Cobb County Orders Sterigenics To Cease Operations

The Sterigenics plant in Cobb County has been ordered to shut down.

County leaders on Tuesday ordered the sterilization facility near Smyrna to stop all construction and activity.

The company, which uses the carcinogenic gas ethylene oxide to sterilize medical equipment, had voluntarily closed last month to install air scrubbers to reduce emissions.

According to the letter, Cobb’s fire marshal and chief building official determined the facility to be a “high hazard.”

Yet, their permit allowed them to operate as a “storage” facility.

Read more from GPB's Ross Terrell here.

Hala Moddelmog serves as president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. METRO ATLANTA CHAMBER

From Super Bowls To State Flags, Metro Atlanta Chamber President Reflects On 160 Years

The Metro Atlanta Chamber is marking its 160th anniversary. 

For average Georgians who don't own a business, a chamber of commerce may not seem to impact our everyday lives.

In fact, the Metro Atlanta Chamber has a lot of influence over life in Georgia, ranging from our transportation options to attracting a Super Bowl to the design of our state flag.

GPB's Rickey Bevington sat down with Chamber President and CEO Hala Moddelmog to explain.

Read more and listen to their conversation here.

Democrat Matt Lieberman announced his candidacy for the open U.S. Senate seat. MATT LIEBERMAN

Matt Lieberman First Democrat To Enter Race For Isakson's Senate Seat

Democrat Matt Lieberman, son of former U.S Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), is the first candidate to enter the race to fill retiring Sen. Johnny Isakson's (R-Ga.) seat in 2020. 

In his campaign launch video, the small business owner, former teacher, non-profit founder and political newcomer said he is "fed up with the arrogance and cowardice of the politicians in Washington."

Read more from GPB's Stephen Fowler here.

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