AGP Executive Report

Gas Tax Relief Extended: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones backed Gov. Brian Kemp’s move to suspend Georgia’s gas tax for two more weeks, kicking in May 20 and running through June 3, as Memorial Day travel ramps up. Election Countdown: With Tuesday’s primary looming, Georgia’s GOP scramble to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff is intensifying, and the state’s Supreme Court races are heating up after candidates accuse a judicial watchdog of First Amendment violations. Traffic Crackdowns: Starting Monday, Georgia launches the “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement through May 31 and a “100 Days of Summer HEAT” push targeting speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. Local Watch: In Bulloch County, voters head to the polls Tuesday for competitive county commission and school board contests. Sports Spotlight: Georgia Tech and Georgia are top seeds in their conference baseball tournaments as the NCAA field takes shape this week.

Kentucky GOP Primary: With Tuesday’s Kentucky GOP House primary nearly here, anti-Massie forces are escalating their fight against Rep. Thomas Massie—flooding the race with new PAC spending, AI-style attacks, and fresh questions about his challenger Ed Gallrein’s military record and divorce history. Election Denial Fallout in Georgia: Acting U.S. AG Todd Blanche doubled down on claims the 2020 election was “rigged,” but admitted he can’t offer a “definitive answer,” while Georgia’s own election-official race remains shadowed by the same 2020 narrative. Voting Rights Clash: Stacey Abrams accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of celebrating “Jim Crow 2.0” after the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act map ruling. Local Education Snapshot: Georgia school enrollment data keeps spotlighting shifting demographics and chronic absenteeism, including Cox Elementary’s sharp drop in white enrollment and rising Hispanic enrollment at Union Grove Middle. Industry & Tech: At IPPE, MOBA showcased next-gen egg processing systems aimed at boosting traceability and efficiency.

High Museum Spotlight: “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” opened in Atlanta, spotlighting the Georgia-born painter whose portraits helped make Michelle Obama a household name, with the show running through September. Gas Prices Relief: Gov. Brian Kemp renewed Georgia’s gas tax break for Memorial Day travel—33 cents off per gallon for two weeks starting Wednesday, citing Iran-driven oil price shocks. Georgia Primary Countdown: With early voting now over, attention turns to Tuesday’s May 19 primaries, where GOP contests for U.S. Senate and governor and Democratic hopes to flip state Supreme Court seats are driving turnout. Voting Rights Fight: Activists are retracing the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery route to renew pressure after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act. Health Care Affordability: The insurance commissioner race is heating up, with Democrats arguing the current approach isn’t doing enough to rein in costs. Sports & Culture: Aaronson’s World Cup concern after a knee injury for Leeds adds pressure for U.S. selection, while the Library of Congress expanded its National Recording Registry with major music milestones.

Voting Rights Fight: Georgia’s primary is Tuesday, May 19, and rallies across the state are pushing back after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted key Voting Rights Act protections—Savannah protesters gathered Saturday while Georgia lawmakers prepare a special session to redraw maps. Local Politics: In the New Orleans area, Kenner voters re-elected Mayor Michael Glaser and picked a new Slidell police chief in Saturday’s local races. Public Safety & Justice: Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced indictments in Dougherty County tied to the Jan. 4 death of Ricky Williams, alleging gang-related felony murder. Consumer Watch: Carr also warned businesses to pass along the gas tax suspension savings and to crack down on wildfire price-gouging and scams. Power & Growth Debate: A Georgia Power data-center push is drawing fresh backlash, with residents saying homes may be bulldozed to expand electrical capacity. Health Update: Canada reported a presumptive hantavirus case linked to the Hondius cruise outbreak, with the patient stable in isolation.

Georgia GOP Senate primary: Republicans head to the polls Tuesday to choose a challenger to Sen. Jon Ossoff, but the race is still a three-way fight—Mike Collins, Buddy Carter and Derek Dooley—with no Trump endorsement and a runoff looming if nobody clears 50%. Campaign pressure: The NRSC is already hitting Ossoff with a “pro-crime” ad tied to the Laken Riley Act and claims about sanctuary policies and cash bail. Medical cannabis expansion: Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill expanding Georgia’s medical marijuana program, including allowing vaping for patients, adding new qualifying conditions, and removing the old THC potency cap. School enrollment snapshots: New state data show demographic shifts at individual schools—like Westside Middle (127 African American students) and Sope Creek Elementary (65)—as Georgia continues to wrestle with chronic absenteeism. Food safety note: Straus Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states, including Georgia, over possible metal fragments.

Gas Relief at the Pump: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s 33-cent gas tax suspension for two more weeks, kicking in as the current break expires and running through June 2—aimed at easing Memorial Day travel costs amid Iran-driven price pressure. Election Countdown: Georgia lawmakers are racing to replace the soon-to-expire QR-code voting system before a July 1 deadline, with a special session set to tackle both voting rules and redistricting fights. Public Health Update: Two Georgia residents being monitored for hantavirus after a deadly cruise outbreak were discharged from Emory after days in a specialized unit, as officials continue tracking possible cases. Local Spotlight: The state’s Gang Prosecution Unit indicted three people in Dougherty County in connection with the death of Ricky Williams, alleging gang-related felony murder. Community & Culture: Georgia Main Street programs topped $1.01 billion in 2025 reinvestment, while Morris Brown College held commencement celebrating its renewed accreditation.

Hantavirus Update: WHO says the suspected cruise-ship hantavirus cluster is “not the start of a COVID pandemic,” with the case count adjusted to 10 after a U.S. test came back negative; in Georgia and Nebraska, 41 people are still being monitored. State Politics: Gov. Brian Kemp has called a June 17 special session to redraw Georgia’s district maps for the 2028 election, and Democrats are already accusing him of diluting Black voting power. Schools Watch: New enrollment snapshots keep rolling in across metro and statewide campuses—like Dublin High (506 Black students), Austell Elementary (47% Black), and West Jackson Elementary (white enrollment down 27%)—while Georgia continues to tackle chronic absenteeism (20.7% of students missing 10%+ of days in 2024). Local Spotlight: A landscaper injured on GOP gubernatorial contender Rick Jackson’s property is fighting for benefits, turning immigration enforcement rhetoric into a court fight.

First Amendment Clash: A new analysis digs into whether people can protest inside or near churches after a Minneapolis incident where protesters and two journalists were arrested, raising fresh questions about what “lawful religious freedom” protects. Immigration & Courts: In Georgia election turmoil, former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones is pushing a writ over a Trump order targeting ballot QR codes, arguing DeKalb ballots should be counted by hand before certification. Election Security: ODNI has named two officials to coordinate spy agencies on election threats, signaling a tighter national focus as voting rights fights heat up. Georgia Politics: Gov. Kemp signed a bill making many metro Atlanta local races nonpartisan, including key DeKalb-area offices, while Democrats warn it could weaken Black voting power. Public Safety: Atlanta police arrested a suspect in a deadly Beltline stabbing after a search tied to random attacks. Energy Costs: Environmental groups urged Georgia’s Public Service Commission to require Georgia Power to share fuel-cost burdens with ratepayers. Health Watch: CDC says hantavirus risk to the public remains low, with 41 people monitored nationwide.

Medical Marijuana Expansion: Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 220, expanding Georgia’s medical cannabis program with new qualifying conditions like lupus and allowing patients to legally vape cannabis for faster relief. Public Safety: Warner Robins police and the state Office of Highway Safety are kicking off the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt crackdown May 18–31, citing that 51% of passenger deaths in Georgia (2020–2024) involved unbuckled drivers. Election Season: With the May 19 primary days away, 13WMAZ is set for live election coverage, while early voting continues in Bulloch County through May 15. Utilities Power Play: Ten candidates are competing for two Georgia Public Service Commission seats, a race that can directly shape energy bills. Federal Court Fight: The Justice Department sued DC’s attorney discipline board over its recommendation to disbar Trump ally Jeffrey Clark. Culture & Music: The Library of Congress added Taylor Swift’s “1989,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” and Weezer’s “Blue Album” to the National Recording Registry.

Medicare Crackdown: CMS has paused new enrollment for hospice and home health providers for six months, citing widespread fraud that targets Medicare patients and taxpayers. Cybersecurity Push: Georgia agencies announced nearly $9.9 million in cybersecurity grants for 44 schools and state/local entities, plus GEMA/HS highlighted critical-infrastructure training credentials. Hurricane Readiness: Georgia marked National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 3-9) with daily reminders that inland areas can still face wind and water impacts. Election Fight: Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 369 making many Metro Atlanta local races nonpartisan starting in 2028, drawing backlash from Democratic prosecutors who say it’s voter disenfranchisement. Health Care Expansion: Kemp also signed Georgia’s medical cannabis upgrades, removing “severe/end-stage” limits, adding lupus, and allowing vaping for eligible patients. Gas Tax Uncertainty: Kemp’s temporary state gas tax suspension is set to expire June 19, leaving drivers and road funding in limbo. Public Safety Staffing: A Florida fire department (Flagler Beach) is down to five firefighters after resignations.

Medicare Crackdown: The Trump administration is pausing Medicare enrollment for new home health and hospice providers for six months, citing “widespread fraud” and aiming to stop new “bad actors” while CMS reviews spending and issues new guidance. Georgia Politics: Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law making many local elections nonpartisan in five metro Atlanta counties, and Fulton DA Fani Willis and DeKalb DA Sherry Boston immediately vowed to sue, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to hide party labels. Public Health Watch: Georgia is among states monitoring hantavirus exposure after a cruise ship outbreak; two passengers were sent to Atlanta for assessment, while others are quarantined elsewhere as officials warn the incubation period can be long. Medical Cannabis Expansion: Kemp also signed a bill expanding access to state-qualified medical cannabis products, including removing the old “low THC oil” language and raising the THC limit for qualifying patients. Home Insurance Pressure: A new explainer highlights the “hurricane tax” driving higher homeowners insurance costs in high-risk states as storms intensify and insurers pull back.

Hantavirus Watch: WHO says more cases are likely after the cruise outbreak, but there’s still “no sign” of a wider global wave—while Georgia remains among states monitoring possible exposures and officials stress the public risk is very low. Metro Atlanta Politics: Gov. Kemp signed House Bill 369 making many local races nonpartisan in five counties (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton), drawing immediate backlash from Fulton and DeKalb district attorneys who call it unconstitutional and accuse Republicans of hiding party power. Campaign Security: Brad Raffensperger’s rally in Georgia faced a credible bomb threat, with law enforcement investigating and the campaign saying it won’t stop the fight. Gas Tax Fight: Trump is pushing to suspend the federal gas tax to ease pump prices, but analysts warn it could mean less road funding and smaller savings than drivers expect. State Budget: Kemp signed the FY27 budget, trimming $300 million in new spending after tax cuts left a major revenue gap.

Restructuring Win: Multi-Color Corporation says it has successfully completed a comprehensive financial restructuring, cutting net debt by about $3.8B, slashing annual interest by $330M+, and emerging from prepackaged Chapter 11 with 99%+ stakeholder approval and an $889M equity investment. Courtroom Deadline: Faruqi & Faruqi is warning Power Solutions International (PSIX) investors about a May 19 deadline to seek lead-plaintiff status in a securities class action. Georgia Politics Under Pressure: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says he faced an “active threat” at a Macon airport campaign stop; deputies found a suspicious object in a vending machine and reopened the airport after it was deemed non-hazardous. Health Watch: Georgia is monitoring hantavirus exposures tied to the MV Hondius cruise outbreak, with some patients assessed at Emory while others quarantine in Nebraska. Tax Relief Moves: Gov. Brian Kemp signed income and property tax bills into law, including an income tax rate cut to just under 5% and a cap on property tax assessment increases. Travel Buzz: WalletHub ranks Atlanta as the top U.S. summer destination for value, citing airport performance and overall affordability.

Gas Tax Showdown: President Trump says he’ll move to reduce or suspend the federal gasoline tax as prices stay high after the Iran conflict—though Congress must approve any change, and lawmakers are already floating a 90-day pause. Hantavirus Response in Georgia: Two cruise passengers tied to the MV Hondius outbreak arrived in Atlanta for monitoring and treatment at Emory, as officials stress the public risk remains very low and push back on COVID-style comparisons. State Tax Relief: Gov. Brian Kemp signed Georgia’s income tax cut into law, dropping the rate to 4.99% and setting up further gradual reductions. ICE Custody Fallout: A double amputee released from Georgia ICE detention spoke publicly about alleged medical neglect and conditions at Stewart Detention Center. Local Politics: The NAACP hosted a candidate forum in East Savannah, pressing races on Medicaid, taxes, immigration, and voting rights. Education Watch: Decatur’s school board weighs a costlier financing path for a new early childhood learning center.

Hantavirus Response in Georgia: Two more people tied to the MV Hondius outbreak arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson and were taken to Emory University Hospital for observation, as Georgia officials say there’s “no risk to the public at this time.” Federal Quarantine Update: The broader group of Americans returning from the cruise is being monitored at Nebraska’s National Quarantine Unit, after one passenger tested positive and others showed mild symptoms. Gas Prices & Politics: President Trump renewed calls for a temporary federal gas tax suspension as pump prices stay high, but experts warn the savings could be limited. Georgia Primaries Ahead of May 19: Early voting is underway for a crowded slate of statewide races, including governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general, and secretary of state. Local Court Watch: Prosecutors added charges to Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch’s DUI case, and his office suspension is set to expire May 19.

Over the last 12 hours, Georgia-focused coverage was dominated by the unfolding hantavirus response tied to the MV Hondius cruise outbreak. Multiple reports say U.S. public health agencies are monitoring Americans who returned home after the ship’s exposure period, with Georgia Department of Public Health specifically stating two residents are being monitored and are currently in good health and not showing signs of infection. The broader international effort is also emphasized, including WHO briefings and country-by-country tracking of people who disembarked before cases were confirmed, alongside repeated messaging that the public health risk is considered low.

Another major thread in the same window is Georgia politics and elections. Several items highlight candidates campaigning ahead of Georgia’s May 19 primary, including Republican gubernatorial contenders speaking to the Chatham Area Republican Women and discussing cost-of-living issues such as property taxes. At the same time, legal and governance disputes are also in view: coverage includes a judge-disqualification request in a Florida congressional map case (not Georgia-specific, but part of the same redistricting/legal environment affecting the region), and broader attention to Supreme Court-driven changes to voting rights and districting.

Outside Georgia, the most consequential “breaking” event in the last 12 hours is severe weather in Mississippi. Reports describe multiple tornadoes cutting across Mississippi counties, damaging hundreds of homes (around 400–500) and injuring at least 17 people, with detailed accounts of mobile-home destruction and emergency response actions. The inclusion of this story alongside Georgia’s own election and health coverage suggests the news mix is currently split between immediate public-safety developments and longer-running policy/legal and health-tracing stories.

Looking back 3–7 days, the hantavirus situation continues to provide continuity, with earlier reporting already framing the outbreak as unusual due to the Andes strain and the multinational tracing challenge created by passengers disembarking before confirmation. That earlier context helps explain why the most recent updates focus so heavily on monitoring, timelines, and risk messaging rather than on new confirmed cases in Georgia. In the same older window, Georgia also appears in the broader policy landscape—particularly around election administration and redistricting—setting the stage for the more campaign-forward and legal-focused items that appear in the last 12 hours.