Georgia Today: April 8, 2025

Hosted by Peter Biello, Georgia Today delivers in-depth reporting on the stories that matter most to Georgians. In this episode, listeners are presented with critical updates ranging from workplace safety violations and economic impacts of tariffs to agricultural challenges and local governance issues.

OSHA Fines Biolab for Chemical Fire in Conyers

The episode opens with a significant report on workplace safety violations at the Biolab facility in Conyers. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has imposed over $61,000 in penalties on the company following a devastating chemical fire last year.

Pamela Kirkland elaborates on the situation:

"OSHA says Biolab failed to properly store hazardous chlorine-based chemicals, materials the agency says are both toxic and flammable." (01:22)

Further detailing the violations, Sophie Gradus reports:

"In a citation issued late last month, inspectors also found Biolab's emergency response team wasn't equipped with the right respirators or protective gear when the fire broke out." (01:22)

Biolab has responded by emphasizing their commitment to safety, although they contest OSHA's findings:

"We take operational safety very seriously and are cooperating with investigators, but dispute OSHA's conclusion about the cause of the fire." (01:22)

For those interested in a deeper exploration of the incident, listeners are directed to GPB's new podcast, Manufacturing Danger.

Tariff Effects and SNAP Funding Debates

The discussion shifts to the broader economic implications of new tariffs enacted by the Trump administration, particularly focusing on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Benjamin Payne highlights the contentious debate:

"Most states, including Georgia, already require able-bodied adults to work a certain number of hours to get monthly benefits, but there are some state exemptions that Republicans, like Georgia's Austin Scott, want removed to encourage self-sufficiency." (02:47)

Pamela Kirkland adds a critical perspective:

"When you're telling people that they don't have to work, the end result of that is a reduction in their employment benefits." (03:06)

Conversely, Benjamin Payne presents the Democratic stance:

"Democrats, including Georgia's David Scott, say they're outraged over that plan as Congress debates cuts that could overall shrink aid at the grocery store." (03:12)

The debate underscores the vulnerability of nearly 2 million Georgia residents enrolled in SNAP, primarily children and families living below the poverty line.

Savannah’s Gun Control Ordinance Survives Legislative Attack

In local governance news, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson expresses relief as state lawmakers fail to pass a bill targeting the city's gun control measures.

Scott Monfort reports:

"Enacted last year, Savannah's ordinance penalizes gun owners up to $1,000 if they leave a firearm in an unlocked vehicle." (03:37)

Mayor Johnson praises the support from Democrats:

"Inspired by Democrats' efforts to protect Savannah's gun control ordinance." (04:12)

He further emphasizes the city's commitment to safety:

"We're going to do in Savannah everything we can to be able to try to keep people safe." (04:12)

Looking ahead, Johnson anticipates future challenges but remains steadfast in defending the ordinance.

Cold Snap Delays Georgia's Peanut Crop

Agricultural news highlights a cold snap that has postponed the planting season for Georgia's peanut farmers, potentially affecting what could have been a record-breaking harvest.

Scott Monfort, a peanut agronomist from the University of Georgia Extension, explains:

"Many farmers switched acreage from cotton to peanuts this year because of cotton's low prices." (04:37)

Despite the delay, there is optimism for a substantial peanut yield:

"He expects Georgia peanut acreage to reach 950,000 acres this season. That's 7% more than last year and could produce the largest peanut crop in decades." (05:12)

Pamela Kirkland notes the eagerness among farmers:

"Everybody's itching to get started because we do have so many acres of peanuts this year." (05:03)

Federal Funding Cuts Impacting Georgia's Higher Education

Sonny Perdue, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, addressed the repercussions of federal spending cuts:

"The Trump administration has notified USG of research funding being withheld." (05:12)

These cuts have sparked protests at Georgia Tech, where faculty like Jennifer Glass express concerns over the future of scientific research and academic freedom:

"People fleeing this country because it's not a good, it's not a safe place for them and it's not supporting science anymore." (06:00)

Additionally, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is advising businesses to brace for the economic impact of new tariffs:

"The chamber urges its members to review their contracts for price adjustment clauses, explore alternative sourcing or markets and engage with policymakers." (06:00)

New Developments in Georgia Utilities and Sports

A new nonprofit, led by consumer advocate Patty Duran, has emerged to monitor Georgia's utilities amid rising electric bills and unresponsive state officials.

In sports news, the Masters Tournament has unveiled its opening round schedule, featuring stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Notably absent is Tiger Woods, who is instead involved in community development:

"Tiger Woods will design a new nine-hole course at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, known as the Patch." (07:35)

Furthermore, the Atlanta Braves are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies in a game of historical significance:

"Today marks the 51st anniversary of Hank Aaron's 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth's longstanding record." (08:13)

Closing Remarks

Peter Biello wraps up the episode by encouraging listener feedback via email and promoting subscription to stay updated with GPB News.

For more comprehensive coverage on these topics and additional stories, visit gpb.org/news.