AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Power Costs: Georgia’s regulators are weighing how to handle the next wave of AI-driven data centers without dumping the bill on residents, as Georgia Power faces scrutiny over its deal to serve a massive OpenAI project near Savannah. Consumer Energy Oversight: A new opinion argues Georgia’s utility oversight model can balance growth with protections for everyday customers, even as the projects’ electricity demands raise alarms. Local Development Deals: JLL secured financing and equity for the Savannah-area Black Creek Commerce Center, while Colliers helped sell University Station in Statesboro, signaling continued industrial and retail momentum across the state. Foreign Investment: Georgia reported $1.9 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, led by the UK, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, with reinvestment making up most inflows. U.S. Senate Race: Jon Ossoff pressed his advantage over Mike Collins at a Midtown rally, framing the contest as a referendum on costs and corruption as the campaign enters its final stretch. Surveillance Privacy: Flock Safety is tightening safeguards on its license plate reader network as more communities question oversight and data sharing. Georgia Politics & Sanctions: A Georgian opposition leader criticized the country for not joining EU sanctions on Iran, using it as a marker of where “Georgian Dream” stands.

DOJ Independence Fight: Attorney General Todd Blanche pushed back on calls for a Justice Department independent from the White House, saying he’ll consider President Trump’s views when directing federal law enforcement. AI Money in Georgia Politics: AI-focused super PACs are pouring funds into midterms and state races, with Georgia among the states seeing major spending as tech firms and regulators battle over how AI should be governed. Gas Prices Watch: Georgia drivers saw lower prices in the week ending Aug. 8, with regular averaging $3.76 statewide; Jackson County’s lowest regular hit $3.63 and Richmond County’s premium dipped to $4.11 at one station. Education & Enrollment: Gwinnett’s Kanoheda Elementary reported 26 multiracial students for 2024-25, and Muscogee’s River Road Elementary logged 29 multiracial students, as Georgia continues grappling with chronic absenteeism. Public Safety Tech: Coverage highlights growing scrutiny of Flock cameras and mass surveillance concerns, with privacy and oversight questions landing in local policy debates.

Georgia Politics & Voting: Democrats are leaning into early momentum as primary turnout surges in states including Georgia, where competitive races are fueling enthusiasm heading into the November midterms. Public Safety Tech: Questions are rising over police use of Flock-style license plate cameras, with scrutiny focused on access controls, oversight, and how outside agencies use the data. Nuclear Policy: A once-secret report on plutonium pit production is being released as environmental groups challenge new atomic weapons plant plans in South Carolina and New Mexico. Local Community & Education: Spelman College is expanding its academic offerings with a nursing program, continuing its long-running push to expand opportunity in health care. Health & Justice: A Georgia hot-car death case is reigniting debate over whether prosecutors should treat accidental caregiver mistakes as serious criminal intent. Sports: Former Georgia linebacker Monty Rice has signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Business/Outdoors: BattlBox, a Georgia-based survival company, is set to host a $25,000 survival competition in Watkinsville.

Georgia Politics & Elections: A new Democratic presidential calendar for 2028 puts South Carolina first and Iowa second, aiming to force candidates to prove they can win early with Black and Latino voters and union members—an approach Iowa Democrats are already pushing back on. Public Safety & Surveillance: Flock Safety says it will tighten privacy rules for its license plate reader network, including cutting how long data is kept and adding limits on sharing between agencies after growing backlash and misuse concerns. Courts & Accountability: A Georgia Ponzi schemer tied to a $380 million fraud was sentenced to 20 years, with the judge calling the conduct “despicable” and ordering $233.7 million in restitution. Local Schools: River Road Elementary in Muscogee County saw Hispanic enrollment jump to 200 for 2024-25, while other district schools reported shifting demographics and ongoing chronic absenteeism challenges. Health & Justice: In Gwinnett County, a mother faces a murder charge after a baby died in a hot car, drawing sharp criticism from child-safety advocates who call it an unusually aggressive prosecution. Transportation: Delta Air Lines cancellations are up to more than 19,000 in the first half of 2026—nearly double last year—highlighting ongoing disruption at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson.

Georgia Senate race: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff hit back at Republican Mike Collins at a Brunswick rally, focusing on affordability while also pressing Collins to answer questions about alleged white-nationalist ties and comments tied to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. State politics: In Marietta, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms campaigned with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, spotlighting Medicaid expansion and cost-of-living pressures, while Republican Rick Jackson promoted a neighborhood revitalization plan. Education safety: Federal and state investigators are probing linked AI-generated bomb threats that shut down schools in Jackson and Hall counties; no explosives were found. Public health: A measles outbreak map shows Georgia among states reporting cases as the Trump administration overhauls childhood vaccine guidance, raising concerns about immunity gaps. Business/economy: DeltaX announced a $141M North American manufacturing HQ in Monroe, promising about 250 jobs. Surveillance debate: Flock rolled out new policies aimed at limiting misuse of license-plate camera data, including shorter retention and added administrator review tools.

Border Enforcement: CBP says no illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. from the southern border for the 15th straight month, citing historically low crossings and a 94% drop in July apprehensions versus the prior administration. State Health Policy: Georgia officials warn new federal Medicaid rules could force changes to the state’s partial expansion, asking for a higher federal match to keep costs manageable. Economic & Housing Politics: In the governor’s race, both major-party nominees are leaning on property and development themes—Rick Jackson touts a property tax freeze, while Keisha Lance Bottoms frames issues through family affordability. Jobs & Energy: Gov. Kemp announces DeltaX will invest $141 million and create about 250 jobs to set up its North American HQ in Walton County. Local Business: Renovations are underway on the courthouse square to convert the old Pickled Okra building into Treats with Lenise, with a new breakfast and lunch menu planned. Public Safety Tech: Flock Safety says it’s tightening safeguards for its license plate reader network as more communities question surveillance practices. Crime & Courts: Three men were sentenced in Savannah federal court for illegal re-entry after prior removal, with deportation ordered.

Georgia Politics: Georgia GOP’s Tillman Rally drew culture-war heat—calls to tighten transgender rules, push Shariah bans, and revive execution rhetoric—while some Republicans worry the message is drifting too far from the middle. Public Safety & Privacy: Atlanta-based Flock Safety says it’s tightening license-plate reader rules after reports of officers using the tech to stalk and harass; changes include shorter default retention and added audit safeguards. Courts & Justice: A federal jury convicted Douglasville man Babajide Adesayo in a romance-scam money laundering case targeting elderly victims of more than $2.7 million. Local Law Enforcement: A 45-day, three-state manhunt ended with the arrest of murder suspect Isabelle Johnson, sought after a victim’s body was found in a shallow grave in Florida. Sports (UGA): UGA women’s soccer will play James Madison at Sanford Stadium to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Olympic gold win. Health & Tech: A Georgia Chamber Foundation program is offering free AI training for small businesses in Macon.

Wellmade Labor Trafficking: A federal grand jury indicted Wellmade Industries owner Zhu Chen, his nephew Jiayi Chen, and Chinese national Jianjun Lu over alleged forced labor tied to B-1/L-1 visa recruitment, unsafe 12-hour shifts, pay shortfalls, threats of deportation, and housing people without legal status in Cartersville. Gun Policy in the Courts: The DOJ let a judge’s ruling take effect that loosens federal rules on suppressors and certain short-barreled firearms for covered plaintiffs, including groups tied to states such as Georgia. Surveillance Cameras Under Fire: Flock Safety rolled out new privacy “guardrails” after backlash over police misuse of license-plate reader networks, but critics say independent testing is still missing. Georgia School Safety: A 14-year-old accused in a Warner Robins High School shooting faces five charges and will be tried as an adult, after officials said a bathroom fight escalated into gunfire. Immigration Enforcement: A major visa-fraud crackdown included allegations of 1,000-plus sham marriages used to obtain immigration status, with cases spanning multiple states including Georgia. Data Centers and Power: Effingham County’s massive data center plans are drawing scrutiny over electricity demand and grid strain, with a public hearing set on expanding a Georgia Power facility.

U.S. Senate Race: Democrats are trying to turn a viral Jan. 6 exchange into a defining contrast with Republican Mike Collins, after Jon Ossoff seized on Collins’ response to a convicted Capitol rioter. Gun Rights: The DOJ won’t appeal a court ruling that struck down NFA suppressor restrictions after taxes were cut to $0, meaning buyers may no longer face ATF forms or registration for those items. Child Welfare Costs: Georgia lawmakers are launching hearings after the cost of foster care services surged, with officials pointing to a late-2025 deficit that forced emergency backfilling. ICE Detention: A Liberian pastor in ICE custody suffered a stroke and his family alleges inconsistent medical care and medication access. Food Safety: Whole Foods issued a salmonella recall tied to jalapeños from a supplier linked to other outbreaks; no illnesses reported yet. Local Politics: Democrats are pushing public feedback on taxes as they eye a possible House takeover, with residents raising housing and zoning concerns. Hurricane Prep: A new resource is aimed at helping Florida and South Carolina homeowners understand claim timelines and payouts as peak season nears.

U.S. Senate Race: A new ideological fight is heating up in Georgia’s Senate contest as Israel policy and Jan. 6 politics collide, with an open letter challenging Sen. Jon Ossoff’s Israel record and GOP Rep. Mike Collins drawing backlash for backing Trump’s Jan. 6 compensation fund. Immigration Crackdown: Federal prosecutors unsealed charges against 11 people tied to a decade-long marriage fraud network that allegedly arranged about 1,000 sham unions for Chinese nationals seeking green cards, with alleged payments up to $100,000 per case. Election Integrity: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger launched a bipartisan Election Integrity Task Force to focus on voter list maintenance, misinformation, and county compliance. Public Safety Tech: ICE is moving toward a $20 million “shock glove” procurement, drawing immediate warnings from civil liberties groups. Local Politics: Republican Rick Jackson unveiled a plan to revive historic Black business districts via “legacy corridors,” while Democrats questioned his record. Weather: Middle Georgia remains under heat advisories as dangerous heat and storm chances persist into the week.

Georgia Politics: Trump tried to broker a truce between GOP rivals Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones after one of Georgia’s nastiest primaries, as defamation lawsuits between the candidates remain a backdrop. Campaign Finance: New filings show Republicans outraising Democrats in most Georgia statewide races, though Democrats gained ground in a few key contests including attorney general, secretary of state, and one Public Service Commission seat. Immigration Enforcement: Georgia’s “Operation Safe Community — Atlanta” reported more than 1,200 arrests, including people with criminal histories. Higher Education: A new push argues federal and state rules are squeezing colleges through unfunded mandates and endowment taxes, raising costs for students and straining workforce training. Public Health: Hospitals are expanding a postpartum wristband program (“I Gave Birth”) meant to flag emergency risks after delivery, including in Georgia systems. Maternal & Road Safety: Separate reporting highlights ongoing maternal death risk after birth and renewed attention to pedestrian dangers as vehicle size and visibility issues worsen crashes. Local Athens: Athens voters defeated an “urban camping” ban, with opponents warning forced relocation can worsen health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

Georgia Governor Race: A new Quantus Insights poll of 815 likely voters finds Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms leading Republican Rick Jackson 46.4% to 44.9%, with 7.7% undecided, keeping the race tight heading into November. Public Safety: Gwinnett County investigators say an Aug. 5 Lawrenceville house fire was arson; six adults escaped and a $10,000 reward is offered for tips leading to an arrest. Local Government: Roswell City Council approved a $4.75 million Phase II plan to expand pedestrian connections along Green Street, including a possible $3 million loan and $1.5 million state grant application. Immigration Enforcement: ICE says “Operation Safe Community — Atlanta” led to 1,226 arrests across Georgia, with 720 tied to criminal histories. Health Watch: CDC data shows Candida auris cases reported in at least 27 states this year, with Georgia among the broader spread. Elections & Democracy: A former Trump adviser warns ballot-box seizure plans could target high-stakes states, naming Georgia among the most at-risk.

Student Debt Crunch: An AP analysis says about 23% of Georgia borrowers—roughly 396,000 people—are in default on federal student loans, with defaults defined as being more than nine months behind. Immigration Court Access: Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network says public access to immigration court is increasingly blocked, including denial of access to virtual hearings. ICE Enforcement in Georgia: ICE reports 1,226 arrests in “Operation Safe Community — Atlanta,” including people with criminal histories. Homecare Rights: Georgia advocates warn a DOJ memo could threaten home-care rights, raising concerns for families relying on in-home services. Stormwater Funding: Spalding County approved a stormwater utility enterprise fund for unincorporated areas and Orchard Hill, setting tiered residential fees and charging based on impervious surfaces. Local Politics & Voting: Alabama’s voting confusion and turnout concerns follow rushed election changes after redistricting, with voters saying boundaries and primary dates shifted. Sports & Community: Blue Wahoos Stadium will host major fall college baseball scrimmages, including Florida State vs. Auburn and Alabama vs. Georgia Tech.

MARTA Leadership Search: MARTA named three finalists for its next CEO—interim chief Jonathan Hunt plus Cleveland Ferguson III and Leroy Jones—setting up a high-stakes decision on ridership, reliability, railcar rollout, and funding. Fort Stewart Anniversary: U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock introduced a Senate resolution marking the one-year anniversary of the Aug. 6, 2025 Fort Stewart shooting and honoring the soldiers and first responders who acted. Fed Fight Hits Atlanta Condo: President Trump renewed efforts to remove Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook, with an Atlanta condominium now central to the dispute over mortgage paperwork. Gun Arrest in Senate Race: A Georgia Senate candidate, Tracy Wheeler, was arrested on aggravated assault charges after an alleged gun-point incident at a Lake Sinclair restaurant; the case also ties to a separate altercation and a civil lawsuit. Public Safety Tech Debate: A new report highlights concerns about Flock Safety license-plate cameras and how police use them—sparking renewed questions about privacy and oversight. Food Recall: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products tied to a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños grown in Mexico. Remembering Ben Jones: “Dukes of Hazzard” star and former Georgia congressman Ben Jones died at 84.

Federal Court Case: An Atlanta activist tied to “Stop Cop City” faces up to five years in federal prison after a January 2025 airport encounter, with prosecutors alleging he deleted digital contents from a phone to block government custody. Public Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms is pulling more than a dozen jalapeño products nationwide after a salmonella outbreak tied to 27 states sickened 345 people, with Georgia stores among those affected. State Politics & Privacy: Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont urged municipalities to pause new “safety cameras” and automatic license plate readers, citing privacy concerns and limited state oversight. Agriculture After Storms: Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene, some Georgia farmers say they’re still waiting on hurricane insurance payments for crop and timber damage. Public Health Leadership: Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the first Black woman to lead the CDC, as the agency faces major outbreaks and staffing strain. Local Innovation: A 14-year-old from Snellville won a top science prize for PestiSCAND, an AI device meant to detect pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. Sports: Georgia is again listed among SEC teams with a “chip on their shoulder” heading into the 2026 season. Community/Local Government: Fayette County named Assistant County Administrator Jason Tinsley to multiple National Association of Counties leadership committees. Entertainment: “Dukes of Hazzard” and former Georgia congressman Ben Jones died at 84.

Georgia Politics: With less than 90 days to midterms, Georgia’s gubernatorial rivals Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson faced off at the Georgia Chamber luncheon, splitting sharply on Medicaid expansion and healthcare priorities. U.S. Senate Race: Mike Collins is set to hold a U.S. Senate campaign rally Monday in Augusta, with Rep. Rick Allen scheduled to appear. Public Safety & Privacy: Atlanta-based Flock Safety’s license-plate cameras are drawing fresh scrutiny, including reports of surveillance backlash and officials moving to limit use after concerns about mass tracking. Housing Costs: A new study says Georgia home insurance premiums rose 7.3% in 2025 and 40.2% from 2020 to 2025, driven by severe weather losses and higher repair costs. Immigration Enforcement: ICE operations in Georgia reportedly netted more than 1,200 people, including sex offenders and child abusers. Economy & Jobs: Gov. Kemp announced Siemens will build a $185 million manufacturing facility in Pendergrass, creating 1,400 jobs. Education: Georgia’s attendance and enrollment data continue to spotlight persistent absenteeism challenges and shifting student demographics across districts.