AGP Executive Report

Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days starting Tuesday, with the break expected to cost the state about $200 million a month as prices stay high; the order also suspends commercial vehicle weight limits to cut transportation costs. Election Security Push: Georgia’s State Election Board voted to ask the Trump administration to help nudge updates to voting equipment and urged federal review of election systems ahead of the Oct. 5 voter registration deadline. Democracy in Court: The Trump DOJ filed a response to a DNC lawsuit seeking records on any plans to seize or inspect ballots and voting machines, offering no records and disputing the relevance of the DNC’s claims. College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to regulate college athlete payments and transfers, setting national guardrails and giving the NCAA new authority. Public Safety: Zoo Atlanta is preparing for the debut of giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang after their arrival from China, while Gwinnett officials warned of a rabid cat attack in Norcross. Legal Fallout: A federal jury ordered a College Park hotel owner to pay $164 million in a child sex trafficking civil case.

Georgia Politics: U.S. Senate rivals Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins sharpened contrasts in fresh campaign stops, trading attacks over trust, immigration, and social-media ties as the midterm clock tightens. Election Rules: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says the state won’t use the federal SAVE citizenship database before this year’s midterms, citing how close it is to Election Day and pointing to Georgia’s own citizenship records checks. Public Safety: A mass shooting in Macon’s Carolyn Crayton Park left 12 teens wounded early Sunday, with two in critical condition; investigators have not released a motive or arrests. Crime in Metro Atlanta: Police are searching for suspects after a man was shot near MARTA’s Bankhead Station and collapsed on transit property. International Spotlight (Atlanta): Zoo Atlanta welcomed giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang on a 10-year loan from China, with a month-long quarantine before public viewing. Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports Atlanta regular gas averaging $4.21 a gallon Monday, up week over week, with Georgia statewide at $4.17. Community & Culture: Atlanta City FC was officially revealed as the new NWSL franchise name, colors, and crest.

Panda Diplomacy in Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta says giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang landed at Hartsfield-Jackson to begin a 10-year stay, with about a month of quarantine before public viewing. WNBA Playoffs: Rhyne Howard (26 points, five steals) and Angel Reese (13 points, 12 rebounds) helped the Atlanta Dream rout the Washington Mystics 92-77 in Game 1; Game 2 is Wednesday. Public Safety: Macon police are investigating a shooting at Carolyn Crayton Park that left 11 teens wounded early Sunday; two victims are in critical condition. Traffic Disruption: A stretch of I-285 stayed closed Sunday between Cascade Road and Langford Parkway, sending trucks onto restricted Cascade Road and triggering tickets. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Georgia fuel remains volatile, with one low premium price of $4.44 in Putnam County and diesel lows like $5.49 in Catoosa County for the week ending Sept. 19. School Snapshot: Haralson County school districts enrolled 44 Asian students in 2024-25 (0.8% of enrollment), with chronic absenteeism still a major concern statewide.

Panda Diplomacy, Georgia: Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arrived in Atlanta for a 10-year stay at Zoo Atlanta after a charter flight from Chengdu, with keepers and special food onboard. WNBA Playoffs, Atlanta: The Atlanta Dream open the first round Sunday at State Farm Arena against the Washington Mystics, with Angel Reese listed as cleared after a face injury scare. Public Safety, Smyrna: Police say the remains of a dismembered woman were found at Park Valley Apartments in Smyrna; 18-year-old Kingston Bradley is charged, and investigators are still checking possible links. State Parks & Accessibility: Georgia Power donated $10,000 to help expand “Georgia in Color,” providing EnChroma glasses so more visitors can enjoy fall foliage. Conservation, North Georgia: Georgia DNR and partners reached an agreement to re-establish the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area, protecting 14,640 acres in Bartow and Cherokee counties. Health Policy, Georgia: A report says Georgia’s “Pathways to Coverage” medical-debt and premium pressures persist, while the limited program has reached under 4% of those it targets. Energy Prices: Diesel hit a low of $6.26 per gallon in Johnson County in the week ending Sept. 19, with Georgia’s statewide average at $6.30.

Public Health: The FDA says an E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese has sickened 13 people nationwide, with eight hospitalizations, prompting a recall of Sierra Nevada Graziers cheeses. State & Local Safety: Georgia authorities announced arrests tied to illegal THC products, seizing banned THCA items and hemp-labeled marijuana in raids on four smoke shops. Crime & Courts: Police charged an 18-year-old in Smyrna after dismembered remains were allegedly found in a car trunk; in Columbus, two officers were stabbed during an arrest after a neighbor dispute. Metro Atlanta Community: Goodwill of North Georgia rolled out commercial driver’s license simulators at its Atlanta career center, funded by Invest Atlanta. Education & Workforce: A metro Atlanta teen robotics team showcased builds at Alpharetta City Hall and is set to represent Georgia in a Governor’s Cup. Sports (Georgia): Georgia State beat Northern Illinois 35-14, with Rodshaun Dorsey hauling in two TDs. Entertainment & Culture: Astronaut Col. Shane Kimbrough visited Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to meet patients.

Addiction Care Access: Lanier Recovery Center in Suwanee launched a virtual intensive outpatient program for adults across Georgia, bringing the same clinical structure as its in-person program via secure telehealth. Housing Preservation in Savannah: The City of Savannah and Mercy Housing Southeast rededicated Heritage Place Apartments after a renovation that preserved the historic Charity Hospital (McKane School for Nurses) and Florance Street School, keeping 88 affordable units for 30 years with $560,000 in local support. Maternal Health Focus: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock moderated a panel on Black fatherhood and maternal mortality at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation conference, highlighting his Dads Matter Act and the stark disparity in maternal deaths for Black women. Georgia Education & Training: Toombs County colleges conferred 921 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with most credentials in longer certificate programs. Georgia Tech Campus Update: Georgia Tech opened its new Bud & Val Peterson Residence Hall and reopened Brittain Dining Hall after a two-year renovation. Politics & Voter Shifts: A new map shows party registration shifts in the run-up to the midterms, with Democrats cutting into Republicans’ advantage in several competitive states including Georgia. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Barrow County premium gas hit $4.46/g and Dougherty County diesel hit $5.55/g in the week ending Sept. 19.

Georgia Elections: A new InsiderAdvantage Georgia poll shows Sen. Jon Ossoff leading Mike Collins 50%-42%, while Gov. Rick Jackson leads Keisha Lance Bottoms 48%-46%, with independents driving the split. Housing Affordability: Democrats and Republicans in Georgia agree corporate-owned housing is a major problem, pointing to rising rents and home prices tied to institutional investors. State Politics & Campaigns: Senate Majority Leader John Thune stumped with Collins in Atlanta, pledging continued GOP resources as national groups shift focus amid tightening Senate dynamics. Public Health & Safety: Cobb County overdose deaths fell more than 26% from 2024 to 2025 after a 2022 multi-agency coalition targeted fentanyl. Local Crime: Richmond County’s Operation Wildfire netted 145 arrests and seized drugs and guns, including fentanyl. Community Issues: Dunwoody apartment residents say broken trash service is causing pest infestations and foul odors, with tenants threatening legal action. Immigration: The Supreme Court allowed Trump’s administration to use an expanded voter citizenship database, limiting broad purges near elections.

Georgia Politics: Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed Sen. Greg Dolezal for Georgia lieutenant governor, backing the GOP nominee ahead of his November matchup with Democrat Josh McLaurin. Education & Health: Lawmakers are weighing a bill that would expand vision screenings for Georgia public school students beyond kindergarten, aiming to protect reading progress and help families afford glasses and services. Public Safety: A school bus and box truck crashed near Turner Hill Road and I-20 in Lithonia; minor injuries were reported and lanes were temporarily blocked. Weather: North Georgia is set for a crisp, mostly sunny weekend with dry conditions and highs around 80–82. Local Sports & Culture: Atlanta News First and the Hawks announced the full on-air broadcast team for the 2026-27 season, with Bob Rathbun and Dominique Wilkins returning. Community Spotlight: Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful’s long-time leader Stacee Farrell was profiled for decades of local environmental work.

DeKalb Jail Death: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is probing the death of 24-year-old David Addo-Wright, found wounded in his DeKalb County Jail cell, with an autopsy pending and tips being sought. Smyrna Investigation: A teen in Smyrna was arrested after police say he dropped a plastic tub containing a dismembered torso while walking through an apartment complex; investigators also found items allegedly tied to the case at his home. Courtroom Update: Georgia’s Appeals Court sent back a woman’s challenge to an Atlanta carport decision, giving her another chance to block a neighbor’s build. Gas Prices Watch: Fuel costs stayed uneven across the state, with regular gas lows reported at $3.79 in Spalding County and $3.84 in Crisp County, while diesel lows hit $5.21 in Gwinnett. Film & TV Push: A bipartisan federal bill would create a 20% tax credit for qualifying U.S.-made productions, with Georgia lawmakers among those backing the effort. Tech & Defense: Blue Ops is ramping production of its Variant 7 uncrewed vessel at its Valdosta facility, aiming to expand jobs for U.S. and allied defense customers.

Iran Sanctions Hit Georgia Travel: Iran warned neighboring countries that cooperating with U.S. sanctions could trigger retaliation against their airports, as Iranian airlines suspended or canceled routes that included Georgia and Azerbaijan. Atlanta Tech & AI Readiness: Eclipse Networks says most small and mid-sized businesses aren’t prepared for AI and is urging Georgia firms to run an AI readiness assessment before buying tools. Statehouse Politics: Georgia Democrats say they’re close to flipping the state House, while Republicans push back on the “winnable seats” math. Public Safety Tech: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt backed stronger safeguards for automated license plate readers after concerns about misuse and Fourth Amendment violations. Cost of Living: A Georgetown study finds Georgians are more burdened than the U.S. average by food and healthcare costs. Local Economy & Jobs: Georgia State unveiled a new nine-story downtown research tower, and Pirelli is set to expand in Georgia with 1,000 jobs. Midterm Courts: The U.S. Marshals plan to move hundreds of federal pretrial detainees from Lovejoy to Irwin County drew sharp objections from a judge. Sports & Community: Georgia faces Oklahoma in a major early SEC test, and UNCF announced an Atlanta Dream Big Faith Campaign concert at Tyler Perry Studios on Nov. 1.

Flock Camera Pushback: Sen. Raphael Warnock is urging the U.S. Justice Department to set national “guardrails” for Flock Safety and other automated license plate readers after reports of officers abusing access, including alleged stalking. Local Government: Fulton County commissioners proposed a 0.54% property tax increase, with three public hearings scheduled Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. Transportation: GDOT plans another full weekend shutdown on I-285 west of Atlanta, closing lanes between SR 166/Langford Parkway and Cascade Road from Friday night to early Monday. Public Safety Tech Oversight: Atlanta City Council released details for proposed Flock camera rules, including public input and a way to report misuse. Health Watch: DeKalb County reported more mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus; no human cases confirmed there so far. Environment & Land Use: Cumberland Island’s proposed federal land exchange is drawing conservation pushback over terms that could allow large private homes. Business & Growth: A new study highlights Georgia’s data center boom, with major expansion plans tied to power and infrastructure. Sports & Community: Georgia baseball set its 2027 schedule, and an Atlanta-area rescue kitten, ChipPurr Jones, threw a first pitch for the Gwinnett Stripers.

Business & Jobs: Gov. Brian Kemp says Georgia is No. 1 for business for a 13th straight year, citing Area Development’s rankings and Georgia’s “speed to market.” Major Expansion: Pirelli plans a $1.2B-plus Rome, Ga. factory expansion, adding about 1,000 jobs, with hiring ramping later in the decade. Elections & Courts: A proposal on the Nov. ballot would move Georgia probate judges from appointments to nonpartisan elections, backed by nearly 70 officials and community leaders. Public Safety & Surveillance: A Senate Judiciary hearing is set to scrutinize AI surveillance networks, with Atlanta-based Flock Safety among the invited CEOs. Local Crime: Two Wendy’s employees were arrested in Coweta County after a break-in at a McDonald’s employee’s car. Community & Housing: Winder’s Housing Authority used a $600,000 state grant to build seven homes aimed at making ownership more attainable. Health & Food Costs: Georgia beef prices keep rising as the state’s cattle supply drops, pushing grocery beef costs higher.

Drug Bust: FBI and Chinese police say they jointly dismantled a synthetic cannabinoid precursor ring, arresting 21 suspects in China and two in the U.S. after U.S. tips led to merged cases in Hebei. Public Safety & Crime: A former Georgia corrections officer was arrested on new federal drug and gun charges after being caught with meth, heroin, pills, loaded firearms, and scales; separately, GBI is investigating an in-custody death in Atlanta after a SWAT operation ended with a suspect falling from a balcony. Elections & Politics: Georgia’s gubernatorial debate was canceled after Rick Jackson declined to face Keisha Lance Bottoms, sparking clashes outside 11Alive; midterms also bring early-voting push events statewide. Economy & Jobs: Gov. Kemp announced Pirelli will invest $1.2B in Georgia and add 1,000 jobs; meanwhile, Zillow reports it’s cheaper to rent than buy in the Atlanta area. Health & Environment: Emory launched a PFAS treatment clinical trial in Rome and Calhoun. Sports & Culture: The Braves host the Reds Sept. 22 at Truist Park; haunted houses across Georgia are opening for the Halloween season.

Severe Weather & Airport Disruptions: Flash flood warnings are active for parts of North Georgia, with heavy rain already triggering flooding risk in Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens and more. The FAA has issued a ground stop for flights headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta due to thunderstorms, with the worst storm window expected Tuesday afternoon and evening. Public Safety Tech Oversight: Atlanta’s proposed ordinance to tighten rules for Flock cameras and other surveillance tech has been sent back to committee, meaning monthly audits and clearer privacy and use standards aren’t final yet. Public Health: Georgia confirmed its first West Nile death of 2026 and reported eight human cases so far, with infected mosquitoes found in metro Atlanta and Savannah-area traps. Politics & Governance: A coalition of churches and Democratic lawmakers is pressing Gov. Brian Kemp to end Georgia’s National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., and answer questions about training and emergency plans. Business & Jobs: Citadel Aviation plans to acquire Savannah’s Mach 1 Aviation Group to expand Gulfstream maintenance and rapid AOG response capacity. Elections & Debates: Statewide candidates will debate at the Atlanta Press Club in October, but GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Rick Jackson has declined to attend.

Entertainment & Economy: “American Idol” is moving production to Atlanta for Season 25, with Ryan Seacrest’s mom among the most excited—Georgia tax credits are cited as a key draw. Public Safety: Three Atlanta men tied to the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips pleaded guilty in Operation Heatwave gang/drug cases, with prosecutors citing guns and large quantities of drugs seized. Elections & Voting Security: Federal prosecutors charged three foreign nationals with illegally voting in Georgia federal elections, crediting the state’s citizenship verification work. Tech & Trust: Georgia politicians are warning about AI deepfakes as officials and police confront increasingly realistic digital deception. Transportation & Energy: Georgia Power and Google struck a deal to support nuclear power plant uprates at Vogtle and Hatch, adding about 96 MW pending PSC approval. Identity Services: DDS says 800,000 Georgians have added digital driver’s licenses/IDs to smartphone wallets since 2023; it’s optional and doesn’t replace the physical card. Weather: Parts of metro Atlanta and North Georgia face a Level 1 severe weather risk with damaging winds and hail. Sports: The Falcons named Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB for Thursday’s game at Green Bay after a 0-2 start.

Gang & Drugs: Georgia AG Chris Carr says three people pleaded guilty in Fulton County tied to Operation Heatwave, recovering guns and drugs including Oxycodone, meth, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, and Xanax. Elections & Voting Integrity: Federal prosecutors charged three non-citizens in separate cases for allegedly voting illegally in Georgia federal elections, as SPLC Georgia launches a bilingual “We Decide: Georgia/Decidimos” push to reach non-English-speaking voters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Cost of Living: AAA reports Georgia gas averages $4.09 a gallon, with a 15-gallon fill-up about $61.35, and diesel hitting $6.34 statewide. Public Health: CDC Director Erica Schwartz spoke at the Georgia Aquarium, promising transparency as measles cases climb nationwide. Weather & Safety: Metro Atlanta cleanup continues after storms knocked out power and downed trees; another round of storms is possible Tuesday. Business & Culture: American Idol production is moving to Atlanta for Season 25, and Fuego Azul Tequila says its Georgia launch is coming in Q4 after final production in Jalisco.