Blue Bird Adding 375 Jobs

School bus maker Blue Bird announced plans to invest about $300 million in a new Fort Valley manufacturing plant, creating 375 jobs over three years.

The company will convert a former motorhome factory into a 1-million-square-foot facility that will build Type C buses with diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric powertrains.

Hiring will take place for manufacturing, operations, and technician roles. Construction on the plant is expected to start in early 2027. 

Founded in 1927, Blue Bird is headquartered in Fort Valley.

“For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia’s story, and now that story will continue to be written for years to come,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement.

  Trump Rally Moves to Perry

President Trump’s rally on Saturday has been moved from Macon to Guardian Centers in Perry. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and Trump is set to speak around 7 p.m.

The 830-acre Guardian Centers site trains first responders and military teams by simulating floods, fires, earthquakes, and chemical disasters. 

Trump’s visit comes eight days after his rally in Dalton, where he campaigned alongside governor candidate Rick Jackson and U.S. Senate candidate Mike Collins.

Jackson will not attend Saturday’s event to campaign in suburban Atlanta, a decision his campaign said is designed to boost Republican turnout elsewhere. Collins will attend.

911 Upgrades on Ballot

Georgians are voting on whether to create a dedicated state fund to modernize the state’s 911 system, including adding technology designed for cell phones.

Listed as Amendment 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot, the measure would let lawmakers set aside money exclusively for expanding, maintaining, and operating 911 services.

Only 17 of the state’s 159 counties are compliant with Next Generation 911 standards, according to the state’s county government association.

The current $1.50 monthly 911 fee would not change, and House Speaker Jon Burns’ office said the money could not fund Flock license plate cameras.

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➤ DeKalb County: Major construction finished on the I-285 and I-20 East interchange, with peak rush-hour speeds more than doubling to 55.7 mph from 26.1 mph. (More)

➤ Douglas: Family and friends began a fundraising campaign in support of South Georgia State College rodeo team member Clayton Dover, who was paralyzed in his lower body after shattering two vertebrae during a weekend competition. (More)

➤ Milner: Police Chief Lamar Bunn and the city’s full-time officers submitted resignations effective Oct. 28, citing concerns about the mayor and some council members. The city administrator is also leaving. (More)

➤ Augusta: A proposed zoning rewrite would ban short-term rentals in most neighborhoods, a change that could affect Masters week rentals. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Police and FBI agents are investigating after an apparent incendiary device was thrown at the downtown ICE field office Tuesday night. No fire broke out, and no one was hurt. (More)

➤ Sandy Springs: The city completed its $18 million Mount Vernon Highway sidewalk and multiuse path project, though some sidewalk gaps will remain until underground utilities are relocated. (More)

➤ Fort Gordon: Natravien Landry, a former Army National Guard soldier, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for the December 2024 shooting death of Sgt. Andre Stewart Jr. (More)

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➤ The Atlanta Hawks opened their season with a 132-125 road win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Dream took a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals with a 97-71 home win against Golden State on Wednesday, with both teams again leaving the court for the national anthem. (Results | More)

➤ Georgia football is off this week and will next face Florida at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, airing on ABC. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NBA | WNBA | NHL | Soccer

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➤ Journey to Patmos, the island where John wrote the Book of Revelation, and explore the real history behind three of its seven churches. Times of Fire brings ancient prophecy to life through archaeology, history, and Scripture — free to watch from RevelationMedia.

➤ Effingham County hired Charles Abbott Associates to oversee Phase 1 of OpenAI’s planned 1,400-acre data center project, with about 12 people handling inspections and plan reviews. (More)

➤ Macon-Bibb commissioners approved up to $30 million in bond financing for a Costco at New Forsyth Road and Wesleyan Drive. (More)

➤ Georgia Power unveiled a 68-container Tesla-built battery storage system at Plant Hammond near Rome that can deliver about 57 megawatts for up to four hours. Plans call for expanding to about 250 containers over time. (More)

➤ Automotive supplier Yura Corp. will open a plant in Bloomingdale, investing $5 million and creating 55 jobs to supply wiring harnesses and electronic modules to Hyundai’s Metaplant. (More)

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➤ The 64th annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair opened at the fairgrounds in Statesboro and runs through Saturday, with carnival rides, games, livestock shows, and food vendors. (See Photos)

➤ World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform with pianist Solon Gordon on April 6 at Lucas Theatre in Savannah as part of the 2027 Savannah Music Festival. (More)

➤ Running enthusiasts are invited to join ultrarunner William Goodge on Saturday as he continues his effort to set a Guinness World Record by running 50 marathons in 50 states in 24 days. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. 

➤ Expiration dates on your groceries are mostly guesses, except for the one you should never ignore. (Listen Now)

➤ An Australian lawmaker lost both of her legs after a car was deliberately driven into her outside her office. (Hear Story)

➤ Passengers began vomiting mid-flight, forcing a priority landing and a hazmat response in Germany. (Hear Details)

Will the Atlanta Hawks make the playoffs?

1. Yes
2. Not sure
3. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you watch online how-to videos?

1. Sometimes: 63%
2. Often: 27%
3. Never: 10%

Ford dealer and future Blue Bird founder Albert Luce Sr. began building steel-framed school buses after what part of a bus he sold fell apart on rural Georgia roads?

Show me the answer