Savannah mourns teacher killed in ICE crash; Gas prices rise, Campaign finance limits

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary – March 9, 2026

Hosted by Peter Biello, GPB News

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Georgia Today" addresses several significant events and updates across Georgia: the Savannah community mourning a teacher killed in a fatal crash involving immigration authorities, rising gas prices due to geopolitical turmoil in Iran, new campaign finance legislation, key actions by state lawmakers (including property tax caps and abuse registries), medical education expansion at Morehouse, a push for employer mental health parity, and several major sports headlines.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Remembering Linda Davis: Savannah Teacher Killed in ICE Crash

[00:33–01:41]

• On Saturday, Savannah residents gathered at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to remember Linda Davis, a kindergarten teacher for special needs students at Chatham County’s Herman Hess K8 School, who was killed last month during a high-speed chase involving a man fleeing federal immigration officers.
• Davis was remembered for her transformative impact on her students and community.
  • Notable Quote:
    “We recognize that in this world we are all illegal aliens. We’re all here on a temporary visa. We didn’t come here to stay because this life is not our own.”
    — Savannah Mayor Van Johnson [01:13]
• According to family representatives, the loss leaves the family uncertain about their next steps.

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State Legislative Activity: Crossover Day and Tax Relief

[01:41–02:53]

• Friday marked "Crossover Day," an important deadline for bills to advance in Georgia’s legislative process.

• Lawmakers debated and passed dozens of bills, including:

  • Property Tax Caps:
    House Bill 1116 would cap annual property tax increases at 3%.
    • Attempts to pass a sweeping homestead exemption failed in the House, but amendments were added to HB 1116 in hopes of reaching a compromise.
    • Notable Quote:
      “Our intent is to stem what is an unsustainable path for our homeowners and our property owners.”
      — Rep. Shah Blackmon [02:25]
    • Concerns remained about transparency, as noted by Democrat Rep. Sam Park and Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice:
      • “No one truly understands what is in here.”
        — Valerie Montgomery Rice [02:37]

• Additional passed measures:

  • Creation of a domestic abuser registry
  • Animal abuser registry
  • State income tax reduction

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Campaign Finance Limits: Out-of-State Donations

[02:53–03:14]

• The Georgia Senate approved a bill capping candidates’ out-of-state contributions at less than half of total donations, aiming for greater election integrity.
• The bill's sponsor, Sen. Tim Bearden, promoted it as a balanced, transparency-oriented measure.
  • Notable Quote:
    “This bill offers a common sense, balanced approach to protect Georgia elections from undue outside interference while promoting transparency and accountability.”
    — Sen. Tim Bearden [00:21 & 03:02]
• Opponents argued it could be used to harass candidates; the bill passed on party lines and moves to the House.

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Gas Prices Surge Amid Iran Crisis

[03:14–04:11]

• Oil prices climbed steeply as Iran restricted tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, raising inflation concerns.
• Georgia's gas prices have increased by $0.44 in the past week, and $0.56 over the past month, with Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah seeing the highest prices.

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Morehouse School of Medicine Expansion

[04:11–04:44]

• Morehouse received $950,000 in federal funding for a new academic research building.
  • The facility will include larger classrooms, upgraded simulation labs, and expanded animal care.
  • Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice remarked on the value of simulations in reducing physician burnout:
    • Notable Quote:
      “The learner can see how they’re engaging with the patient or engaging in this team-based activity and what their triggers are… so that they then are having less burnout.”
      — Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice [04:29]

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Carter Center Promotes Employer Role in Mental Health

[05:17–06:05]

• The Carter Center launched a series of business-focused sessions to help employers enhance mental health coverage for employees, in line with state parity laws.
• The aim is to close mental health gaps by leveraging employer purchasing power in health plans.
  • Notable Quote:
    “This will focus on what parity requires, why it matters for employers, and how employer purchasing power can influence plan design and coverage.”
    — Sarah Phillips, Carter Center [05:50]
• Sessions planned for June and November will address coverage gaps specifically.

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Atlanta Unveils Human Rights Action Plan for FIFA World Cup

[06:14+]

• Ahead of hosting World Cup matches, Atlanta officials released a "human rights action plan" aligning with standards for supporting vulnerable groups, combating trafficking, and protecting workers' rights.
• The event will be Atlanta’s largest since the 1996 Olympics.

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Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

[After 06:14]

• The city's iconic fountain was dyed green, officially launching the St. Patrick’s Day festivities—an annual tradition over four decades.

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Sports Highlights

[After 06:14]

• Atlanta Braves:
  • Pitcher Joey Wentz injured his right leg during spring training but his injury is reportedly not severe; he's listed day-to-day. The Braves’ injury list could reach eight.
• Atlanta Falcons:
  • RB Tyler Allgeier is leaving for the Arizona Cardinals (2-year, $12 million deal).
• Georgia Tech Basketball:
  • Head coach Damon Stoudemire fired after a season-ending 12-game losing streak.
• MLS:
  • Atlanta United lost their home opener 3-2 to Real Salt Lake, with a teenager and rookie scoring for the visitors.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “We recognize that in this world we are all illegal aliens. We’re all here on a temporary visa.” — Mayor Van Johnson [01:13]
• “No one truly understands what is in here.” — Valerie Montgomery Rice [02:37]
• “This bill offers a common sense, balanced approach to protect Georgia elections...” — Sen. Tim Bearden [00:21 & 03:02]
• “The learner can see how they’re engaging...and what their triggers are...so that they...are having less burnout.” — Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice [04:29]
• “This will focus on what parity requires, why it matters for employers, and how employer purchasing power can influence plan design and coverage.” — Sarah Phillips [05:50]

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Segment Timeline

• 00:33–01:41: Savannah remembers Linda Davis, teacher killed in ICE chase.
• 01:41–02:53: Crossover Day at the State Capitol, focus on property tax, abuser registries, and tax reduction.
• 02:53–03:14: Senate passes out-of-state campaign contribution limit bill.
• 03:14–04:11: Gas prices rise amid Strait of Hormuz crisis.
• 04:11–04:44: Morehouse School of Medicine expansion plans.
• 05:17–06:05: Carter Center campaign for employer mental health parity.
• 06:14+: Atlanta’s World Cup human rights plan, Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day kickoff, and sports round-up.

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For listeners, this episode provided a succinct, news-packed overview of major developments across Georgia, from heartfelt community stories to legislative highlights and sports, capturing the state's dynamic week.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, mourners gather in Savannah to remember the teacher killed by a man fleeing federal immigration agents. Gas prices continue to climb in the wake of the war in Iran and lawmakers take steps to limit campaign contributions from out of state.

[Senator Tim Bearden]

This bill offers a common sense, balanced approach to protect Georgia elections from undue outside interference while promoting transparency and accountability.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Monday, March 9th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Hundreds of people gathered in Savannah on Saturday to remember Linda Davis, the teacher killed last month in a high speed chase involving a man fleeing immigration officers. GPB's Grant Blankenship has more.

[Grant Blankenship]

At Savannah's St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Davis was celebrated as a teacher who had a transformative impact on the lives of special needs kindergarten students at Chatham County's Herman Hess K8 School. During the memorial, only Savannah Mayor Van Johnson hinted at the chain of events that brought mourners to church.

[Savannah Mayor Van Johnson]

We recognize that in this world we are all illegal aliens. We're all here on a temporary visa. We didn't come here to stay because this life is not our own.

[Grant Blankenship]

A spokesperson for Davis family says past saying goodbye to her. They don't know what their next steps may be. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship.

[Peter Biello]

State lawmakers wrapped up a busy week on Friday, passing dozens of bills before a critical deadline. That was Crossover Day, the last day that bills had to pass in at least one chamber to have a chance at becoming law this year. On Friday night, the Senate stayed in session until 10:45 while the House adjourned at 1:00am and GPB Sarah Kalis was there following the fate of legislation aimed at addressing fast rising property tax bills.

[Sarah Kallis]

HB 1116 would cap property tax increases at 3% a year. Representatives voted against another property tax relief measure Tuesday, which would have almost eliminated homestead property taxes through a constitutional amendment. Supporters of that measure, like Representative Shah Blackmon, amended HB 1116 in hopes of compromise on the issue.

[Grant Blankenship]

Our intent is to stem what is an unsustainable path for our homeowners and our property owners.

[Sarah Kallis]

Democrats like Representative Sam park said they didn't know enough about the quickly amended bill. By the time it reached the floor,

[Valerie Montgomery Rice]

no one truly understands what is in here.

[Sarah Kallis]

Other bills passed on Crossover Day include the creation of a domestic abuser registry, an animal abuser database and a reduction in the state income tax. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallis at the State Capitol

[Peter Biello]

lawmakers also approved a bill to limit out of state campaign contributions to less than half of a candidate's donations. Carrollton Republican State Senator Tim Bearden sponsored the legislation.

[Senator Tim Bearden]

This bill offers a common sense, balanced approach to protect Georgia elections from undue outside interference while promoting transparency and accountability.

[Peter Biello]

Opponents called the bill a vehicle to harass candidates, and it passed the Senate in a party line vote and now moves to the House. Oil prices surged today, leading to more worries that higher energy costs will fuel inflation and lead to less spending by US Consumers, the main engine of the economy. The surge comes as Iran chokes off the movement of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, which moves about 20% of the world's total oil and liquid natural gas. As a result, Georgia drivers are seeing gas prices rise. Auto club AAA says prices are $0.44 higher than last week and 56 higher than a month ago. The most expensive metro markets in the state are Atlanta, Athens and Savannah. Morehouse School of Medicine is sharing more about its plans for a new research facility. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports. Atlanta Congresswoman Nekima Williams was on campus today to learn more about the facility. She helped secure federal funding for and 2023.

[Amanda Andrews]

Morehouse School of Medicine received $950,000 to build a new academic research building. The new facility will offer larger classrooms, a simulation space and an expanded animal care facility. President Valerie Montgomery Rice says the simulations will build resilience for future doctors.

[Valerie Montgomery Rice]

The learner can see how they're engaging with the patient or engaging in this team based activity and what their triggers are. You can then implement interventions to help them mediate that so that they then are having less burnout.

[Amanda Andrews]

This expansion is part of an effort by the college to expand enrollment and improve medical access in Georgia. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Terry Gross]

Hi, it's Terry Gross, host of FRESH AIR. Hey, take a break from the 24 hour news cycle with us and listen to long form interviews with your favorite authors, actors, filmmakers, comedians and musicians. The people making the art that nourishes us and speaks to our times. So listen to the Fresh AIR podcast from NPR and whyy.

[Peter Biello]

The Carter center will host a series of discussions with representatives of 16 Georgia companies to educate them about their power to help employees better access mental health care. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more Employers buy

[Ellen Eldredge]

health insurance for their workers. The mental health parody and business sessions are meant to explain how employers can use their purchasing power to to better provide mental health care for employees. Sarah Phillips is with the Carter center she says the sessions are part of the larger Carter center push for better awareness of a state law mandating that mental health care is as accessible as

[Sarah Phillips]

physical health care, understanding mental health parity and employer leverage. So this will focus on what parity requires, why it matters for employers and how employer purchasing power can influence plan design and coverage.

[Ellen Eldredge]

June and November sessions are planned on identifying gaps in coverage and mental health in the workplace. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

Atlanta has unveiled what city officials are calling a human rights action plan ahead of the FIFA World cup, saying the tournament should happen with Atlanta, not to Atlanta. The plan outlined today promises to support vulnerable populations, prevent human trafficking and protect workers rights, among other goals. The city is more than three months away from its first match of the World Cup, Atlanta's largest event since the 1996 Olympic Games. Savannah's most famous fountain turned kelly green Friday as the city kicked off its St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The annual greening of the fountain is a tradition that dates back more than 40 years. City leaders and the parade's grand marshal poured 17 pounds of dye into the water during the ceremony. The fountain will remain green through St. Patrick's Day. More than a dozen other fountains around Savannah will also be dyed for the holiday. In sports Atlanta Braves pitcher Joey Wentz left yesterday's spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays after injuring his right leg while covering first base. Wentz appeared to twist his knee on the play and was carted off the field, though he was later seen walking into the clubhouse on his own. Early reports suggest the injury may not be serious, but the team says he will get an MRI to be sure. Wentz is officially listed as being day to day. The 28 year old left hander had been competing for a spot in Atlanta's starting rotation for the season. The Braves now have seven players who are expected to start the season on the injured list. Joey Wentz would bring that number up to eight. Also, the Atlanta Falcons are losing running back Tyler Algier. The Associated Press today cited anonymous sources confirming he and the Arizona Cardinals have agreed on a two year, $12 million contract. The 25 year old has been a solid contributor for the Falcons over the last four seasons. Georgia Tech has fired its men's basketball head coach. The Yellowjackets announced the sacking of Damon Stoudemire yesterday, a day after the team season ended with a 12 game losing streak. Georgia Tech finished last in the ACC after a 7976 loss at Clemson and a Major League Soccer rookie and a teenager scored for Real Salt Lake to spoil Atlanta United's home opener for with a 32 victory for the visitors on Saturday night. And that is a wrap for this edition of Georgia Today. Thank you so much for tuning in. Be sure to come back tomorrow. Remember to subscribe to this podcast and check gpb.org news for updates to any of the stories you heard today and for the Latest headlines from GPB's reporters. If you've got feedback, we are all ears. Send us a note via email. The address is Georgia today. P.B. i'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We will see you tomorrow.