Georgia Today – March 31, 2026

Host: Peter Biello
Podcast by: Georgia Public Broadcasting

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today explores several pressing topics across the state, including proposed reductions in university funding for online classes, a significant development in a decades-old cold case, the launch of Georgia’s largest ever roadway construction project, and community advocacy for sickle cell anemia care. Additional segments highlight business closures, invasive pest monitoring, Atlanta Beltline progress, and an Atlanta Braves update.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

University System Funding Cuts for Online Learning

[00:34 - 01:28]

• The Georgia Senate’s budget for fiscal year 2027 proposes a reduction in state funding for online classes at University System of Georgia institutions.

• The new formula requires 10% more online class hours to equate to the funding of in-person courses.

• Blake Tillery (Senate’s chief budget writer, Vidalia Republican) defends the cut, reasoning that online learning should cost colleges less.

• Matthew Boddy (University of North Georgia professor) counters this assumption:

  "Certainly if every university were fully online, yes, that would cost less, but that's not what we do here in Georgia. So I do not buy the argument that teaching online costs less. And I think the justification for that cut then is baseless."
  — Matthew Boddy, [01:14]

• The House and Senate are still negotiating the final version of the budget.

Georgia 400 Construction: State’s Largest Road Project

[01:28 - 02:29]

• Lane closures have begun on Georgia 400 north of Atlanta, marking the start of a $4.6 billion project—Georgia’s most extensive road construction ever.

• The project involves building 16 miles of tolled express lanes to alleviate congestion.

• Kyle Collins (Georgia Department of Transportation spokesperson) assures listeners:

  "We're not taking away any lanes that exist now so those lanes will remain free and accessible to the public. This is managed lanes to help us provide more reliable trip times and also build out a transit network through bus rapid transit, which MARTA has committed to expanding."
  — Kyle Collins, [01:57]

• The project is a national landmark public-private partnership, expected to last five years and expand transit options.

Cold Case Arrest Tied to DNA Testing

[02:29 - 04:16]

• The GBI has made an arrest in the 1984 rape and murder of Sandra K. Davis.
• Freddy Lee Granger Jr., 68, of Ware County has been charged with rape, aggravated assault, malice murder, and two counts of felony murder.
• Advances in DNA testing linked Granger to the crime.
• The GBI and Waycross Police Department have been consistently committed to solving the case.

Immigration and DNA Collection Legislation

• A proposed bill would allow DNA to be collected from immigrants in custody for minor offenses.
• Georgia would be the third state to single out immigrants believed to be in the U.S. illegally for genetic data collection not done with others.
• Supporters claim this will help solve crimes, but critics warn about creating a two-tier justice system and potential violations of the Fourth Amendment.

Economic Shifts: Plant & Job Losses

[02:29 - 04:16]

• Tyson Foods is closing its Rome, GA production facility (Nature Valley granola bars), citing financial viability concerns but not specifying job impact numbers.
• Parsec, a transportation company, will lay off 179 employees as it closes its Austell facility after losing a customer; most of the job losses are drivers and helpers, including 139 union positions.

Sickle Cell Anemia Advocacy at the Capitol

[04:31 - 07:46]

• Sickle cell anemia affects 15,000+ Georgians, mainly African Americans.

• Nearly 100 advocates—referred to as "Sickle Cell Warriors"—gathered at the Capitol to push for House Bill 334, aimed at improving care and addressing disparities.

• Nakisha Wall, a parent, shares a harrowing experience:

  "If I hadn't been there with my son, it could have been I could have lost him several times because they don't really check on him. His stats were dropping. No nurse came in for four hours... I said I'm about to go to jail because they about to kill my son."
  — Nakisha Wall, [05:29]

• Tabitha McGee, CEO, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, stresses the importance of direct testimony:

  "We know that their stories are more frank, their stories are real and their stories are tangible because it's their life that they live day to day."
  — Dr. Tabitha McGee (paraphrased by Peter Biello), [05:55]

• Sarita Sinia concerns about transition of care for her son:

  "Going from this is the scary part, right? Transitioning from a child where they can't stop me from advocating for for him to an adult."
  — Sarita Sinia, [06:54]

• HB 334 would ensure patients and caregivers can give input into Medicaid’s annual review of treatments; is pending approval in the Senate.

Other Notable News Segments

Yellow-Legged Hornet Alert

[07:58 - 08:20]

• GA Agriculture Dept. requests help reporting yellow-legged hornet nests, a threat to pollinators.

Atlanta Beltline Progress

[08:20 - 08:40]

• New segments (4 & 5) of the south side trail to open April 16th, expanding connectivity; the 22-mile loop is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2027.

Atlanta Braves Update

[08:40 - 09:28]

• Braves defeat Athletics 4–0; Bryce Elder delivers a strong pitching performance.

• Walt Weiss (Braves manager) emphasizes the team’s early scoring strategy:

  "We've talked about really trying to get to the fifth or sixth with a lead, really going after the starters. And even, you know, you talk about my lineup construction being built that way to go after the starter just changes the game when you can get to the fifth or sixth with the lead."
  — Walt Weiss, [09:12]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On online funding rationale:
  "I do not buy the argument that teaching online costs less. And I think the justification for that cut then is baseless."
  — Matthew Boddy, [01:14]

• On road construction impacts:
  "We're not taking away any lanes... managed lanes to help us provide more reliable trip times..."
  — Kyle Collins, [01:57]

• On healthcare advocacy:
  "If I hadn't been there with my son... I said I'm about to go to jail because they about to kill my son."
  — Nakisha Wall, [05:29]

• On transition of care:
  "Transitioning from a child... to an adult."
  — Sarita Sinia, [06:54]

Timestamps of Major Segments

• [00:34–01:28] | University System funding cuts for online learning
• [01:28–02:29] | Georgia 400 construction project
• [02:29–04:16] | Cold case arrest & immigration DNA bill; plant closures
• [04:31–07:46] | Sickle cell anemia advocacy
• [07:58–08:20] | Yellow-legged hornet nest alert
• [08:20–08:40] | Atlanta Beltline trail opening
• [08:40–09:28] | Atlanta Braves update

This episode weaves together news of policy changes, public works, justice, advocacy, and community events, all delivered in a concise, engaging tone true to GPB’s reporting style. The segments provide both timely updates and deep insights into the ongoing debates and initiatives shaping Georgia’s future.