AGP Executive Report

Election Countdown: Nearly 1.8 million Georgians had voted by Monday as the final week of early voting began. Senate rivals Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins focused on jobs and high prices, while the Justice Department plans monitors at Bibb County polling places on Election Day. Voting Security: Georgia officials say an Anthropic AI tool accessed public election data, not voter registration records or voting systems. Audi Investment: Gov. Brian Kemp says Audi plans a $4 billion Peach County factory, with about 4,500 jobs and production targeted for 2031; the project still needs final company approval. Cost of Living: Kemp extended Georgia’s motor-fuel tax suspension through Nov. 30 as gas prices remain a concern. ICE Facility: A Georgia detainee’s death amid a hunger strike has renewed calls to close the facility; federal authorities also charged a Douglasville man in an alleged firebomb attack on an Atlanta ICE office. Courts: Brant Frost IV was sentenced to 15 years for a $140 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded roughly 300 investors. Women’s Basketball: The Dream’s potential WNBA Finals-clinching Game 6 is set for 12:30 p.m. Thursday at State Farm Arena, after the Hawks’ schedule forced a time change.

Election Watch: Georgia has accepted nearly 1.8 million early ballots—23.7% of active voters—with Election Day on Nov. 3. Candidates are campaigning statewide, while Barack Obama and Kamala Harris are expected in Georgia this week. Anthropic also said its Claude AI accessed publicly available Georgia voter data through a public hub. Jobs and Investment: Audi plans to invest about $4 billion in its first U.S. factory at the Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County, creating roughly 4,500 jobs and targeting production by 2031. Fuel Costs: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s gas-tax suspension through Nov. 30, keeping the 33.3-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax paused through Thanksgiving. Atlanta Sports: The Dream and Valkyries are tied 2-2 in the WNBA Finals; the venue for a possible Game 6 in Atlanta remains unsettled because of a Hawks scheduling conflict. The Falcons beat the previously unbeaten 49ers, 29-20, behind Michael Penix Jr.’s three touchdown passes.

Election Watch: Georgia is drawing major campaign attention ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, with Trump, Obama and Harris making visits as candidates make a final push. Voter Data: Anthropic’s Claude AI accessed aggregate voter counts through Georgia’s public data hub, officials said, but did not reach the voter registration system or individual records. Jobs and Industry: Audi plans a $4.2 billion Georgia factory expected to create about 4,500 jobs; construction is slated to begin next year, with production targeted for the early 2030s. At the Pump: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s motor fuel tax suspension through Nov. 30. On the Field: Georgia climbed to No. 3 in the AP football poll, and three-star quarterback Bo Bryan, son of country star Luke Bryan, committed to the Bulldogs. The Falcons also beat the previously unbeaten 49ers, 29-20. Data Breach: Georgia Power’s parent company faces a lawsuit alleging a breach exposed information belonging to 400,000 customers.

Manufacturing: Audi’s planned $4 billion plant in Peach County could make up to 200,000 SUVs a year and create about 4,500 jobs. CEO Gernot Döllner defended the investment, though Volkswagen’s supervisory board still must approve it. Production is targeted for the early 2030s. School Bus Crash: Twenty-two Salem High students and three staff members were taken to hospitals after their bus overturned in Rockdale County Friday night. A witness described a chaotic rescue scene. Election 2026: Georgia’s early vote has passed 1.2 million ballots as candidates make final campaign pushes. Trump rallied Republicans in Perry, while Obama is expected to campaign for Democrats in Georgia. Atlanta Dream: The WNBA Finals are tied 2-2 after Golden State’s 67-62 win. Game 6 is scheduled for Atlanta on Thursday, but the Hawks also have a home game at State Farm Arena that night, leaving the league searching for a venue. Cost of Living: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s gas-tax suspension through Nov. 30.

Auto Investment: Audi plans to invest about $4 billion in a Peach County factory, creating an estimated 4,500 jobs and producing up to 200,000 SUVs a year. Construction is expected to start in 2028, with production in 2031. Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump rallied in Perry for Republican candidates Rick Jackson and Mike Collins, while Sen. Jon Ossoff and Pete Buttigieg canvassed in metro Atlanta. Trump also backed local input and financial benefits for communities hosting data centers. Household Costs: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s gas-tax suspension through Nov. 30. Public Safety: A Salem High School football team bus overturned, sending 25 people to hospitals; all but one were later released. Six Flags Over Georgia plans to add seat belts to Goliath and similar coasters after a rider’s fatal fall. College Football: Boston College overwhelmed Georgia Tech 49-27, rushing for 399 yards and dropping the Yellow Jackets to 2-5.

Rockdale Bus Crash: Twenty-two Salem High football players and three staff members were taken to hospitals after their bus overturned Friday night near I-20; one person was airlifted. State troopers say the driver lost control while exiting the interstate. Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump is scheduled to rally in Perry this evening for Georgia Republicans, with gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson expected to attend. The governor’s race remains close, while recent polling shows Sen. Jon Ossoff ahead of Republican Mike Collins. Public Safety: The FBI arrested a 31-year-old Georgia man accused of attempting to firebomb Atlanta’s ICE facility. Business: Mitsubishi Power plans a nearly $490 million expansion in Chatham County, expected to add 220 jobs. Blue Bird also plans a $300 million Fort Valley factory, bringing 375 jobs to Peach County. Consumer Health: Attorney General Chris Carr is urging Georgia convenience stores to pull kratom products from shelves and backing legislation to restrict them. Six Flags: The park plans to add seat belts to its Goliath roller coaster after a rider’s fatal death.

Georgia Elections: With the Nov. 3 midterms nearing, the governor’s race remains deadlocked, and candidates are crisscrossing the state to rally voters. Early voting has passed 1.5 million ballots; Sen. Jon Ossoff leads Republican Mike Collins in a new poll. Atlanta Crime: A 31-year-old Douglasville man was arrested on federal charges in the Molotov cocktail attack on an ICE office in downtown Atlanta. A person was also shot near the Georgia State MARTA station; police say a suspect was arrested. Traffic & Events: I-285 is closed both ways between Cascade Road and Langford Parkway this weekend, while Fairburn Road is also partly closed. Detours may snarl access to downtown events, including the Atlanta Dream’s WNBA Finals game. Public Safety: Six Flags will add seat belts to Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia after a guest’s fatal fall earlier this month; officials have not announced the cause. Health: Attorney General Chris Carr urged lawmakers to ban retail kratom sales, citing fatal overdoses and more than 315 emergency calls statewide. Jobs: Mitsubishi Power plans a $490 million Chatham County expansion and 220 new jobs. Child Welfare: More than 30 licensed youth facilities have closed across Georgia this year, leaving the foster-care system strained.

Election 2026: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s investigation into potential noncitizen voting in Georgia and eight other states, citing concerns about voter intimidation. Friday is the deadline to request an absentee ballot. Early voting is surging among Black and younger Georgians, while turnout lags in rural areas; polls show a tight governor’s race and a close contest for the Public Service Commission. Jobs and Investment: Mitsubishi Power plans to spend $490 million to expand its Chatham County operation, doubling its footprint and creating more than 220 jobs. Health and Environment: A new report says so-called forever chemicals were found at every Georgia water site tested, prompting calls for action. Food and Housing: Two Georgia restaurants earned Michelin stars, while Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta has invested $20 million in state housing bonds to support homeownership for lower- and moderate-income families.

Election Watch: Georgia has surpassed 1 million early ballots, with suburban voting surging as rural turnout lags. A federal judge also barred DHS voter-eligibility field operations in Georgia and eight other states through Election Day, citing flawed data and risks to voters. Water Quality: A new report found PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” across tested Georgia water sites, prompting calls for action. Local News: Two Woodstock police officers and a suspect were injured in a Thursday shooting; the GBI is investigating. Chamblee’s vacant 18-story former state revenue headquarters is set for implosion Saturday morning. On the Ballot: Georgians will decide whether to expand a farmland tax-relief program to cover properties up to 4,000 acres, double the current limit. Dining: Atlanta’s So. Fox and Uberto Restaurant in Gay earned new Michelin stars, among just three first-time stars awarded across the American South. Sports: The Atlanta Dream beat the Valkyries 97-71 to take a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals.

Midterm Watch: Georgia has surpassed 1 million early votes, with turnout surging in metro suburbs while rural voting lags. The governor’s race remains tight; Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms says she raised $23.2 million since August. Voters will also decide three constitutional amendments covering farmland tax breaks, probate judge elections and 911 funding. Atlanta Infrastructure: Engineers are assessing the 102-year-old Moores Mill Road bridge after part of its support wall collapsed into Peachtree Creek. The bridge remains closed, and officials have not confirmed what caused the damage. Public Safety: Two men face felony charges in an alleged international email scam that cost a Troup County church $60,000. The FDA also warns that counterfeit eye drops found in Georgia stores tested positive for bacteria, including Staphylococcus. Food Scene: Sixty-seven metro Atlanta restaurants made the new Michelin Guide American South, with seven first-time picks and 10 Georgia restaurants earning stars. Jobs: All 12 Georgia regional commissions reported September gains in labor force and employment; six reached record highs in both.

WNBA Finals: The Atlanta Dream beat Golden State 97-71 to take a 2-1 series lead. Angel Reese had 21 points and 12 rebounds, extending her record-setting Finals run. Dining: Atlanta’s So. Fox and Uberto earned new Michelin stars; chef Ryan Smith received a Mindful Voices honor. Georgia Elections: Early voting has topped 1 million ballots, up 12% from 2022. Bilingual volunteers are helping voters at polling sites in Gwinnett, DeKalb and Clayton counties as the governor’s race remains close and lieutenant governor candidates spar. Jobs and Industry: Blue Bird plans a $300 million expansion in Peach County to build more buses. Environment: A new report found PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” at every Georgia water site tested, prompting calls for state action.**

Midterm Watch: Georgia has surpassed 1 million early votes, with polls showing a dead heat in the governor’s race and Sen. Jon Ossoff ahead of Republican Mike Collins. Voters will also decide on three constitutional amendments, and a new law could trigger automatic recounts. Jobs and Investment: Blue Bird plans to invest $300 million in a new Fort Valley manufacturing facility, creating 375 jobs over three years. Environment: A new report says PFAS “forever chemicals” were found at every Georgia water site tested. Public Safety: Milner’s full-time police force has resigned, with most reserve officers also leaving; in Atlanta, one person was killed and another injured in a shooting at Atlanta Technical College. Fraud Charges: Federal prosecutors have charged a Duluth businessman and a former Florida prosecutor in alleged Ponzi schemes that reportedly cost investors nearly $2 million.

Midterms: Georgia surpassed 1 million in-person early votes, more than 12% ahead of the same point in 2022. A new poll puts Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms nearly even in the governor’s race, 46% to 45%, with a 3-point margin of error. State Oversight: Gov. Brian Kemp says the GBI will take control of a $954,578 SUV bought for the child welfare agency and outfitted with cellular surveillance technology, after lawmakers raised constitutional concerns. Environment: PFAS were found at all 20 Georgia waterways tested, including four sites along the Chattahoochee, a key metro Atlanta water source; researchers say the health effects of the detected levels remain unclear. Public Safety: Six Flags Over Georgia has reopened after a fatal fall from the Goliath coaster, as questions continue about ride safety and the investigation. Utilities: Two Public Service Commission seats could shift control of the body that regulates Georgia Power, rates and the state’s response to soaring electricity demand.

Election Turnout: More than 1.027 million Georgians had voted early or by mail by Tuesday morning, about 3% ahead of the same point in 2022. Governor’s Race: An AJC/UGA poll puts Republican Rick Jackson at 46% and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms at 45%, with 8% undecided—a statistical tie. Jackson plans to campaign in Cherokee County rather than attend President Trump’s Saturday rally in Macon; former President Barack Obama is set to join Bottoms and Sen. Jon Ossoff at an Atlanta rally Oct. 28. Atlanta Campus: One student died and another was injured when a gun accidentally discharged Monday in a classroom at Atlanta Technical College. Police say the armed student later died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound; the injured student’s wounds were not life-threatening. State Policy: A federal appeals court cleared Georgia’s under-16 social media law to take effect, though critics warn a Supreme Court fight may follow.

Election Watch: Georgia has passed 1 million votes cast in early voting and absentee ballots, setting a brisk pace ahead of Nov. 3. President Donald Trump plans a Macon rally Oct. 24, while former President Barack Obama is due in Atlanta Oct. 28 to campaign with Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms. Polls show Ossoff ahead in the Senate race, with the governor’s contest close. Social Media Law: A federal appeals court cleared Georgia to enforce its under-16 social media law while a legal challenge continues. The measure requires age checks and parental consent for young users. Hemp Businesses: Federal THC limits set to take effect in December could make most hemp edibles and drinks illegal, putting Georgia shops and as much as $1 billion in sales at risk. Six Flags: The park has reopened after a fatal fall from the Goliath coaster, as questions about ride safety persist. Housing and Growth: Forsyth County extended its housing moratorium for six months as officials weigh growth, school capacity and infrastructure.

Midterm Momentum: More than 830,000 Georgians have cast early ballots, as the governor’s race remains tight. Former President Barack Obama is set to rally in Atlanta Oct. 28 with Keisha Lance Bottoms and Sen. Jon Ossoff. Six Flags Tragedy: Atlanta school community members are mourning Hassan Kariem, the teacher and IT manager who died in a fall from the Goliath roller coaster. A memorial is planned Monday as students and staff return to class. Power Investment: The USDA approved a $3.3 billion loan to help build Oglethorpe Power’s generating plant in Monroe County, its largest-ever Rural Utilities Service loan. Weather Alert: Dry air, low humidity and gusty winds have raised fire danger across parts of Georgia. Bulldogs Fall: Auburn stunned top-ranked Georgia 27-24 with a last-second field goal, ending the Bulldogs’ 53-game streak against unranked opponents.