An environmental justice group said their air quality readings are concerning following a chemical fire at BioLab in Rockdale County.

The Environmental Equity Information Institute, or E2i2, said they used their air monitor to test the quality outside their DeKalb County office. The nonprofit works to ensure local leaders can access data to make critical decisions in situations like a chemical fire.

Meanwhile, several counties and cities near Conyers have been testing the air quality and have reported no safety threats. 

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A class-action lawsuit has been filed against BioLab over a chemical fire that started on Sunday.

The fire erupted after a sprinkler inside the BioLab plant on Old Covington Highway in Conyers malfunctioned and sprayed water on a chemical. After the fire was extinguished, a thick plume of smoke with traces of dangerous chlorine gas began drifting over Rockdale County.

Residents have been ordered to evacuate and shelter in place until further notice. Some community members in neighboring counties reported smelling chlorine in their area. 

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Ohio US Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz met for their first - and possibly last - vice presidential debate on Tuesday night. Dr. Charles Bullock III of the University of Georgia breaks down the debate and where the 2024 presidential election race stands in the Peach State with Digital Producer Tim Darnell.

Full political coverage from Atlanta News First: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/politics/elections/

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DeKalb County officials said they are testing the air quality throughout the day, adding that there are currently no advisories concerning air quality from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for DeKalb County. Residents are advised to call 311 to report any air quality concerns. 

Atlanta News First and Decaturish take you through the latest news making headlines.

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The Georgia Hemp Farming Act goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2024, placing restrictions on hemp products made and sold in the Peach State. Gary Long, CEO of One59 and Botanical Sciences, talks with Digital Producer Tim Darnell on what it means for Georgians. Read the full story here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/09/30/georgia-hemp-farming-act-goes-into-effect-oct-1-heres-what-it-means/

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Gov. Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties, enabling emergency management teams to make necessary arrangements and position needed resources ahead of the storm’s impact.

With Hurricane Helene expected to push through north Georgia Thursday night into Friday, conditions could approach that of 2009 Austell when heavy rains flooded parts of the city under more than a dozen feet of water. 

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Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King is warning residents to protect their property as now-Hurricane Helene nears landfall and Georgia remains in its storm path.

Preparation is key to avoid unnecessary problems after big storms. Before Helene arrives, King suggested saving important documents, like birth certificates, insurance policies and loading them to the cloud for safekeeping.

He also advised to take inventory of your belongings, like furniture, electronics, and jewelry ... and take pictures of everything.

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Hurricane Helene is expected to bring significant impacts to Georgia, including flooding rain, strong winds, and isolated severe storms. The National Hurricane Center has Helene making landfall as a category 4 hurricane.

Atlanta News First continues to monitor the airport and provide updates throughout the storm.

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The Georgia state elections board has passed a rule requiring ballots in this year's Nov. 5 presidential election to be counted by hand. But opponents are up in arms over this 11th hour requirement. Susannah Goodman, director of election security programs at Common Cause Georgia, talks with Digital Producer Tim Darnell on why her organization thinks this will lead to even more potential for chaos in this year's election.

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 Young Thug’s internationally watched criminal trial in Atlanta resumed one day after an attorney representing a key witness pleaded for his release from jail.

On Friday, Quindarrius Zachary – aka D, Dee and Lil’ D – was arrested and booked into the Fulton County Jail.

His attorney Dennis Schieb says Zachary was moved to Grady Memorial Hospital after concerns for his health at the jail and is currently being held in custody there.

Schieb spoke exclusively with Atlanta News First on Zachary’s ability to testify in the case. 

Full coverage of Young Thug's trial from Atlanta News First: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/news/crime/young-thug-trial/

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