Today Is The Last Day To Apply For Absentee Ballots
www.GoodMorningGeorgia.com Good Morning Georgia! Audrey and Derrick may be on a well-deserved break, but they didn't want to miss the opportunity to remind you about something incredibly important — voting! Yes, today is a key day for democracy in our state.
Today is the last day for you to apply for an absentee voting ballot in Georgia. If you're planning on voting by mail, you must submit your application today! If you're mailing it in, make sure it is postmarked today so that you can receive your ballot in time for the upcoming November 5th election.
This isn't just any election; it's a super important one that could change the course of history in this country. Elections give us the power to shape our communities, our state, and our nation — and this year, more than ever, your voice matters.
Can The Chemicals From The Explosion In Conyers Cause Medical Problems?
https://www.YouTube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday- Residents of Rockdale County are dealing with the aftermath of a chemical plume that spread across much of the area following a fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers on Tuesday.
Possible Health Effects: Dr. Lynn Paxton, interim director for the Gwinnett Newton Rockdale Health District, explained that the chemicals in the plume can irritate the skin, eyes, nasal passages, and respiratory system. Those with preexisting conditions in these areas are more likely to experience symptoms.
Recommended Precautions: To minimize exposure, residents should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. If you have an air conditioning system that pulls in air from outside, it's advisable to turn it off. Systems that recirculate indoor air are safe to use.
Effectiveness of N-95 Masks: Dr. Paxton mentioned that N-95 masks are not particularly helpful in this situation because the chlorine compounds released are smaller than what the masks are designed to filter.
Assessing the Danger: While the situation is concerning, Dr. Paxton encouraged calm. She noted that the current chemical levels are lower than those typically known to cause symptoms. Additionally, the ability to smell the chemicals occurs at lower concentrations than those that pose harm.
Seeking Further Assistance: If you're experiencing severe symptoms, contact your primary care provider. For non-emergency concerns, you can reach out to the Georgia Poison Center for more information. A dedicated hotline is available at 404-856-6252 to discuss potential effects with poison center officials.
2,000 Savannah Dockworkers Join Longsherman Strike, Impacting Supply Chain
https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday - The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) has officially gone on strike following failed negotiations with the U.S. Maritime Alliance.
Now, 45,000 dockworkers nationwide, including approximately 2,000 longshore workers at the Port of Savannah, are participating in the strike.
The work stoppage, affecting 36 ports across the country, threatens to disrupt the supply chain, potentially causing higher prices and delays in deliveries to consumers.
Immediate impacts are expected, especially in goods like coffee and fruit.
Dr. Christian Rossetti, a logistics professor at Georgia Southern University, emphasized the local effects:
"All the truck drivers, everything they buy and sell, and the warehouses in Pooler — they’re all going to come to a halt. As well as activity around the port," he said.
The Georgia Ports Authority shared a statement, saying:
“Georgia Ports has been operating weekend gates and extended hours since mid-September to help customers and truckers move cargo ahead of a potential October 1 work stoppage... We remain hopeful for a smooth settlement and peaceful resolution to keep supply chains moving and competitive."
The ILA is striking against automation, pushing for a contract that prevents automation from replacing their jobs.
As of Tuesday evening, the U.S. Maritime Alliance had offered the ILA a 50% raise over six years and agreed to limit automation. However, the union is demanding a complete ban on automation.
Dr. Rossetti highlighted the core issue: "Labor is flexing its power, especially in response to automation, to secure job guarantees."
Kerry Scott of Local 2046 shared the ILA’s latest update as of 5:30 a.m. on October 1st.
Rockdale Residents Evacuated After Chemical Explosion
www.YouTube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday - Rockdale County residents were told to evacuate or shelter in place on Sunday after a fire broke out at a chemical facility in Conyers.
T.J. Lamar, who lives just minutes away from the BioLab plant on Old Covington Highway, was among those who evacuated after a sprinkler malfunctioned and sprayed water on a chemical, causing a reaction.
“I didn’t ask any more questions, I just got out and left,” Lamar said. “So I don’t have anything.”
According to Lamar, deputies knocked on her door early Sunday, informing her of the hazard that prompted the evacuation. An evacuation site was set up at Bert Adams Scout Camp in Covington.
Lamar noted that she didn’t hesitate to leave. “Yes, my eyes were stinging, so I took it seriously,” she said.
Rockdale County remained under a shelter-in-place order until midnight.
Hurricane Helene To Stretch Across Georgia
https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday- Here’s what you need to know:
Hurricane Helene intensified into a Category 2 storm at around 7:45 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. It is forecasted to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday.
All of metro Atlanta and north Georgia are currently under a Tropical Storm Warning, while Upson and Lamar counties are under a Hurricane Warning.
After making landfall, Helene is expected to move across Georgia, reaching metro Atlanta late Thursday night and into Friday morning, gradually weakening as it progresses. The latest projections show the hurricane shifting slightly east of metro Atlanta.
Hurricane-force conditions are anticipated to extend as far north as middle Georgia, while metro Atlanta and north Georgia will likely experience strong, top-end tropical storm conditions. Sustained winds of 40-60 mph with gusts reaching 60-75+ mph are expected, along with possible significant wind and tree damage. Tornadoes are also a potential threat.
Rivers are predicted to reach flood stage, and all of metro Atlanta and north Georgia remain under a Flood Watch until Friday afternoon.
State of Emergency Declared in GA as Tropical Storm Helene Approaches
https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday - Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Helene, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Chris Stallings announced on Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Helene, currently intensifying in the Caribbean, is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane with winds exceeding 111 mph before striking Florida on Thursday evening. While the storm will lose some intensity by the time it moves into Georgia, severe weather—including heavy rain and potentially damaging winds—is still expected across the state, according to the National Weather Service.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those along the coast," Stallings said. "We are mindful of those evacuating and want them to know they are welcome in Georgia."
Every county in Georgia is anticipated to be affected, Stallings emphasized in Tuesday's press conference. GEMA is working closely with local governments to ensure resources are readily available wherever needed.
“We’ve pre-positioned response teams and equipment to swiftly handle emergencies as they occur,” Stallings added.
My Daughter Was Listed Inactive On The Voters Roll, Check Yourself
https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday - Make Sure You're Registered to Vote
You must be registered to vote in the state of Georgia.
Unsure if you're registered? Visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website to verify your status as active.
If you're not registered, learn how to register now.
Be aware that there are different registration deadlines for primary elections, general elections, and runoffs. These deadlines can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.
Know When Early Voting Begins and Ends
Early in-person voting begins on the fourth Monday prior to a primary or election, as required by state law.
Early voting ends on the Friday immediately before Election Day.
Early voting is available Monday through Friday, as well as the second and third Saturdays before Election Day. Some locations may open on the second and third Sundays.
Polling hours during early voting are typically from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays, but check with your local precinct for exact times.
You can find key dates for the current election cycle on the Secretary of State’s website.
Find Your Early Voting Location
During early voting, you are not restricted to a specific polling location. You may vote at any early voting site in your county.
To find available early voting locations, visit the Secretary of State’s website or log into your My Voter Page to check your polling place information.
If no information is available, check back closer to the early voting period or contact your county registrar for details.
Vote
Bring a valid photo ID when you vote, such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card.
Accommodations like audio ballots and wheelchair-accessible booths are available.
If you need assistance, you may bring a family member or friend to help you fill out your ballot.
If you can’t vote in person, you have the option to request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. For More Information Visit:
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Gwinnett County Schools to Introduce Weapons Detection at High School Football Games
https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday Gwinnett County is enhancing security at high school football games by introducing weapons detection tools. These devices, produced by Evolv Technology and provided by Alliance Technology, will soon be operational at all high school stadiums, according to Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent Calvin Watts. The initiative, costing $3 million, was approved by the school board in August and aims to improve safety at football games, which attract large crowds. This move follows a fatal shooting at Apalachee High School, where a concealed weapon was used. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed that Apalachee lacked metal detectors, sparking a petition calling for their installation and the use of clear backpacks in Gwinnett schools. While the new detectors will initially be used at football games, further security measures for other events remain uncertain.
Gwinnett Sheriff Expands Program to Help Inmates with Job Training and Resources
https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday- Sheriff Keybo Taylor of Gwinnett County is expanding the Gwinnett Re-entry Intervention Program (GRIP) to provide incarcerated individuals with job training and resources in an effort to reduce repeat offenses.
Sheriff Taylor believes most people who serve time would prefer not to return. "If they’ve got jobs and opportunities, it decreases the likelihood of them returning," Taylor told Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson.
The program, which offers training in fields like landscaping and pet handling, is set to more than triple its capacity, now accommodating up to 230 inmates. Participants also receive housing assistance, making them more employable upon release.
“For 95% to 98% of people behind bars, you’re looking for something positive, something tangible to latch onto," said Chief Deputy Cleo Atwater.
The expansion launched this month, with the goal of creating a safer community by offering support, not a handout. "We’re dedicated to empowering these individuals," said Taylor.
Gwinnett Invests $16M to Acquire Macy’s Properties for Major Redevelopment at Gwinnett Place Mall
https://www.YouTube.com/@GoodMorningGeorgiaToday-On Tuesday, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved spending over $16 million to purchase two Macy’s properties—a department store, a furniture store—and 23 acres around the largely vacant Gwinnett Place Mall. The county plans to transform the area into a mixed-use development.
Macy's will lease back the buildings through early next year before closing, according to County Commission Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. The properties span more than 293,000 square feet. “This presents a significant opportunity for us,” Hendrickson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It provides us with greater flexibility in our redevelopment plans.”
Good Morning Georgia offers an incredible opportunity for members of both chambers.
