Georgia Today Podcast – December 5, 2025

Host: Orlando Montoya (for Peter Biello)
Producer: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB News)
Main Topics: CDC changes hepatitis B vaccine guidance, Biolab lawsuit, workplace safety violations, Marjorie Taylor Greene opposes bio-waste facility, boxing regulation reform, World Cup excitement, SEC Championship preview

Episode Overview

This episode covers a range of top Georgia headlines: the CDC updates vaccine recommendations for newborns, fallout from the Biolab chemical plant fire continues with a major insurance lawsuit, workplace safety fines after a tragic incident at a manufacturing plant, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s opposition to a bio-waste facility, legislative efforts to reform boxing regulations, Atlanta's World Cup fever, and a look ahead to the SEC Championship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CDC Alters Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations (00:43–01:49)

• New Guidance:
  The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will no longer recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns. The new advice: only vaccinate at birth if the mother is hepatitis B positive or hasn’t been tested; otherwise, parents may wait until the child is two months old.

• Expert Reaction:
  Michael Nindberg, former president of the World Hepatitis Alliance, criticized the change:

  “The sowing of doubt is probably the most dangerous part because parents are going to just... kick the can down the road oftentimes if they can.” (Michael Nindberg, 01:21–01:32)

• Potential Impact:
  Hepatitis B is especially dangerous for children, potentially leading to liver failure or cancer. The Georgia Department of Public Health will monitor how this decision affects newborn vaccination rates statewide.

2. Biolab Chemical Plant Faces $20 Million Insurance Lawsuit (01:49–03:02)

• Background:
  Biolab’s 2024 plant fire in Conyers burned down a facility producing pool-cleaning chemicals, releasing a toxic plume over metro Atlanta.

• Legal Action:
  Verlan Fire Insurance Company has sued Biolab and parent companies for $20 million—a sum already paid to a nearby HVAC supplier for fire-related damages.

• Allegations:
  The lawsuit claims Biolab lacked adequate fire suppression and emergency response plans. Biolab disputes prior federal findings about the incident and has not commented on this case or responded to GPB’s request.

• Wider Fallout:
  The plant also faces a class-action lawsuit from local residents/businesses and a separate federal suit from Rockdale County.

3. Workplace Fatality and OSHA Fines at Q Cells Plant (03:16–03:50)

• Incident:
  33-year-old Marion Jose Rugama died from asphyxiation by nitrogen gas at the Bartow County facility in May.

• OSHA Findings:
  Hyung Wan ENC America was fined $20,000 for failing to protect workers from hazards linked to nitrogen gas.

4. Marjorie Taylor Greene Opposes Bio-Waste Facility in Murray County (03:50–04:53)

• Community Pushback:
  Greene made a rare district appearance after announcing her congressional resignation to oppose a proposed bio-waste digester. Over 300 constituents attended a heated town hall.

• Representative’s Critique:
  Greene addressed company representatives bluntly:

  “While you lecture these people with your pathetic little slideshows about how digestion works and methane gas. The people sitting behind me, they own cattle. They farm their food. They don't need your jobs.” (Marjorie Taylor Greene, 04:26–04:42)

• Outcome:
  Following the meeting, the Murray County Commission decided to put the plant project on hold.

5. Boxing Regulation Reform Led by Rep. Brian Jack (04:53–05:47)

• Legislation:
  Freshman Congressman Brian Jack (R–GA) is championing the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, which seeks to “overhaul the nation’s boxing regulations” by introducing unified boxing organizations for fairer pay and greater protections.

  “Our legislation clarifies ambiguities in current law that have stifled innovation and investment into the sport. This bill allows for the creation of alternative systems called unified boxing organizations that will provide professional boxers with better pay and greater protections.” (Brian Jack, 05:12–05:27)

• Support & Concerns:
  The bill is backed by figures like Mike Tyson, but some in Congress worry it may favor corporate interests over individual athletes.

6. Atlanta Gears Up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (05:47–06:51)

• Event Atmosphere:
  Despite cold weather, Atlanta soccer fans gathered for a World Cup final draw watch party.

  “People will be playing drums and having music and having great times and all dressed in their team colors and their team pride. And yes, as Patriots here in the United States, we get excited, but to see how other people are excited about their own country is truly amazing.” (Mike Reese, World Cup volunteer, 06:25–06:40)

• Tournament Details:
  Atlanta will host eight matches as part of an expanded 48-team tournament; the U.S. is placed in Group D with Australia and Paraguay.

7. SEC Championship Preview – Georgia vs. Alabama (06:51–07:39)

• Teams:
  Alabama and Georgia meet again at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Georgia, led by Coach Kirby Smart, is aiming for their fourth SEC title, while Alabama—under first-year Coach Kalyn DeBoer—returns after missing last year’s game.

• High Stakes:
  Georgia seeks to hold onto a Top 4 playoff spot; Alabama has historically won all prior championship matchups between the teams.

Memorable Quotes

• Michael Nindberg (on risks of vaccine guidance change):
  “The sowing of doubt is probably the most dangerous part because parents are going to just... kick the can down the road oftentimes if they can.” (01:21–01:32)

• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (on bio-waste facility):
  “While you lecture these people with your pathetic little slideshows about how digestion works and methane gas. The people sitting behind me, they own cattle. They farm their food. They don't need your jobs.” (04:26–04:42)

• Rep. Brian Jack (on boxing bill):
  “Our legislation clarifies ambiguities in current law that have stifled innovation and investment into the sport...” (05:12–05:27)

• Mike Reese (on World Cup fever):
  “People will be playing drums and having music and having great times and all dressed in their team colors and their team pride...” (06:25–06:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:43] — CDC hepatitis B vaccine schedule change
• [01:49] — Biolab chemical plant lawsuit & fire aftermath
• [03:16] — Workplace death & OSHA fines at Q Cells plant
• [03:50] — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on bio-waste facility
• [04:53] — Rep. Brian Jack’s boxing regulation bill
• [05:47] — Atlanta’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preview
• [06:51] — Georgia vs. Alabama SEC Championship preview

This episode deftly blends public health, environmental news, political advocacy, sporting excitement, and local community voices, spotlighting the issues and events shaping Georgia this week.