AGP Executive Report

Georgia Politics & Elections (2002 legacy): A look back at how GOP challenger Saxby Chambliss used 9/11-era imagery to paint Vietnam veteran Max Cleland as weak on national security—an ad strategy tied to the defining wedge issue over the new Department of Homeland Security and civil service protections. Statehouse & Economy: Georgia reported nearly $2.5 billion in net tax revenue in August, up 3.5% from a year earlier, with individual income and sales taxes driving the gain. Business Growth: Highline Warren is opening a 1.1-million-square-foot logistics and operations center in Henry County, a $170 million project creating 160 jobs. Immigration & Workplace Legal Fight: A Colombian man says he was unlawfully arrested during an ICE raid at a Hyundai plant near Savannah and has filed a $2 million claim. 9/11 Remembrance: Across the country, communities marked the 25th anniversary, including a memorial stair climb at UGA honoring first responders. Campaign Money: Trump and Elon Musk-linked groups are pouring millions into battleground races, with Georgia among the states seeing new ad reservations.

9/11 Commemoration: Gov. Brian Kemp ordered flags at half-staff and a statewide moment of silence for Friday’s 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Election Administration: Fulton County election officials are finalizing midterm ballots and preparing absentee mailings for military and overseas voters, with advanced voting sites expanding to 32 locations. Immigration Enforcement: A Decatur parent arrested by ICE received a $10,000 bond after a community push; the case highlights a broader surge in non-criminal immigration arrests. Politics & Congress: Democrats’ path to Senate control is getting clearer in national coverage, while Georgia’s own Senate race remains a key battleground. GOP Midterm Pitchback: Trump’s promised $5,000 “dividend” to adults if Republicans keep Congress is drawing skepticism even from some allies. State Policy & Funding: Kemp announced nearly $500 million in EPA funding for Hurricane Helene resilience work on Georgia drinking water and wastewater systems. Local Environment: Georgia’s alligator population is estimated at about 250,000, with multiple hotspots highlighted for sightings.

Immigration Detention Reversal: ICE has scrapped plans to convert some massive warehouses in Georgia and Utah into immigration detention centers as lawsuits mount, with the properties now headed for transfer or disposal. Property Rights Ruling: The Georgia Supreme Court said police power isn’t a blanket shield from compensation when law enforcement activity damages private property, overturning lower courts in a hemp-crop loss case tied to a 2021 drug interdiction operation. Election Rules Fight: Georgia’s Brad Raffensperger joined a bipartisan push urging the U.S. Supreme Court to block new mail ballot restrictions before November, warning election offices won’t have enough time to implement changes safely. State Politics & Ethics: A Georgia ethics update says the State Ethics Commission fined two Republican groups linked to the defunct First Liberty Building & Loan for campaign finance disclosure violations. Rural Veterinary Pipeline: ABAC and UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine signed a deal to expand rural practice training, aiming to address Georgia’s food-animal veterinarian shortage. Culture & Community: An Athens hockey program is launching a “Built Beneath Athens” initiative to grow local support as the Ice Dawgs begin a new season.

State Finances: Gov. Brian Kemp says Georgia net tax collections rose 3.5% in August, reaching about $2.5 billion, with sales and use taxes up sharply. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Fayette County at $5.19 (week ending Aug. 29), with Georgia’s diesel average at $5.43. Education Data: Georgia State University’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for students identifying as two or more races was 47.9% for its 2018 cohort, and Double Churches Elementary reported 3 American Indian/Alaska Native students in 2024-25. Campus Free Speech: FIRE’s annual rankings put University of Chicago first (B-minus) and NYU last, with Georgia Tech also scoring in the top tier. Public Safety/Scams: Georgia AGs joined a push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Community & Outdoors: Kemp proclaimed Sept. 26, 2026 as National Hunting and Fishing Day, with 12 DNR events statewide. Politics: Republicans kick off a Dallas “Trump-a-Palooza” midterm convention centered on Trump as many candidates skip over access fees and scheduling.

GOP Midterm Push in Dallas: Republicans are gathering in Dallas for a two-day “Trump-a-Palooza” convention built around President Donald Trump, with many Georgia candidates and party leaders using the spotlight to energize voters—while some battleground Republicans worry it could alienate swing voters. Georgia Politics, Final Stretch: Georgia’s marquee races are heating up after Labor Day, including U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s attacks on Trump, and governor nominee Rick Jackson rolling out “intelligent Medicaid expansion,” though details on how it would work in Georgia remain murky. National Guard in D.C.: Georgia’s deployment to Washington continues—one year later, 531 Georgia troops remain, and both governor candidates say they’ll review the extended mission. Health Care & Families: A CDC report finds HPV vaccination among teens has stalled for four straight years, with rural teens lagging urban peers. Housing Grants: Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs announced $40.9 million in federal grants for 42 communities through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program. Local Environment: Joro spiders—first detected in Georgia in 2014—are now drawing attention in the Smokies as an invasive species. Economy Watch: Georgia’s foreign investment picture shows China leading in Q2 2026, according to Geostat data.

Cost of Living Pressure: Diesel prices hit record highs, raising shipping costs and squeezing truckers’ profits—Georgia drivers could feel it as fuel surcharges ripple through the economy. Politics & Health Care: In the governor’s race, GOP nominee Rick Jackson touts “intelligent Medicaid expansion” with work requirements, while Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms pushes full expansion—both sides frame it as the key to Georgia’s health system. Immigration: A Decatur father detained by ICE was granted $10,000 bond, clearing the way for release as he continues fighting his asylum case. State & Federal Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court paused a ruling that would have blocked political parties from discounted TV ad rates—an early boost for Republicans heading into midterms. Cybersecurity Watch: After summer cyberattacks hit U.S. water systems, Idaho officials warn rural utilities could be next, underscoring critical-infrastructure risk. Local Business/Jobs: Suniva completed an $835 million capital raise to build a second Georgia-area solar cell facility and expand capacity to 5.5 GW. Community & Culture: Six Flags acquired the ArieForce One roller coaster, expected to reopen in 2028, and Rome announced a new pro arena football team starting in 2027.

Election Integrity: An independent audit says Georgia’s voter registration and list-maintenance system is 99.9% accurate, with safeguards meeting statutory requirements and best practices. U.S. Diplomacy: Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian is set to lead the U.S. Embassy in Georgia as interim head, with Amy Diaz returning as Deputy Chief of Mission. Public Safety & Community: A law enforcement procession and funeral are planned for Warm Springs Sgt. Chris Fisher, killed in the line of duty. Health Access: The University of Georgia’s #flUGA flu campaign returns with more campus vaccination clinics and a goal of 10,000 shots. Local Business Spotlight: Athens’ Redstone Market & Butcher highlights community-focused growth and charity partnerships. Mental Health Hotline: Georgia’s 988 Lifeline is being promoted as a front door to crisis support. Politics & National Stakes: Georgia’s role in the midterm Senate fight remains in focus as campaigns sprint toward November. Data Centers Backlash: New reporting points to mounting public pressure over data centers’ water and air impacts, feeding into election-year debates. Opinion/9-11 Memory: Commentary and coverage revisit how Americans—especially younger students—are taught about 9/11 and why those stories still matter.

Voting Access Watch: A Savannah disability advocate is urging Georgia lawmakers to protect voters with disabilities as a special committee weighs changes to the state’s election system, including how hand-marked paper ballots and ballot-on-demand printing would work. Execution Transparency Lawsuit: The ACLU of Georgia is suing over restrictions on what media can see, hear, and observe during executions, arguing the limits violate the First Amendment ahead of a Sept. 16 execution. Property Tax Update: Augusta released its 2026 property tax digest and levy figures, including a net digest of about $8.7 billion and millage details that set the stage for local tax bills. Invasive Species Alert: Georgia officials say they found 1,090 yellow-legged hornets and 60 nests in August, warning the invasive insect threatens honeybees and agriculture. Schools & Attendance: New enrollment reports show Glascock County schools had 548 students in 2024-25, while Georgia continues to battle chronic absenteeism, with 20.7% of students missing 10% or more of days in 2024. Workplace Rights Ranking: Oxfam America ranked Georgia near the bottom on its “Best States to Work in the U.S. 2026” list, citing wage and worker-protection scores. Gas Prices: Wilkinson County’s lowest regular gas price hit $3.69 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 29, reflecting statewide volatility heading into the Labor Day stretch.

UN World Map Fight: The UN General Assembly adopted “Correct the Map,” backing equal-area projections to better reflect Africa’s size; the U.S. voted no, while Georgia abstained. Georgia Politics & Campaigns: In the governor’s race, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson are leaning on cross-party endorsements to reach undecided voters. AI Workforce Push: Georgia libraries are offering no-cost access to Google Career Certificates and an AI professional certificate, aiming to help residents build job skills. Worker Rights Watch: Oxfam ranks Georgia near the bottom for worker protections and right-to-organize laws, citing low minimum-wage realities and “right-to-work” limits. Abortion Spotlight: A new roundup lays out where Georgia’s governor candidates stand on the state’s 2022 heartbeat abortion law. Public Safety: Doctors warn that hot-weather weekends can blur accident vs. crime in child drowning cases, with supervision a key risk factor.

UN Map Dispute: India says any UN-backed world map must show Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh exactly as in India’s official maps, warning that “inaccurate” depictions are unacceptable even as it supported the UN resolution aimed at more accurate cartography. Georgia Education Data: New state school reports show E. Rivers Elementary in Atlanta Public Schools had 673 students in 2024-25, with multiracial students up to 6% (40 students), while Double Churches Elementary in Muscogee County had 391 students with Asian enrollment down to 2% (7 students). College Football: Louisville opens its season tonight in Nashville against No. 10 Ole Miss with QB Lincoln Kienholz making his debut. WWE in Atlanta: Sunday Night’s Main Event lands at State Farm Arena with Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton and Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker among the top matches. Sports Notes: Audrey Werro won the 800m at the Diamond League finals in Brussels, and Georgia’s cross country teams are highlighted in SEC preseason expectations.

Flock Camera Fight: After Gov. Greg Abbott moved to block state spending on Flock cameras, Texas DPS says it will keep using its existing roadside surveillance network—raising fresh privacy questions for agencies that share data across state lines, including searches involving Georgia law enforcement. Election Security: DHS is asking DOJ to revisit ERIC voter-data practices and election-system concerns, with new scrutiny over how sensitive information is handled and whether federal rules were followed. UN World Map Row: India backed a UNGA “Correct the Map” resolution aimed at equal-area world maps, but insisted Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh must be shown using India’s official boundaries. Georgia Politics & Voting Access: Georgia lawmakers are weighing ballot access protections for people with disabilities and non-English speakers as the 2026 election season heats up. Local Development: A 267-home rental community is proposed for North Bryan County, with construction targeted to start in late 2027.

UN World Map Fight: The U.N. General Assembly voted 164-1 to promote equal-area world maps that show Africa’s true size, with the U.S. the lone “no” vote and Georgia among six countries that abstained. Local Health & Community: Forsyth County commissioners proclaimed September 2026 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, backing education and support efforts. Georgia Education Snapshot: New state data show Lovin Elementary in Gwinnett enrolled 40 multiracial students in 2024-25, while Tobacco Road Elementary in Richmond County reported 22 multiracial students. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports diesel and gas prices remain volatile in Georgia counties, with Forsyth diesel hitting $5.25 (week ending Aug. 29) and Hart County regular gas at $3.59. Sports (Georgia ties): Georgia’s own Diamond League runner Georgia Hunter Bell finished fourth in the 1500m final in Brussels, while Audrey Werro won the women’s 800m.

Surveillance & Privacy: After Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moved to block spending on Flock cameras, a new report says the state Department of Public Safety will still rely on its existing AI surveillance network, with Georgia and other out-of-state agencies reportedly using it for license-plate searches. Courts & Tech Liability: A Spalding County judge set a Nov. 2, 2026 trial in the long-running Snapchat speed-filter crash case tied to a 2015 wreck that left a driver with a severe traumatic brain injury. UN World Map Fight: The UN General Assembly backed an African-led push to correct global maps, endorsing the Equal Earth projection to better reflect Africa’s size; the U.S. was the lone no vote, while Georgia abstained. Election Law: The U.S. Supreme Court revived a policy that lets Republican party committees access discounted TV and radio ad rates ahead of the midterms. Local Government: Griffin officials are weighing comments on a potential Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger that could reshape the city’s rail yard and raise public safety and infrastructure concerns.

Conservation & Growth: Carroll County approved a $1.46 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant (with a $500,000 match) to buy about 326 more acres for Phase 3 of McIntosh Reserve Park expansion, bringing the total purchase price to $1.962 million. Gun Rights Push in Congress: Georgia AG Chris Griffin co-led a letter urging Congress to repeal unconstitutional National Firearms Act provisions tied to silencer registration requirements. Georgia Politics & Surveillance: Candidates weighed in on Flock license-plate cameras amid privacy and misuse concerns, as the governor’s race turns into a referendum on surveillance. Public Health: Georgia DPH confirmed three more measles cases linked to a metro Atlanta daycare outbreak, raising the outbreak total to eight. Economy & Jobs: Kemp and the state announced $35.2 billion in fiscal-year project investments, with most expansions happening outside metro Atlanta. Health & Safety Alerts: Gwinnett officials warned residents after a dead bat in Snellville tested positive for rabies, urging people to avoid wild animals and ensure pets are vaccinated. Courtroom Impact: The U.S. Supreme Court backed GOP efforts to keep discounted broadcast ad rates for party committees, a potential midterm advantage. Local Business/Banking: A Georgia investor group pivoted from launching a new de novo bank to recapitalizing a Virginia bank as a faster route into Atlanta-area lending.

Georgia Politics & Elections: AJC analysis says Georgia’s party that wins the biggest primary turnout often wins the general election, a pattern Republicans have held since 2010—setting up a high-stakes 2026 midterm where turnout could decide statewide races. Grocery Affordability: Keisha Lance Bottoms proposes letting cities and counties temporarily suspend or eliminate local sales taxes on groceries and other essentials to cut costs for families. Surveillance & Privacy: After Abbott’s order limiting Flock camera spending in Texas, Georgia’s debate over police surveillance keeps heating up, with reporting noting how state camera networks can still share data widely. U.S.-India Ties: Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick joined lawmakers meeting with an Indian American advocacy group pushing stronger trade, defense, Indo-Pacific cooperation and China-focused strategy. Public Safety Remembrance: Gov. Brian Kemp marked the second anniversary of the Apalachee High School shooting with an Apalachee Remembrance Day proclamation. Education & Rights: Georgia Southern University faces fallout after a $250,000 settlement tied to a transgender student rights dispute.

Economic Development: Gov. Brian Kemp and the state Department of Economic Development say Georgia logged $35.2 billion in new project investments in fiscal year 2026, up from $26.3 billion the year before, with expansions driving most of the jobs and three-quarters of projects landing outside metro Atlanta. Elections & Accessibility: Georgia lawmakers are weighing how to protect voting access for people with disabilities and non-English speakers as the state prepares for major election equipment changes ahead of 2028, including a likely shift toward hand-marked paper ballots. Public Safety & Schools: Kemp proclaimed Sept. 4 as Apalachee Remembrance Day, marking two years since the Winder school shooting, and Warm Springs announced funeral arrangements for Sgt. Christopher Fisher, killed during a traffic stop. Business & Trade: Modex 2028 is set for April 3-5 at the Georgia World Congress Center, with 1,100 exhibitors expected across 630,000 square feet. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel prices hitting lows in several counties, including Chattooga at $5.32 and Columbia at $5.38 for the week ending Aug. 29. Sports: HBCU football Week 1 coverage kicks off across major networks and streaming services over Labor Day weekend.