AGP Executive Report

Georgia Elections & Voting Confidence: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger argues the state is “the gold standard” for election administration, pointing to audits, prompt reporting, and confidence in results after the recent primary and runoff. Special Election Watch (Atlanta metro): Georgia’s 13th Congressional District holds a special election Tuesday, July 28, to replace late Rep. David Scott; polls run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across parts of Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale counties. Data Centers & AI Debate: Georgia’s data-center boom stays in the spotlight, with OpenAI’s $20B Savannah-area project drawing backlash even as other major metro Atlanta projects file paperwork and state leaders push the economic case. Public Safety & Community Grants: Tennessee American Water opens its 2026 Firefighting Support Grant Program, offering up to $1,000 for equipment or training for eligible fire departments, including parts of northwest Georgia. Local Economy & Food Supply: USDA and Georgia finalize a Cooperative Interstate Shipment agreement, expanding market access for participating Georgia meat processors while keeping food-safety standards in place. Metro Atlanta Weekend Picks: A guide to 15 things to do this weekend highlights events like the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo and the Water Lantern Festival in Marietta.

AI, jobs, and libraries: Piedmont Regional Library cardholders can now get free Google Career Certificates and Google AI Professional Certificate through Georgia Public Library Service and Google, with self-paced training in fields like AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT. Data centers debate: Gov. Brian Kemp calls AI “scary” but says Georgia shouldn’t impose a blanket data-center moratorium, arguing communities should decide and that projects can bring tax benefits. Food safety and markets: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Georgia finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment agreement letting Georgia-inspected meat processors ship across state lines, expanding access to the national marketplace. Public safety: FBI Atlanta is offering up to a $10,000 reward for escaped murder suspect Pablo Zuriel Miranda, believed to be trying to flee via Atlanta routes. Environment: UNESCO added the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to the World Heritage List, making it Georgia’s first site. Local politics: Stockbridge mayor Jayden Williams sued city officials after the council temporarily revoked his administrative privileges. Remembering Atlanta: Centennial Olympic Park bombing marks 30 years, with survivors and family members reflecting on the lasting impact.

UNESCO Spotlight: Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, a major win after decades of effort and a new push to deliver on promised regional growth. State Politics & Energy: Gov. Brian Kemp defended Georgia’s approach to data centers, arguing against a statewide moratorium as communities weigh jobs and tax revenue against rising power costs. Consumer Protection: With federal consumer protections weakened, state attorneys general are stepping up investigations and enforcement to fight high prices and alleged business wrongdoing. Public Safety & Surveillance: A new push targets Flock Safety cameras, with critics saying the tech can enable intrusive surveillance; the debate is heating up across the country. Education & Discipline: A Fayette County first grader with autism was suspended after an incident involving a “gun” shaped sandwich, reigniting concerns about how schools handle disability-related behavior. Local Business: Costco is set to open a new Stone Mountain location in August. Health & Defense Tech: Micron Biomedical won a $4.5 million federal contract to develop a dissolvable microarray treatment for acute radiation injury.

Affordability & Midterms: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt conceded an “affordability crisis,” but blamed it on Biden and Democrats, arguing voters should give Republicans control of Congress for two more years. Immigration & Accountability: Activists held a candlelight vigil outside the ICE Atlanta field office, honoring people who died in federal custody and calling for legislative reform amid a reported surge in ICE activity across Georgia. Georgia Politics: A new report says the oldest voters may decide Georgia’s governor and Senate races, as campaigns gear up for the 100-day midterm push. Infrastructure & Freight: GDOT unveiled plans for 41 miles of toll-free, truck-only lanes on northbound I-75—two barrier-separated lanes reserved for commercial vehicles—targeting construction start in 2027 and completion by 2032. Environment: Georgia’s Okefenokee swamp was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding fresh attention to the refuge’s wildlife and conservation fight. Business & Industry: Qcells says its Cartersville factory has begun solar cell production, aiming for full output by late 2026. Weather: Metro Atlanta faces First Alert heat days Monday and Tuesday, with heat index values potentially topping 105.

SEC Football Buzz: Georgia is the preseason pick to win the SEC title, getting 88 of 164 votes at league media days in Tampa, with Texas second and Mississippi third. Politics & Midterms: With 100 days to go, Democrats are pushing an affordability message as they plan for November, while new polling and analyses keep spotlighting battleground counties and states where President Trump remains underwater. AI Power Clash in Georgia: Georgia Power’s grid expansion tied to AI data centers could displace hundreds of property owners, with residents warning about eminent domain impacts on homes. Historic Housing Fight in Savannah: A panel discussed Yamacraw Village’s past and potential demolition, as the Housing Authority of Savannah seeks to tear down the aging public housing site. Environment: The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding global protection—while mining concerns still linger. Public Safety Tragedy: In Stockbridge, a teen identified as “like a nephew” to 21 Savage reportedly died by suicide after accidentally shooting his younger sister. Lottery: Georgia Lottery results for July 25 include Powerball (03-04-24-36-47, PB 17) and Cash 3 midday (8-7-6).

UNESCO Spotlight: Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp has officially been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, joining global natural icons and highlighting the refuge’s wildlife, carbon-rich peatlands, and long-running fights over nearby mining. Local Safety Update: In Flowery Branch, Hall County says Falcon Crest Drive will stay fully closed until Sunday morning after severe Friday rainfall damaged infrastructure; bottled water is available and emergency access is limited to Martin Road. Immigration & Elections: Georgia’s 9th Congressional District candidates traded sharp statements amid reports of increased ICE activity in Athens, with Rep. Andrew Clyde welcoming agents and challenger Caitlyn Gegen accusing him of excusing abuses. Tech & Power: OpenAI announced a massive data center near Savannah, targeting up to 3,200 megawatts, while ratepayer advocates question details of the plan and environmental impact. Public Tragedy: A 14-year-old “nephew” of rapper 21 Savage, Seven Shirley, died by suicide after an accidental shooting of his 12-year-old sister in Stockbridge; the sister remains hospitalized.

State Politics & Polling: A new State Navigate poll shows Georgia’s 2026 governor race tightening but still favoring Keisha Lance Bottoms (51%) over Rick Jackson (44%), while an AARP survey highlights a generational split in the U.S. Senate contest—Jon Ossoff leads overall, but Mike Collins pulls ahead among voters 50+. Public Safety & Courts: Colt Gray, the Apalachee High School shooter, pleaded guilty to all 55 counts, with a judge to decide on parole eligibility after a minimum life sentence. Metro Atlanta Weather: Flash flood warnings and heavy rain hit metro Atlanta and North Georgia, prompting emergency alerts. Privacy & Surveillance: A report says for-profit school bus stop-arm cameras could be repurposed into a nationwide license-plate reader network—raising alarms about expanded surveillance. Energy & AI Costs: President Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” aimed at keeping AI data-center growth from driving up electricity bills, with utilities and developers backing the plan. Local Human Interest: Jackson EMC linemen volunteered to bring electricity to a Guatemalan village, energizing power for dozens of homes, schools, and churches. Health & Fitness: A national study ranked Augusta last for fitness friendliness, citing low walkability, limited fitness access, and high inactivity/obesity rates.

Public Safety: A Monroe, Georgia mother is in custody after police say she repeatedly shot her 4-year-old daughter inside their apartment; the child was rushed to Monroe Piedmont Hospital and later stabilized after an emergency trip to metro Atlanta. Courts & Justice: Colt Gray, the teen convicted in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, pleaded guilty to 55 charges and is now facing life-in-prison sentencing, with victims’ families describing the harm as a “life sentence of grief and trauma.” Crime & Accountability: Ronald Deabler, a former Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta accountant, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for laundering $5.3 million stolen via a vendor email scam. Politics: A new AARP poll shows Sen. Jon Ossoff leading in his reelection bid and Gov. race numbers tightening, while Republicans worry Trump’s Georgia appearances could drag down GOP Sen. candidate Mike Collins. Sports: Georgia is the preseason pick to win the SEC, and the NFL set Super Bowl 62 for Feb. 13, 2028 in Atlanta. Business/Tech: Georgia’s OpenAI data-center push and a broader national fight over data-center costs and permitting continue to draw attention.

Election Power Fight: The Trump administration is pushing to reshape voting rules and seize more election authority from states, drawing warnings of “chaos” as courts and state officials push back. Georgia Courts: Teen accused in the Apalachee High School shooting, Colt Gray, is set for a plea and sentencing hearing in Barrow County Superior Court. AI + Power in Georgia: OpenAI’s Project Camellia would bring a 3.2-gigawatt AI data center campus to Effingham County, with Georgia Power saying OpenAI pays infrastructure costs and a 25-year deal includes demand-response limits. Ratepayer Protection Push: Trump’s expanded “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” adds hundreds of utilities and states, with Georgia Power highlighting rate freezes tied to data-center electricity costs. Back to School: Chattooga County is first in its area to start classes Friday, with Atlanta-area districts following soon. Heat Safety: The American Heart Association warns extreme Georgia heat can strain the heart and turn deadly for high-risk residents. Public Safety: Gainesville police ask for tips after a July 3 First Friday Concert shooting left one man dead and another injured. State Flag Poll: A new survey says Georgians want a film set chair on a redesigned state flag.

Ratepayer Protection Pledge: President Trump expanded his voluntary pledge to stop AI data-center power costs from hitting utility bills, with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signing on alongside more than 200 utilities and tech firms. Rural Healthcare Funding: Georgia’s GREAT Health program awarded $60.5M in Phase 3 support, bringing total rural healthcare awards to $103.8M to help hospitals prepare for value-based care. Back-to-School Scams: The IRS warned Georgia families to watch for fake school fees, bogus online deals, and scholarship scams as shopping ramps up. Local Education Taxes: The Carroll County BOE tentatively approved another millage rollback, cutting the school tax rate to 15.809 mills after a larger tax digest. Public Safety: Atlanta police are investigating a Northwest Atlanta convenience-store shooting that left four men hurt. Criminal Justice: A Gwinnett man’s murder conviction was thrown out after 25 years, with a new trial ordered. Health Fraud Case: A former Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta accountant was sentenced to four years for laundering $5.3M stolen via a vendor email scam.

Defense & Foreign Policy: The U.S. House narrowly passed a record $1.15 trillion 2027 defense bill, sending it to the Senate; it includes a pay raise and a Georgia-related requirement for a classified report on Russian and Chinese intelligence influence in the Caucasus. Elections & Voting Security: Georgia is in the spotlight again as President Trump pushes stricter voting rules nationwide during a Marietta rally, while Georgia election officials also face scrutiny over tools used to flag questionable voter registrations. Trump Accounts in Georgia: Trump promoted his “Trump Accounts” child savings program at a metro Atlanta high school, but some parents say the promised $1,000 deposit is delayed. AI Data Centers in Effingham: OpenAI announced a 3.2-gigawatt Georgia Power deal for Project Camellia, pledging community benefits and saying residents won’t pay extra electricity costs. Public Safety: A plea deal hearing is set for the accused suspect in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting. Local Governance & Tech Oversight: Georgia’s election board is promoting a new voter-roll tool ahead of midterms, as concerns about accuracy and misuse continue to swirl. Business & Community: Aveanna set its Q2 earnings release for Aug. 13, and metro Atlanta dining news includes new openings like Summerland in Cartersville-farm-themed Upper West Market.

Trump in Georgia: President Donald Trump used a Marietta stop at Wheeler High School to push “Trump Accounts,” while also attacking Sen. Jon Ossoff and Iran, and making a fresh claim that the U.S. and Venezuela control about 62% of the world’s oil market. Education & schools: Decatur, DeKalb and Atlanta public schools are lining up back-to-school events ahead of Aug. 3, including pep rallies and grade-level meet-and-greets. Public safety & courts: A Georgia Court of Appeals panel vacated part of a Henry County Schools discrimination ruling after finding the trial court relied on fabricated AI legal citations. Transportation: GDOT postponed a weekend closure of I-285 in Cobb and Fulton due to weather; crews will reschedule. Business & local news: Peach County, Macon-Bibb and Houston counties move forward on a Hwy. 96 megasite with a $21 million development fund. Environment & accountability: A federal report says improper chemical storage at BioLab helped set conditions for the 2024 Conyers fire. Sports: Georgia running back Dante Dowdell is indefinitely sidelined after an off-campus ATV accident.

Trump Campaign in Georgia: President Donald Trump is set to campaign Wednesday at Wheeler High School in Marietta, promoting “Trump Accounts” for children and appearing with GOP candidates Rick Jackson and Rep. Mike Collins; local groups plan protests that could affect traffic. Local Governance: Stockbridge’s youngest mayor, Jayden Williams, has had city privileges temporarily limited and his credit card suspended amid an investigation into alleged spending, though he’s not charged. Health Care: CareSource is rescinding a planned 20% Medicaid therapy reimbursement cut for some providers, easing pressure on clinics that warned they could drop Medicaid patients. Public Safety & Courts: A DeKalb judge is facing misconduct charges after allegations of illegally jailing a lawyer and improperly threatening prosecutors. Tech & Industry: Karini AI says it earned an AWS Manufacturing and Industrial Software Competency, positioning its agentic AI platform for “governed” deployments in supply chain and manufacturing. Consumer Fraud Watch: A new report flags Georgia campaign websites that may be scam storefronts collecting donations in candidates’ names.

Georgia Politics & Campaigns: President Trump is set to visit Georgia Wednesday to tout “Trump Accounts” for newborns and affordability plans, with stops in Marietta alongside GOP candidates Rick Jackson and Rep. Mike Collins as election integrity claims stay in the spotlight. Public Safety & Immigration: A Mexican man who ran from ICE in Florida was killed by a tractor-trailer; reports say he was vacationing in the U.S. on a valid tourist visa, adding to a string of recent fatal encounters. Sports (UGA): Bulldogs RB Dante Dowdell is sidelined indefinitely after an off-campus ATV accident; coach Kirby Smart says the team is waiting on his recovery. Local Schools: Douglas County Schools will host its annual Back to School Kickoff Saturday, aiming to top last year’s 5,000-family turnout with supplies and community resources. Health & State Services: Georgia is moving ahead with plans for its first state psychiatric hospital in decades, a 300-bed forensic facility near Georgia Regional Hospital. Community & Crime: Metro Atlanta saw a major World Cup-era human trafficking crackdown, with 153 arrests under “Operation Red Card.”

Food Safety: General Mills recalled 730,000+ Pillsbury bread rolls sold at Walmart after reports of possible glass fragments; Georgia is among 19 affected states, and the FDA says the recall is Class II. Public Health: Georgia’s measles conversation heats up as vaccination rates slip below what’s needed to stop spread, raising back-to-school concerns. Local Education: Champlain College Online and Georgia’s TCSG signed a transfer deal letting technical college grads apply up to 90 credits toward an online bachelor’s at a reduced tuition rate. State Politics: Gov. Kemp appointed Brian K. Epps to the Georgia Court of Appeals. Metro Atlanta Business: IPPE committed to return to Atlanta through 2036, extending a long-running poultry and animal food industry trade show partnership. Community Spotlight: A Buford woman with cerebral palsy, Natalie Fowler, is gaining attention for her work and her path to becoming a magazine cover model. Sports: SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey addressed college football’s future at media days, including the SEC Championship format and playoff expansion.

Data Centers & Property Rights: A nationwide wave of protests against AI-driven data center expansion hit Georgia too, with demonstrators citing water use, environmental harm, and lack of local say. Local Government: DeKalb County says the Winters Chapel Water Main Replacement Project starts Aug. 10, and the Dunwoody Knoll waterline work moves into phase two July 27. Public Health: Georgia kindergarten vaccine coverage is below the level needed to stop measles spread, while an FDA update says a Taylor Farms cyclospora lettuce test was a false positive—though the recall remains in place. Law Enforcement Tech: Richmond County added three more officers charged after alleged personal misuse of Flock license plate readers, following similar cases in DeKalb. Student Loans: A new AP analysis finds record student loan defaults, with Georgia among states with high concentrations of borrowers in trouble. Sports & Culture: The Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese accepted an apology from a suspended Toronto coach, and “Spamalot” is set for a Fox Theatre run July 21-25.