TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 2001, Howard Finster, a Baptist preacher and influential 20th-century artist, passed away in Rome, Georgia. Known for his visionary art, his most famous creation is Paradise Gardens.

A driver was caught speeding at 154 mph on I-575, as we report today in Around Georgia. Police are urging drivers to slow down. Our question is: Are you sure that was a car?

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Sapelo Island Dock Tragedy Investigation Underway

Georgia authorities are investigating the catastrophic failure of a dock gangway on Sapelo Island that killed seven people and injured several others during a gathering of the Gullah-Geechee community.

The investigation focuses on possible structural issues and whether the dock's load capacity has been exceeded. It is also examining possible maintenance failures.

As the collapse occurred, nearby residents, including boaters and fishermen, jumped into action to rescue those trapped or injured in the water.

Witnesses described how people performed first aid and pulled others from the water until professional emergency responders arrived on the scene.

GA Power Awarded $160 Million to Enhance Grid

Georgia Power has been awarded $160 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance the state’s power grid.

The investment focuses on improving the grid's resilience against extreme weather and cyberattacks.

The funding will support the deployment of advanced technology, including sensors and automation tools, to monitor and manage the grid.

Georgia Power aims to use these upgrades to improve service reliability for customers across the state.

Rockdale County Sues to Shut Down Biolab Plant

Rockdale County is filing a federal lawsuit against BioLab and its parent company, KIK Consumer Products, after the September fire at the Conyers plant released toxic plumes, forcing thousands to evacuate and shelter in place.

The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Georgia, declares the plant a public nuisance and seeks damages for residents and businesses. The county is also requesting an injunction to shut down the plant.

The fire was triggered when water from the sprinkler system interacted with reactive chemicals, releasing hazardous emissions that spread across parts of metro Atlanta.

This fire follows multiple incidents at the plant since 2004, including a 2020 chemical fire that shut down I-20 and injured several firefighters.

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➤ Lithonia: Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the 10,000-seat New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, urging participation in the upcoming election. Stevie Wonder also performed. (More)

➤ Augusta: Power customers with past-due bills can now apply for relief through new installment payment plans offered by local energy providers. (More)

➤ Houston County: Sheriff Cullen Talton, the longest-serving sheriff in Georgia, has passed away at 92 after more than 50 years of service. (More)

➤ Holly Springs: Police clocked a driver speeding at 154 mph on Interstate 575, where the limit is 70 mph. Authorities urge drivers to slow down. (More)

➤ Sapelo Island: Dr. Charles Houston, a chaplain for the Department of Public Safety since 1997, was among the seven victims killed in the Sapelo Island dock collapse. He was known for his spiritual support of cadets. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Frozen waffles sold at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Aldi are being recalled due to possible listeria contamination. (More)

➤ Georgia moved up two spots in the AP Top 25 to No. 2 in the nation after a dominant win over former No. 1 Texas. (See Rankings)

➤ Former Atlanta Braves legend Freddie Freeman is heading to the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Freeman already has one World Series ring from 2021 with Atlanta. (More)

➤ Atlanta United clinched the final MLS Cup playoff spot Saturday and will now face CF Montréal, winners of five of their last seven games, in a single-elimination Wild Card game tonight. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: NFL | NHL

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➤ Wawa has announced that its first Georgia store will open on Nov. 14 in Bainbridge, kicking off the company's expansion into the state. (More)

➤ A new hotel is planned for Centennial Yards, further expanding the mixed-use development near State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (More)

➤ Invest Atlanta has approved five projects to improve access to fresh food in areas currently classified as food deserts. (More)

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➤ Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is adopting Pete the Beagle from an Atlanta shelter, making him a sibling to Miss Peaches, his previously adopted dog. (Video)

➤ The "Magic of Lights" holiday display will return to north Georgia, offering visitors immersive seasonal light shows. (More)

➤ The Oddities Museum in Chamblee features a curious collection that includes a mummified cat and a wedding dress made from human hair. The museum has been called a "Smithsonian of strangeness." (More)

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