Georgia Today Podcast: Conyers Town Hall on BioLab Fire; Georgia Scores Low on College Affordability

Date: August 18, 2025
Host: Peter Biello (Georgia Public Broadcasting)

Overview

This episode of Georgia Today spotlights critical issues affecting local communities, including Conyers residents' ongoing concerns about chemical exposure following the BioLab fire, the state’s struggle with college affordability, and several brief updates on mental health policy, local honors, and sports. The coverage emphasizes persistent community questions, disparities in college aid, and recent developments in public service, health, and recognition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Transparency in University Coursework (00:59–01:49)

• Topic: A new University System of Georgia policy requires professors to publicly post their syllabuses online, aiming to increase transparency.
  • Partial rollout this fall, with some classes required to comply immediately; full compliance by Fall 2026.
• Concerns:
  • Professors, while supportive of transparency for students, worry about increased potential for targeting by outside groups.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “I know that many of my colleagues have been targeted for what they teach in their classroom and this allows that targeting even more.” — Peter Biello, paraphrasing faculty concerns (01:41)

2. College Affordability and Need-Based Aid (02:07–02:38)

• Georgia's Shortfall:
  • The state does not offer a need-based aid program for public colleges, distinguishing it from most other U.S. states.
  • Analyst M.J. Kim notes that overall averages may mask disparities:
    Quote: “Statewide averages could have been heavily influenced by the higher income families, which can make overall trends look better than they actually are.” — M.J. Kim (02:28, reiterated from 00:49)
• Current Efforts:
  • Lawmakers are debating the expansion of state aid beyond the merit-based HOPE program.
  • Georgia and New Hampshire are the only states without need-based scholarships for public four-year college students.

3. Mental Health Initiatives and Challenges (02:38–03:43)

• Augusta University Grant:
  • Receives $2.5 million to train clinicians in youth mental health, addressing an urgent need amid federal cuts to mental health funding.
  • Trainees will work in underserved communities.
  • Quote: “Depression, anxiety, you know, substance misuse. It could be that they are going through a life transition. They could have lost a parent or you even think back to even Hurricane Helene and the impact that it had.” — Kathleen Cleveland Kennedy, grant manager (03:16)
• Note: Federal funding for mental health programs and school-based services has been slashed.

4. Conyers BioLab Fire: Lingering Community Concerns (03:43–04:07)

• Background:
  • Ten months after a chemical fire at the BioLab plant in Conyers, residents are still seeking answers about chemical exposure.
  • Independent testing found toxic chemicals in local gardens and soil across multiple counties.
  • BioLab’s community assistance center has closed; the company now functions solely as a distributor.
• Advocacy:
  • Environmental advocate Scott Smith calls for transparency:
    Quote: “I believe people have a right to know what we've identified and what you've possibly been exposed to as soon as possible.” — Scott Smith (04:05)

5. Other Local News Highlights

• Albany Plane Crash (04:07):

  • A small plane crash closed the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport; the pilot was uninjured.

• Mental Health Insurance Law Violations (05:11–05:46):

  • Georgia insurance companies fined $20 million for failing to comply with mental health parity laws.
  • Quote: “The fines are a drop in the bucket for big insurance companies, and lawmakers need to pass House Bill 612, creating a panel to review complaints so that we can get this oversight effort going…” — Jeff Breedlove, Georgia Council for Recovery (05:30)

• USPS Honors Jimmy Carter (05:59):

  • A new Forever Stamp featuring former President Carter will be released on October 1st in Atlanta.

• Wreath for Rosalynn Carter:

  • The first-ever wreath-laying ceremony for a former First Lady at Carter Gardens, Plains, Georgia.

• New Federal Prosecutor:

  • Meg Heap appointed as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

• Sports Updates:

  • Auburn to retire Cam Newton’s jersey during a game against Georgia (Fall 2025).
  • Georgia’s Mason Howell, 18, wins the US Amateur golf championship.
  • Peach Bowl CEO Gary Stoken announces retirement after the 2025/26 season; David Epps will succeed him.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On College Affordability:

  • “Statewide averages could have been heavily influenced by the higher income families, which can make overall trends look better than they actually are.” — M.J. Kim (00:49, 02:28)

• On Syllabus Transparency:

  • “I know that many of my colleagues have been targeted for what they teach in their classroom and this allows that targeting even more.” — Paraphrased, Peter Biello (01:41)

• On Youth Mental Health Needs:

  • “Depression, anxiety, you know, substance misuse. It could be that they are going through a life transition. They could have lost a parent or you even think back to even Hurricane Helene and the impact that it had.” — Kathleen Cleveland Kennedy (03:16)

• On BioLab Fire Exposure:

  • “I believe people have a right to know what we've identified and what you've possibly been exposed to as soon as possible.” — Scott Smith (04:05)

• On Mental Health Insurance Fines:

  • “The fines are a drop in the bucket for big insurance companies, and lawmakers need to pass House Bill 612, creating a panel to review complaints so that we can get this oversight effort going…” — Jeff Breedlove (05:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• University policy on syllabuses & transparency: 00:59–01:49
• Georgia's college affordability policy discussion: 02:07–02:38
• Augusta University youth mental health training grant: 02:56–03:43
• Conyers BioLab fire & community concerns: 03:43–04:07
• Albany airport closure after plane crash: 04:07
• Mental health parity law fines & advocacy: 05:11–05:46
• Jimmy Carter Forever Stamp reveal: 05:59
• Recognition for Rosalynn Carter & federal prosecutor news, sports updates: 05:59–end

Summary Flow

This episode offers a brisk, newsy rundown of pressing Georgia issues—from local health and environmental safety post-BioLab fire, to statewide debates about college affordability, to efforts and obstacles in youth mental health. Commentary from analysts and advocates highlights how abstract policy impacts real families, while the show’s respectful tone balances factual reporting with direct quotations from those in the trenches. While seemingly routine updates on sports and honors round off the show, their inclusion paints a fuller picture of Georgia’s civic life.

For more information and updates, listeners are encouraged to visit gpb.org/news.