AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Georgia DPH confirmed four more measles cases tied to a metro Atlanta daycare outbreak, urging MMR vaccination and warning people to contact providers before visiting clinics or hospitals. Immigration & Community Impact: A Decatur father of two is in ICE custody in south Georgia after an Aug. 16 arrest, and Decatur High students raised nearly $20,000 to support his family. Elections & Privacy: Georgia is among states receiving DHS subpoenas seeking voter information on 13 people, as officials say they’re working to follow the law and protect voting rights. Healthcare Access: A new report highlights insurance companies denying or delaying care Georgians say they need, while rural hospital closures remain a concern. Energy & Cost of Living: Georgia approved $50 million in rebates for home energy efficiency upgrades, aiming to cut bills for thousands of households. Business & Courts: A Texas-based crypto investment firm can’t dodge a Georgia federal fraud suit, after a judge said it did business in the Peach State and used an Atlanta dinner to pitch its offerings.

Georgia Politics: Democrats are pressing hard in Atlanta suburbs, aiming to win “split-ticket” voters who like Democratic candidates at the top but still back Republicans in the state Legislature, with recruits Adam Cleveland and Beth Fuller previewing their pitch. Governor Race: Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson have agreed to two debates, including an Atlanta News First town hall Oct. 6, while more debate plans remain contested. Public Safety & Courts: A woman convicted in the 2016 murder of Morgan Bauer will be sentenced Tuesday; co-defendant Jonathan Warren is already serving life without parole. State Policy Clash: Warnock and Kemp are sparring over Georgia’s data center boom, with Warnock calling for a moratorium and Kemp rejecting it. Economy & Jobs: A new Georgia Ports Authority report says port activity supports about 605,616 jobs statewide and $44 billion in annual income. Natural Resources: Stephen C. Foster State Park is officially renamed Okefenokee State Park, effective Sept. 1. Health: Georgia DPH reports more measles cases tied to a metro Atlanta daycare outbreak. Travel: Georgia Department of Public Safety is set to share Labor Day travel safety tips Tuesday morning.

Clemency Hearing in Atlanta: Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles set a specially called Sept. 15, 2026 meeting to review clemency for Stacey Ian Humphreys, with the agenda limited to information for or against clemency and no public comment. Public Safety Scrutiny: A Channel 2 investigation in Gwinnett County raises questions about DUI task force practices, including a reported goal of 150 DUI arrests a year and claims that some cases were later thrown out or reduced. Wildlife Protections: Georgia DNR opened public comment on proposed updates to the state’s protected species list, aiming to expand protections from 318 to 423 species and adjust rules after 20 years. Healthcare Leadership: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta named Dr. Patrick Frias as CEO, with a push to expand access so families can reach pediatric care within 30 minutes. Affordable Care Act Costs: A Georgia health policy group says ACA premiums could rise about 21% next year, warning many may lose coverage. Energy & Jobs: Walmart announced a $1.3 billion, 1.5 million-square-foot next-gen fulfillment center in Carnesville. Data Center Debate: Coverage highlights the growing national fight over data centers, with Trump urging communities to “let data reign” rather than risk being “backwards and poor.” Sports: Howard won the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta, and Scottie Scheffler captured the Tour Championship at East Lake.

Energy & Jobs: SK On will supply NeoVolta Power with 9 GWh of U.S.-manufactured LFP battery cells from 2027-2031, with a framework for another 9 GWh plus NeoVolta pack production—aimed at expanding U.S. battery energy storage. Housing & Workforce: Georgia’s homeownership rate sits around 64% (down from 72% in 2002), and business leaders say housing costs and supply are hurting recruiting and retention. Gas Prices: Georgia’s regular gas average fell 3 cents to about $3.78 a gallon, though it’s still higher than a year ago. Politics & Elections: Keisha Lance Bottoms says she’ll join six televised debates for the governor’s race, pressing Rick Jackson to commit too. Public Safety & Privacy: Georgia lawmakers and officials continue wrestling with Flock camera oversight and data-center concerns after calls for stronger local control. Education: New state enrollment counts show Schley County at 1,152 students (2024-25) and Fannin County at 2,619, as chronic absenteeism remains a statewide focus. Community: Roswell’s Eagles Nest Church is opening a redeveloped 80,000-square-foot campus after a roughly $28 million transformation.

PGA Tour in Atlanta: Scottie Scheffler erased a three-shot deficit with a 4-under 66 at East Lake to win the Tour Championship, claim his second FedEx Cup and pass Tiger Woods for the PGA Tour career earnings lead. Georgia Politics: A new AARP-backed look at 2026 midterms says turnout—especially voters under 50 vs. seniors—could decide the governor and U.S. Senate races, with Keisha Lance Bottoms leading among younger voters and Jon Ossoff holding an edge with women. Election Security: Democrats and Republicans are trading barbs over how Georgia should handle election security, including debate over whether the National Guard should monitor voting. Public Health: Georgia is seeing more Cyclospora cases tied to recalled lettuce, pushing some Atlanta shoppers toward farmers markets and local produce. Schools & Demographics: Atlanta-area school enrollment data shows Morningside Elementary’s Asian student count fell to 42 for 2024-25, while chronic absenteeism remains a major concern statewide. Energy & Cost of Living: Georgia approved a federal fuel waiver aimed at lowering gas prices, as local reports show some of the lowest midgrade and premium prices in parts of the state.

Public Health: Georgia has been added to a growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with confirmed illnesses now reaching 11,458 nationwide across 20 states—officials say the product is long gone from shelves, but testing may still matter for lingering watery diarrhea. Elections & Courts: A major voting-rights fight continues as federal courts apply tougher standards to challenges of Georgia’s 2021 congressional and state maps after a Supreme Court ruling, with the 11th Circuit sending the case back for reconsideration. Traffic & Safety: Lanes reopened on I-285 south after an overturned-vehicle crash near South Cobb Drive. Local Crime: Police say three alleged tomb raiders were arrested in a cross-country cemetery spree targeting cremation niches. Sports (Atlanta): Sanford Stadium set a new NCAA women’s soccer attendance record as UGA beat James Madison 6-0 in a historic first for the program at the venue. Politics (Governor’s race): Republican Rick Jackson campaigned in Savannah on affordability and education ahead of his Nov. 3 matchup with Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE deported British far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos to the U.K. after an immigration judge issued a final removal order in July. Voting Rights in Court: Georgia’s redistricting fight is back in federal court, with challengers facing a higher standard after the Supreme Court raised the bar under Louisiana v. Callais. Education Enrollment: New Georgia Department of Education figures show shifting student populations at local schools, including Early County (1,402 students, down 4.6%) and Rainey McCullers School of the Arts (412 total, 164 African American students). Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade deals vary by county, including $3.73 in Dougherty County and $4.25 in Muscogee County for the week ending Aug. 22. Public Safety: Authorities intercepted nearly 900 pounds of marijuana headed toward Orlando, with about half also destined for Atlanta. Atlanta Community Safety: A new push in Atlanta focuses on “community preparedness” amid concerns about ICE enforcement and policing.

Metro Atlanta & Public Safety: Gwinnett DA Patsy Austin-Gatson sued over Georgia’s House Bill 369, arguing the law strips partisan labels from DA races in five metro counties and violates her role as an elected official. State Politics & Elections: Early voting in Georgia starts Oct. 13, with the spotlight on the U.S. Senate race between Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins; new polling shows Ossoff leading while Republicans argue Collins has gained ground. Georgia Economy & Trade: Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Kemp are on an economic mission to Chile and Peru, pitching Georgia exports and supply-chain ties. Health & Community: Georgia is dealing with a growing measles outbreak tied to metro Atlanta daycare cases, with additional confirmations reported. Local Life: The Atlanta Safari Park opened a new walk-through kangaroo exhibit in Commerce/Franklin County, and the Commerce Library will close for Labor Day while continuing services like Medicaid/Medicare and SNAP help. Sports: The Atlanta Dream fell to the Portland Fire 101-83, and Angel Reese’s latest foul led to a one-game suspension.

Public Health: Georgia has been added to a growing cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with federal officials reporting 11,458 illnesses across 20 states and warning symptoms can take weeks to show up. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: The recall is already reshaping shopping habits in metro Atlanta, as shoppers toss products and look for local alternatives while investigators trace the source to Taylor Farms de Mexico. Elections & Courts: Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson is suing Georgia over a new law that makes DA races nonpartisan in five metro counties, arguing it targets Black women prosecutors. Local Law Enforcement: Athens-Clarke County police fired an employee accused of misusing Flock license-plate tracking to search his ex-wife’s plate repeatedly, and requested an independent criminal probe. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices remain stubbornly high, with AAA putting Georgia’s average regular price at $3.79 as drivers adjust travel plans for the Labor Day weekend. Tech & Politics: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock criticized Effingham County and OpenAI over a proposed data center, calling for protections on water, electricity, and pollution before more projects move forward.

Public Safety: A diesel tanker carrying about 7,500 gallons overturned on Browns Mill Road near White Circle in DeKalb, shutting the road in both directions and triggering an environmental response after runoff entered a storm drain and nearby pond. Local Health: Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis partnered with Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute to offer free prostate cancer screenings to 110 men via a mobile blood-test unit, with officials stressing early detection for Black men who face higher risk. Atlanta Economy/Work: A new study says Atlanta is the best U.S. city for hybrid work, citing the highest density of coworking spaces and strong access to flexible arrangements. Community Spotlight: Alpharetta teen Reyha Raghavaraju’s “Birthday Bundles” initiative has helped create birthday celebrations for 136+ metro Atlanta families facing financial hardship. State Justice: Georgia set an execution date for death row inmate Stacey Ian Humphreys for Sept. 16 after a prior schedule was postponed. Arts & Culture: Gladys Knight, 82, says she’s easing into fewer performances as she transitions to the next stage of her career and life.

Trade War Watch: Georgia business leaders warn that new U.S.-Canada tariffs are already squeezing farms and manufacturers, with Canada targeting Georgia exports like steel, lumber, and pecans and Georgia’s Chamber Foundation flagging Canada as a major buyer. Consumer Impact: Economists and cattle farmers say the costs will likely roll downhill to shoppers as input prices rise and buyers pull back. Local Courts & Accountability: A federal judge kept alive a proposed class action against Volkswagen over alleged “ticking time bomb” high-voltage battery issues in certain Audi EVs. Public Safety Tech Scrutiny: The GBI arrested former Covington officer Michael Canty for allegedly misusing the department’s Flock license-plate reader system, the latest in a string of Georgia cases. AI Data Center Progress: Georgia Power’s contract for the OpenAI data center in Effingham County was approved, and the county’s final DRI report is now out, setting up next steps for site planning. Politics & Community: A Gwinnett Democratic Party event drew backlash for being scheduled during Rosh Hashanah weekend, raising concerns about inclusion of Jewish Democrats. Sports: Deion Sanders must be available to testify in his son Shilo’s bankruptcy case, timed around Colorado’s season opener at Georgia Tech.

Meta Settlement: Georgia is set to receive close to $100 million from a multistate deal with Meta over claims Facebook/Instagram addiction harms teens, with required safeguards like daily time limits and stronger parental controls. Court Fight Over Maps: A federal appeals court vacated a ruling that Georgia’s post-2020 voting maps violated the Voting Rights Act, keeping current district lines in place while the case heads back for review. Public Safety Tech: Georgia’s first Safe Haven Baby Box opens Friday in Henry County, letting parents anonymously surrender newborns up to 45 days old with 24/7 monitoring and rapid first-responder response. Infrastructure Disruption: I-75/85’s Downtown Connector northbound lanes shut down Thursday morning near Peachtree Street through at least North Avenue, snarling commutes. Sports (Local Spotlight): The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Tour Championship starts Thursday at East Lake with a $40 million purse and a $10 million winner’s share, featuring Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood. Local Culture: National Peach Day prompts Atlanta’s last-chance peach dishes and dessert picks as the season winds down.

Nuclear Power Push: The U.S. Army is moving ahead with the Janus program, selecting Radiant Industries to build nuclear microreactors at Fort Benning and four other bases nationwide, with up to $2.2 billion in awards and more than 20 reactors expected over five years. Amazon Fraud Sentences: Two Atlanta-area women tied to an Amazon fraud scheme—Brittany Hudson (16+ years) and Kayricka Wortham (17 years)—were sentenced after prosecutors said they used fake vendors and forged invoices to steal nearly $10 million, then splurged on luxury cars and a home. Public Safety & Drugs: A Butts County truck driver helped stop a major shipment after discovering 1,800 pounds of marijuana hidden in cargo; deputies seized the drugs and the driver faced no charges. Local Government/Schools: Fulton County Schools approved a tentative millage rate increase to 18.08 mills, setting up public hearings as the district cites uncertainty in the county’s property tax process. Tech & Privacy Debate: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined critics of Flock Safety’s automated cameras, warning they may be “out of control” and calling for stronger privacy protections. Sports (Atlanta): The TOUR Championship at East Lake continues as the PGA Tour wraps up its season, with new postseason format changes coming in 2028.

Georgia Politics: Everton Blair won Georgia’s 13th Congressional District special election runoff, taking 54% over Marcye Scott for the seat left vacant after David Scott’s death. Voting Rights & Oversight: A judge ordered a review of Georgia’s district maps under new voting-rights rules, keeping the redistricting fight active. Flock Safety Cameras: Lawmakers and law enforcement are weighing how to curb Flock camera misuse while balancing public safety and privacy. Public Safety & Courts: The family of an Atlanta Beltline stabbing suspect says Georgia’s mental-health system failed him, arguing the law leaves families with only “brief jail” or “total guardianship” options. Education & Health: Metro Atlanta school cafeterias are feeding tens of thousands of students daily, while federal vaccine guidance could change how often kids get shots. Business & Tech: Georgia’s data-center boom keeps moving, with reports of a Georgia Power deal tied to an Effingham County hyperscale project. Sports: Creature Comforts is expanding its Georgia Athletics game-day presence, including a new Flash Cat beer at Sanford Stadium.

Flock camera crackdown: Georgia lawmakers and law enforcement are forming a task force after dozens of officers across the state were arrested, fired, or disciplined over alleged misuse of license plate reader cameras, with Sen. John Albers calling the behavior “wrong and unacceptable” while warning against knee-jerk reactions. Election equipment debate: The House passed SB3EX creating an Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee, with several Georgia lawmakers voting yea or nay, including Rep. Karen Lupton voting no. Voting rights update: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a mostly procedural blow to Trump’s mail-in voting changes, sending the legal fight back to the start and limiting how quickly states can implement changes. 13th District runoff: Polls closed for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District special election runoff between Marcye Scott and Everton Blair Jr. College mental health: The Technical College System of Georgia is expanding online mental healthcare support for 150,000 students through a partnership with Uwill. Food security: Georgia’s Farm to Food Bank program awarded $1 million to eight food banks statewide to boost fresh produce and protein. Local scams: Douglasville tied for 24th in Georgia for July scam reports, with seven reports and about $6,476 in losses. Tech on campus: Georgia Tech is rolling out digital BuzzCards as the primary credential for new students. Dolly Parton in Georgia: Tributes continue across Georgia after Dolly Parton’s death at 80, including renewed focus on her Ringgold wedding and metro Atlanta connections.

Georgia Politics: Georgia voters head to the polls Tuesday in the 13th Congressional District runoff to fill the rest of late Rep. David Scott’s term, choosing between Marcye Scott and Everton Blair. Election Security & National Guard: GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson says Gov. Brian Kemp will use the Georgia National Guard to monitor the midterms, a claim that’s already drawing scrutiny. Local Roads: Woodstock police and firefighters are responding to a serious crash on northbound Highway 92 at Main Street, with drivers urged to avoid the area. Metro Atlanta Safety: Atlanta Beltline stabbing suspect Johnathan Hamby was charged with murder; police say he had 30 prior arrests and was on probation. Economic Development & Housing: Alpharetta City Council approved a North Point Mall redevelopment plan that hinges on securing an NHL franchise, with a 4-3 vote. Business & Growth: Surcheros says it’s added four Georgia restaurants and reopened Waycross, bringing Georgia locations to 37. Health & Community: KeraLink International says it has now impacted more than four million lives through vision care programs. Business & Tech: The Georgia Chamber launches a campaign defending data centers amid backlash over water, energy, and transparency concerns.