AGP Executive Report

Georgia Runoff Politics: Lt. Gov. hopefuls Burt Jones and Rick Jackson traded barbs after Jackson skipped an Atlanta Press Club debate, with Jones leaning hard on an “empty podium” contrast as the June 16 runoff nears. State Senate Leadership: In the GOP lieutenant governor race, candidates Greg Dolezal and John F. Kennedy Jr. sharpened attacks over taxes and leadership style, including Dolezal’s push to eliminate Georgia’s income tax by cutting “crony” giveaways. Election Administration: Secretary of State runoff candidates debated how Georgia should count votes, including the future of QR-code ballots and hand-marked paper options, with early voting set to start June 8. Gas Tax Relief Ends: Kemp confirmed Georgia’s 33-cent gas tax suspension expires Tuesday night, meaning prices rise again at the pump. Public Safety Tech: Georgia will pilot drone-based active-shooter response in five schools this fall, funded in the 2026 budget. Economic Development: Kemp announced ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will open a Macon-Bibb North American headquarters, targeting 100+ jobs and $100M+ investment. Higher Education/Workforce: A federal student-aid proposal could cut Pell and loans for some trade programs, putting Atlanta-area cosmetology and massage schools at risk.

Runoff Politics: Democrats Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms are campaigning together at Atlanta’s Tabernacle, framing the GOP Senate and governor runoffs as part of the same MAGA agenda. State Politics: State Sen. Greg Dolezal discussed the lieutenant governor runoff and argued Georgia’s data-center tax abatement needs a “balance,” while also pushing concerns about literacy and middle-class squeeze. Economic Development: Gov. Brian Kemp announced ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will open its North American HQ and a Macon-Bibb manufacturing facility, with about $57M investment and up to 70 jobs, plus potential expansion. Courts & Governance: Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Brian Rickman is stepping down mid-term, creating a second vacancy for Kemp to fill. Health Care: About 19 rural Georgia hospitals can apply for a new $25M federal grant program aimed at keeping essential services open. Legal/Consumer Watch: A new report digs into Georgia’s injury-lawyer ecosystem and how secrecy and referral networks can drive payouts. World Cup/Heat: FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny over whether it’s doing enough to protect players from extreme heat.

Federal Courts/DOJ vs. Georgia Election Records: The Justice Department asked a judge overseeing Georgia voter-rolls litigation to recuse herself, citing alleged ties to Fulton County DA Fani Willis—another twist in the long-running fight over access to statewide election records. U.S. Senate Campaign: Sen. Jon Ossoff rallied about 1,500 supporters at Atlanta’s Tabernacle, hitting Trump and Georgia Republicans while teaming with gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms ahead of the closely watched Senate race. State Politics/Health Policy: Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB 220, expanding Georgia’s medical cannabis program effective July 1 by broadening qualifying conditions, adding product options, and allowing earlier access. Immigration/Local Lawsuit: Social Circle is challenging a proposed ICE “megacenter” in federal court, arguing it would violate Georgia’s public nuisance law and strain local water, sewage, police, and EMS. Voting Access/USPS Rules: Votebeat reports proposed Postal Service rules tied to a Trump mail-ballot order could require states to share voter lists and give the agency new power to block or refuse ballots.

Georgia Runoff Watch: Georgia voters head toward primary runoffs as early voting approaches, with Democrats largely settled after Keisha Lance Bottoms’ outright win and Republicans still locked in high-dollar races—Bert Jones vs. Rick Jackson for governor and Mike Collins vs. Derek Dooley for Senate, with Kemp backing Dooley and Collins facing campaign controversy. Election Administration: Georgia officials kicked off an audit of May’s election, while DOJ moves to seek recusal of a judge tied to a Georgia voter records case. Immigration & Local Legal Fight: A small Georgia town, Social Circle, is challenging the Trump administration’s plan to turn a warehouse into a major ICE detention “megacenter,” arguing the government skipped required environmental review and violated federal decision-making rules. Public Safety Data: Screven County saw no change in the number of registered sex offenders in April, with 75 listed statewide. Federal Policy Clash: A federal judge paused an expanded red snapper season that would have affected Georgia and other states, putting anglers and state management plans on hold. Sports (Georgia-hosted): NCAA rowing championships at Lake Lanier in Gainesville highlighted Georgia as a major events hub, with UVA and other teams posting strong finishes.

Georgia Election Courts: The DOJ is asking Atlanta federal Judge Eleanor Ross to step aside from a Georgia election-records fight, citing her attendance at a partisan Fani Willis event—while broader misconduct allegations around Ross continue to swirl. Democratic Governor Race: Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor, signaling early metro-Atlanta support as Bottoms heads into the statewide campaign. Ebola Screening at Georgia Airports: CDC expanded enhanced Ebola passenger screenings to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for travelers arriving from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda ahead of the World Cup travel surge. Georgia Politics & Power: A separate Georgia judge-misconduct story also resurfaced this week, keeping attention on ethics and accountability in the state’s courts. National Politics: Trump backed South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in a GOP governor primary after she supported the push to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Election Law Fight: The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls of alleged noncitizens closer to elections, a move voting-rights groups warn could disenfranchise eligible Georgians and others. DOJ vs. Georgia Courts: In the Georgia voter-rolls case, the Justice Department is seeking the recusal of Judge Eleanor Ross, pointing to her attendance at a political event tied to Fulton County DA Fani Willis. Runoff Politics: Early voting for Georgia’s June 16 Democratic runoff begins June 6, with lieutenant governor and other local races on the ballot. Statehouse Budget Politics: A look at Georgia’s budget shows line-item cuts that also hit feral hog programs, raising questions about how lawmakers handle “pork” versus public priorities. Public Health & Travel: Ebola screening and travel restrictions tied to the World Cup are expanding, including at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson. Local Courts & Ethics: An Atlanta federal judge faces a misconduct investigation after reports of an affair with an Atlanta police commander in chambers.

Online Kids Safety Push: Georgia AG Chris Carr joined a bipartisan push for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, backing a “Duty of Care” approach for minors while warning the House bill would weaken state enforcement and shield Big Tech. Election Integrity Personnel: The Georgia State Election Board hired Jason Frazier, an election denier and anti-voting activist, as an investigator—renewing concerns about how the state reviews election challenges. Ebola Screening Expands: CDC expanded Ebola “public health entry screening” to JFK, joining Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and other major hubs, with travelers from affected African countries rerouted to the designated airports. Georgia Runoff Politics: U.S. Rep. Mike Collins fired an aide over a controversial social media post tied to the Georgia Senate runoff against Derek Dooley. Local Federal Funding: A federal spending package is sending earmark dollars to Georgia health providers, including upgrades at Emory Decatur Hospital and CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia. Courts Under Scrutiny: A federal judge in the 11th Circuit received a private reprimand after an investigation found an affair with a police officer, including sex in chambers during business hours.

Georgia Politics & Courts: An Atlanta-area federal judge was kept on the bench after a misconduct investigation found an affair with a police officer, including sex in her chambers during business hours, followed by initial denials and a later private reprimand. Elections & Power: A new AP look at Kentucky’s GOP primary shows how Trump’s influence can quickly knock out long-time critics, a reminder of how Georgia’s own runoff politics could play out. Federal Policy & Telecom: The 11th Circuit rejected a “significant gap” standard for wireless permit denials, saying one denied application alone doesn’t amount to “effective prohibition,” reshaping expectations for carriers in Georgia and the region. Public Health & Security: The U.S. expanded Ebola screening rules tied to World Cup travel, including enhanced checks at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson for travelers from affected countries. Local Sports: The Braves keep rolling with a best-in-MLB pace as they open a series vs. the Reds. Education Spotlight: A Georgia speller, Sarv Dharavane of DeKalb, finished third at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Georgia Runoff Politics: Rep. Mike Collins made his case at Decoy in Gainesville ahead of Georgia’s Senate runoff, attacking Sen. Jon Ossoff as out of touch and arguing for ending the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act. Election Integrity & GOP Scrutiny: A report says Collins’ campaign inaccurately listed endorsements, with some local officials saying they asked to be removed. Public Safety & Health: The CDC and federal partners expanded Ebola entry screening to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and other major airports, while the State Department updated its “Worldwide Caution” alert for travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. State Government & Kids Online: AG Chris Carr joined a bipartisan push for stronger online protections for children, backing Senate KOSA-style guardrails and warning against a House bill that could weaken state enforcement. Local Disaster Aid: SBA opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center for wildfire-impacted Brantley County and nearby counties. Sports (Georgia): The Braves lost to the Red Sox 8-0 at Fenway, snapping a Braves skid.

Ebola Response: The WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC is worsening, and multiple governments are tightening travel—Congolese officials suspended flights to Bunia, Uganda halted direct flights and paused border crossings, and the U.S. is expanding airport screening with Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson now in the mix. White House Plan: President Trump’s team is reportedly preparing to send Americans exposed to Ebola abroad to a temporary Kenya facility for quarantine and treatment rather than evacuating them to the U.S., raising questions about where care would be provided. Georgia Politics: A Georgia GOP secretary of state candidate, Vernon Jones, says he’d make voters’ private information public if elected. Runoff Watch: The Atlanta Press Club will host livestreamed debates for key Georgia runoff races Sunday and Monday. AI Guardrails: Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 540 creating safeguards for minors using AI, including limits on sexual content and requirements for crisis resources. Public Health Access: Georgia pharmacists can prescribe HIV prevention meds starting July 1 under a new state law. Sports/Local: The Hawks extended and promoted Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations. Scripps Bee: A Georgia speller, Sarv Dharavane of Dunwoody, advanced to the finals.

Ebola Response in Georgia: The CDC is expanding Ebola screening to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the outbreak worsens in Central Africa, with the White House also confirming Americans exposed to Ebola will be sent to a Kenya facility for observation and care. Voting Rights & Redistricting: Georgia members of the Congressional Black Caucus are urging major companies to oppose GOP redistricting efforts, arguing the moves will “silence Black voices” after a Supreme Court decision weakened the Voting Rights Act; Georgia’s special session to redraw maps is set to begin June 17. Georgia Governor Runoff: The GOP governor’s race heads to a June 16 runoff between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare CEO Rick Jackson, with endorsements and debate timing becoming part of the fight as they line up against Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms. Tech Accountability in Georgia: Sen. Jon Ossoff’s REPORT Act is credited with a major jump in online child predator reporting, and a Georgia-related update highlights the law’s push for faster, more complete reporting to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Scripps National Spelling Bee: Two Georgia spellers advanced to the semifinals in Washington, including Dunwoody’s Sarv Dharavane and Columbia County’s Sreeya Lakkimsetti.

Ebola Screening Expands in Georgia: The CDC is adding Hartsfield-Jackson to enhanced Ebola screening for travelers tied to Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan, with procedures kicking in as the federal arrival restrictions shift to Washington-Dulles for some flights. State Politics: Georgia’s runoff season keeps heating up as endorsements roll in—Stacey Abrams backs Sen. Josh McLaurin for lieutenant governor, while AG Chris Carr supports Rick Jackson in the GOP governor runoff. College Sports: Kirby Smart says the SEC should be ready to govern itself if NIL rules can’t be fixed nationally. Local Government Watch: Sandy Springs is projecting $140.5M in general fund revenue for 2027, with a budget workshop schedule set for late May and public hearings in June. Sports: The Braves edged the Red Sox 7-6, and the U.S. World Cup roster includes Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan, with the team beginning prep in Georgia.

Ebola Escalation: The International Rescue Committee warns the Congo outbreak is at risk of becoming “the deadliest on record,” as conflict, rapid spread, and funding cuts threaten to outpace response efforts. U.S. Travel Crackdown: New federal rules send certain travelers who recently visited the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan to enhanced screening at just three airports—Atlanta, Washington Dulles, and Houston—starting Tuesday night. World Cup Disruption: The DRC has asked FIFA for World Cup ticket refunds after Ebola-related travel limits threaten fans’ ability to enter the U.S., even as FIFA confirms base camps across North America. Georgia Politics: In a separate Georgia headline, U.S. Senate hopeful Mike Collins fired a top aide after an insensitive X post mocked a rape-accusation case; Collins apologized and said staffing changes were made. WNBA Watch: The Atlanta Dream jumped to No. 1 in ESPN’s power rankings after two wins, while the Liberty slid after injuries and a home skid.

Ebola Screening at Hartsfield-Jackson: Atlanta’s airport has started mandatory Ebola health checks for some arriving travelers, with CDC-led temperature monitoring and questionnaires, and follow-up monitoring if cleared. Local Crime & Courts: Cherokee County arrested former “Chrisley Knows Best” star Lindsie Chrisley on DUI and attempting to elude, plus reckless driving and speeding. Immigration Policy: A new USCIS memo says people applying for green cards generally must return home for adjustment of status, with exceptions only in “extraordinary circumstances.” Sports & Georgia Ties: The Braves’ momentum took a hit over the weekend with a Nationals blowout, while Georgia’s Domani Jackson gets a vote of confidence from ex-Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Food & Health: A dog food recall expanded over possible listeria contamination. World Cup Logistics: FIFA finalized 2026 base camps, with multiple teams set up across the U.S., including Kansas City.

NCAA Baseball Bracket Drops: The 2026 men’s field of 64 is set, with UCLA earning the No. 1 overall seed and Georgia Tech (No. 2) plus Georgia (No. 3) positioned as top threats as regionals begin Friday. Georgia GOP Senate Chaos: Rep. Mike Collins’ campaign is reeling after an offensive tweet from a Collins account triggered the firing of a top aide, just as he heads into a runoff with Derek Dooley. Foreign Policy Spotlight: A U.S. State Department delegation met with Georgian opposition leaders, underscoring continued American attention on Georgia’s political direction. Public Safety Watch: Investigators are looking into a massive fish kill stretching about 20 miles along the Chattahoochee River. Traffic Tech for Speeders: Georgia is moving toward “Intelligent Speed Assistance” for convicted super speeders and reckless drivers starting in 2028. Memorial Day: The holiday’s Civil War-era roots and modern federal observance are back in focus today.

Ebola Watch at Hartsfield-Jackson: The CDC is ramping up enhanced Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport for travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, expanding protocols that started earlier this week at Washington Dulles. Braves vs. Nationals: Washington’s Foster Griffin shut Atlanta down for six scoreless innings, then held on for a 2-1 win in a rain-slowed finale that handed the Braves their first home series loss of the season. Injury Update (Nationals): Right-hander Jake Irvin was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain after an MRI showed it’s “just a strain,” and the Nationals recalled PJ Poulin. Georgia Politics: Sen. Jon Ossoff’s team opened a new DeKalb field office as Democrats gear up for the 2026 push. Sports (WNBA): Natisha Hiedeman tied her career high with 24 as the Seattle Storm beat the Mystics 97-85, with Georgia’s players featuring prominently.