AGP Executive Report

Special Election in Metro Atlanta: Voters in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District head to the polls today in a special election to replace late Rep. David Scott, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in parts of Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale counties. Data Center Push and Backlash: Georgia remains at the center of the AI boom as OpenAI’s $20B project near Savannah draws both praise and protest, while other major metro Atlanta data center filings also move forward. Healthcare and Medicaid Work Rules: Advocates are alarmed by a proposed change to Georgia’s “medically frail” Medicaid exemptions that could leave people with HIV subject to work requirements. Drugs and Federal Charges: Three men face federal drug charges after authorities seized more than 280 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl and firearms in separate metro Atlanta operations. Politics and the Senate: Democrats are ramping up for the midterms with a $40M “Win The Senate” ground game that includes Georgia. Energy and Resilience: Georgia Power marked completion of the Moody battery energy storage system paired with solar, adding 49.5 MW of flexible storage near Valdosta. Public Safety: Blood organizations issued an urgent nationwide appeal as supplies hit critically low levels, including in Georgia. Privacy at the Border: A federal judge in Atlanta is weighing a case tied to phone “duress” passcodes after a traveler’s device was wiped during CBP inspection.

Capitol Security Case: A Smyrna teen, Carter Camacho, pleaded guilty Monday to illegally carrying a loaded shotgun on U.S. Capitol grounds, saying he meant to confront lawmakers but never made it inside; he’s set for sentencing Dec. 8 in Washington. Local Hunger Relief: In Brookhaven, the Latin American Association says demand for food assistance is spiking again, with 340,000 pounds of groceries distributed over the past year as families juggle rent, doctor visits, and meals. Surveillance Pushback: Georgia-linked debate over Flock Safety-style license plate cameras keeps growing, as Republicans argue the tech enables mass surveillance and lawmakers push bills to curb funding. Public Safety & Accountability: Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams faces a state POST certification review after a federal indictment alleging DUI ticket dismissals for cash and an illegal gun transfer. Community & Health: Georgia’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is still rising, with fewer than 80 confirmed cases reported so far, while officials warn the true number may be higher. Infrastructure: Brookhaven won a $588K grant to advance plans for a pedestrian bridge over I-85 connecting trails to Emory’s campus.

Okefenokee Milestone: Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge officially became a UNESCO World Heritage site after a 44-year push, with state supporters in Busan celebrating the long-awaited win—now attention turns to delivering the promised regional economic boost. State Politics & Elections: An AARP-backed Georgia poll says voters age 50+ could decide the tight 2026 governor and Senate races, with older voters showing high motivation to vote. Public Health: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff again pressed HHS over ending CDC’s FoodNet monitoring for Cyclospora, as cases top 11,000 nationwide and Georgia is among the hardest hit states. Energy & Data Centers: Gov. Brian Kemp defended Georgia’s approach to data centers, opposing a statewide moratorium while arguing communities want jobs and tax revenue—amid rising anger over power costs. Legal System: Colt Gray returned to court for sentencing after pleading guilty in the Apalachee High School shooting case, as families describe the lasting damage. Tech & Privacy: A Georgia-based industry group is trying to win public support for data centers with a new ad campaign, as local opposition continues to grow.

Georgia Politics & Elections: President Trump’s Georgia stop is already reshaping the governor’s race, with fresh endorsements for GOP nominee Rick Jackson after he joined Trump onstage, while the campaign also keeps spotlighting the SAVE America Act and election rules ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Voting Rights & Courts: A federal appeals court in Boston upheld a block on Trump’s plan to restrict mail ballots using a federal “eligible voter” list, dealing a setback to the administration’s election overhaul in states that sued. Midterms Messaging: House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries kicked off the final 100 days with an “affordable America” push focused on groceries, gas, housing, and health care. Energy & Industry: Qcells says its Cartersville plant has started solar cell production, aiming for full output by late 2026, and Georgia is also moving ahead with I-75 truck-only lanes. Local Impact: VA Augusta began offering a new noninvasive overactive bladder treatment for veterans. Public Safety: A weak 2.0 earthquake rattled parts of southeastern Tennessee near Etowah, with no reported damage. Environment: Georgia’s Okefenokee swamp was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

AI Power Strain in Georgia: Georgia Power is proposing 1,000+ miles of transmission lines and new capacity for AI data centers, but residents say the buildout could force hundreds of property owners to sell or face eminent domain, including reports of homes being leveled. Okefenokee Gets UNESCO Status: The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, putting Georgia’s swamp on the global stage—while mining concerns remain part of the debate. Savannah Housing Fight: A panel in Savannah weighed the history and possible demolition of Yamacraw Village, as the Housing Authority seeks to redevelop and residents push for enforceable guarantees, including a right to return. Midterms Countdown: With 100 days to Nov. 3, Democrats lead in generic polling but Republicans gained ground through redistricting, and the race remains tight. Congressional ICE Clash in Athens: Georgia’s 9th District candidates traded sharp statements amid reports of increased ICE activity, with the Democrat challenging the incumbent’s framing of the agency’s role.

High School Football Recruiting: JC Wessel, a tight end from Georgia’s Frederica Academy, transferred to Jacksonville Bolles after a strong showing at the Navy All-American Combine—then saw his scholarship offers explode, with in-state Florida programs now trying to capitalize. Immigration & Local Impact: A Chattanooga restaurant owner known as “Miss G” was deported after a North Georgia traffic stop, and a follow-up report details how she’s rebuilding life in Mexico after nearly 27 years in the U.S. Georgia Environment: The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking a major milestone for Georgia’s natural landscape. Public Health: Federal data shows measles cases in the U.S. have hit the highest level in more than three decades, tied to declining vaccination rates. Tech, Jobs & Policy: A U.S. House field hearing in Georgia focused on AI’s impact on the workforce, as lawmakers weigh how new tech reshapes opportunity. Sports & Politics: A Georgia rally drew national attention after President Trump criticized the Mets, while Georgia’s political race chatter continues to heat up around 2026.

Georgia Politics & Elections: A new AARP poll finds voters 50 and older could decide Georgia’s most competitive 2026 statewide races, with Jon Ossoff leading overall in the U.S. Senate contest but Mike Collins ahead among older likely voters. Voting Rights & Representation: UGA historian James C. Cobb is backing a push for proportional representation in U.S. House elections after a Supreme Court ruling reshaped how the Voting Rights Act can be used in redistricting. Cost of Living: A LendingTree analysis says Georgia has one of the highest shares of borrowers facing $1,000-plus monthly car payments, reflecting how essential driving is across the state. AI, Data Centers & Power Costs: President Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the EPA, saying utilities and tech firms will cover more of the electricity costs tied to AI data centers—an effort aimed at preventing higher bills for households. Public Safety & Surveillance: A report warns school bus stop-arm cameras could evolve into a nationwide license-plate reader network, raising concerns about expanded surveillance. Health: CDC and FDA say the Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce is broader than first thought, with Georgia among affected states. Local Community: WSB-TV’s Stuff the Bus returns Saturday with metro Atlanta drop-off sites collecting school supplies for students in need.

School Safety: AAA and Georgia highway safety leaders urged Macon drivers to slow down and stop for school buses with flashing red lights and stop arms as the new school year begins, citing nine pedestrian deaths in Macon-Bibb so far this year. Georgia Politics: In the U.S. Senate race, Republican Mike Collins responded to CNN scrutiny over his son-in-law’s white supremacist and anti-Semitic posts, saying “nobody speaks for me,” while Democrats press the issue against Collins. Teacher Shortage: A new report says Georgia’s teacher shortage is worsening despite pay boosts and alternative certification, with gaps hitting especially hard in majority-Black and low-income districts. Public Health: The CDC expanded its cyclosporiasis investigation to nine states, adding Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce sold to restaurants including Taco Bell—Georgia is on the list. Energy & AI Costs: Trump’s “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” is gaining GOP governor signatories, aiming to keep AI data-center power costs from landing on households, though critics question whether it will actually lower bills. Invasive Species: Scientists warn a yellow-legged hornet is spreading in parts of Georgia and South Carolina, threatening honeybees and prompting quarantine efforts.

Economy & Cost of Living: Georgia drivers are increasingly stuck with four-figure monthly auto payments, with LendingTree finding 12% of Georgians with active auto loans paying at least $1,000 a month. Energy & Growth: Georgia Power is rolling out major upgrades in West Chatham County—new transmission lines and a substation—to keep up with Savannah-area growth and avoid summer outages. Politics & Voting: The White House escalated its fight with Senate GOP leadership over the SAVE America Act, with officials saying President Trump’s “patience is running out” for John Thune as the bill faces tight odds before August recess. Healthcare & Safety: The American Heart Association warns extreme heat can quickly become dangerous for Georgians—especially older adults and people with heart conditions—urging residents to avoid peak hours and take protective steps. Public Safety & Accountability: In Sikeston, residents are demanding answers after a man died in police custody, with families citing unanswered questions about the cause of death and the circumstances of the restraint and Taser use. Tech & Power Policy: Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying AI data centers and big tech should pay for the electricity buildout instead of passing costs to households.

Middle East Escalation: President Trump says he’s considering a “massive” step-up against Iran after Yemen’s Houthis hit Red Sea shipping, warning the U.S. will hold Iran responsible for further attacks and retaliate against targets like bridges or power plants. AI Power Costs in Georgia: Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying tech and data center firms will cover new grid and energy infrastructure costs instead of passing them to households; Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is among the governors backing it. SAVE Act Pressure: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says Trump’s patience with Senate Majority Leader John Thune is “running out” over the stalled SAVE America Act, which would tighten voting rules. Okefenokee World Heritage Fight: The Okefenokee swamp is set to be voted a World Heritage Site, but some local residents oppose UNESCO involvement. Georgia Politics: A new AARP poll shows Sen. Jon Ossoff leading Rep. Mike Collins by 9 points in the 2026 Georgia Senate race. Local Spotlight: Macon Water Ice won the Downtown Macon French Fry Fight for a second straight year.

Defense & Georgia Policy: The U.S. House narrowly passed the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, sending a $1.15 trillion Pentagon funding package to the Senate; the bill includes a Georgia-focused provision requiring a classified report on Russian and Chinese intelligence infiltration and influence in the state. Trump Rally in Marietta: President Trump used a Wheeler High School stop to push “Trump Accounts” for children and to urge Senate passage of the SAVE Act, while protesters gathered outside. Trump Accounts Delays: Despite millions signing up, some Georgia parents say they’re still waiting for the promised $1,000 deposit for newborns, even as the Treasury says most receive it within days. Iran War Fallout: Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of a second chokepoint as the U.S. carried out its 12th straight night of strikes on Iran. Local Oddity: An Athens “Moon Tree” planted from Apollo 14 seeds is at risk of being cut down for a new courthouse. Campaign Scrutiny: A report says Sen. Jon Ossoff spent thousands on “makeup services,” drawing fresh attention to his reelection campaign spending.

Georgia Senate Race: President Donald Trump rallied at Wheeler High School in Marietta to boost Republican Rep. Mike Collins’ bid, mocking Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and leaning on the race’s money gap as Collins trails with less cash on hand. Campaign Promises: At the same stop, Trump promoted “Trump Accounts” for children, while GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson said he’ll match the $1,000 federal deposit if elected. Backlash Over Remarks: Social media erupted after Trump made comments about “charts” tied to slain service members during the Georgia event, with critics questioning whether he was being disrespectful. Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclospora outbreak after FDA said an initial positive test was a false positive, though the company remains linked as investigators continue. Housing Angle: New research from Zillow points to hundreds of thousands of small empty lots listed for sale as a potential way to narrow the nation’s housing shortage. Tech & Jobs: Hyundai says its planned humanoid robot work starting in 2028 at a plant near Savannah is not part of current labor talks with striking workers.

Trump’s Georgia stop and “Trump Accounts”: President Donald Trump is set to speak Wednesday at Wheeler High School in Cobb County to promote his “Trump Accounts,” which provide $1,000 in government-funded seed money for children born during his second term. But waiting parents say the deposit is slow: The Treasury says about 6.5 million accounts are open, including 1.5 million eligible for the $1,000 payment for 2025–2028 births, yet some families report they’re still waiting. Local politics spotlight: The visit also tees up a high-profile Georgia political moment, with U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson expected to join Trump onstage. Public safety and immigration enforcement: A separate AP report describes a Mexican man killed in Florida after running from ICE officers; officials say he was on vacation and had a tourist visa. Okefenokee World Heritage push: Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp is in the running for UNESCO World Heritage status this week, a potential global boost for the refuge.

Georgia Politics & Elections: President Trump is set to return to Georgia this week for an Atlanta-area high school appearance in Cobb County, with mixed local reactions as Republican candidates Rick Jackson and Rep. Mike Collins are expected to join him. U.S. Senate & Intelligence: A Senate committee advanced Trump’s intelligence nominee Jay Clayton to the full Senate in a 9-8 vote, after Democrats criticized his refusal to say Biden won 2020 and his handling of election-related questions. Public Safety & Privacy: A report on Atlanta-area Flock Safety surveillance claims company access to a children’s gym at a Jewish community center, raising fresh concerns about how license-plate cameras are used. Immigration Enforcement: The administration’s denaturalization push continues, with new court filings listed across multiple states including Georgia. Health & Courts: A Georgia-linked Medicare fraud case tied to diagnostic labs has led to the overseas capture and return of a fugitive accused of running a $547 million scheme. Community & Human Interest: A Coffee County teen, Kiran Reddy, made Georgia pageant history as the first Indian American to win Miss Georgia Teen USA.

Education & Workforce: Champlain College Online and Georgia’s Technical College System signed a transfer deal letting graduates apply up to 90 credits toward an online bachelor’s at a reduced “community college alumni” tuition rate. Immigration Enforcement: DHS and DOJ announced denaturalization actions targeting 10 naturalized citizens accused of serious crimes, including child sexual abuse, fraud, and drug trafficking. Local Business & Infrastructure: IPPE committed to keep its Atlanta run through 2036, with the next show set for Jan. 26–28, 2027. Public Safety & Community: Georgia’s election-security debate stays hot as Democratic nominee Penny Brown Reynolds accuses Trump of undermining confidence to discourage voting. Health & Food Safety: The FDA says a Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce was a “false positive,” even as the outbreak linked to Taco Bell continues to raise questions for consumers in Georgia and beyond. Sports & Culture: SEC Media Days in Tampa featured Commissioner Greg Sankey on college sports stability, while Georgia’s presence in the broader sports calendar continues to draw attention.

Food Safety Update: The FDA walked back an earlier cyclospora detection tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, saying the positive result was a false positive and that the recall basis remains under investigation. Local Government: Adairsville held its first millage hearing on a proposed tax increase, explaining Georgia’s rollback-rate math and reassessment-driven changes. ICE Accountability: More than 135 communities plan vigils and protests July 25 demanding justice for people killed by ICE, calling for transparency and independent investigations. College Sports Policy: SEC leaders pushed back on federal college sports legislation details, saying changes are needed for the Protect College Sports Act to pass. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression Two is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Bertha this evening, with impacts likely along the Gulf Coast. Environment & Wildlife: Conservation efforts are credited with helping American oystercatchers rebound, after millions raised and dozens of coastal groups joined the effort. Business/Energy: Hyundai’s $5B EV battery plant in Bartow County has begun commercial production, targeting enough capacity for about 300,000 EVs a year.