Georgia Today Podcast Summary Episode: Mana Nutrition to Resume Operations; BioLab Gets Federal Investigation
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Introduction

In this episode of Georgia Today, host Peter Biello covers a range of impactful stories affecting Georgia communities. From the resurgence of a crucial emergency food manufacturer to a federal investigation into a chemical plant fire, the episode delves into issues of public safety, political accountability, economic stability, and community health.

Manna Nutrition Resumes Operations

Segment Overview:
The episode opens with positive news about Manna Nutrition, a South Georgia-based manufacturer of peanut-based emergency food designed to aid starving children worldwide. Previously impacted by funding cuts, Manna is poised to resume full operations with new contracts.

Key Points:

• Grant Blankenship from GPB explains that Manna Nutrition had a steady contract with USAID, which was recently reduced, leaving 400,000 boxes of Manna in storage.

• CEO Mark Moore expresses optimism about new orders:

  “[...] The kids who are most critically in need are, it appears, being served by this administration.”
  (00:55 - 01:25)

• Manna has already begun shipping supplies, including recent airlift donations to Gaza through a non-governmental charity.

Conclusion:
With the State Department's new request for 800,000 additional boxes, Manna Nutrition is ready to expand its support for malnourished children globally.

Defamation Lawsuit Against Senator Sean Still

Segment Overview:
Former state Senate candidate Democrat Ashwin Ramaswamy is suing Republican State Senator Sean Still for defamation, alleging that false statements were made during the 2024 election campaign that damaged his reputation.

Key Points:

• Ramaswamy claims Landmark Communications, Still’s political consulting firm, disseminated mailers accusing him of soliciting children for sex. He maintains these allegations are baseless, referring to his legitimate activities in seeking voter information.
• Ramaswamy seeks damages for the defamatory statements.
• Peter Biello notes that Senator Still has not responded to the lawsuit, and Landmark Communications has declined to comment.

Conclusion:
The lawsuit highlights the intense political battles and the serious implications of defamation in electoral politics.

Atlanta Metro Home Prices Stable

Segment Overview:
A report by First American Financial Corporation reveals that home prices in the Atlanta metro area have remained relatively stable compared to national trends.

Key Points:

• In cities like Sandy Springs and Alpharetta, the home price index decreased slightly by 0.3% year-over-year.
• Nationally, home prices saw an increase of 1.5%.
• Mark Fleming, chief economist for First American, attributes the stability to limited affordability, economic uncertainty, and homeowners' reluctance to relinquish low mortgage rates.

Conclusion:
While national markets show growth, the Atlanta metro area's housing market remains steady, reflecting broader economic challenges.

Health: Dementia Awareness Following Gene Hackman's Death

Segment Overview:
Following the passing of actor Gene Hackman, Family Hospice and the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer's Association emphasize the importance of regularly checking in on loved ones with dementia.

Key Points:

• Ellen Eldredge reports on Hackman's struggle with dementia after his wife, his primary caregiver, died unexpectedly.

• Paige Powell from Family Hospice underscores the campaign's goals:

  “[...] checking in on our neighbors and our loved ones.”
  (03:18 - 03:32)

• The "I Checked In" campaign aims to reduce isolation and build connections within communities.

Conclusion:
The segment serves as a poignant reminder to support individuals living with dementia, highlighting the need for community vigilance and compassion.

GE Appliances Shifting Production to Southern States

Segment Overview:
GE Appliances announces a strategic shift in its production lines, moving manufacturing from China and Mexico to Southern U.S. states, including Georgia, as part of a $3 billion investment initiative.

Key Points:

• Gas ranges will be relocated from Mexico to Lafayette, Georgia.
• Six refrigerator models currently produced in China will move to Alabama.
• The initial phase targets plants in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Conclusion:
This move aims to enhance production efficiency and reduce dependency on international manufacturing, boosting local economies in the Southern United States.

Georgia to Create State Office for Climate Change Planning

Segment Overview:
A new report advocates for the establishment of a dedicated state office to plan and mitigate the effects of climate change in Georgia.

Key Points:

• Orlando Montoya presents insights from Eric Fosmeier of the South Carolina Office of Resilience, emphasizing the need for an apolitical approach to climate resilience.
• The report, released by the University of Georgia's Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems and the Pew Trust, aligns with previous recommendations to enhance Georgia's resilience against severe weather events.
• The proposed resilience office would coordinate disaster mitigation and recovery efforts across various government levels.

Conclusion:
Creating a state office focused on climate resilience is seen as a proactive step to safeguard Georgia's infrastructure and communities against increasing severe weather incidents.

Chancellor Sonny Perdue's Proposed Salary Raise

Segment Overview:
Sonny Perdue, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, may receive a significant salary increase, raising his annual compensation to over $572,000.

Key Points:

• The Georgia Board of Regents proposed the $50,000 raise after a closed-door session.
• The raise is pending a 30-day waiting period before a final vote.
• While Perdue's salary is among the highest in state government, it remains below some neighboring states' counterparts.

Conclusion:
The proposed salary increase for Chancellor Perdue sparks discussions on compensation levels within state government leadership roles.

Federal Investigation into Biolab Fire in Conyers

Segment Overview:
A federal investigation has been launched into a devastating chemical fire at the Biolab plant in Conyers, Georgia, which released a toxic cloud into Rockdale County. The incident raises serious concerns about chemical safety and regulatory oversight.

Key Points:

Background of the Biolab Fire

• In September 2024, a fire at Biolab’s storage warehouse in Conyers resulted in a massive toxic smoke cloud.
• Randy Garcia, the only onsite engineer before the fire, expressed concerns about the facility’s use of sprinkler systems despite storing water-reactive chemicals like trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA):

  “They should have known what kind of chemicals were in that plant. They inspect everything else. They inspect the schools, they inspect the churches. They put labels on everything else. Why didn't they make them accountable?”
  (08:33 - 08:49)

Witness Accounts and Previous Safety Issues

• Gene Sadler, a resident, highlighted the plant’s history of chemical accidents:

  “Known what kind of chemicals were in that plant. [...] Why didn't they make them accountable?”
  (08:33 - 08:49)

• Garcia and other former employees reported persistent safety issues, including problematic sprinkler heads and insufficient protective measures:

  “....someone's suffering. [...] if this was a predominantly white community, oh, I'm pretty sure it'll still be in the news.”
  (12:33 - 12:52)

Federal Investigation Findings

• The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) investigation revealed that Biolab stored nearly 14 million pounds of water-reactive chemicals, double the amount officially reported.

• Pamela Polay, a chemistry professor, criticized the oversight gap:

  “They kind of fell into the crack because OSHA does not require those management plans in the way. And this is, to me, this is really the problem.”
  (11:41 - 11:55)

• The CSB identified significant oversights, including the lack of adequate fire suppression systems for reactive chemicals and insufficient regulatory enforcement.

Community Impact and Concerns

• Residents, particularly in the majority Black community of Rockdale County, feel neglected and unheard regarding ongoing safety concerns.

• Randy Garcia voiced fears of environmental injustice:

  “My fear is that [...] if this was a predominantly white community, oh, I'm pretty sure it'll still be in the news.”
  (12:33 - 12:52)

• Gene Sadler lamented the lack of accountability and urgency from authorities:

  “All we were were voices to a brick wall because nobody is listening.”
  (13:02 - 13:14)

• Despite multiple accidents over two decades, Biolab has not adequately addressed safety warnings, leading to repeated disasters.

Conclusion:
The Biolab fire investigation underscores critical failures in chemical safety management and regulatory oversight, highlighting issues of environmental justice and community vulnerability. As the CSB continues its probe, residents demand accountability and meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today provides a comprehensive look at significant issues impacting Georgia residents, from humanitarian efforts and political disputes to economic trends and public safety concerns. The detailed coverage, especially of the Biolab fire investigation, emphasizes the importance of accountability, community support, and proactive governance in addressing the state's diverse challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Moore on Manna Nutrition:

  “The kids who are most critically in need are, it appears, being served by this administration.”
  (00:55 - 01:25)

• Gene Sadler on chemical plant accountability:

  “Known what kind of chemicals were in that plant. [...] Why didn't they make them accountable?”
  (08:33 - 08:49)

• Randy Garcia on community neglect:

  “My fear is that [...] if this was a predominantly white community, oh, I'm pretty sure it'll still be in the news.”
  (12:33 - 12:52)

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