AGP Executive Report

FBI & Elections: An internal memo says the FBI is sending about 260 intelligence analysts to Georgia to review Fulton County’s 2020 election records, a move critics say could intimidate election workers and blur state authority. Medical Cannabis: Georgia’s “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” took effect July 1, expanding patient access and updating the program’s rules beyond the old “low THC oil” framework. Public Health: A parasite causing explosive diarrhea has spread across 17 states, with Michigan cases surging, raising alarms as the Fourth of July weekend approaches. Unclaimed Property: Georgia lawmakers expanded how residents can get money back from unclaimed property, including cash payments without a claim in some cases and easier heir access. SNAP & Schools: Georgia reported SNAP payment errors and chronic absenteeism concerns, while new school attendance rules are reshaping how districts handle absences. Heat & Safety: Extreme heat advisories are affecting holiday plans across the eastern U.S., with Georgia officials urging residents to stay safe. Local Business/Community: SBA disaster loans remain available for wildfire-impacted Georgia counties, and metro Atlanta cities are rolling out America 250 Fourth of July fireworks and events.

Georgia Senate watch: A Fox News poll (June 23-27, 1,002 voters) shows Sen. Jon Ossoff leading Republican Mike Collins in Georgia’s U.S. Senate race, with Ossoff at 56% (3-point margin of error). Public safety & health: The CDC is tracking rising cyclosporiasis cases nationwide, including in Tennessee, with symptoms tied to “explosive” diarrhea and ongoing investigation into sources. Local law enforcement shakeup: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested suspended Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson on charges including theft by deception and violations of oath of office, after an audit flagged a check from the sheriff’s office account. Medical marijuana expansion: Georgia’s “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” (SB 220) took effect, removing the 5% THC limit, adding new qualifying conditions, and allowing vaporized medical cannabis products. Fourth of July planning: Georgia fireworks rules allow most consumer fireworks until 11:59 p.m. (with some strict no-fireworks zones near utilities, hospitals, and certain public property).

Georgia Politics & Policy: New Georgia construction rules take effect July 1, reshaping specialty contractor licensing and private-provider inspection and land-disturbance permit review, plus changes for certain public roofing contracts. Elections & Voting: A new analysis ranks midterm Senate election states by “integrity,” arguing for stricter citizenship proof, photo ID, and limits on early voting and ballot harvesting. Public Safety (Heat): North Georgia is under another heat advisory, with heat index readings around 106–107 degrees in parts of the metro and surrounding counties, plus a risk of scattered thunderstorms. Health & Business: Xeltis says it has reached 50% enrollment in its U.S. pivotal trial for aXess, a hemodialysis vascular access implant. Sports & Community: Georgia’s World Cup tourism push continues with a state exhibit at the Georgia World Congress Center aimed at showing visitors more than Atlanta. International: Iran is on high alert ahead of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s multi-day funeral, with authorities expecting 15–20 million mourners.

Georgia Medical Cannabis: New “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” changes took effect July 1, expanding access by removing the old 5% THC potency cap and shifting to a milligram system, plus easing annual certification for certain patients. Public Safety Leadership: The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles named Joyette Holmes and Wayne Bennett to lead for a second year starting July 1. Criminal Justice: A metro Atlanta drug case tied to a Mexico-based operation landed another plea—federal prosecutors say more than 170 pounds of cocaine moved into Georgia via tractor-trailers. Elections & Voting Rights: Advocates warn new voting laws and election disputes could suppress turnout ahead of midterms, pointing to recent Supreme Court-driven map changes across the South. World Cup in Atlanta: Harry Kane scored twice late to send England past DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32, setting up a trip to Mexico next. America 250 in Georgia: Georgia Archives highlighted key Declaration of Independence records and other early freedom documents ahead of the 250th anniversary.

Georgia Politics & Health: A new DOJ lawsuit targets New York’s Medicaid fraud practices, reigniting questions about how states contract out programs like CDPAP—an issue that also drew scrutiny in Georgia after Alpharetta-based Public Partnerships LLC was tapped as a sole broker. State Government & Elections: Georgia lawmakers dialed back a QR-code ballot change by limiting hand recounts to the governor or lieutenant governor race, only when margins are tight, while keeping QR codes in place through 2028. New Laws Taking Effect: July 1 brings fresh Georgia rules affecting consumer transactions, senior-services referral disclosures, and local building inspection timelines, among other areas. Public Safety: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced a prison sentence for a Chatham County gang member tied to aggravated assault and armed robbery/carjacking. Heat & Community Response: A heat advisory is back across much of Georgia, with Atlanta opening a cooling center to help residents beat dangerous temperatures. World Cup in Atlanta: England and DR Congo are set for the Round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with fans packing in despite the heat.

Medical Cannabis Expansion: Georgia’s medical cannabis law takes effect July 1, letting dispensaries sell vape products to patients with state cards, including flower, cartridges and disposables at shops like Fine Fettle in Decatur. Local Government & Accountability: A recall petition application has been filed against Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch, with election officials confirming it meets initial signature requirements and moving into verification. U.S. Supreme Court Impact: The Supreme Court rejected Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship via executive order, a decision that Georgia Rep. Clay Fuller called for Congress to respond to with a constitutional amendment. Sports & Community Pride: Georgia Tech baseball coach James Ramsey was named ABCA Southeast Regional Coach of the Year after a 50-win season and ACC titles. Public Safety: Fireworks experts warn Georgians to prepare for July 4 amid dangerous heat, stressing water nearby and fully extinguishing fireworks. SNAP Costs Watch: New federal SNAP payment rules could force many states to repay millions, raising concerns for Georgia’s budget planning.

SNAP Costs in the Spotlight: Georgia’s SNAP payment error rate hit 15.2%, one of the highest in the country, and new federal rules could shift more administrative costs to the state if errors don’t drop. State Politics: The Georgia Senate is back to full capacity after Democrat Adrienne White Carden was sworn in for the 7th District seat, setting up the Nov. 3 general election matchup. Universal Pre-K Pressure: A Georgia Recorder report says some counties are serving fewer than half of 4-year-olds in state-funded pre-K, fueling calls to expand access—something Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms says she’ll tackle. Public Safety Leadership: The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles re-elected Joyette Holmes and Wayne Bennett to lead for another year starting July 1. Local Sports: UGA catcher Daniel Jackson won the 2026 Golden Spikes Award after a standout season that included SEC Triple Crown numbers.

Law Enforcement Accountability: Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson for 60 days, one day after ordering a committee to investigate misconduct in office; the governor said the new allegations are separate from Henderson’s earlier criminal case. State Politics: Georgia’s GOP primary for U.S. Senate is set after Mike Collins won the runoff and will face Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. Federal Reserve Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Fed Gov. Lisa Cook to stay on the board for now, blocking Trump’s bid to remove her while other agency firings were upheld. Public Safety: Georgia’s sheriff suspension story is part of a broader misconduct crackdown, while a separate DOJ initiative is described as targeting political groups using prosecutors with organized-crime and terrorism experience. Local Economy & Growth: Kemp announced $7.8 million in Rural Site Development Initiative grants for 10 projects statewide. Community & Culture: Fun Spot America’s Fayetteville park will close permanently after nearly 36 years, with a final day set for Aug. 2. America 250: Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are rolling out Independence Day events statewide tied to the 250th anniversary.

Universal Pre-K Pressure: Georgia’s state-funded pre-K promise is falling short in parts of the state, with fewer than half of 4-year-olds served in some counties, and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms pitching a plan to expand access using casino gambling revenue. Campaign Trail: Ossoff and Bottoms held a joint “United for Georgia” rally in Savannah, leaning into unity messaging as they target GOP rivals ahead of the fall. Public Safety & Courts: A fugitive pharmacist arrested in Georgia after 11 years pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the IRS, tied to alleged diversion of pharmacy proceeds. Community Relief: Lilburn volunteers packed truckloads of supplies for Venezuela earthquake victims, with donations routed through Miami for delivery. Sports (Georgia ties): Georgia’s own Le’Ezra Brown earned a major mark at the USATF U20 Championships, and the Bulldogs’ special teams preview highlighted key returners like kicker Peyton Woodring. World Cup Travel Costs: England fans weighing the expense of following the team, with Atlanta on the knockout schedule against DR Congo.

Georgia Politics: Gov. Brian Kemp ordered a fresh investigation into suspended Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson after new misconduct allegations surfaced, with a committee led by AG Chris Carr and two other sheriffs tasked to report back within 30 days. Elections & Voting Rights: A new push by President Trump’s administration to change election rules is hitting repeated setbacks in courts and with Republican senators, raising fresh uncertainty for state election officials and voters heading into early voting. Democrats in Georgia: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms held a Savannah rally touting unity and focusing on healthcare affordability, the economy, and voting rights. World Cup in Georgia: England’s knockout opener is set for Atlanta Wednesday against DR Congo, but coach Thomas Tuchel says right-back depth is in trouble after injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah. Local Community & Culture: The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation awarded $165,000 in grants to 18 historic sites statewide, including projects in Atlanta, Augusta, and Pine Mountain.

Public Health & World Cup Readiness: Atlanta is weighing Ebola fears as a new strain spreads in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Emory Healthcare highlighting its biocontainment capacity after earlier Ebola treatment in 2014. World Cup Knockout Picture (Atlanta): England booked the last 32 and will face DR Congo in Atlanta on July 1, after DR Congo stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 to qualify for the first time. Elections & Voting Rights (Georgia): U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Sen. Mazie Hirono pushed the Right to Vote Act, aiming to strengthen federal voting protections after the Shelby County v. Holder decision. Local Politics (Georgia): Georgia Democrats and Ossoff supporters rallied in Savannah ahead of November, targeting GOP opponents while stressing affordability and unity. Community & Sports: Dalton’s “Soccer Town Celebration” honored the Coahulla Creek Lady Colts and Dalton Catamounts for state success. America 250 Spotlight: Coca-Cola kicked off a yearlong America250 push with limited-edition packaging tied to each state, including Georgia’s peach.

DEI crackdown in Georgia schools: A watchdog report says City Schools of Decatur spent millions on race-focused training and DEI initiatives from 2017-2024, then allegedly scrubbed its website and altered policies when federal scrutiny loomed. Georgia election rules: Lawmakers moved to keep QR code voting machines for the November midterms after delays to a fix, while also advancing a hand-recount bill with changes. Public health readiness: Atlanta officials say the city is prepared for infectious-disease threats during World Cup crowds, pointing to past Ebola response capacity. Education demographics: New state data show Wauka Mountain Elementary in Hall County enrolled 21 multiracial students in 2024-25, and chronic absenteeism remains a statewide concern. Local community events: Bulloch County’s “Battle of the Badges” blood drive is set for June 30 in Statesboro. Summer travel and weather: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a new area off the Southeast coast, while forecasters warn a July 4 heat dome could push dangerous temperatures across Georgia and much of the East.

Elections & Voting Rules: Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill delaying Georgia’s July 1 ban on QR codes in voting machines until Jan. 1, 2028, while also requiring hand recounts for the top two statewide races if results fall within a 0.5% margin—an effort lawmakers say buys time to redesign election procedures, but critics call rushed and flawed. State Politics: House Republicans are pushing a new wave of local property tax measures during a special session, aiming to let communities raise sales taxes to offset homeowners’ property bills; Democrats have blocked the moves so far, arguing it shifts costs onto lower-income Georgians. Federal Justice: The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Todd Eric Sisk, 48, of Baxley on federal child exploitation charges, and is seeking tips from anyone who may have had contact with him. Public Safety: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced convictions tied to the PDE gang in DeKalb County, including weapon offenses, as part of ongoing gang prosecution efforts. World Cup & Georgia Connections: Iran’s World Cup run remains strained by logistics and visa denials, with the team’s base camp moved to Mexico; meanwhile, Georgia’s Dunwoody marked America’s 250th with a weeklong celebration starting June 30.

Georgia Politics: Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson is pushing beyond GOP-only messaging with a first general-election stop in deep-blue DeKalb, arguing he’ll represent both parties and not treat politics as a “God sent Jesus” mission. Elections & Voting Access: Georgia lawmakers delayed a fix to ballot QR-code scanning for midterms, keeping the current system in place while deadlines and court fights continue. Public Safety & Courts: A man accused of exposing himself in front of a child, teen and their mother faces charges, highlighting ongoing concerns about predatory behavior cases in the state. Economy & Travel: AAA projects record July 4 travel, with Georgia seeing a jump in flights during the holiday week as America’s 250th and World Cup add pressure on air travel. Community & Pride: Atlanta Pride named its 2026 Grand Marshals, spotlighting activism and LGBTQ+ leadership ahead of the Oct. 10–11 parade and festival. Agriculture: NASDA and USDA signed an MOU creating the American Farm Legacy 250 Program to recognize farm families shaping U.S. agriculture.

Supreme Court Roundup Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Bayer, blocking thousands of Roundup lawsuits that claimed the weedkiller failed to warn about cancer risks, a win for the Trump administration that could also affect similar pesticide claims. Metro Atlanta Road Work: Neighbors packed a meeting over the $1.2 billion I-285/I-20 West interchange overhaul, saying construction has disrupted driveways, sleep, and daily life even as GDOT promises congestion relief through 2030. Georgia Election Rules: Georgia lawmakers moved to keep QR code voting in place longer, while adding hand recount requirements for some races, as Democrats warn the changes could still trigger election problems. SNAP Cost Pressure: A new USDA look at SNAP payment errors shows some states could face billions in costs if they don’t reduce mistakes, raising stakes for Georgia and other high-error states. Public Safety Tech Debate: A Georgia-linked controversy over license plate reader surveillance continues to draw scrutiny as communities question how data is collected and shared. Local Events & Community: DeKalb approved a right-of-way exchange for the South River Trail, and Georgia’s Skunk Brigade brought Revolutionary War “Traveling Trunk” programs to Screven and Forsyth counties.

Child Safety & Prosecution: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced an indictment of Kevin Waldron, 46, of Blackshear, charging him with trafficking, statutory rape and sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old in Pierce County, with allegations that abuse was recorded and sold for money. Health Care Costs: A new push in Congress would cap out-of-pocket costs for people in traditional Medicare, reviving a long-running fight over why the program lacks a spending limit. SNAP Oversight: USDA says improper SNAP payments hit $10.1 billion in fiscal 2025, with Georgia’s error rate at 15.21%, raising the prospect of new federal penalties for high-error states. State Elections: Georgia lawmakers adjourned a short special session after delaying QR-code voting changes and postponing property-tax referendums, with election equipment decisions now likely to return later. Public Safety Tech: EPD installed its first Flock automatic license plate reader camera, with more planned, as local officials weigh faster policing against privacy concerns. Local Community Care: Comfort Keepers in Cumming and Canton is helping families understand long-term care insurance and VA in-home benefits, including outreach to veterans and caregivers.