BioLab closes Conyers plant; Trump's mega-bill hits roadblock; Missing hiker found

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary – May 16, 2025

Hosted by Peter Biello, Georgia Today from Georgia Public Broadcasting delivers comprehensive daily news coverage tailored to Georgia's residents. In this episode, Biello delves into a range of significant topics, including industrial developments, legislative challenges, community stories, economic initiatives, and notable events impacting the state.

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Biolab Plant Closure in Conyers

The episode begins with the closure of the Biolab chemical plant in Rockdale County, Conyers. This decision follows a severe incident in September when a fire at the facility led to the shutdown of a major interstate, disrupted school operations, and forced thousands of residents to shelter in place due to a chemical cloud.

Peter Biello reports at [00:47]: “Considering our future business needs, it will not restart the facility.” This statement from Biolab underscores the company's strategic shift away from the Conyers location. The closure raises concerns about environmental safety and local employment, highlighting the lasting impact of industrial accidents on communities. For a more detailed exploration of the Biolab incident and its repercussions, listeners are directed to GPB’s podcast Manufacturing Danger.

President Trump’s Mega Bill Faces Republican Opposition

Northeast Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde emerges as a key figure in the legislative drama surrounding President Donald Trump’s comprehensive budget proposal, dubbed the "big beautiful Bill Act." During a House Budget Committee meeting, Clyde, alongside four other Republican holdouts, voted against the bill, signaling significant intra-party dissent.

At [02:01], Clyde asserts: “We're also committed to ensuring the final package is fiscally responsible, right, sizing government and putting our fiscal future back on track.” He criticizes the bill for not adequately addressing fiscal responsibility and calls for more substantial reductions, particularly in Medicaid and Biden-era green energy tax breaks.

The GOP holdouts are negotiating over the weekend to amend the bill in hopes of securing broader support. House Speaker Mike Johnson remains steadfast in resolving the bill’s issues, believing it will stabilize the economy. However, Democrats oppose the bill, arguing it would strip millions of Americans of health coverage and food assistance while providing significant tax cuts to the wealthy. This legislative impasse is poised to impact local organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which anticipates reduced federal support amid rising demand for food assistance services.

Missing Hiker Tiffany Slayton Found Safe

In a heartwarming segment, Georgia Today shares the safe return of Tiffany Slayton, a 27-year-old woman who disappeared in a remote California wilderness area for nearly three weeks. Resort owner Christopher Gutierrez discovered Slayton inside an unlocked cabin, where she had taken refuge during a blizzard.

At [03:59], Gutierrez recounts: “She pops out, deer in the headlights, didn't say a word, just ran up and all she wanted was a hug.” After providing her with food and water, authorities were called to ensure her well-being. Tiffany’s parents expressed their overwhelming emotions upon hearing the news while out shopping.

Bobby Slayton shares at [04:57]: “It's hard to contain your tears and your excitement in the middle of clothes shopping.” The family remains grateful for Tiffany’s safe return, and authorities plan to interview her to understand her experiences during the ordeal. A Fresno County sheriff spokesperson noted that Slayton's survival in such harsh conditions is unprecedented.

Economic Impact of Georgia’s Artificial Reefs

The podcast highlights a study by the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension and Sea Grant, revealing that Georgia’s artificial reefs contributed over $8 million to the coastal economy in 2023. Eugene Frimpon, the study’s principal investigator, explains at [06:00]: “We want to understand the cost of transportation to these reef sites... how much they spend on hotel.”

Artificial reefs, constructed from materials like concrete, rubble, and metal-hulled vessels, serve as habitats for marine life and attract anglers and divers. These activities boost local economies by increasing spending in related sectors. The study projects that the artificial reef program could generate up to $139 million in net benefits over the next 50 years, demonstrating the significant economic and environmental value of such initiatives.

Pathways to Coverage Program Criticized for Low Enrollment

Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program, initiated by Governor Brian Kemp in 2023, aims to extend Medicaid coverage to low-income adults with an added work requirement. However, the program has seen disappointing enrollment numbers, with only 7,000 out of 230,000 eligible Georgians participating since its launch.

Whitney Griggs from Georgians for a Healthy Future criticizes the program at [07:09]: “The administrative burden is preventing people from enrolling and is leaving more people without access to healthcare.” She highlights barriers such as complicated application processes and stringent qualification criteria that deter eligible individuals from enrolling.

Devin Zwald adds at [07:27]: “Lots of folks who are eligible lose their coverage because they run into some sort of an administrative roadblock...” The federal government is considering extending the program through 2030 and has opened a public comment period until June 1st, inviting feedback to improve its effectiveness.

Federal Indictment of Savannah Gang Members

In a significant law enforcement development, federal prosecutors in Savannah have indicted thirty alleged members of the "Sex Money Murder" gang, a subgroup of the Bloods. The indictment, announced at [08:06], charges the group with a range of violent and financial crimes, including drug trafficking and sophisticated fraud schemes that exploited federal assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Joffe of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering division details the gang’s brutal tactics, including the execution-style murder of a young man in his school uniform [08:25]. Andrew Clyde adds that the gang ran a “sophisticated fraud scheme” abusing Small Business relief funds, highlighting the multifaceted nature of their criminal activities.

This major indictment underscores ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and protect community safety in Savannah, marking a significant victory for federal law enforcement agencies.

Major Business Developments

The episode also covers notable business news impacting Georgia and beyond. Atlanta-based cable giant Cox Communications has announced a merger with Connecticut-based Charter Communications in a $34 billion deal, marking one of the largest corporate transactions in over a year. This merger aims to consolidate two of the nation's top three cable providers amidst increasing competition from streaming services. The deal awaits regulatory approval.

Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $35 million in the 2025 fiscal year budget for harbor deepening at the Port of Brunswick. Middle Georgia Congressman Mike Collins, chair of the House committee overseeing the agency, announced the funding [08:54]. This investment aims to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate larger ships, supporting Brunswick’s status as a key hub for auto and heavy equipment shipments.

Viral Graduation Performance

On a lighter note, the podcast highlights Grace Johnson, an advertising major from Woodstock, whose powerful rendition of "Georgia on My Mind" at the University of Georgia's commencement ceremony has gone viral. Her performance, posted on the university's TikTok account, has amassed over 100,000 likes, resonating widely across social media platforms.

At [10:53], Christopher Gutierrez echoes the sentiment as Grace's performance captivates audiences: “Georgia.” Grace plans to continue sharing her singing talents, bringing positive attention to the university’s graduation celebrations and inspiring fellow students.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Peter Biello emphasizes the diverse range of stories covered, from industrial changes and legislative battles to inspiring personal rescues and economic studies. He encourages listeners to subscribe to Georgia Today for ongoing coverage and to visit gpb.org/news for the latest headlines.

“For a complete Biolab story, check out GPB's podcast Manufacturing Danger...” Biello concludes with a reminder to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most to Georgia residents.

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Thank you for tuning in to Georgia Today. Stay connected for more in-depth reporting and insightful discussions on the topics that shape our state.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

DBHDD is urging Georgians to store and lock away all medications to prevent theft and keep them away from children and pets. Old medications can be disposed of at Dropbox locations. Dropbox locations can be [e-mail] welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, the Biolab plant in Conyers is closing. President Donald Trump's big beautiful bill hits a roadblock and the parents of a Georgia woman lost in the California wilderness for weeks describe how they felt when they learned she was safe. It's hard to contain your tears and your excitement in the middle of clothes shopping.

[Bobby Slayton]

I just grabbed somebody and said, can I hug you?

[Peter Biello]

Today is Friday, May 16th. I'm hi, I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Chemical maker Biolab is closing its plants in metro Atlanta's Rockdale County. A September fire at the plant closed the interstate, canceled classes at area schools and forced thousands of residents to shelter in place as a chemical cloud moved around Atlanta's suburbs. In a short statement this afternoon, the company said, quote, considering our future business needs, it will not restart the facility. For the complete Biolab story, check out GPB's podcast Manufacturing Danger. Northeast Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde was among House Republicans who voted no on President Donald Trump's all encompassing mega bill in the House Budget Committee. The panel this morning threw up a huge roadblock on the one big beautiful Bill Act, a budget plan of tax breaks and spending cuts advancing Trump's agenda. Clyde voted with four other renegade conservatives seeking steeper cuts, especially to Medicaid and to Biden era green energy tax breaks, clyde said. Congress has laid out bold priorities, including on border security and strengthening the military.

[Andrew Clyde]

We're also committed to ensuring the final package is fiscally responsible, right, sizing government and putting our fiscal future back on track. Unfortunately, the current version falls short of these goals and fails to deliver the transformative change that Americans were promised. Substantive improvements are needed and I look forward to working with this committee and our House Republican Conference to make sure we deliver.

[Peter Biello]

The GOP holdouts vowed to work over the weekend on changes to secure their support. The bill is teetering at a critical moment. House Speaker Mike Johnson is determined to resolve the problems with the package that he believes will inject a dose of stability into a wavering economy. The Democrats called the bill bad economics. They emphasized that millions of people would lose their health coverage and food stamp assistance if the bill passes, while the wealthiest Americans would reap Enormous tax cuts. The Atlanta Community Food bank is bracing for a drop in federal support just as demand for food assistance continues to rise. Officials say cuts to a USDA program could reduce food volume by up to 10% over the next year. And in response, Atlanta based Gas south raised $65,000 during National Volunteer Month and contributed more than 1,700 hours of service to nonprofits across the region. The donation comes as the food bank reports a 14% increase in households served compared to this time last year. A 27 year old Georgia woman who went missing for nearly three weeks in a remote California wilderness area was found yesterday. The owner of a resort in California's eastern SE Gutierrera found Tiffany Slayton of Middle George's Jeffersonville, safe inside one of the resort's cabins. The cabins had been shut down for the winter, but the staff had left the doors unlocked just in case a wayward hiker needed shelter. Resort owner Christopher Gutierrez said he found Slayton when he returned to the cabins to prepare them for the spring season.

[Christopher Gutierrez]

We see the door open and, and I see some shoes down there. I'm like, okay. Well, it's just a hiker who decided to, you know, hold up in the, the blizzard that we had that previous night. And so as soon as we start making our way there, here comes Tiffany. She pops out, deer in the headlights, didn't say a word, just ran up and all she wanted was a hug. It was, it was a pretty surreal moment. And, and that's when I knew that, that, that's when I realized who this was.

[Peter Biello]

Gutierrez gave Slayton a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and called authorities who brought her to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities said she was hungry and dehydrated, but otherwise in good condition. Slayton's parents, Bobby and Fredrina Slayton, said they got the news of their daughter's safe recovery while they were out shopping. It's hard to contain your tears and your excitement in the middle of clothes shopping.

[Bobby Slayton]

Yeah, I think I know. For me, I saw a lady in there. Bobby was crying and I didn't know what was going on. And I just grabbed somebody and said, can I hug you? And I did. I was crying and hugging and I felt so bad. I mean, I feel bad thinking back to that lady, but she was just somebody that was close and I needed to hug somebody. So whoever you were, thank you.

[Peter Biello]

Reunited with her daughter today, Fredrina Slayton posted reunion photos on social media and wrote that Tiffany was in good spirits and in spite of weight loss and other issues. A Fresno county sheriff spokesperson said it was the longest that he had seen a missing person survive in such remote and icy conditions. Authorities say they plan on interviewing her to learn more about her experience. Visitors to Georgia's artificial reefs contributed more than $8 million to the coastal economy in 2023. That's according to a study from the University of Georgia's Marine Extension and Sea Grant. GPB's Devin Zwald reports 46 artificial reef.

[Eugene Frimpon]

Sites made from materials like concrete, rubble, metal hulled vessels and even martyr railcars sit in waters off the Georgia coast. They're managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and they support marine life habitats. The sites attract anglers and divers who spend money, says Eugene Frimpon, principal investigator of the study.

[Peter Biello]

We want to understand the cost of transportation to these reef sites if they purchase, for example, the fuel, the time that they even travel to these artificial reef sites, if they spend overnight, how much they spend on hotel.

[Eugene Frimpon]

The study also estimated the artificial reef program could grow, generating up to $139 million in net benefits over the next 50 years. For GPB News, I'm Devin Zwald.

[Peter Biello]

The federal government is seeking public comment as it considers extending Georgia's Pathways to coverage program through 2030. Started by Governor Brian Kemp in 2023, it offers Medicaid coverage to low income adults but includes a work requirement. GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports.

[Whitney Griggs]

Since its launch in July 2023, less than 3% of those eligible or 7,000 Georgians have enrolled in health care coverage using using a Medicaid waiver. Whitney Griggs is with Georgians for a Healthy Future. She says the administrative burden is preventing people from enrolling and is leaving more people without access to healthcare.

[Devin Zwald]

Lots of folks who are eligible lose their coverage because they run into some sort of an administrative roadblock trying to submit their qualifying activity or, you know, prove their address or even just, you know, fill out the basic application.

[Whitney Griggs]

Congress is considering similar changes as it looks to make cuts to Medicaid. The public comment period goes through June 1st. For GPB news, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

Federal prosecutors in Savannah announced a sprawling indictment yesterday against a large group of alleged gang members, charging them with a wide range of both violent and financial crimes. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports.

[David Joffe]

Thirty alleged members and associates of the so called Sex Money Murder gang are named in the indictment, which was unsealed Thursday in Savannah federal Court. David Joffe leads the Justice Department's Violent Crime and Racketeering division. He says the gang, a subgroup of the Bloods, used brutal tactics to ensure its rules while running a drug trafficking operation in metro Savannah.

[Andrew Clyde]

This included the execution style murder of a young man getting off the school bus returning from school in his school uniform, where the gang intercepted him as he got off the bus, took him to a secluded area and shot him in the head and executed him.

[David Joffe]

Prosecutors also alleged the sex money murder gang ran a sophisticated fraud scheme that abused federal programs, including Small Business relief during the COVID 19 pandemic. For GPP News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Peter Biello]

A few business stories of note Atlanta based cable giant Cox Communications is merging with Connecticut based Charter Communications in one of the nation's largest corporate deals in over a year. The company's announced the $34 billion agreement today. The deal would combine two of the nation's top three cable providers incomes as the industry remains under assault by streaming services. The transaction still needs regulatory approval. The U.S. army Corps of Engineers is including $35 million in its 2025 fiscal year budget for harbor deepening at the port of Brunswick. Middle Georgia Congressman Mike Collins, chair of the House committee that oversees the agency, announced the funding yesterday. State officials have long sought to deepen the harbor to help Brunswick, the nation's busiest port for auto and heavy equipment, compete for large ships and peach season has arrived and many GPB has a list of farmers where you can find the state's most famous fruit this [e-mail] News.

[Devin Zwald]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Peter Biello]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Devin Zwald]

We show you how money influences everything. Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money, and we dig until we get answers.

[Peter Biello]

I had a bad feeling you were gonna bring that up.

[Devin Zwald]

Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from npr.

[Peter Biello]

The University of Georgia's graduation ceremony may have been last Friday, but a video of one recent grad is striking a chord far beyond Athens. Grace Johnson, an advertising major from Woodstock, went viral for her stirring rendition of Georgia on my mind at UGA's commencement ceremony last week. Georgia.

[Christopher Gutierrez]

Georgia.

[Peter Biello]

The whole day through the performance poem posted on the university's TikTok has racked up more than 100,000 likes. Johnson posted on her own page to say thanks. She's been singing since childhood and may start posting more of her singing. And that is a wrap on a busy week of news. Thank you so much for tuning in. We really do appreciate having you as a listener. We're going to be back on Monday as well. So make sure you subscribe to this podcast and check gpb.org news for the latest Georgia headlines. As we reported, the Biolab plant in Conyers is going to be closing. Remember to check out Manufacturing Danger podcast hosted by GPB's Pamela Kirkland, all about problems with the Biolab plant and its impact on the community. You can find Manufacturing Danger wherever you get your podcasts. If you've got feedback on this podcast, send it to us by email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening and have a great weekend.

[Devin Zwald]

Planet Money helps you understand the economy. We find the people at the center of the story.

[Peter Biello]

Garbage in New York that was like a controlled substance.

[Devin Zwald]

We show you how money influences everything. Tell me what you like by telling me how you spend your money. And we dig until we get answers.

[Peter Biello]

I had a bad feeling you're gonna bring that up.

[Devin Zwald]

Planet Money finds out. All you have to do is listen. The Planet Money podcast from NPR.