Federal Report on BioLab Fire Released

Federal authorities released an update on the Sept. 29 BioLab fires in Conyers. The report revealed that an employee on fire watch first detected a chemical reaction involving water-reactive products after hearing a “popping sound.” The employee attempted to isolate the product but was unsuccessful and subsequently called 911.

The initial fire produced toxic vapor plumes inside the building, escalated to visible flames by 6:30 a.m., and resulted in a shelter-in-place order.

A second fire broke out at noon, leading to multicolored plumes and evacuations and ultimately destroying Plant 12—a facility larger than five football fields.

BioLab had implemented a permanent fire watch two to three months earlier due to persistent strong odors from oxidizers in storage. The report noted that the company is cooperating with investigators as lawsuits from affected residents and businesses continue to grow.

  Georgia Labor Commissioner Passes 

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson died on Sunday at age 59, eight months after announcing his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, which had spread to his liver.

Thompson, elected in 2022, led the Department of Labor through reforms, including recovering $105 million for the state treasury and addressing challenges inherited from the pandemic.

Governor Brian Kemp described Thompson as “a successful businessman and respected leader of his community,” adding, “We are thankful for that commitment to our state and, like so many others, have been inspired by the strength and courage he showed over the past year in his fight against cancer.”

A former state senator, Army veteran, and businessman, Thompson is survived by his wife, Becky, and their two children, Faith and Max.

Jonesboro HS Band to Perform at Macy’s Parade 

The Jonesboro High School marching band, the Majestic Marching Cardinals, departed Sunday morning for their performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking the first time a Clayton County Public Schools band will represent Georgia.

A celebratory sendoff at Jonesboro’s gymnasium featured state representatives, local officials, and a surprise motorcade escorting the band on their way to New York. 

The students will also visit North Carolina A&T State University, tour Harlem’s Apollo Theater, and attend a Broadway show as part of a week-long educational and cultural experience.

The trip, supported by over $45,000 in community donations, continues the band’s national recognition following performances at the White House Easter Egg Roll and in an Apple Music commercial. The band plans to perform internationally in London in 2026. Watch the band’s recent performance here.

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➤ Savannah: Cathy Dowdy, a close family friend of professional golfer Brian Harman, is in a coma after trying to save Harman’s six-year-old son from a dangerous riptide while on vacation in Florida. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Georgia senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are facing backlash from Jewish organizations and synagogues in Atlanta over their votes supporting procedural motions to halt U.S. arms sales to Israel, which some argue undermines Israel’s security. (More)

➤ Smyrna: The city council approved a $1.7 million purchase of a 2.39-acre property, previously used as Georgia Power administrative offices, to house city administrative departments yet to be determined. (More)

➤ Macon: The Bibb County Board of Education approved a three-year contract renewal for Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims, extending his leadership through the district’s five-year Strategic Plan focused on student achievement. (More)

➤ Glynn County: Divers discovered a car matching the 1979 Lincoln Continental belonging to Charles and Catharine Romer, a wealthy couple from Scarsdale, NY, who disappeared in 1980 while traveling back north from Florida. Authorities are draining the pond and investigating remains found inside the vehicle. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Spelman College announced that President Dr. Helene Gayle, who took a leave of absence earlier this year, will not return, with trustees beginning the search for the college’s next president. (More) 

➤ Georgia moved up two spots to No. 6 in Sunday’s AP Top 25 poll. The official College Football Playoff rankings will be released tonight. (See Poll)

➤ Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris outlined the changes the team would make coming out of the bye week. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young used his off day to help the community by serving food to women and children at a local homeless shelter. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW 

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➤ Construction is set to begin on Atlanta’s first Raising Cane’s location, with an opening planned for spring 2026. The Louisiana-based chicken finger chain is expanding across Georgia, with additional locations coming to Duluth, McDonough, Conyers, and Kennesaw. (More) 

➤ KIHOMAC has broken ground on a 130,000-square-foot aerospace manufacturing facility in Warner Robins. The project is expected to create 75 new full-time jobs and support the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base. (More)  

➤Kessler Investments Savannah has announced four major projects, including the launch of Kessler Charters for luxury coastal boat tours and plans to develop a hotel-entertainment district in Richmond Hill. (More)

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➤ Earth’s temporary “mini moon,” an asteroid named 2024 PT5, has left its semi-orbit around the planet after being pulled away by the sun’s gravity on Monday. The 33-foot asteroid, believed to be a boulder blasted off the moon, is expected to pass near Earth again in January. (More)

➤ LoveFood has named Southern Soul Barbecue on St. Simons Island as the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Georgia, praising its slow-smoked barbecue and unique location in a former gas station. (More)

➤ Helen has been voted the top Thanksgiving road trip destination for families in Georgia and one of the top five in the country, according to a recent survey. (More)

What is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

1. Candied yams or sweet potato casserole
2. Mashed potatoes and gravy
3. Stuffing (and gravy)
4. Green beans/casserole
5. Dinner Rolls or biscuits
6. Cranberry sauce
7. Macaroni and cheese
8. Roasted vegetables
9. Cornbread
10. Something else

Yesterday’s Results:

How large a turkey are you preparing for Thanksgiving?

1. 4-6 lbs.: 16.4%
2. 8-10 lbs.: 16.6%
3. 12-14 lbs.: 20.7%
4. 16 lbs. and above: 20.1%
5. I don’t do the cooking: 26.2%

In Gainesville, what annual Thanksgiving tradition involves decorating the town square to transition into the Christmas season?

Show me the answer