AGP Executive Report

Midterm Politics: Donald Trump rallied in Dalton for Senate candidate Mike Collins and gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson, repeating false claims that Georgia’s 2020 election was stolen and attacking Jon Ossoff. Early voting has set a state record, nearing 365,000 ballots. Six Flags Investigation: The park reopened Friday after Atlanta educator Hassan Kariem died after being ejected from Goliath. The coaster remains closed as investigations continue; four children were injured, and similar rides have been shut at parks elsewhere. Jobs and Investment: Hyundai Transys plans nearly $560 million in Georgia upgrades and a new West Point plant, adding 320 jobs and expanding hybrid powertrain production. Children Online: A federal appeals court cleared Georgia’s parental-consent social media law for minors to take effect. Jail Health: Clarke County announced new emergency medical equipment and on-site video visits at its jail following inmate deaths last year. Public Health: Georgia reported its 22nd measles case of 2026, in an unvaccinated Macon County resident.

Midterm Push: Georgia early voting has set a record, nearing 365,000 ballots cast, as President Donald Trump rallies in Dalton for Senate candidate Mike Collins. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is campaigning across South Georgia, while Sen. Jon Ossoff holds a wide fundraising lead. Six Flags Investigation: The Austell park is reopening Friday after a 42-year-old Atlanta school employee died after being ejected from the Goliath coaster. The ride remains closed as authorities investigate; 11 coasters at parks across North America have been temporarily shut. Transportation: GDOT selected a team for a 19-mile I-285 express-lanes project, with construction costs estimated at $8.9 billion and completion not expected until 2042. A diesel spill also shut down northbound I-85 in Gwinnett County, causing major delays. Campus Safety: Georgia State police say an intruder attacked a cafeteria worker inside a 24-hour dining hall after an employee let him in; students helped the worker, and the suspect was arrested. Social Media Law: Federal judges cleared Georgia’s parental-consent requirement for minors’ social media accounts to take effect.

Six Flags Investigation: Six Flags Over Georgia reopened with Goliath still closed after a rider’s fatal fall and injuries to four children. State investigators are examining the ride; its March inspection found no violations. Midterm Turnout: Georgia’s first day of early voting drew a record 190,000 voters. A poll put Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in a near-tie for governor, as some voters said they were splitting their tickets. Transportation: GDOT selected Top End Mobility Group to lead the I-285 East Express Lanes project, a plan for about 34 miles of new lanes from Northside Drive to I-20. Children’s Online Safety: A federal appeals court cleared the way for Georgia’s law requiring parental consent for social media accounts for children under 16. Georgia Sports: The Savannah Bananas will play internationally in 2027, with games in Mexico and Canada and two dates at Atlanta’s Truist Park.

Midterm Turnout: More than 190,000 Georgians voted on the first day of early voting, setting a record as closely watched Senate and governor’s races heat up. Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded attacks in their latest debate, while new polling shows a tight governor’s race. I-285 Toll Lanes: GDOT selected Top End Mobility Group to build and operate a 19-mile stretch of express lanes. The $8.9 billion first phase comes with a 50-year toll-revenue deal and a promised $23.6 billion concession fee to the state. Six Flags Investigation: The park plans to reopen Friday after a 42-year-old Atlanta man died when he was ejected from the Goliath coaster. The ride will remain closed as investigators look into the cause; four other riders were injured. Data Center Costs: A watchdog analysis estimates Georgia school districts will forgo about $300 million this year through sales-tax breaks for data center projects. Healthcare Costs: Georgia ranks first nationally for hospital prices paid by private insurers, averaging about 345% of Medicare rates, according to a new RAND analysis.

Six Flags Investigation: Georgia is investigating the fatal fall of Atlanta educator Hassan Kariem from Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath coaster. The park plans to reopen Friday, while rides remain closed as safety checks continue. Election Watch: Early voting has surged to nearly 200,000 ballots. A new poll puts Rick Jackson ahead of Keisha Lance Bottoms, 49% to 47%; Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their final scheduled Senate debate. Savannah Port: Federal approval clears the way for a $2.3 billion container terminal, adding capacity for 3.5 million containers a year. Construction is expected to begin in 2028. State Finances: Georgia’s September tax collections rose 2.3% to $3.34 billion, driven by sales taxes as individual income tax receipts fell. Farm Recovery: Georgia has calculated Hurricane Helene relief awards for traditional agricultural producers and is beginning to send funding agreements.

Record Turnout: More than 188,000 Georgians voted in person on the first day of early voting, a midterm record. Voting continues through Oct. 30 ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Campaign Clash: Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their latest debate, including over affordability and healthcare. Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson skipped a debate, leaving Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms alone onstage. Six Flags Investigation: Atlanta educator Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia; four others were injured. The cause is under investigation, and Six Flags closed nine similar coasters across six parks. Public Health: Georgia confirmed another measles case in an unvaccinated Macon County resident, bringing the state’s 2026 total to 22. MARTA Shooting Appeal: The Georgia Supreme Court upheld the life-without-parole murder conviction of the man who killed a passenger and wounded three others on a MARTA train in 2017.

Six Flags Investigation: Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator and father, died after being ejected from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia; four others were injured. Georgia authorities are investigating, and Six Flags closed nine similar rides across North America as a precaution. Midterm Voting: Georgia’s first day of early voting drew 188,667 ballots, topping the 2022 opening-day total of 134,962, according to unofficial figures. In a heated Senate debate, Jon Ossoff said he would serve a full second term if reelected and has no plans to run for president in 2028. Public Health: Georgia confirmed a new measles case in an unvaccinated Macon County resident, bringing the state’s 2026 total to 22; health officials urged vaccination. Jobs: Dutch manufacturer VDL Groep plans to invest $77 million to expand in Hall County and add about 120 jobs.

Six Flags Tragedy: Cobb County police identified Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, as the man who died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday. Four others were injured. State safety officials are investigating, and Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar rides at parks across North America. Georgia Elections: Early voting is underway for November’s midterms. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms debated alone after Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson skipped an Atlanta Press Club event; President Trump is set to rally in Dalton on Friday. In the closely watched Senate race, Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their debate. DeKalb County: A police officer shot a man accused of holding a woman and child at gunpoint in Stone Mountain on Tuesday morning. The suspect was hospitalized in critical condition; the woman and child were safe, and the GBI is investigating. Atlanta Dream: The team is still seeking a venue for its WNBA Finals home games after scheduling conflicts ruled out State Farm Arena.

Six Flags Investigation: One person died and at least four were injured Monday in an incident on the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Cobb County. Witnesses reported a man fell from the ride; police are investigating, and Six Flags temporarily closed similar coasters at other parks. Midterm Voting: Early voting begins Tuesday and runs through Oct. 30 ahead of Georgia’s Nov. 3 election. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms appeared alone at Monday’s gubernatorial debate after Republican Rick Jackson cited a scheduling conflict. President Donald Trump is set to campaign in Dalton Friday for Jackson and Senate candidate Mike Collins, who is challenging incumbent Jon Ossoff. Education: Georgia Gwinnett College received a $3.3 million federal grant to recruit and prepare teachers, including through scholarships, residencies and apprenticeships. College Football: Georgia reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the AP poll after beating Alabama 20-17.

Public Safety: A 7-month-old girl and the driver fleeing Georgia State Patrol died after a high-speed chase ended in a 10-vehicle crash on I-20 in DeKalb County; two other infants were injured. Midterm Elections: Early voting begins Tuesday in Georgia, where voters will decide statewide and congressional races, all 236 General Assembly seats and ballot questions. Election officials urge voters to check their registration, polling place and early-voting locations before heading out. Atlanta Dream: The team’s WNBA Finals home venue remains unsettled. Gateway Center Arena holds just 3,500 fans, while State Farm Arena is booked for concerts and Hawks games on the scheduled dates. Research and Technology: Georgia Tech is set to unveil Nexus, a new AI supercomputer backed by $20 million in federal funding; at least 90% of its computing power will be available to researchers nationwide. College Football: Georgia reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the AP poll after beating Alabama 20-17 on a late field goal.

Fatal Crash: A seven-month-old girl and the driver died after a high-speed police chase ended in a 10-vehicle crash on I-20 in DeKalb County. Georgia Elections: Early voting for statewide races begins Tuesday; a new poll gives Sen. Jon Ossoff a wider lead over Republican Mike Collins. Atlanta Dream: The team has yet to name its WNBA Finals home court. Its 3,500-seat arena is small, while State Farm Arena is booked for the scheduled home games. College Football: Georgia jumped to No. 1 after beating Alabama, while Georgia Tech earned its first ACC win with a 28-25 victory over Duke. Storm Recovery: Isaias brought down trees and knocked out power across metro Atlanta; crews have restored service to thousands, with warm, dry weather ahead. South Georgia Shooting: Five people, including the suspected shooter, were found dead at a home, and police are investigating.

Storm Recovery: Isaias downed trees and power lines across Georgia, leaving more than 120,000 customers without electricity at the height of the outages. Federal disaster aid has been approved, and a warm, dry week is forecast as crews continue repairs. South Georgia Shooting: Five people, including the suspected gunman, were found dead at a home near Douglas; investigators are still working to establish what happened. College Football: Georgia Tech edged Duke 28-25 for its first ACC win, while Georgia beat Alabama 20-17 and is poised to take the top spot in the rankings. Election 2026: Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their first debate as early voting approaches for key Georgia races. Girls’ Well-Being: A new statewide report finds Georgia girls are graduating at record rates but face serious challenges involving mental health, safety and financial hardship. Rural Health Care: A northeast Georgia hospital has closed its maternity ward, citing pressure from expected Medicaid funding changes.

Douglas Shooting: Five people, including the suspected shooter, died in an apparent murder-suicide at a home near Douglas. Police said the victims were adult members of the shooter’s family; the investigation is ongoing. Storm Recovery: Isaias brought heavy rain, fallen trees and power outages to North Georgia. Georgia Power restored service to more than 80,000 customers, but about 20,000 remained without power; federal aid was approved for the state. Georgia Tech Football: Trelain Maddox scored three touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 54 seconds left, as the Yellow Jackets beat previously unbeaten Duke 28-25 for their first ACC win. Georgia Elections: Early voting in key statewide races begins Tuesday. In the first U.S. Senate debate, Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks over Trump and his policies. Atlanta Dream: The team will face the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals, starting Saturday, Oct. 17, with both franchises seeking their first championship.

Storm Aftermath: Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone after striking Florida, but heavy rain and gusty winds brought flooding, downed trees and power outages to Georgia. More than 95,000 customers were without power Saturday morning; Hartsfield-Jackson reported 34 cancellations and 45 delays. Tornadoes remained possible in parts of the state. South Georgia Shooting: Five people were found dead at a home in Douglas late Friday, police said. Investigators have not released the victims’ identities or announced any suspects. Midterm Campaign: Early voting in key Georgia races begins Tuesday. U.S. Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their first debate, focusing on the economy, Trump and extremism.

Hurricane Isaias: The storm made landfall near Florida’s Panhandle as a Category 2 hurricane, with heavy rain, strong winds and possible tornadoes forecast across Georgia Saturday. Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide emergency, DeKalb County opened shelters, and officials warned residents about price gouging and scams. Georgia Politics: Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their first Senate debate as early voting is set to begin Tuesday ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Vienna Shooting: A 17-year-old was arrested in connection with the block-party shooting that killed two people and injured 35; he faces gun-possession and gang-activity charges as the investigation continues. Georgia Power: The utility said hackers accessed customer information, with reports indicating as many as 400,000 accounts may be affected.

Hurricane Isaias: Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 counties as the Category 3 storm approaches the Gulf Coast. Georgia could see damaging winds, flooding and isolated tornadoes Friday night into the weekend; officials are preparing for outages, and events across metro Atlanta are being canceled or postponed. Senate Race: Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins clashed over the economy, health care, Trump and extremism in their first debate. Ossoff attacked Collins over associates’ white-supremacist ties, while Collins defended Trump’s agenda. Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms, adding a high-profile boost to the Democratic nominee’s campaign. Jobs and Investment: Hyundai Transys plans to invest $560 million and add 320 jobs at its West Point operation. DeKalb Jail: Five inmates face murder charges in the September killing of 24-year-old David Addo-Wright, who was found wounded in his cell.