AGP Executive Report

Local Zoning Fight: Richmond Hill’s council unanimously rejected Westwin Elements’ bid to build a nickel refinery, saying the proposed heavy-metal refining use isn’t permitted under the site’s PUD zoning. Metro Traffic: GDOT is reshaping a major I-285/I-20 interchange in DeKalb County, with a key change opening Thursday and another full I-285 closure planned this weekend between Cascade Rd and MLK Jr. Dr. Politics & Elections: Georgia lawmakers are heading to a special session tied to vote counting and redistricting, as scrutiny grows over how statewide election systems are handled. Business & Community: Atlanta developer Charlie R. Brown, credited with transforming a polluted steel mill into Atlantic Station and helping reshape metro suburbs, has died at 87. Statewide Watch: Explore Georgia is spotlighting Braselton as a North Georgia getaway for spa days, wineries, and weekend trips. Public Safety/Health: A new WorldAtlas list names Cloudland Canyon as Georgia’s top natural wonder pick for U.S. travel this year.

Executions Update: The Georgia Supreme Court lifted a pandemic-era roadblock to executions tied to COVID-19 vaccine access, clearing one hurdle in the Presnell case while noting other legal obstacles may still remain. Local Elections Fight: DeKalb County DA Sherry Boston and other metro Atlanta district attorneys sued over a new state law requiring nonpartisan elections for key local offices in five counties, arguing it targets Democratic strongholds. World Cup Footprint: Atlanta United’s Marietta training complex was named an official FIFA World Cup 2026 base camp, with Uzbekistan set to use the expanded site. Public Safety/Crime: MARTA police asked for help identifying a suspect after an aggravated assault at the Georgia State station, while federal prosecutors continue a separate case tied to a deadly MARTA stabbing. Gas Prices: Georgia’s gas tax suspension ended, pushing prices up about 33 cents per gallon. Historic Finds: Savannah’s History Museum unveiled 17 Revolutionary-era cannons recovered from the Savannah River, ahead of America’s 250th. Sports Business: Falcons extended WR Drake London for four years, $141 million, and prosecutors dropped misdemeanor charges against rookie Zachariah Branch.

Atlanta Housing Redevelopment: Seventeen years after Bowen Homes was razed, new homes are rising on the northwest Atlanta site, with plans for about 2,000 apartments, townhomes and houses—reshaping a neighborhood that once included schools and a library. MARTA Safety Upgrade: MARTA is replacing glass on new faregates after several panels shattered, part of a broader fare payment system update. Statewide Schools: Creekview’s five state championships helped push Georgia’s public schools to lead GHSA state championships for the first time in 48 years. Immigration Fraud Crackdown: Georgia prosecutors say they’ve identified two organized groups accused of helping people obtain US visas and asylum using forged documents; three arrests were made and charges filed against six others, with US Embassy cooperation. Gas Prices Watch: Georgia’s 33-cent gas tax suspension is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, with drivers bracing for higher prices. Public Safety & Crime: Authorities report a MARTA train stabbing in Atlanta and a suspect is being sought as federal charges are considered in related cases. Nursing Home Ratings: CMS data highlights a mix of top and low performers across Georgia counties, including several facilities earning 5-star overall ratings alongside others scoring 1 star.

MARTA Safety Push: A 25-year-old man accused in the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old woman on a MARTA train now faces a federal charge tied to violence on a mass transportation station, with murder charges also pending in Fulton County; Lt. Gov. Burt Jones says he’ll consider putting Georgia state troopers onboard to keep World Cup crowds safe. Runoff Politics: In the GOP governor runoff, Jones and Rick Jackson are trading jabs as Jones camped out at a debate stage alone after Jackson skipped, while new ads show Kemp’s behind-the-scenes involvement without an endorsement. Jobs & Business: Gov. Kemp announced Authority Brands will relocate its HQ to Cobb County, creating 390 jobs. Peach Commission Vote: Georgia peach growers voted to keep the Peach Commission marketing order through 2029, holding assessments at 10 cents per bushel and 5 cents per half-bushel. Auto Manufacturing: Hyundai’s Metaplant in Georgia started U.S. production of the Kia Sportage Hybrid, adding a hybrid model to its EV lineup. Education Snapshot: Northwestern Middle School reported 46 multiracial students for 2024-25, and Georgia continues grappling with chronic absenteeism. Health Care Access: Georgia’s nurse-midwife rules are under scrutiny again, with advocates warning confusion could worsen provider shortages. National Watch: Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting U.S. intelligence director, sparking fresh qualification questions.

Runoff Politics: Georgia’s GOP Senate runoff is set to test whether Gov. Kemp’s formula still holds, as candidates spar over leadership and electability. State Elections: Secretary of State runoff candidates debated election systems, including how to move beyond QR-code counting toward hand-marked paper ballots. Fulton County: Fulton County Commission chair rivals traded sharp accusations in a debate ahead of their runoff, with jail leadership and motives taking center stage. Transportation: GDOT plans a major I-285 shutdown in Fulton County (June 5–8) between MLK Jr. Drive and Cascade Road, with heavy metro delays expected. Energy Costs: Georgia Power customers are set to see smaller electricity bills after a new rate agreement approved by regulators. Public Safety: An escaped federal inmate tied to metro Atlanta is the subject of an FBI reward offer. Tragedy: A helicopter crash hours after a wedding killed the groom and pilot; the bride survived. Health: Rising temperatures are extending tick season in Georgia, increasing the risk of tick-borne disease spread. Business & Jobs: Gov. Kemp announced ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will open a North American HQ in Macon-Bibb, bringing over 100 jobs. Sports: Oklahoma’s Dayton Tockey hit a walk-off homer to eliminate No. 2 Georgia Tech in the NCAA Atlanta Regional.

Georgia Politics: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms drew a crowd in Atlanta for a joint rally, while Republican Senate challengers Mike Collins and Derek Dooley traded barbs at a Press Club debate over ethics and immigration. Runoff Watch: Georgia’s GOP Senate field heads toward its June 16 runoff as early voting starts June 6. Gas Tax: Gov. Brian Kemp says Georgia’s 33-cent gas tax suspension won’t be extended, ending at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday and pushing prices up again. Public Service Commission: PSC District 5 candidates Bobby Mehan and Josh Tolbert debated data center rules and ratepayer costs ahead of the June 16 runoff. Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a Georgia case challenging at-large PSC elections as diluting Black voting power. Courts & Public Safety: A Fulton County death-penalty case for spa shooting defendant Robert Aaron Long moves forward after defense staffing issues were resolved. Business & Jobs: Kemp announced ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will open a North American HQ and manufacturing site in Macon-Bibb, adding up to 70 jobs. Weather: North Georgia and metro Atlanta face a lingering severe-storm risk early this week.

Election Countdown: Early voting for Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs starts June 6, running through June 12, with Fulton County listing 20 polling sites and seven absentee drop boxes. Courts & Voting Access: The DOJ is seeking a judge’s recusal in Georgia’s voter records case, citing alleged ties to Fulton DA Fani Willis, adding fuel to the long-running election fallout. State Politics: Sen. Jon Ossoff rallied in Atlanta with Keisha Lance Bottoms, hitting Trump and Georgia Republicans while pushing Medicaid expansion and cost-of-living themes ahead of the runoff. Public Safety: A fatal stabbing on a MARTA train near Oakland City Station left a suspect in custody as investigators work to determine motive. Aviation Tragedy: A Delta pilot and newlywed groom, Dave Fiji, died in a helicopter crash near Dawsonville hours after his wedding; his bride survived and was rescued after being trapped for nearly five hours. Energy & Industry: A report highlights the surge in clean energy manufacturing across the U.S., with Georgia tied to the broader jobs and investment push. Sports (Local): Georgia Tech and Oklahoma set up a winner-take-all Game for the NCAA Atlanta Regional after OU’s comeback win Sunday.

Local Development Fight: Jefferson’s planning commission will hear Monday about “Project Orchid,” a 158-acre industrial plan on Sealey Crossing Road that would include a metal manufacturing building and a proposed 200,000 gallons of water per day—while residents push back over environmental and health worries. Public Safety: A woman was fatally stabbed on a MARTA train near Oakland City Station; MARTA says a suspect is in custody, and riders remain shaken after another recent stabbing. Education Snapshot: Georgia schools reported detailed 2024-25 enrollment counts, including Ferguson Elementary’s 33 Asian students, World Language Academy’s 479 Hispanic students, and Kennedy Elementary’s 123 African American students—alongside continued concerns about chronic absenteeism. World Cup Build-Out: U.S. Soccer opened its Arthur M. Blank National Training Center near Atlanta, and the USMNT is using it ahead of the 2026 tournament. Health & Community: Make-A-Wish in Georgia granted a 5-year-old leukemia survivor a camper in Pooler, aiming to create more family time outdoors. Road Safety: Georgia officials say deaths from distracted driving rose from 44 in 2023 to 71 in 2024.

DOJ vs. Georgia election case: The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal judge to recuse herself from a Georgia election-records lawsuit, citing reported attendance at an event honoring Fulton County DA Fani Willis—an appearance DOJ says could create bias. Metro Atlanta hunger fight: Meals on Wheels Atlanta’s TASTE 2026 brought the city’s culinary community together to raise money to end senior hunger, with organizers noting $7 can fund one meal for a homebound senior. Georgia politics: Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts endorsed former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor, signaling early Democratic support from a major metro power base. College sports (Atlanta Regional): Oklahoma beat The Citadel 8-3 in the NCAA Atlanta Regional, setting up an elimination matchup with UIC after Georgia Tech’s earlier win. US soccer in Georgia: USMNT will host Senegal in a World Cup prep friendly in Charlotte, with projected lineups and TV/streaming details circulating ahead of kickoff. Education data (local enrollment snapshots): Multiple Georgia schools reported 2024-25 enrollment breakdowns, including shifts in Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial student counts, alongside continued focus on chronic absenteeism statewide.

Election Integrity Fight: The DOJ asked a federal judge in Atlanta to step aside from a Georgia voter-rolls case, pointing to her link to a judicial misconduct scandal and a partisan event tied to Fulton DA Fani Willis. Judicial Misconduct Fallout: The same case stems from a private reprimand involving a judge and a high-ranking police officer in chambers, with the judge’s name previously kept secret. Public Safety & Weather: Metro Atlanta and North Georgia face ongoing rain and flood risk as a stationary front lingers; a flash flood warning was canceled but heavy downpours continue. Energy Costs: Georgia PSC approved a Georgia Power rate plan expected to cut bills by about $4 a month for average customers. Homeless Veterans: A transitional housing center for homeless veterans opens June 6 in Spalding County. Sports (Georgia Tech): Georgia Tech rolls in the NCAA Atlanta Regional opener, while weather forces Oklahoma vs. The Citadel into a Saturday doubleheader. Lottery: May 29 Mega Millions and Cash 3 results were released.

NCAA Baseball (Atlanta Regional): Georgia Tech blasted UIC 22-5 in its Atlanta opener, with Alex Hernandez going off for three homers and nine RBIs as the Yellow Jackets turned a 2-2 tie into a rout. State Politics (Elections): Georgia’s GOP-led State Election Board quietly hired election denier Jason Frazier as an investigator, drawing sharp criticism over his history of challenging voter registrations. Public Safety (Courts): Atlanta police opened an investigation into whether a high-ranking officer involved in a reported sex-and-lie scandal with a federal judge is from their department. Education (Runoff): Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods is headed to a June 16 GOP runoff over reading instruction concerns, with Candler County’s Bubba Longgrear challenging him. Weather (Metro Atlanta): Flash-flood risk stays elevated as heavy rain and storms roll through north Georgia into the weekend. Agriculture: State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper praised the Trump administration’s Great American Cotton Plan as a major win for Georgia cotton producers.

Georgia Power Relief: The state Public Service Commission approved rate changes that cut typical residential bills by about $4 a month, using federal nuclear tax credits and storm-cost adjustments. Consumer Insurance Protections: Senate Pro Tempore Larry Walker III praised the Georgia Insurance Fairness Act, which lets homeowners see and dispute date-stamped aerial/satellite images used to cancel or not renew coverage, and creates a storm-damage mitigation grant program. School Safety Tech: Georgia will pilot pepper-spray-armed drones at five high schools this fall, with drones launched from boxes inside buildings and flown by an operator. MARTA Fare Changes: MARTA’s Breeze system fully kicks in Saturday, ending a grace period; riders must tap a card, mobile wallet, or Breeze ticket to enter. Voting Rights Fight: Common Cause says it will challenge Georgia’s mid-decade redistricting if new maps dilute Black voting power. Weather: Rain and storms return Friday into the weekend, with localized flash-flood risk in already-saturated areas. Local Notes: A Kennesaw mall shoplifting case ended with a fatal police shooting; the GBI is investigating.

Georgia Power Relief: The Georgia Public Service Commission approved rate cuts that will lower typical bills starting next month, with an estimated $50-a-year savings for a 1,000 kWh household. Flood Fallout in Atlanta: Heavy rain and flooding have left thousands of dead fish in the Chattahoochee River and pushed E. coli levels to unhealthy levels, raising concerns for people and pets during “shoot the Hooch” season. Local Governance: Roswell voted 4-2 to terminate its contract with Seer World, citing concerns over outsourcing economic development planning and transparency. Politics & Elections: Georgia Equality endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor, setting up a November matchup against the GOP runoff winner. Courts & Ethics: A judge nominated by Barack Obama, Eleanor Ross, is at the center of a major sex-and-workplace misconduct scandal involving allegations of an affair in chambers. Energy & Industry: Infinite Grid Capital signed a letter of intent to buy utility-scale battery storage products from NeoVolta’s Pendergrass, Georgia facility. Public Safety: Smyrna Elementary enrolled 309 African American students for 2024-25, according to state data.

World Cup in Atlanta: Georgia is opening a free World Cup exhibit at the Georgia World Congress Center, “Georgia, the Whole Day Through,” with music, art, food, and regional business showcases on select June and July match dates. Public Health & Travel: The DR Congo says its World Cup delegation is now compliant with U.S. Ebola protocols after talks with FIFA, including canceling a Kinshasa camp and moving preparations abroad. Ports & Trade: Frozen poultry exports through the Port of Savannah rose 8.5% in the latest 12-month figures, keeping Georgia a major U.S. gateway for refrigerated cargo. Energy Costs: Georgia Tech economists warn Middle East tensions are already pushing up gas prices and keeping them above pre-conflict levels, with relief unlikely to last. Elections & Accountability: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is pressing the CFTC for answers on suspiciously timed oil futures trades tied to the Iran conflict. Local Notes: Memorial Day events continued across the state, including a Griffin ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, while Georgia Lottery results for May 27 were released statewide.

Runoff Debates: Georgia voters get a final look at runoff candidates in Sunday and Monday livestreamed debates hosted by the Atlanta Press Club and Georgia Public Broadcasting, with expanded airtime now that races are down to two finalists. Election Law: A federal court upheld key parts of Georgia’s Election Integrity Act (SB 202), rejecting a challenge that targeted rules aimed at limiting outside group ballot activity and duplicate absentee applications. GOP Governor Runoff: Attorney General Chris Carr endorsed healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson over Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, as sheriffs across the state continue backing both sides ahead of the June runoff. Public Safety & Pursuits: Advocates are renewing calls for pursuit policy changes after a Memorial Day weekend crash killed 51-year-old Santana Patterson following a Georgia State Patrol chase. Local Environment: Cobb County reported a sewer overflow in Marietta that released about 1,950 gallons of wastewater into a tributary before crews stopped the flow and cleaned the area. World Cup Atlanta: Atlanta is preparing for FIFA Fan Festival watch parties and downtown festival zones at Centennial Olympic Park for fans without tickets, with free entry requiring pre-registered digital QR codes. Weather: CBS Atlanta warns of a wet, humid week with scattered downpours and localized flooding risk across North and Central Georgia.

Politics—Texas Senate: Ken Paxton won the GOP nomination and will face Democrat James Talarico, after beating longtime Sen. John Cornyn in a MAGA-fueled primary that’s already reshaping how Republicans plan to defend the seat. Elections—Georgia runoff backdrop: The broader Georgia political fight stays hot as national attention turns to runoffs and turnout shifts. Crime & fraud: A federal jury convicted three people tied to an international email-hacking scam that netted about $215 million from 1,000+ victims, bringing the total to 25 convicted in the case. Weather—Marietta spill: Heavy rain overwhelmed a Cobb County wastewater facility, causing a 288,000-gallon spill into a Proctor Creek tributary; officials say monitoring is ongoing. Local safety—State Patrol pursuits: A woman died after being hit during a Georgia State Patrol chase, renewing calls to tighten pursuit policies. Business—Data centers: Cogent agreed to sell 10 data-center facilities, including one in Atlanta, for $225 million. Culture—Independence Day message: Joe Wilson posted that “free Georgians” will defeat Georgian Dream, tying Georgia’s political debate to international allegiances.