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#1. Which invasive insect species has recently emerged in Georgia?
It’s the spotted lanternfly.
A Fulton County resident first reported a sighting of the tree-sucking invasive insect.
Spotted lanternflies have pinkish-gray wings with black dots, and a bright splotch of red is visible when their wings are extended.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture telling residents that if they see a suspected spotted lanternfly to take a photo, kill it, then submit a report online at https://www.gainvasives.org/slf/report/.
#2. When is the deadline to file a claim for reimbursement for the effects of the Conyers-based BioLab chemical plant fire?
It’s New Year’s Eve.
Three months ago, the effects of a fire at a BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, sent plumes of chemicals into the air and caused Rockdale County residents to evacuate. The company announced a New Year’s Eve deadline for filing claims for those affected by the fire.
People can submit their claims through the email address BioLabClaims@biolabinc.com. Claims submitted must include name, address, phone number, a list of items being claimed/amount of each claimed item and attached copies of receipts or other additional documentation.
#3. How much does Fulton County Sheriff's Office owe to a security contractor?
It’s $1.4 million.
Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat’s office said Tuesday that it is currently working to pay the $1.4 million it owes to a former security contractor who threatened criminal charges against him for unpaid services.
The sheriff’s office said its finance team had found a way to finally pay the outstanding balance from within its existing budget.
#4. How many Georgians are traveling during the holidays this year?
It’s more than ever.
Around 3.7 million Georgians will travel during the holidays this year, breaking the end-of-year traveling record for the state.
The AAA projects that the number of residents who will travel at least 50 miles from home from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 this year will beat last year’s record of 3.6 million.
#5. During which years did the New Year's Eve Peach Drop Festival take place in Atlanta?
It’s New Year’s Eve 2022.
In 2020 and 2021, the city canceled the iconic Peach Drop event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and though the festival came back on New Year’s Eve 2022, the city canceled it again for New Year’s Eve 2023 because of funding priorities.
However, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced this week that the Peach Drop would come back for New Year’s Eve this year.
