Gas tax suspension; VA shooter identified; Free meals for TSA agents

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary – March 20, 2026

Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Main Theme: A roundup of top news stories affecting Georgia, focused on government responses to economic challenges, a shooting at a VA clinic, community support for TSA workers during a government shutdown, local wildlife research, a conversation with music legend Dionne Warwick, school district restructuring, and upcoming cultural events.

---

Gas Tax Suspension in Response to High Fuel Prices

• Governor Brian Kemp announced a 60-day suspension of Georgia's state gas tax to address soaring fuel costs, attributed largely to international conflict (the war in Iran).
  • Savings: 33 cents per gallon on gasoline, 37 cents per gallon on diesel.
  • Implementation: Effective immediately, though price effects will be seen in several days.
  • Quote: "Today is just the latest step we're taking and it's one that will help all Georgians as they work to make ends meet." (Gov. Brian Kemp, 01:04)
• Income Tax Rebates: Kemp also signed into law rebates of $250 for single filers and $500 for joint filers.
• Impact Beyond Drivers:
  • Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber of Commerce CEO highlighted ripple effects on manufacturing:
    • Quote: "Most of our companies in Georgia use natural gas in their production processes. So there's a ripple effect here... that is really going to squeeze what I worry about some of Georgia small businesses." (Chris Clark, 01:41)
  • Expectation that increased energy costs may eventually lead to higher consumer prices.

---

Pickens County VA Clinic Shooting

• Victim: Nicholas Cruz, 34, social work case manager at the clinic.
• Suspect: Lawrence Michaels, 51, was at the clinic for a mental health consultation.
• Outcome: Cruz died from injuries. Michaels was shot and killed after exchanging gunfire with police and an armed civilian.
• Investigation: Ongoing by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; autopsy pending. (02:00-02:40)

---

Community Support for TSA Agents During Government Shutdown

• Context: Federal TSA and customs workers have been working without pay since February 14 due to a partial government shutdown.
• Response:
  • Atlanta area restaurants and churches provided free meals to workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and in Savannah.
  • Gift card applications available for affected workers via United Way.
  • Quote: "They're showing up and keeping our economy moving, we want to recognize that and make sure that they know that we appreciate it and we're helping them." (Bert Brantley, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, 03:11)

---

Update on 2024 Biolab Fire Investigation

• CSB Chair Steve Owens announced that the investigation into the 2024 Biolab fire in Conyers is nearing completion.
  • Fire caused evacuations and shelter-in-place orders due to chemical smoke.
  • Federal agency's future was at risk but funding has since been preserved.
  • Full coverage available in the GPB podcast "Manufacturing Danger: The Biolab Story." (03:47-04:21)

---

Urban Coyote Study in Georgia

• New UGA Study: Led by PhD candidate Summer Fink, focused on urban coyote denning behavior in cities like Atlanta.
  • Coyotes often den in unconventional, human-made spots (e.g., under concrete, in cinder blocks, inside a boat in the woods).
  • Quote: "So there was just kind of a boat, not near water at all, and so they just kind of went through the bow of the boat and then kind of tucked the puppies in the back corner." (Summer Fink, 04:56)
  • Key ecological insight: Coyotes are crucial urban predators and pose little risk if people keep pets leashed and steer clear of dens.

---

Interview with Dionne Warwick

• Occasion: Dionne Warwick to perform with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; promoting her latest—and final—album.
• Memorable Quotes/Highlights:
  • On Atlanta audiences: "Atlanta's always been wonderful to me. They've always shown up. They've seemed to have enjoyed every performance I've done there thus far and hopefully it'll be the same with this particular performance." (Dionne Warwick, 05:48)
  • On working with Cynthia Erivo and Diane Warren: "I requested her to be a part of my project and she absolutely, yes, immediately... it was an absolute joy to be able to sing with her." (07:11)
  • "Diane [Warren] writes, I believe, from her heart, not her head, and has a way with words that no one else seems to have." (07:42)
  • On retiring: "I'm feeling like it's now about time to slow down and kind of pay a little bit of attention to Dion for a minute." (08:20)
  • Reflections on her career: "It's been an enjoyable one, one that I've had the pleasure of singing some of the greatest songs... It's been an absolute joy." (08:36)
  • What keeps her going: "The joy comes from seeing the smiles on people's faces...They don't mind opening up their mouths and singing those songs with me, which is a joy as well." (09:21)
  • Signature sign-off: "Well, it's not a Sneak Peek. Dion, that's who they're gonna get. That simple. The moment I wake up, before I put home my makeup, I say a..." (09:46)

---

DeKalb County School Closures Proposal

• Proposal: DeKalb County Schools may close or repurpose 27 schools due to declining student enrollment.
  • Plan includes 11 capital improvement projects (expansion/upgrades).
  • Timeline: Earliest changes would happen in 2027-28; recommendations expected late fall 2026.
  • Quote: "It's also certainly anticipated that whatever plans the board may approve would be in phases...the soonest that you likely would see any changes would be the 27-28 school year." (Norman C. Sauce, 10:33)

---

Sports and Cultural Events

• Atlanta Braves: Season starts March 27. Chris Sale to pitch Opening Day; former Brave Max Fried starts for Yankees.
• Cherry Blossom Celebrations: Macon's festival kicks off for ten days; other festivals in Conyers, Dublin, Fitzgerald, Douglas, Jefferson, and Madison offer themed events and local festivities.

---

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Bert Brantley, Savannah Chamber of Commerce: "They're showing up and keeping our economy moving. We want to recognize that and make sure that they know that we appreciate it and we're helping them." (03:11)
• Governor Brian Kemp: "Just the latest step we're taking and it's one that will help all Georgians as they work to make ends meet." (01:04)
• Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber: "It's really going to squeeze what I worry about some of Georgia small businesses." (01:41)
• Dionne Warwick: "It's been an enjoyable one, one that I've had the pleasure of singing some of the greatest songs...It's been an absolute joy." (08:36)
• Norman C. Sauce, DeKalb Schools: "The soonest that you likely would see any changes would be the 27-28 school year." (10:33)

---

Conclusion

This episode paints a detailed snapshot of economic, social, and cultural developments across Georgia: from practical relief measures for everyday citizens and targeted community support for federal workers, to studies on local wildlife, education restructuring, and the enduring impact of legendary artists. For more in-depth coverage and features, listeners are encouraged to visit gpb.org/news or subscribe to the podcast.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Georgia's gas tax has been suspended. Authorities have identified the suspect and the victim in Tuesday's shooting at a VA clinic in Pickens county, and some Atlanta restaurants and churches have taken it upon themselves to provide free meals to TSA agents.

[B]

They're showing up and keeping our economy moving. We want to recognize that and make sure that they know that we appreciate it and we're helping them.

[A]

Today is Friday, March 20th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Georgia drivers soon will get a break when it comes to the price of gas, which now averages nearly $3.80 a gallon. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[C]

Governor Brian Kemp has signed a 60 day suspension of the state gas tax to counteract high fuel prices influenced by the war in Iran. That will save consumers about 33 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37 on diesel. Kemp says today is just the latest

[A]

step we're taking and it's one that will help all Georgians as they work to make ends meet.

[C]

The suspension goes into effect immediately, but will take a few days to be reflected at the pump. Kemp also signed a state income tax rebate giving $250 back to single filers and $500 to those filing jointly. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis at the State Capitol.

[A]

Meanwhile, higher energy costs aren't just concerning drivers and transportation related industries. Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark spoke to GPB's lawmakers about the war related energy costs. He said manufacturing also could be affected.

[D]

Most of our companies in Georgia use natural gas in their production processes. So there's a ripple effect here that on top of tariffs and on top of, you know, this affordability issue that we're having is really going to squeeze what I worry about some of Georgia small businesses.

[A]

Clark said those rising costs eventually could translate into higher prices for consumers. Authorities have identified the suspect and the victim in Tuesday's shooting at a Veterans affairs clinic in North Georgia's Pickens County. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also said yesterday that the man who was shot, 34 year old Nicholas Cruz of Marietta, died from his injuries. Cruz Cruise was employed as a social work case manager at the clinic. The suspect was shot and killed at the scene after exchanging gunfire with police officers and an armed civilian. He was identified as 51 year old Lawrence Michaels of Jasper. Michaels was at the clinic for a walk in mental health consultation. The GBI said they were investigating the shooting and performing an autopsy. As Transportation Security and other federal workers struggle to pay bills during a partial government shutdown, many are stepping in to help. Some Atlanta area restaurants and churches have been providing free meals to TSA agents at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Savannah. Customs and Border Protection employees at the busy port, along with other affected workers, can apply for gift cards through the local United Way. Bert Brantley is president and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, one of the groups behind the effort.

[B]

The fact that they're showing up and keeping our economy moving, we want to recognize that and make sure that they know that we appreciate it and we're helping them.

[A]

Affected federal employees have worked without pay since February 14th. Federal investigators at the U.S. chemical Safety Board say they expect to wrap up their investigation into the 2024 Biolab fire in Conyers in the coming months. Speaking at their quarterly public meeting, Chemicals Chemical Safety Board Chair Steve Owens said the investigation is still ongoing. The fire broke out in September 2024, sending a plume of chemical smoke over surrounding communities, prompting evacuations and shelter in place orders. The CSB is an independent federal agency that investigates major industrial chemical accidents and makes safety recommendations. Congress recently moved to preserve the agency's funding after the White House proposed eliminating it. If you'd like to hear GPB's in depth coverage of the 2024 Biolab Fire and its aftermath, that story is the subject of our podcast, Manufacturing Danger the Biolab Story. You can find it at gpb.org podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. A new study from the University of Georgia looks at where coyotes are having their pups, including major cities like Atlanta. GPB's Chase McGee has more.

[E]

In Georgia, coyotes begin giving birth around the middle of March. And according to a study by UGA PhD candidate Summer Fink, coyotes near urban centers often shelter in unconventional places. They're looking for a den that will provide shelter, like burrowing under concrete or living in a pile of cinder blocks. Fink found her favorite example deep in the woods around Atlanta.

[C]

So there was just kind of a boat, not near water at all, and so they just kind of went through

[F]

the bow of the boat and then

[C]

kind of tucked the puppies in the back corner.

[E]

She says that while people might be afraid of coyotes in their neighborhoods, they play a crucial role as the largest predator in urban ecosystems. And generally, if you keep your dog on a leash and steer clear of their dens, they shouldn't bother you. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee.

[A]

For more than six decades. Dionne Warwick's voice has helped shape the soundtrack of American music with classics like I say A Little Prayer, that's what Friends Are for, and Walk On By. The six time Grammy winner is in Atlanta tonight for a special concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. GPB's Pamela Kirkland spoke with her about the performance and a new release she says will be her last.

[F]

You've performed in Atlanta many times over the years. What do you think about this city and the audiences here? What comes to mind for you?

[G]

Well, like everybody says, Atlanta. Atlanta's always been wonderful to me. They've all always shown up. They've seemed to have enjoyed every performance I've done there thus far and hopefully it'll be the same with this particular performance.

[F]

She's performed with orchestras for years and says that fuller sound is nothing new.

[G]

That's the way I record, actually, with a full orchestra. I have performed with many symphony orchestras over the years, so just get the full version of what the songs that they listen to and they recorded.

[F]

Friday's performance also lines up with something new, a single called Ocean in the Desert featuring Cynthia Erivo.

[G]

I met Cynthia actually when she was doing Color Purple in New York for the first time. And then I've seen her on different occasions. And of course, when she slayed me with Alfie at the Kennedy Honors,

[F]

That admiration turned into collaboration.

[G]

I requested her to be a part of my project and she absolutely, yes, immediately, with no question as to what I was going to sing, what she was going to sing, etc. It was an absolute joy to be able to sing with her. I will come in with a cool

[F]

the song is part of her UP album, Duets. That's DW Duets, a project she built entirely with songwriter Diane Warren.

[G]

She writes, I believe, from her heart, not her head, and has a way with words that no one else seems to have. I felt that same way about Hal David. Hal David, I never referred to him as a lyricist. I always referred to him as a poet. And with Diane, it feels almost very much the same.

[F]

You've said that this is gonna be your final album. So after 65 years of making music, what made this feel like the right moment to close that chapter?

[G]

I'm feeling like it's now about time to slow down and kind of pay a little bit of attention to Dion for a minute.

[F]

A legendary career that spanned 65 years and some of the most recognizable songs in American pop.

[G]

It's been a long one. For one thing. It's been an enjoyable one, one that I've had the pleasure of singing some of the greatest songs I feel that I've ever written by two composers, Bachrach and David, and then to be able to work with other composer producers, the Bee Gees, Liza Vandross, the list goes on and on. It's been an absolute joy.

[F]

No regrets.

[G]

None whatsoever.

[F]

Even now, she says what keeps her going is simple, the audience.

[G]

The joy comes from seeing the smiles on people's faces or an arm go around a shoulder or a hand reach for another hand in the audience to hold. And then, of course, the participation. They don't mind opening up their mouths and singing those songs with me, which is a joy as well.

[F]

And in Atlanta, she says, audiences can expect a performance only she can deliver.

[G]

Well, it's not as Sneak Peek Dion, that's who they're gonna get. That simple. The moment I wake up, before I put home my makeup, I say a

[F]

little prayer for Dionne Warwick. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

[G]

My pleasure, darling. You take good care.

[F]

Dionne Warwick performs with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra tonight at Atlanta Symphony hall. This is GPB

[A]

DeKalb County Schools announced their latest proposal to close or repurpose 27 schools in the district. Dubbed the Student Assignment Project, it's an effort to balance shrinking school enrollment as the population of school age children declines. DeKalb's interim superintendent, Norman C. Sauce, spoke about the timeline for closures.

[D]

It's also certainly anticipated that whatever plans the board may approve would be in phases. But the soonest that you likely would see any changes would be the 2728 school year, with the soonest recommendations being made would be the late fall of this year.

[A]

The plan also identified 11 capital improvement projects. They focus on expanding school capacity, updating buildings and student programs, especially in the South. DeKalb the Atlanta Braves open the 2026 season one week from today. We now know who's getting the nod to throw the first pitch of Atlanta season. Veteran lefty Chris Sale will get the opening day start against the Kansas City Royals on March 27th. It'll be Sale's seventh career opening day start and second as a member of the Braves. Former Braves pitcher Max Freed also will get an opening day start for the Yankees as New York faces off against San Francisco. Macon's International Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off today, bringing 10 days of celebrations, increased tourism and pink filled business opportunities. Events include the Cherry Blossom Ball today and the Pink Pancake Breakfast tomorrow. That is not the only Cherry Blossom Festival in the state. Conyers will host its very own Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend. Dublin's month long St. Patrick celebration continues with the St. Patrick's Balloon Fest and Glow. Fitzgerald has the Wild Chicken Festival, Douglas has the Wings and Things Festival and Fly in Jefferson has the Foliage Festival and Madison, Georgia is hosting its Sweet Tooth Festival. That event will consist of a cake Bake off, cake sampling, tons of sweets, food, arts and crafts, games, live music, giveaways and more. That's a wrap on Georgia Today. Should be a beautiful weekend throughout the state. Hope you enjoy it. If you want to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news and if you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast, take a moment and do it now. It'll keep us current in your podcast feed and we're always open to hearing your feedback. The best way to get it to us is by email and the address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.