AGP Executive Report

Middle East Escalation: President Trump blamed Iran for downing a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and said the U.S. “must” respond, as strikes and retaliation threaten to derail ceasefire talks. Solar Manufacturing in Georgia: Qcells began making solar cells at its Cartersville plant, a key step toward a vertically integrated U.S. solar factory; the company expects full production by Q3 2026 and says module assembly is already at full capacity. Georgia Courts & Accountability: Two Georgia lawmakers filed impeachment articles against U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross after a judicial misconduct probe found she violated ethics rules, including a relationship with a senior Atlanta police official and alleged misconduct in chambers. State Budget Watch: Georgia reported May net tax revenue of $2.35 billion, down 12.6% year over year, with the motor fuel tax suspension cited as a major factor. Local Education Snapshot: Inman Elementary in Fayette County reported 183 African American students in 2024-25, and Buford Elementary reported 44 African American students, reflecting shifting enrollment patterns across metro districts. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data showed Hart County’s lowest regular price at $3.77 per gallon for the week ending May 30, while Georgia’s statewide average for regular fell to $3.87.

Georgia Runoff Voting: More than 100,000 Georgians have already cast ballots in the state’s heated June 16 primary runoff, with early voting underway statewide and officials reporting short waits. Gubernatorial Race Watch: A new polling memo shows Republican businessman Rick Jackson gaining ground and overtaking Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the GOP runoff for governor. Abortion Law Scrutiny: Rick Jackson faces fresh scrutiny over leaked audio about Georgia’s abortion restrictions and potential enforcement against doctors. Solar Manufacturing in Georgia: Hanwha Qcells says it has completed its Solar Hub in Cartersville, starting solar cell production and building a fully integrated U.S. manufacturing chain. Courts and Accountability: Two Georgia Republicans filed impeachment resolutions against federal Judge Eleanor Ross after allegations of misconduct and lying to investigators. Local Government: Athens-Clarke County commissioners approved a downtown site and bond-backed plan for a new $225 million judicial center. Business/Infrastructure: Southeast Georgia airports are expanding hangars and facilities to keep up with growth tied to major manufacturing and travel demand. Nation & World: The U.S. launched airstrikes on Iran after blaming Tehran for a helicopter crash, with Iran retaliating across the region.

Court Watch: A judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play this fall after he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting, triggering outrage and scheduling pushback from Georgia and Nebraska athletic departments. Higher Education: Newnan’s Dr. Russell Crutchfield was named president of Gordon State College, set to start Aug. 1. Elections: Georgia’s June 16 primary runoff is now the focus, with early voting running June 8-12 and key statewide races on the ballot. Judicial Staffing: Georgia’s court vacancy problem is dragging on, with judges not yet appointed for multiple seats. Public Safety: Gwinnett police are searching for missing 15-year-old London Henville, last seen leaving her Lawrenceville home June 2. World Cup in Atlanta: Organizers are planning free ways to join the 2026 World Cup experience, including FIFA Fan Festival events at Centennial Olympic Park and Beltline watch parties. Business & Tech: Rivian began delivering its R2 SUV, aiming for 20,000-25,000 deliveries in 2026 as it chases mass-market EV scale.

College Sports Legal Fight: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play this fall after the NCAA declared him ineligible for gambling, prompting NCAA backlash and fresh integrity concerns across college athletics. Georgia Education & Workforce: Code Ninjas, headquartered in Georgia, is pushing coding and AI literacy for kids as job-market fears rise, while Georgia Power is urging hurricane-season prep statewide. Elections & Civic Life: Early voting is underway for Georgia’s June 16 runoff, with reminders that you must vote the same party ballot as in May. Healthcare & Immigration: U.S. lawmakers welcomed a court order striking down the $100,000 H-1B fee, with the White House expected to appeal. Local Community: Milledgeville leaders are weighing a curfew for juveniles amid a reported spike in juvenile crime. Sports (Georgia ties): Georgia Southern freshman Brady Christman earned First-Team Freshman All-America honors. Arts & History: Carroll County plans a bicentennial event tied to America’s 250th anniversary on June 13. Public Health: The Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donations ahead of summer.

World Cup Security: A manhunt followed a shooting aboard a MARTA train in Atlanta, days after a federal probe into the transit agency, raising fresh worries as the World Cup nears. Elections & Voting: Early voting is underway for Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs, with voters choosing candidates for governor and U.S. Senate and more; officials also outlined where to vote and how absentee ballots work. State Budget Watch: Georgia reported May net tax revenue of $2.35 billion, down 12.6% year over year, with the motor fuel tax suspension weighing on collections. Education & Veterans: Albany State University’s Yellow Ribbon Program agreement was approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, expanding support for military-connected students. Jobs & Industry: ArcelorMittal Building Solutions announced a $107 million investment in Macon-Bibb County, aiming to create up to 140 jobs. Community & Culture: Athens PrideFest marked its second anniversary with a parade and events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Data Center Backlash: Georgia’s debate over data centers is heating up as voters nationwide grow sharply opposed to new sites, citing higher electricity costs and local impacts—while some lawmakers pause incentives and others push for growth. Redistricting Fight: A national redistricting battle is moving into statehouses, with Georgia’s GOP-led Legislature set to convene for redrawing districts for 2028, potentially reshaping representation and local policy decisions. MARTA Probe: Federal investigators have opened a probe into MARTA as early voting begins, adding pressure to the agency amid public safety and political scrutiny. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show spotty but notable price lows across Georgia counties for regular, midgrade, premium, and diesel—useful for drivers as statewide averages remain volatile. Education Snapshot: Georgia Department of Education enrollment updates show shifting student demographics at individual schools, alongside continued focus on chronic absenteeism. Sports (Georgia Ties): Georgia baseball advanced in the Athens Super Regional, ending Mississippi State’s season and sending the Bulldogs to the College World Series.

Federal Transit Probe: The U.S. Federal Transit Administration opened an investigation into MARTA’s spending and safety protocols after recent violent incidents on MARTA property, as early voting ramps up in Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett ahead of Georgia’s June 16 runoffs. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show spotty, county-by-county fuel bargains across Georgia, including Jackson County’s lowest premium at $4.47 (week ending May 30) and Dade County’s lowest regular at $3.39, while statewide averages remain elevated amid ongoing oil-market volatility. Health & Community: The Atlanta Hawks and Kaiser Permanente held the second annual “Real Talk, Real Strength” Men of Color Health Summit at State Farm Arena, focusing on mental health and whole-person wellness for more than 90 men of color. Education Data: New Georgia Department of Education enrollment snapshots highlight demographic shifts at individual schools, including Appling Middle School’s 603 African American students for 2024-25 and Lyman Hall Elementary’s 7 African American students (1%)—all against a backdrop of chronic absenteeism still affecting 20.7% of students statewide. Politics & Redistricting: A national redistricting fight is expected to spill into statehouses and city councils, with Georgia’s GOP-led Legislature set to convene a special session June 17 to redraw districts for 2028 elections.

Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show Stevens Park Health and Rehabilitation in Augusta (nonprofit) held a 5-star overall rating in Q1 2026, while Macon Rehabilitation and Healthcare (for-profit) landed at 2 stars with fines and penalties, and Roselane Health Center by Harborview (for-profit) and Fountain Blue Rehab and Nursing (for-profit) both scored 1 star—each with reported fines and penalties. Redistricting Fight: A national redistricting push is moving from Congress into statehouses and local races, with Georgia’s GOP-led Legislature set to convene June 17 for a special session that could redraw congressional, state House and Senate districts for 2028. Immigration Detention: Immigration advocates say closing Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE detention center is the only answer, but federal officials insist it will not close, citing its role in moving detainees. Health & Policy: New research links GLP-1-based meds to fewer serious heart events and fewer emergency visits for adults with obesity plus autoimmune disease. Local Impact: Residents in Riverdale say a broken trash compactor in their HOA has left overflowing garbage for months, turning the neighborhood into a health hazard. World Cup Buzz: With the 2026 tournament starting soon across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, coverage highlights the travel strain and heat/humidity challenges for teams and fans.

Education & Enrollment: Valdosta Middle School reported 124 white students for 2024-25, down 11.4%, while Awtrey Middle School counted 130 Hispanic students (down 8.5%) and Lyman Hall Elementary logged 64 multiracial students (down 12.3%), as Georgia continues to wrestle with chronic absenteeism—20.7% of students missed 10%+ of school days in 2024. Federal Funding Fight: The U.S. House advanced a bill cutting $200 million from WIC, a program that provides food support for pregnant women and young children, with critics warning the cuts would sharply reduce fruit-and-vegetable benefits. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy’s latest week ending May 30 showed bargain pockets across Georgia, including premium at $4.07 in Dade County, regular as low as $3.49 in Murray County, and E85 at $3.37 in Cherokee County. Politics & Power: A Georgia Senate runoff race is drawing scrutiny over contract influence, with a report framing the contest as a high-stakes fight for state business. World Cup Safety in Atlanta: Pride House and Atlanta’s All Stripes are teaming up to help LGBTQ+ visitors feel safer during World Cup events.

D-Day Remembrance: Twenty-seven surviving World War II veterans from Georgia flew from Atlanta to Normandy to honor those who didn’t return, with a terminal sendoff featuring the Dutchtown High School Marching Band and Delta/Best Defense Foundation coordination. Nursing Home Ownership: CMS records show Pruitthealth – Valdosta, LLC is owned by United Health Services of Georgia, Inc., while Mesun Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lawrenceville is owned by Eugene Kim and Hanson Kim—both reported CMS ratings below the state average. Data Center Water Push: Google announced a $1 million wetlands restoration donation in South Georgia’s Flint River Wildlife Management Area, as lawmakers and voters continue to debate data center impacts. Privacy Fight: Georgia lawmakers are among those proposing guardrails on license plate camera data sharing, as privacy advocates warn the systems can track people across jurisdictions. Local Politics: Early voting for Georgia’s primary runoffs starts June 6 and runs through June 12, with Election Day set for June 16. Historic Artifacts: Savannah’s History Museum welcomed 17 Revolutionary War cannons recovered from the Savannah River, timed for the America’s 250th celebration.

GOP Governor Runoff Fight: A company tied to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and his family filed a $100 million libel lawsuit against billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson, accusing his campaign of falsely portraying the business as profiting from illegal activity as both men head to Georgia’s Republican nomination runoff. Voting Access: Georgia’s election board heard a pitch from an anti-voting activist promoting ELLY, a voter fraud hunting tool critics say relies on unreliable data that could wrongly flag eligible voters for removal. Federal Surveillance: The U.S. Senate blocked renewing a key warrantless foreign surveillance program, setting up a June 12 expiration unless lawmakers act again next week. Education Funding: Madison County students have received nearly $54 million in lottery-backed support since 1994, including HOPE Scholarship and Georgia Pre-K dollars. School Enrollment Snapshots: Multiple Georgia schools reported 2024-25 enrollment counts, including McCall Primary (86 African American students), Cartersville Elementary (6 Asian students), and McDonough Middle (694 African American students). Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Georgia’s average regular price at $3.87 for the week ending May 30, with local lows like $3.68 in Henry County and $3.87 in Lanier County. Health Care Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced a state-federal partnership starting in Ohio and expanding to other states, including Georgia, to target health care and consumer fraud.

World Cup & Local Events: Decatur’s Amplify Decatur Music Festival returns Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7, with Americana shows across town and a Saturday ticketed lineup featuring Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Patterson Hood, and Kyshona. State Politics: Georgia Rep. Lydia Glaize was named a delegate to the SREB’s 75th legislative work conference in Charlotte, focusing on education workforce and early learning. Public Safety: Georgia anti-trafficking groups are ramping up World Cup-era warnings in Atlanta, including billboards urging people to report suspected trafficking and discouraging direct intervention. Health & Care: CMS data shows several Georgia nursing homes with low one-star ratings; Marietta Center for Nursing and Healing (Cobb County) also reported fines in Q1 2026. Law Enforcement: The FBI launched a new Most Wanted Fraudsters list featuring Georgia fugitive Christopher W. Burns, accused in a mail fraud scheme tied to at least $10 million. Environment: Georgia wildlife officials warn about an invasive Argentine black-and-white tegu spreading in Toombs and Tattnall counties.

MARTA Safety Probe: Federal investigators are reviewing MARTA security and safety spending after two stabbings, including a fatal attack near downtown, as the agency prepares for World Cup crowds. Election Records Fight: The DOJ hired a voting lawyer with past work on efforts to overturn the 2020 election and who also represented George Floyd’s killer, as the department pushes for Georgia’s unredacted statewide voter registration records. Fake Elector Case Setback: Arizona’s Supreme Court rejected a prosecutor appeal in the “fake electors” matter, sending the case back to a grand jury and extending uncertainty for the prosecution. Wildfire Response Bill: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff joined other senators to push a Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act aimed at speeding federal response times, including a 30-minute standard on federal land. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported one of the lowest regular prices in Georgia at $3.69 in Evans County for the week ending May 30, with statewide averages still volatile. Georgia Business & Culture: Buc-ee’s cleared a step toward a second Ohio location; in Georgia, a Dacula contractor is marketing full-service kitchen, bath and basement remodels, while Georgian wine producers promoted their wines in Vienna, Chicago and Miami.

Metro Atlanta Voting Lawsuit: DeKalb County DA Sherry Boston is suing to block Georgia’s HB 369, which would strip party labels from certain metro ballots and make several local races nonpartisan starting in 2028, arguing the state violated the constitution’s uniformity rules. MARTA Safety Concerns: Riders are raising alarm after recent attacks on MARTA as the World Cup nears, with calls for more visible police presence and stronger prevention. State Politics & Contracts: More than 35 lawmakers are demanding Gov. Brian Kemp launch an independent investigation into school safety contractor Centegix, alleging a pay-to-play scheme tied to Derek Dooley. Gas Prices: Georgia drivers are seeing higher prices after Kemp let the gas tax suspension expire, restoring about 30 cents per gallon. Jobs & Industry: Gov. Kemp announced ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will open its North American HQ in Macon-Bibb and add 70 jobs, with a possible expansion. Workforce Impact: Constellium Automotive USA in White plans mass layoffs, cutting 57 of 99 jobs. Health & Research: A new study highlights HIV prevention gaps across Southern counties, including Georgia. Sports: A Georgia Tech PhD student won his first WSOP cash and took a $346K bracelet in a $1,500 event.

Metro Atlanta Elections Fight: DeKalb DA Sherry Boston and other metro Atlanta district attorneys sued over HB 369, arguing Georgia’s new law makes most county races nonpartisan starting in 2028 and is unconstitutional. World Cup & Federal Cooperation: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the FIFA World Cup could boost cooperation with sanctuary cities, pointing to existing coordination in host cities. Georgia Inmate Manhunt: Federal authorities are still searching for Arthur Cofield, a Georgia inmate who escaped a minimum-security camp near Jesup while serving a 135-month fraud sentence. Savannah Revolutionary Relics: The Savannah History Museum welcomed 17 cannons believed to have sunk in the Savannah River during the American Revolution, with a display timed for July 4 and America’s 250th. Data Centers & Water: Google announced new water stewardship commitments, including $17 million for projects meant to protect local water supplies where it operates. Education Snapshot: Meadowcreek Elementary in Gwinnett reported 754 students in 2024-25, with Asian enrollment down to 3%. Sports Honors: Lambert High’s Grace Lee and Lakeside-Evans’ Hamilton Coleman were named player of the year by the Georgia High School Golf Coaches Association.

Gas Tax End Nears: Georgia’s temporary state gas tax suspension is set to expire at 11:59 p.m., with drivers warning prices could jump about 33 cents a gallon since Gov. Brian Kemp says he won’t extend the break. State Politics: NBC News projects Keisha Lance Bottoms will advance in Georgia’s governor runoff, while national coverage also highlights GOP Senate primary results and Trump’s influence in other states. Local Business & Jobs: Kia has started mass production of the Sportage Hybrid at Hyundai’s Metaplant in Ellabell, with Gov. Kemp attending and the company aiming to boost Georgia’s annual output. Healthcare & Caregiving: A Georgia teacher who lost a leg in a crash says she’s giving back by donating blood amid ongoing shortages. Public Safety & Services: FirstNet and AT&T are preparing to keep metro Atlanta first responders connected during the FIFA World Cup. Education: Carrollton City Schools approved leadership changes, including a new high school principal and middle school principal. Environment: Haralson County residents report black bear sightings, with wildlife officials saying bears may wander through the area.