AGP Executive Report

Election Law Fight: Georgia Senate Republicans approved keeping QR-code ballot counting through 2028, but Democrats say a new hand-recount requirement for top races could create chaos and delay results for the governor and U.S. Senate contests. Gubernatorial Politics: Rick Jackson’s campaign is roiled after a leaked recording surfaced in which he agreed rape victims should have to “prove” the assault to qualify for abortion access, intensifying scrutiny in the Georgia governor race. Trade & Solar Manufacturing: A coalition of U.S. solar makers urged federal officials to investigate whether South Korea-based cell imports are being used to dodge tariffs, noting Qcells operates two solar factories in Georgia. Local Community & Justice: Albany, Georgia’s “Works!” community court model is being evaluated using a resident-led approach that aims to address the root causes behind repeat involvement in the justice system. State Spotlight: Gov. Brian Kemp announced Georgia’s participation in the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.

Election Law Update: Georgia Senate leaders approved a plan to keep QR-code vote counting in place through 2028, while adding hand recounts for the two top races on the ballot—prompting sharp pushback from Democrats who warn it could fuel confusion close to November. State Politics & Money: Ossoff’s reelection campaign says it raised more than $1 million in the first day after the runoff, as Republicans line up major spending to try to flip the U.S. Senate seat. Governor’s 250th Push: Gov. Brian Kemp announced Georgia’s participation in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, featuring exhibits from major Georgia brands as part of the America’s 250th celebration. Public Safety & Defense: The National Guard Counterdrug program highlighted how analysts help connect investigations across states, citing a fentanyl case tied to a six-state network. Local Spotlight: WDUN political commentator Martha Zoller, a longtime north Georgia radio voice, died at 67. Business & Courts: A securities law firm reminded investors of an Aug. 17 deadline tied to a class action involving Black Rock Coffee.

Georgia Voting Overhaul: Georgia’s Senate keeps QR-code voting in place through 2028, while adding extra hand-count requirements and extending deadlines—an election-system fight that Democrats say risks confusion and Republicans frame as safeguards. Immigration Detention Backpedal: Federal plans for a 10,000-bed immigration detention mega-center in Georgia have been scrapped, after pushback from local officials. EU Membership Mood: A new EU-commissioned survey finds 71% of Georgians back EU accession, but positive views of the EU itself have fallen to the lowest level in a decade. NOAA in Savannah: NOAA’s Gray’s Reef and the Nancy Foster held an open house in Savannah ahead of a regional ecosystem assessment, highlighting the Georgia coast’s marine life. Food Prices Pressure: A fresh survey shows Georgia families are spending more on produce, with many treating fruits and vegetables as a luxury. Public Health Recall: The FDA flagged a Walmart-linked recall of Great Value Hawaiian Roll 4-packs distributed in Georgia due to contamination on packaging surfaces. Sports Spotlight: Marietta’s Corey Heim won a NASCAR Cup race at Naval Base Coronado, while Georgia’s Abbey Emch is trying out for the U21 Pan American Cup team in Columbus.

World Cup in Atlanta: FIFA Fan Festival says it has welcomed more than 250,000 visitors in the first 10 days, with the walkable festival at Centennial Olympic Park putting fans steps from matches at Atlanta Stadium. State Capitol politics: Georgia GOP leaders say they won’t redraw congressional maps during the current special session, even as Gov. Brian Kemp pushed for it, while lawmakers also delayed the QR-code voting deadline and discussed hand-marked paper options. Voting rules: The Georgia Senate approved keeping QR-code vote counting through 2028 and requiring hand counts for the top two races, a move Democrats opposed. Property tax fight: Democrats again rejected a GOP plan to cut homeowner property taxes via a sales tax subsidy, arguing it would raise costs on essentials. Schools: New data show shifting student demographics across metro Atlanta-area schools, including Allatoona Elementary’s Hispanic enrollment at 43% and Riverwatch Middle’s Hispanic enrollment up 13.3% year over year. Environment: Georgia officials warned about invasive Argentine black-and-white tegus, a large lizard species they say threatens native wildlife.

Voting Rights & Elections: Georgia’s Senate approved a bill to keep QR code ballot tabulation through 2028, but added a major twist: counties must hand-recount the top two races before results are certified. Democrats warned the manual recount requirement could delay outcomes and create confusion, while Republicans said the change keeps the state on track after lawmakers failed to fund a replacement system before the July 1 QR deadline. Property Tax Relief Fight: In the special session, Democrats again blocked GOP efforts to swap property tax cuts for local sales tax increases, arguing it would raise costs on essentials while shifting burdens onto lower-income Georgians. Local Governance: The QR-code debate is unfolding alongside continued clashes over how to handle election administration and affordability measures in Georgia’s fast-moving special session. Community & Culture: Coastal Georgia marked Juneteenth with events including a Tybee Island wade-in and celebrations in McIntosh County, highlighting local heritage and freedom. World Cup in Atlanta: Spain and Saudi Arabia meet Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Spain seeking a bounce-back after a scoreless opener.

Voting Rights & Elections: Georgia Senate cleared a bill extending the deadline to stop counting ballots by QR codes until 2028, while also setting up a special committee for the next voting system and adding post-election audits and hand recounts for top races. Local Tax Fight: Democrats blocked a wave of special-session bills that would let cities and counties use a one-penny sales tax to cut homeowners’ property taxes, arguing it’s a “bait and switch” that shifts costs to lower-income residents; Republicans say it’s needed affordability relief. State Politics: The property tax debate escalated into an impasse during the Saturday special session, with lawmakers returning Monday. Wildlife: Georgia DNR says residents may humanely remove an invasive Argentine black-and-white tegu if spotted, warning it can threaten native wildlife. Public Safety/Health: FIFA is partnering with the American Heart Association to teach fans at World Cup festivals how to recognize cardiac arrest and perform hands-only CPR. Education Data: New state enrollment figures show small but notable demographic shifts at individual schools, including Lanier Elementary (16 African American students) and Varnell Elementary (7 Asian students) for 2024-25. Sports & Culture: Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Fest is still learning on the fly, with early heat and shade issues improving by match days.

Georgia Politics: Georgia’s November races are set after Tuesday’s runoffs, setting up a governor showdown between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, with the fight likely to turn on suburban and swing voters. Voting Access: Lawmakers are moving to delay Georgia’s QR-code ballot ban until January 2028, arguing the state needs a workable replacement before the July 1 deadline. Courts & Health Policy: Georgia’s new “Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act” aims to limit how much courts defer to state agencies on legal questions, a shift that could reshape disputes for healthcare providers. Public Health: Georgia’s Department of Agriculture issued a voluntary recall of Nara Organics powdered infant formula after botulism cases tied to the product. Agriculture Watch: Georgia cattle producers are on alert after New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, raising concerns for fall calving season. Community & Culture: Historic Athens says its petition to name a new downtown parklet for Alfred Richardson and Madison Davis cleared 1,000 signatures at a Juneteenth event. Sports: The UPSHOT League brings women’s basketball to Charlotte with the Charlotte Crown, which has started to find its footing at home.

Voting & Election Security: Georgia lawmakers are back in a special session to replace the state’s banned QR-code voting machines before a July 1 deadline, with Republicans pushing a plan to delay full changes until 2028 while Democrats warn they’re being shut out. Immigration Enforcement: DHS says it’s no longer pursuing an ICE detention “mega center” in Social Circle, and ICE is also dropping plans tied to Oakwood and Social Circle warehouse facilities. U.S. Senate Race: Sen. Jon Ossoff and President Donald Trump traded sharp attacks after Mike Collins won the GOP Senate nomination, with Ossoff firing back on the broader stakes for Georgia voters. Public Safety & Courts: A twice-deported man faces federal charges after allegedly flying a drone in restricted airspace during Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival. Education Data: New state enrollment figures show Johnson Magnet, Riverwatch Middle, and other Georgia schools shifting demographics, alongside continued chronic absenteeism concerns. Culture: Telfair Museums announced a new Revolution-era exhibit, “Divided Loyalties,” opening July 24 at the Jepson Center.

Georgia Politics: Georgia Republicans are moving to delay the state’s QR-code ballot-counting deadline, advancing a bill that would push the change to 2028 and set up a committee to recommend what comes next—after lawmakers also backed off fast redistricting changes. Election Lawsuits: Republicans also sued Fulton and Gwinnett counties over local rules that let voters return absentee ballots at additional locations, arguing the counties are creating an end-run around state limits. Gubernatorial Fallout: In Tuesday’s GOP primaries, healthcare executive and billionaire Rick Jackson beat Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, while Trump’s Senate pick Rep. Mike Collins won and will face Sen. Jon Ossoff. Immigration Detention: DHS is abandoning a plan to convert a Social Circle warehouse into a 10,000-bed immigration detention center, shifting toward using existing detention space. Cost of Living: U.S. gas prices dipped below $4 a gallon for the first time since March, though they remain about 25% higher than a year ago. Local Progress: The Atlanta Beltline hit a major milestone with nearly 17 miles of continuous mainline trail now open. Public Safety: Georgia officials warned residents about invasive insects, including a newly detected invasive hornet and spotted lanternfly activity.

Election System Update: Georgia lawmakers are set to keep the QR-code vote-counting method for the November election after advancing a plan to delay the QR-code ban until 2028, while also expanding risk-limiting audits and creating a new committee to study a replacement voting system. Redistricting Pause: The same special session saw Republicans postpone congressional and legislative map changes, citing legal uncertainty after a Supreme Court ruling weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act. World Cup in Atlanta: South Africa earned a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, keeping both teams alive in Group A and setting up a must-win next match for South Africa. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are still expected to bring heavy, flooding rain across parts of the Southeast, including southwestern Georgia, with flash-flood risk and possible tornadoes. Local Road Closures: Macon will close downtown streets Sunday for its 2026 Juneteenth Parade, starting at 4:30 p.m. Food Industry Jobs: Pilgrim’s Pride plans a Georgia expansion tied to shifting production, while Dairy Farmers of America said it will idle its St. Albans, Vermont plant, affecting about 80 workers.

Runoff Fallout in Georgia Politics: Georgia Republicans split with President Trump in Tuesday runoffs—voters backed Trump’s Senate pick, Rep. Mike Collins, while rejecting Trump’s governor choice, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, in favor of billionaire Rick Jackson, setting up Collins vs. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Jackson vs. Keisha Lance Bottoms in November. Redistricting Roadblock: GOP leaders also shelved Kemp’s special-session push to redraw maps, citing pending court fights and timing, after protests and criticism tied the effort to protecting Black voting power. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Arthur has weakened into a post-tropical system, but forecasters warn remnants could still bring 5–10 inches of rain (isolated higher) and life-threatening flash flooding across parts of the Southeast, including western Georgia. Public Safety: A metro Atlanta woman faces federal drug trafficking charges after investigators say they found nearly 200 pounds of meth hidden in a Forest Park home and detached garage. Community & Culture: The 1903 Gold Dome Courthouse in Cartersville will open for America250-era tours next month, and the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition is underway in Columbus.

Redistricting Reversal: Georgia GOP leaders abruptly rejected Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan to redraw congressional and state legislative maps for the 2028 election cycle during a special session, citing pending court fights and warning against a rushed process after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision weakened Voting Rights Act protections. Capitol Protests: Demonstrators packed the Georgia Capitol ahead of the session, chanting “No new maps” and “Protect Black votes,” as lawmakers faced pressure from Democrats and voting-rights groups. Election Deadline Pressure: The special session was also tied to a July 1 requirement to remove QR codes from Georgia ballots, with lawmakers still wrestling over how to handle the state’s voting system costs. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas in Habersham County at $3.59/gal (week ending June 6), while Georgia’s statewide average for regular fell to $3.81/gal; midgrade and premium prices also eased in multiple counties. Housing Affordability: Built Square Homes says it’s building new construction in North Georgia starting in the low $330,000s to tackle renter frustration and the broader home supply crunch.

Georgia Runoff Shockwaves: Rep. Mike Collins won Georgia’s GOP U.S. Senate nomination runoff, defeating Derek Dooley and setting up a November matchup with Sen. Jon Ossoff, as the race turned into a high-stakes endorsement showdown between Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp. GOP Governor Race: Rick Jackson captured the Republican nomination for governor, beating Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and moving on to face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November. State Politics & Voting Maps: Georgia lawmakers are set to convene a special session Wednesday to redraw district lines after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling, with critics warning it could weaken Black voting power in 2028. Local Government Watch: DeKalb County officials’ data-center freeze and environmental concerns drew national attention after Tyler, The Creator criticized the plan. Health & Safety: A new study finds surgical plume exposure is common for clinicians, but safety knowledge and protocols lag—though training boosted support for routine measures. Agriculture Alert: The screwworm fly is back in the U.S., with new cases prompting quarantine steps and renewed vigilance from cattlemen. Everyday Costs: Gas prices dipped in parts of Georgia in the week ending June 6, with some counties reporting regular as low as the high $3 range.

Georgia Runoff Election: Georgia voters headed back to the polls Tuesday to finish the 2026 primary runoff, choosing GOP governor and U.S. Senate nominees plus other statewide races. Gas Prices Watch: Fuel costs stayed volatile statewide, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest midgrade deal in White County at $4.25 (week ending June 6) and the lowest regular in Cobb County at $3.44; other spotlights included premium lows in Carroll County ($4.35) and E85 lows in Gwinnett ($2.99). Cyber Education: Augusta will host the nation’s largest standard CyberPatriot summer camp at Fort Gordon, with a weeklong training run June 22–26 ending in a competition. AI in Politics: RegulatingAI launched “AI on the Ballot,” a 20-episode series running weekly through the 2026 midterms to press candidates for on-the-record AI positions. Federal Court Move in Georgia Voter Case: A judge recused herself from the Justice Department’s Georgia voter rolls litigation after attending a political event tied to Fulton County DA Fani Willis. World Cup Culture in Georgia: International visitors are sharing viral reactions to everyday Georgia staples like Waffle House, Buc-ee’s and Walmart as the 2026 World Cup brings more fans to the state.

Georgia Runoff Spotlight: Georgia voters head to the polls Tuesday, June 16, to settle tight GOP runoffs for governor and U.S. Senate, with President Trump backing Mike Collins and Gov. Brian Kemp late-backing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones—while Rick Jackson and Derek Dooley fight to overcome the endorsement momentum. Election Rules Fight: A Fulton County judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking access to Georgia’s election “bunker,” rejecting efforts by some GOP candidates to force poll-watchers and State Election Board members into the vote-reporting room. Public Safety & Health: Georgia wildlife officials warn invasive tegus are spreading, urging residents to report and remove the large lizards to protect native wildlife. Weather Watch: A major flood threat is building across the South, with tropical development odds rising and flash-flood risk stretching from Texas toward Georgia. State Sports: Georgia women’s track and field won a second straight NCAA outdoor title, capping another dominant season. National Policy: The U.S. Senate passed a bill targeting hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, including victims from Atlanta.

Georgia Politics (Runoff): Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over Rick Jackson in Georgia’s GOP governor runoff, arguing Jones’ record on education, healthcare, and jobs best fits the moment heading into Tuesday’s election. Georgia Courts & Elections: A judge tossed a conspiracy-driven lawsuit seeking access to Georgia’s election operations center, saying the Emergency Operations Center isn’t where voting and ballot work happens. Judicial Appointments & Credit: Kemp announced new appellate, superior, and state court appointments, and highlighted Georgia’s renewed top credit ratings with stable outlooks from Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P. Public Safety Leadership: Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch is set to return to active duty Tuesday after a suspension tied to a DUI case. World Cup in Atlanta: Spain kicks off World Cup play against Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium today as Atlanta prepares for a major influx of fans and economic activity. Tech & Privacy: A report says Atlanta-based Flock Safety cameras can be used to track people, raising new questions about police surveillance. Business & Jobs: JBS plans closures tied to beef restructuring, including moves that affect operations in Georgia.