Georgia Today Podcast – March 13, 2026 Host: Peter Biello (GPB News)

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today dives into recent news and significant developments affecting communities across Georgia. Key topics include the tragic death of a UGA graduate in a shooting, the ongoing boom in data centers in southwest Georgia, new details and lingering questions about ICE detention facilities, updates on a bill to help medical professionals return to work after rehabilitation, concerns over gun deaths among youth in Georgia, a preview of local Oscar contenders, and Atlanta’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

Main Stories & Key Insights

1. UGA Graduate Killed in Old Dominion University Shooting

• [00:31] Lt. Col. Brandon Shaw, a University of Georgia MBA graduate and ROTC instructor, was killed while teaching at Old Dominion University, Virginia, when a gunman (a former Army National Guardsman with a conviction for supporting ISIS) opened fire.
  • Two others were injured.
  • The shooter was subdued by students and did not survive.
  • "Shah received his master's in business administration from UGA's Terry College of Business." (Peter Biello, 00:34)

2. Senate Panel Grills Nathan Wade over Fulton DA Misconduct

• [01:15] Nathan Wade, former special prosecutor in the 2020 Georgia election case, testified before state senators about allegations against DA Fani Willis.
  • Wade maintained he followed all professional rules and defended his fees, contrasting them with Trump attorneys.
  • The panel did not question Wade on his relationship with Willis, which resulted in her removal from the case.
  • "They represented these people for a period of months. I represented the citizens of the state of Georgia for almost three years and the numbers pale in comparison to what they're asking for." (Christy York Wooten quoting Wade, 01:40)

3. Southwest Georgia Data Center Project

• [01:52] Data center developer QTS files plans for a 12 million sq.ft. complex in Early County, potentially the state’s largest.
  • Could bolster local tax base that suffered after Georgia Pacific’s paper mill closure.
  • Energy and water needs remain unaddressed in the application.
  • "If fully built, it would be one of the state's largest data centers... QTS application leaves blank all questions about the data center's energy and water needs." (Peter Biello, 01:52)

4. Firearm Deaths Among Youth in Georgia & The South

• [02:48] Data shows slight national decline, but Georgia and the South still have disproportionately high rates.
  • Kids in Georgia face almost double the national firearm death rate; assault is the leading cause.
  • Black youth in Georgia are over four times more likely than white peers to die by assault with a firearm.
  • "Georgia ranks among the top 10 for states with the highest increase in firearm deaths over that time frame." (Sophie Gradis, 02:48)

5. Bill to Help Georgia Medical Professionals Reenter Workforce

• [03:35] State Senate passes a bill to allow nurses, social workers, and therapists to regain licenses after substance use disorder rehabilitation—with ongoing monitoring.
  • Encourages honesty among professionals instead of license loss.
  • "We want to extend this to our nurses and make sure that we have an opportunity for them to continue their careers if they've made a mistake one time." (Chuck Hufstetler, 03:57)
• The bill now awaits the governor's signature.

6. Planned ICE Detention Facilities in Georgia: Questions & Concerns

• [04:13–12:01] Interview with Douglas McMillan (Washington Post reporter)
  • ICE has bought two large warehouses in Georgia (Social Circle & Oakwood) with plans to detain up to 10,000 people.
  • Model based on tent city in El Paso, where poor living conditions include constant noise, lack of privacy, and continuous lighting.
    • "The lights are always on and you always are hearing the shouting and the talking and the screaming and the crying." (Douglas McMillan, 05:29)
  • Retrofitting warehouses to comply with federal standards—medical, dining, recreation, security—will be a challenge.
  • Infectious disease outbreaks (measles, tuberculosis) are documented concerns; containment measures are in question.
  • Community leaders report little to no communication from DHS or federal authorities.
    • "This plan has been rolled out with an extraordinary amount of secrecy..." (Douglas McMillan, 08:29)
  • Water and sewer capacity is a major worry; federal government has not provided clear solutions.
    • Potential solution: trucking in water, but on an unprecedented scale.
    • "If there's not enough water, there's not enough water... I think that's a really valid concern." (Douglas McMillan, 10:06)

7. Other News Highlights

• Fort Stewart Shooting Guilty Plea (12:11):

  • Army sergeant Cornelius Radford seeks to plead guilty to attempted murder and other charges in a 2023 shooting that injured four soldiers and a civilian.

• Atlanta’s World Cup Transit Plans (13:16):

  • The city, along with the Georgia Department of Transportation and MARTA, will implement traffic management tactics and backup bus fleets.
    • "Additionally, we're going to be staging well over two dozen buses throughout the region in case there's a rail event." (Jonathan Hunt, 13:36)

• GE Appliances Expands in Walker County (13:59):

  • $18 million investment adds new wall oven production and 2,200 jobs in Lafayette.

• New App for Pre-Op Kids' Care (14:52):

  • Dr. Lauren Welsh’s Pre Op App helps anxious children and families prepare for surgery with games and better communication.
    • "Games and stories available to introduce kids into what's going to happen that day in a familiar and fun way so that their fears are alleviated." (Dr. Lauren Welsh, 15:21)

8. Oscars Preview: Georgia’s Hollywood Ties

• [15:39] Interview with Steven Brown (Atlanta movie expert, Trilith resident)
  • Several Oscar nominees filmed in Georgia or involve local talent; Best Picture contenders discussed.
    • "There might be one or two that are lucky to be on the list, but it's definitely a good list of movies." (Steven Brown, 16:07)
  • Highlights on Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Jessie Buckley; Teyana Taylor recognized as a Georgia-connected nominee.

9. Spring Events and Festivals

• [19:44] Spring weather arrives across Georgia, with numerous local festivals and celebrations highlighted across the state.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "The lights are always on and you always are hearing the shouting and the talking and the screaming and the crying." — Douglas McMillan on tent detention conditions [05:29]
• "We want to extend this to our nurses... It really encourages people not to hide their problems but to bring them forward because they know there's a pathway other than just losing their license." — Chuck Hufstetler [03:57]
• "This plan has been rolled out with an extraordinary amount of secrecy." — Douglas McMillan on ICE facilities [08:29]
• "If there's not enough water, there's not enough water. So I think that's a really valid concern." — Douglas McMillan [10:06]
• "Georgia ranks among the top 10 for states with the highest increase in firearm deaths over that time frame." — Sophie Gradis [02:48]

For Further Information

• Data Center & ICE Facility Plans: Watch for updates as public response grows and project specifics are released.
• Oscars: The awards broadcast is highlighted for Sunday; several films with Georgia ties in contention.
• Local Events: Check GPB or local listings for comprehensive festival schedules.

Host Sign-Off:
Peter Biello: "Thank you so much for tuning in... We’re going to be back with you on Monday with all the latest Georgia headlines." [19:44]

This detailed summary is designed to provide a comprehensive yet concise overview of the episode’s main news, discussions, and unique local coverage. For more in-depth reporting, visit gpb.org/news.