citing fake cases generated by AI in a legal brief ([04:47]).
  • Leslie says the error was unintentional and takes full responsibility.

Human Trafficking Prevention Efforts Ahead of FIFA World Cup

• GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger relaunched the Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking program ([05:43]–[06:39]).
  • Special trainings for businesses and the public, warning signs materials distributed.
  • FBI ranks Atlanta among highest US cities for trafficking.

Nonpartisan Local Elections Bill

• State bill to make specific county-level elections in Atlanta’s heavily Democratic counties nonpartisan is headed to Governor Kemp ([06:39]–[07:37]).
  • Offices affected: DA, solicitor general, county commissioners in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton.
  • Supporters say it reduces partisanship in local government.
  • Critics warn it unfairly targets Democrats and might be unconstitutional.
  • Notable quote:

    “These local officials should be above partisan politics. There's enough partisan politics in Washington, D.C. and other places. At the local level, it should be all about serving the residents.”
    — House Majority Leader Chuck E. Strachan ([07:25])

Economic & Business Updates

• Temo Americas, an EV auto parts manufacturer, is closing its West Georgia factory, laying off 60 of its 80,000 employees worldwide ([06:39]).
• Atlanta Braves: After comeback victory featuring a walk-off grand slam in a player's team debut, the team prepares for a new series ([07:37]).
  • Notable:

    “Dominic Smith hit a grand slam to walk it off. Smith became the first player in MLB history to hit a walk off grand slam in his debut with a new team, and he did it less than two weeks after the death of his mother.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rob Pitts on Fulton ballot seizure ([01:19]):
  “The affidavit that was used to secure the warrant in the first place was full of lies, innuendo and the same old falsehoods and accusations, the false accusations that had hurled and levied at Fulton county regarding the 2020 elections.”
• Claudia Crenshaw on protest hopes ([02:18]):
  “I'm hoping against hope that we have a new leader with Homeland Security and hopefully all that will slow down...”
• Jill Marie Hankinson on friend leaving Georgia ([02:51]):
  “They left and she's not here and I've gone to visit her once but it's really hard to get to Guatemala.”
• Courtney Briner on shutdown’s impact ([03:14]):
  “...we're not going to talk about what's going on with their kid this week. We're just talking about how you get through some family stressors.”
• Sen. Raphael Warnock at No Kings rally ([03:46]):
  “You're trying to make it difficult for the American people to vote, but come November we are going to hold you accountable.”
• House Majority Leader Chuck E. Strachan on nonpartisan election bill ([07:25]):
  “These local officials should be above partisan politics. ... At the local level, it should be all about serving the residents.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Gas tax suspension effect: [04:06]
• Fulton County ballot lawsuit: [00:32]–[01:45]
• No Kings protests statewide: [01:45]–[03:51]
• Sen. Warnock No Kings rally: [03:46]
• Early voting in GA-14: [04:29]
• AI legal brief incident: [04:47]
• Human trafficking prevention: [05:43]–[06:39]
• Temo Americas plant closure: [06:39]
• Nonpartisan elections bill: [06:39]–[07:37]
• Atlanta Braves historic walk-off: [07:37]

This episode captures pressing civic debates, economic news, and stories of activism and community resilience across Georgia, illustrated with first-hand voices and legislative updates. Perfect for listeners seeking a fast yet comprehensive scan of Georgia's news landscape.