A chemical fire at a BioLab plant forces mass evacuations, revealing a pattern of industrial risks and regulatory gaps in a predominantly Black community. Residents grapple with toxic smoke, uncertain health impacts, and a lack of clear answers from authorities, uncovering a history of repeated incidents at the facility.
Georgia’s legislative session is wrapping up, but not without a few surprises. GPB’s Donna Lowry and Pamela Kirkland break down the unexpected last-minute salary raises for top state officials, a revived push to ban DEI policies in schools, and bipartisan support for protecting IVF. Plus, a longtime state senator gets a big new role in Washington.
When a chemical fire broke out at the BioLab facility in Conyers, Georgia in 2024, a plume of smoke blanketed the area, triggering evacuations and urgent warnings to stay indoors. But for many residents, this wasn’t just an isolated emergency—it was part of a larger pattern of industrial incidents at the plant that raised serious concerns about safety and oversight.
In Manufacturing Danger: The BioLab Story, Pamela Kirkland investigates what led to the fire, how officials and the company responded, and the lingering questions about its impact on the community. Through firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and and newly uncovered details, this series explores the broader implications of chemical safety, regulation, and corporate responsibility—while giving voice to those living with the consequences.
With just weeks left in Georgia’s legislative session, lawmakers are racing to pass key bills, including Gov. Kemp’s tort reform effort, which faced strong opposition but narrowly advanced. Budget debates continue, with the Senate prioritizing scholarships for private schooling while the House focuses on public school funding, setting up a showdown before the session ends on April 4.
