New Rivian electric vehicle plant; Kemp responds to Hyundai raid; Vaccine access

Summary

Georgia Today – Episode Summary

Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Chase McGee, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Overview

This episode of "Georgia Today" delivers key updates on major stories shaping Georgia:

• The groundbreaking of a new Rivian electric vehicle factory east of Atlanta, a historic economic development for the state.
• Governor Brian Kemp and other leaders' responses to a high-profile immigration raid at a Hyundai plant, and its implications for business investment.
• An in-depth look at evolving vaccine access policies—how recent federal and state changes are affecting Georgians’ ability to get COVID-19 and other vaccinations.
• Additional headlines: political shake-ups, legal battles, maternal health concerns, and local climate action initiatives.

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Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Rivian Electric Vehicle Factory Groundbreaking

[00:39–01:39]

• Event Highlights:
  • Ceremony featured Governor Brian Kemp, Morgan County officials, and Rivian founder RJ Scaringe.
  • The $5 billion facility will be the state's largest-ever economic investment, creating 7,500 jobs near Atlanta.
• Local Sourcing Efforts:
  • RJ Scaringe emphasized collaborating with Georgia suppliers to reduce costs and boost local business.
    • Quote: “We’ve been working closely with the state in a number of cases to bring those suppliers either here to the state of Georgia or to work with new suppliers that are based in the state of Georgia. This is a really big part of the effort.” – RJ Scaringe [01:20]
• Production Timeline:
  • First vehicles expected to roll out in 2028.

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2. Immigration Raid at Hyundai Plant & State Response

[01:39–02:42]

• Context:
  • Around 500 workers arrested in a federal immigration raid at the Hyundai battery plant in Southeast Georgia.
• Governor Kemp’s Stance:
  • He does not expect the raid to deter international companies from investing in Georgia.
  • Discussed with the White House the importance of visa access for immigrant workers, indicating optimism for a solution.
• Political Reaction:
  • Congressman Mike Collins referenced broader national challenges and political context.
    • Quote: “That was just for Hyundai. I mean, really a lot of companies across the country have dealt with that issue...something good will come out of this in the end.” – Mike Collins [02:01]
• International Concern:
  • Many arrested workers were South Korean; the South Korean government expressed concerns about the operation.
• Legal Ambiguity:
  • Some workers’ lawyers contend they were in the U.S. legally, highlighting ongoing disputes.

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3. Vaccine Access and Policy Changes

[02:42–06:31]

Current Access Issues

• New Barriers:
  • Georgians report difficulties obtaining updated COVID vaccines at pharmacies due to prescription requirements.
    • Quote: “People are saying that they’ve had trouble getting an updated COVID vaccine at their local pharmacies...they’re being asked to bring in a doctor’s prescription...” – Orlando Montoya [03:16]
• Policy Shifts:
  • FDA now recommends COVID shots mainly for seniors or high-risk individuals.
  • Pharmacists require proof of eligibility, as they lack access to full medical histories.

State & Federal Regulatory Intersection

• CDC Advisory Role:
  • Georgia law requires pharmacists to follow guidance from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
  • ACIP recommendations (expected later in the week) could further influence access.

Alternate Routes and Insurance Concerns

• Off-Label Prescriptions:
  • Doctors can still prescribe the vaccine “off label,” but insurance may not cover it.
    • Quote: “Doctors or other prescribers are able to prescribe off label, and that means they don’t have to prescribe under the exact FDA approval.” – Stacey Kirchner (via Amanda Andrews) [04:18]
  • Insurers may become even more restrictive if ACIP narrows recommendations.

Broader Public Health Context

• Importance of Updated COVID Vaccines:
  • The latest vaccines are tailored to current coronavirus strains; value likened to annual flu boosters.
• Implications for Seniors:
  • While coverage is expected to continue for those 65+, it is not guaranteed.
  • Quote: “I would doubt a change would occur, especially with the indication for 65 and older to receive these, the newest vaccines.” – Dr. Camille Vaughn [05:19]
• Declining Childhood Vaccination Rates:
  • Dr. Gary Vicio, a public health official, highlights falling vaccination numbers in Northwest Georgia.
  • Quote: “My concern is that we’ve seen the decline in vaccinations in our children’s population here in northwest Georgia. Our 10 counties aren’t at herd immunity for any of the vaccines.” – Dr. Gary Vicio [05:50]

Practical Bottom Line

• Pharmacy COVID vaccinations now require a doctor’s prescription; not so at public health departments.
• Children’s routine vaccines still accessible, pending any new CDC guidance.

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4. Additional News Briefs

Georgia Politics and Judiciary

• Jeff Duncan’s Gubernatorial Run:
  • Former Lt. Governor Jeff Duncan (now a Democrat) enters the race, opposing Trumpism. [06:34]
• Federal Reserve Seat Dispute:
  • Lisa Cook, Georgia-born economist, retains her Fed seat after failed removal effort by Trump administration; ongoing court battle continues. [07:09]
• Fani Willis Removal Upheld:
  • Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis, previously prosecuting Trump election case, removed for “appearance of impropriety.” Supreme Court declines to hear case, new prosecutor to be appointed. [07:46]

Community and Social Issues

• Faith and Freedom Coalition Tribute:
  • At an annual conservative gathering, speakers mourn the recent killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
    • Quote: “Even though that bullet killed Charlie Kirk, that bullet was meant for everyone in this room. It was meant to kill and destroy our ideals and our beliefs which founded this country.” – Rep. Mike Collins [08:15]
  • The killing sparked bipartisan condemnation of political violence.

Healthcare Access

• Maternity Care Closures:
  • St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Franklin County ends labor and delivery services due to Medicaid cuts, low birth volume, and staffing shortfalls. Care will shift to Athens with emergency provision for births in Livonia ER. Georgia’s maternal care deserts worsen. [08:53]

Education & Sustainability

• HBCUs Launch Sustainability Programs:
  • Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College help pilot climate action and green workforce projects, receiving $150,000 each from nonprofit partnerships. [09:50]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We’ve been working closely with the state... to bring those suppliers either here to the state of Georgia or to work with new suppliers that are based in the state of Georgia.” – RJ Scaringe, Rivian [01:20]
• “That was just for Hyundai. I mean, really a lot of companies across the country have dealt with that issue...something good will come out of this in the end.” – Mike Collins [02:01]
• “People are saying that they’ve had trouble getting an updated COVID vaccine at their local pharmacies...they’re being asked to bring in a doctor’s prescription...” – Orlando Montoya [03:16]
• “My concern is that we’ve seen the decline in vaccinations in our children’s population here in northwest Georgia. Our 10 counties aren’t at herd immunity for any of the vaccines.” – Dr. Gary Vicio [05:50]
• “Even though that bullet killed Charlie Kirk, that bullet was meant for everyone in this room. It was meant to kill and destroy our ideals and our beliefs which founded this country.” – Rep. Mike Collins [08:15]

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:39 | Rivian groundbreaking and economic impact | | 01:39 | Governor Kemp on Hyundai plant immigration raid and implications for state investment | | 02:42 | Vaccine access and changes—challenges emerging for COVID-19 and other immunizations | | 05:50 | Dr. Vicio on declining child immunization rates in NW Georgia | | 06:34 | Headline round-up: Jeff Duncan, Lisa Cook/Fed dispute, Fani Willis removal, etc. | | 08:15 | Faith and Freedom Dinner: Rep. Collins on Charlie Kirk’s killing | | 08:53 | Franklin County hospital’s closure of maternity services | | 09:50 | HBCUs and new sustainability program launch |

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Conclusion

This episode delivers robust coverage of Georgia’s biggest policy, business, and health news, focusing on how state and federal rules are impacting jobs, immigrant communities, and public health. The evolving landscape for vaccine access, the ongoing political and legal dramas, and efforts for both economic and social sustainability all reflect the complex tapestry of issues shaping life in Georgia today.

Transcript

[Orlando Montoya]

Foreign.

[Chase McGee]

Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, state leaders celebrate the groundbreaking of a new Rivian electric vehicle plant in Atlanta. Governor Brian Kemp says an immigration rate at a Georgia Hyundai plant won't deter foreign investors. And how will changes to national vaccine policy affect access in Georgia?

[Dr. Gary Vicio]

My concern is that we've seen the decline in vaccinations in our children's population here in northwest Georgia. Our 10 counties aren't at herd immunity for any of the vaccines.

[Chase McGee]

Today is Tuesday, September 16th. I'm Chase McGee and this is Georgia Today. State leaders gathered for the groundbreaking today of the 2,000 acre Rivian electric vehicle factory east of Atlanta. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports on the ceremony.

[Amanda Andrews]

Speakers included Governor Brian Kemp, Morgan county officials and Rivian founder RJ Scringe. When completed, the facility will employ 7,500 people to build electric vehicles. The $5 billion project was announced in December 2021 and was the largest economic investment in state history at the time. Scringe says they're working to find local sources for car parts to keep prices down.

[RJ Scringe]

We've been working closely with the state in a number of cases to bring those suppliers either here to the state of Georgia or to work with new supp that are based in the state of Georgia. This is a really big part of the effort.

[Amanda Andrews]

The first vehicles built in this factory are expected to be available in 2028. For GPB news, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Chase McGee]

At the groundbreaking ceremony today, Governor Brian Kemp said he doesn't expect an immigration raid that resulted in the arrest of around 500 people at our Battery plant in Southeast Georgia to deter companies from locating in the state. GPB Sarah Kallis reports.

[Sarah Kallis]

Kemp says that he has had conversations with the White House about the need for visas for immigrant workers and he is hopeful for a solution.

[Mike Collins]

He says that's not a problem. That was just for Hyundai. I mean, really a lot of companies across the country have dealt with that issue and that's really one of the things that Donald Trump ran on when he ran for president, was cutting red tape, trying to be more efficient. And I think this is one of those times where, you know, something good will come out of this in the end.

[Sarah Kallis]

Camp has expressed support for immigration officials in previous comments on the raid. Many of the workers taken into ICE custody were South Korean, and the South Korean government has expressed concern over the operation. ICE says the workers came to the US Illegally or overstayed their visas, but lawyers for some workers say they were lawfully present. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kallas.

[Chase McGee]

There have been big changes in the nation's vaccine policies this year, specifically as they relate to shots that protect against Covid. This week, a committee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may make even more changes. So you might be wondering how you can access vaccines this fall. GPB's health reporters Sophie Gradas and Ellen Eldredge have been speaking to experts to figure out what's going on and are here to explain what they learned.

[Orlando Montoya]

They spoke with GPB's Orlando Montoya.

[Sophie Gradas]

Sophie, we'll start with you. What's the biggest issue people are facing right now with access to seasonal vaccines?

[Orlando Montoya]

So people are saying that they've had trouble getting an updated COVID vaccine at their local pharmacies, which is where they used to be readily available. And that's because they're being asked to bring in a doctor's prescription for the.

[Sophie Gradas]

Vaccine that's never been necessary before. So what's changed?

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, mainly the federal Food and Drug Administration changed its approval for Covid vaccines. They say now that only seniors or adults and kids who are high risk or immunocompromised should get it. And since pharmacists don't have people's medical histories, they want proof from a doctor that people meet that new criteria. Georgia law also requires that pharmacists follow recommendations from that CDC council that you mentioned, which is called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP for short, before they give the shot.

[Sophie Gradas]

And so what is that group recommending?

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, we won't know until at least Thursday.

[Sophie Gradas]

And in the meantime, how can people who want the COVID shot get it right?

[Orlando Montoya]

Well, I talked to Stacey Kirchner, who's a health law professor at Georgia State University, about that, and she said that there is a way for doctors to prescribe the COVID vaccine to people who don't have underlying conditions.

[Amanda Andrews]

Doctors or other prescribers are able to prescribe off label, and that means that they don't have to prescribe under the exact FDA approval.

[Orlando Montoya]

So she says that doctors do that all the time, but that it's harder to get insurers to cover off label prescriptions. And if the ACIP further narrows down those FDA recommendations for the COVID vaccine, insurers could be even more hesitant to cover them.

[Sophie Gradas]

Turning now to Ellen, we're heading into this season when lots of people usually get sick. And so what have you learned about how the updated COVID vaccine can protect people?

[Ellen Eldredge]

Well, the newest Vaccines target the most likely strain of seasonal coronaviruses. That's why they are important. So just like how there's an influenza booster each year, there's one for Covid, too. I spoke with Dr. Camille Vaughn. She's a gerontologist at the Emory University School of Medicine. She's advising older adults to get the updated COVID vaccine when it's available. As far as whether Medicare will still cover it, she says that remains to be seen.

[Amanda Andrews]

I would doubt a change would occur, especially with the indication for 65 and.

[Chase McGee]

Older to receive these, the newest vaccines.

[Sophie Gradas]

What's the larger conversation happening around this in Georgia?

[Ellen Eldredge]

Well, providers and public health leaders have already been thinking about what these big changes by the federal government mean for vaccine preventable diseases. Dr. Gary Vicio runs the public health department in northwest Georgia. He said the COVID vaccine helped people and so do other vaccines, especially the ones that kids get when they're young.

[Dr. Gary Vicio]

My concern is that we seeing the decline in vaccinations in our children's population here in northwest Georgia. Our 10 counties aren't at herd immunity for any of the vaccines.

[Ellen Eldredge]

He means measles, polio, whooping cough.

[Sophie Gradas]

And so for now, what's the bottom line for vaccine access?

[Orlando Montoya]

So going back to Covid vaccines, you will need a doctor's prescription at your pharmacy to get one, but you won't need a prescription at public health departments. Traditional children's vaccines are available as usual, but we are waiting to see if the CDC committee changes that later this week.

[Sophie Gradas]

Ellen Eldridge and Sophie Gradis, thanks for getting us up to speed on all things vaccine.

[Ellen Eldredge]

You're welcome. Thanks so much for having us.

[Orlando Montoya]

Thank you.

[Chase McGee]

Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Jeff Duncan is running as a Democrat for governor. He's been a strong critic of Donald Trump and left the Republican Party this year. Duncan announced his candidacy today emphasizing his opposition to Trumpism. He joins a crowded field that includes four other Democrats. An appeals court has ruled that Georgia born economist Lisa Cook can remain a Federal Reserve governor, rebuffing President Donald Trump's efforts to remove her just ahead of a key vote on interest rates. The Trump administration is expected to quickly turn to the Supreme Court in a last ditch bid to unseat Cook. The Fed's next two day meeting to consider its next interest rate move begins this morning. Cook's lawsuit seeking to permanently block her firing must still make its way through the courts. The state's highest court will not consider Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appeal of her removal from the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others. The Georgia Supreme Court's 4:3 decision today is the latest setback for the two year old case. It'll now be up to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia to appoint a new prosecutor to replace Willis. She was removed from the case because of what a lower court called an appearance of impropriety created by a romantic relationship she had with a special prosecutor she hired. Georgia conservatives gathered for the annual Faith and Freedom Coalition victory Dinner in Duluth yesterday. This year, the slaying of right wing influencer Charlie Kirk took center stage. Tributes dominated many speeches, including one given by Republican U.S. representative and Senate candidate Mike Collins.

[Mike Collins]

Even though that bullet killed Charlie Kirk.

[Dr. Gary Vicio]

That bullet was meant for everyone in this room. It was meant to kill and destroy our ideals and our beliefs which founded this country.

[Chase McGee]

Kirk's killing last week in Utah led to the condemnation of political violence from both political parties. A hospital in northeast Georgia's Franklin county is ending its labor and delivery services, citing Medicaid cuts as a reason for scaling back. St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital in Livonia will move its services, including all OBGYN care, to the St. Mary's Hospital in Athens. Officials with the St. Mary's Healthcare System says the hospital has struggled to keep permanent physicians and access to other financial streams. It also hasn't been making money delivering babies, seeing less than one birth a day for the past several years. Healthcare system officials say if a baby needs to be delivered in the Livonia emergency room, physicians will be equipped to handle it. Georgia ranks among the states with the worst access to maternal care, with many rural areas and maternal care deserts. Two historically black colleges in Atlanta are among five nationwide partnering to launch a three year pilot program to address sustainability goals. Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College will each receive $150,000 and other resources aimed at climate action planning, energy savings, green workforce development and other goals. The support comes from nonprofits South Face Institute and Sustain Our Future Foundation. That's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news if you haven't hit subscribe on this podcast, take a moment right now and keep us current on your podcast feed. Got feedback? We'd love to hear it. Email us@georgia todaypb.org I'm Chase McGee. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Marielle Segarra]

It's rare to find a podcast that can actually change your life, but when the show's called Life Kit, that's kind of the whole point. I'm Marielle Segarra Three times a week on the Life Kit Podcast, we guide you through a topic we could all use help with, from personal development to healthy living to managing your dinero with takeaways so you can start living what you learn right away. Escucha El Life Kit Podcast from NPR.