Georgia NOW News for Friday March 13, 2026

  Georgia farmers say surging diesel prices tied to the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran are squeezing already thin margins. At Ellijay Mushroom Farm, growers producing thousands of shiitake mushrooms each week say rising fuel and supply costs are forcing farms to absorb higher expenses or risk raising prices for customers. At the Capitol, the Georgia House passed Senate Bill 220, the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” which would rename the state’s low-THC oil program to medical cannabis, allow inhalation options, update dosing rules and expand qualifying conditions such as lupus and severe insomnia. Meanwhile, the proposed Henry McNeil-Turner Voting Rights Act failed to receive a vote this session. Supporters say the bill would have created a state commission to review election law changes for discrimination, arguing federal voting protections have weakened in recent years. More than 7,000 Georgians remain on the waitlist for the state’s NOW and COMP waivers, programs that help people with disabilities pay for services like therapy, transportation and employment support. Some families say they have waited more than a decade for assistance. In DeKalb County, school leaders are reviewing public feedback on a proposal to close 27 schools, with many parents and teachers asking for clearer data on cost savings before decisions are made. And several Georgia special elections are heading to runoffs, including races for State Senate District 53 and State House districts 94 and 130, after no candidate received a majority of the vote. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at georgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #GaPol