AGP Executive Report

MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: The Federal Transit Administration opened an investigation into MARTA’s spending and safety protocols after recent stabbings, with MARTA given 15 days to respond as early voting ramps up in Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett ahead of Georgia’s June 16 runoffs. Georgia Gas Tax Fallout: Georgia’s gas tax suspension cost the state nearly $196.6 million in May net revenue, and the suspension ended Wednesday as prices rose about 33 cents per gallon; Kemp says there’s no plan to extend it. Redistricting Fight Goes Local: A national redistricting battle is poised to spread further, and Georgia’s Republican-led Legislature is set to convene June 17 for a special session that could redraw not just congressional seats but also state House and Senate districts. State Audit Red Flags: A watchdog report says Georgia failed to verify billions in federally-funded program spending, with auditors unable to issue an opinion due to missing support. Atlanta Dream Dominates: Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard powered the Dream to a 109-77 win over the Mystics, while Washington coach Sydney Johnson was ejected and escorted off the court by police after a heated exchange.

WNBA in Atlanta: The Atlanta Dream rolled past the Washington Mystics 109-77, with Angel Reese posting 18 points and 17 rebounds and Rhyne Howard adding 19 points and six steals. On-court chaos: Mystics coach Sydney Johnson was ejected after arguing with officials and was escorted off the court by police following two quick technical fouls. Next up: Washington hosts Indiana after the blowout. Politics & power shift: A national redistricting fight is poised to spread into Georgia’s state and local politics, with Georgia Republicans preparing a special session tied to 2028 district redraws. Swing-voter pressure point: A pollster says concerns about AI data centers are “flying under the radar” in Washington but showing up repeatedly in Georgia focus groups, especially over water and displacement. Local governance headache: Georgia homeowners in a Riverdale townhome community say a broken trash compactor system has left overflowing garbage for more than a decade, turning the neighborhood into a health hazard.

Georgia Runoff Politics: A new report says Gov. Brian Kemp and Senate candidate Derek Dooley are tied to a pay-to-play network involving school security contracts, as early voting ramps up ahead of the June 16 runoff. Food Aid Fight: The U.S. House advanced a bill cutting $200 million from WIC, a move that would slash fruit-and-vegetable benefits for millions of pregnant women and young children. Federal Courts/Impeachment: Rep. Clay Fuller says he’s moving to drop impeachment articles against U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross after allegations of misconduct and lying to investigators. MARTA & Public Safety: Federal investigators are looking into Atlanta’s MARTA after back-to-back stabbings, with questions about safety and oversight. World Cup in Georgia: Atlanta’s Pride House and All Stripes are teaming up to support LGBTQ+ safety during the tournament, as World Cup preparations continue across the U.S. Election Access: Early voting begins this weekend in some metro counties for Georgia’s primary runoffs, with more counties starting Monday.

MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: After two stabbings on Atlanta transit in a week, the Trump administration says it’s investigating MARTA’s safety and security plans, demanding data and an action plan from the Federal Transit Administration. Data Privacy Push: Georgia lawmakers are weighing guardrails to limit sharing of license plate camera data amid growing privacy concerns nationwide. Runoff Voting Dates: Early voting for Georgia primary runoffs starts June 6 and runs through June 12, with Election Day set for June 16. Coastal Zoning Fight: McIntosh County moves toward new limits on Sapelo Island home sizes in Hogg Hummock, capping houses at 1,800 square feet and 35 feet tall. Energy Costs Watch: A new map shows electricity prices rising fast in parts of the country, with Georgia in the mix as grid and demand pressures mount. World Cup Prep, Local Angle: Georgia’s World Cup schedule includes Spain vs. Cabo Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 15.

Gubernatorial Fight: Jones Petroleum sued Rick Jackson for at least $100 million in Fulton County, accusing his campaign of libel over claims the company runs an illegal casino tied to criminal activity—setting up a high-stakes GOP runoff battle. Voting Roll Purge Push: A right-wing activist with ties to Cleta Mitchell pitched Georgia’s election board on ELLY, a voter fraud hunting tool critics say relies on unreliable data and could wrongly flag eligible voters for removal. FISA Showdown: The U.S. Senate blocked extending Section 702 of FISA, with conservatives arguing it enables warrantless spying on Americans as the political fight over Trump’s acting DNI pick Bill Pulte swirls. MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: After fatal stabbings, federal investigators launched probes into MARTA’s safety and security spending and practices. Runoff Voting Dates: Early voting for Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs starts June 6 in parts of metro Atlanta and June 8 statewide, with election day June 16. Public Health: CDC data shows U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for the second straight year, including cases in Georgia. World Cup Prep: Health officials are ramping up outbreak prevention for the tournament’s massive, multi-city travel footprint.

MARTA Security Probe: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered a Federal Transit Administration investigation into MARTA after back-to-back stabbings, focusing on security spending, safety protocols, and rider risk; MARTA must turn over action plans within 15 days. State Politics: Georgia’s State Election Board saw a leadership shakeup as Janice Johnston resigned, with the GOP party naming Carolyn Roddy to fill her seat. Runoff Politics: Early voting for Georgia primary runoffs begins Saturday, with voters deciding key statewide races. Health & Privacy: RFK Jr. is pursuing access to Americans’ identifiable medical records via HHS state systems, reigniting fights over medical privacy and vaccine-related claims. Local Health Hazard: Residents in Clayton County say a broken trash compactor at a Riverdale subdivision has piled up garbage for years, creating ongoing health hazards. Sports (Atlanta): The Indiana Fever beat the Atlanta Dream 83-71 in the Commissioner’s Cup opener, with Kelsey Mitchell scoring 25.

MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: After two stabbings—including a fatal attack—federal officials launched an investigation into MARTA safety protocols and spending, just as the agency ramps up for World Cup crowds. Wildfire Response Push: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is backing a bipartisan Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act aimed at speeding response times on federal land, including a proposed 30-minute standard. Voting Records Fight in Georgia: A Trump DOJ voting lawyer tied to past 2020 election challenges has entered a case seeking Georgia’s unredacted statewide voter registration records, adding fuel to the broader push over election access and oversight. Georgia Fugitive Spotlight: The FBI named a Georgia fugitive, Christopher W. Burns, on its Most Wanted Fraudsters list, alleging a $10M+ mail fraud scheme. World Cup Security Planning: White House FIFA task force officials say law enforcement across the country is “leaning in” to handle the unprecedented security load for the 2026 tournament. Georgia-Related Court Ripples: Arizona’s top court denied a bid to revive its fake elector case, a reminder that similar election-related fights have been hitting courts nationwide.

Metro Atlanta Election Fight: DeKalb DA Sherry Boston sued to block Kemp’s HB 369, which would strip party labels from several metro county ballots and make key local races nonpartisan starting in 2028, arguing the law violates Georgia’s Uniformity Clause. Kemp Special Session Moves: Kemp added new items to a June 17 special session, including confirming certain appointments and formally approving the gas tax suspension that ended June 2, with possible local property tax referendums landing on the November ballot. Gas Tax Back On: Georgia’s fuel tax holiday expired overnight, pushing prices up about 33 cents per gallon, with AAA warning the full impact could show up over the next few days. Dooley Contract Probe Demand: More than 35 lawmakers are calling for an independent investigation into alleged pay-to-play ties between Derek Dooley’s family firm Centegix and Kemp-linked contracts and campaign activity. ICE Training Update: Homeland Security says ICE will restore longer training for new officers starting July 1 after criticism over shortened standards. Public Health & Safety: FDA is investigating new listeria and cyclospora outbreaks, while Georgia’s mental health push in Monroe County faces a funding gap after a state grant ends. Business & Jobs: Kemp announced ArcelorMittal Building Solutions will set up a North American HQ in Macon-Bibb, creating 70 jobs with potential expansion. Sports: Braves kept rolling past Toronto 7-3; Steelers agreed to a four-year, $42M extension with TE Darnell Washington.

Local Elections Fight: Metro Atlanta district attorneys sued to block Gov. Brian Kemp’s HB 369, arguing the law making DA and other key county offices nonpartisan in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett is unconstitutional and designed to help Democrats lose power by hiding party labels from voters. State Politics: The dispute is set up as the legal fight over Georgia’s midterm-era redistricting and election rules heats up. Congress/World Affairs: Rep. Joe Wilson praised President Trump for pressing “behavioral change” on Georgia’s “Georgian Dream” government, while Rubio signaled the U.S. wants a different trajectory in U.S.-Georgia relations. Ports/Economy: Georgia Ports launched a Savannah Harbor deepening study, keeping infrastructure and shipping investment in the spotlight. Business/Jobs: Kemp signed hunter-safety education legislation and highlighted new manufacturing activity tied to Authority Brands’ Cobb HQ move. Public Safety/Policy: DeKalb DA Sherry Boston joined other metro DAs in challenging the nonpartisan elections law.

Georgia Politics & Government: As Georgia’s gas tax suspension expires, drivers and small businesses are bracing for higher pump prices again, with the 33-cent state tax set to return after Kemp declined to extend the break. State Policy: Kemp signed a bill letting students in grades 6-12 take hunter safety education as part of the school curriculum, expanding outdoor safety training in classrooms. Public Safety & Tech: AT&T and FirstNet are preparing World Cup-era support for metro Atlanta first responders, with backup communications equipment on standby if the network falters. Elections & Representation: A renewed push to redraw political maps is raising alarms about Black voting power, with redistricting expected to be a major focus in Georgia’s special session. Federal Politics: Trump named Bill Pulte as acting national intelligence director, drawing immediate questions about qualifications and whether the role is being politicized. Business & Jobs: Kia began mass production of the Sportage Hybrid at its Georgia plant, with Kemp attending and the company projecting major growth in hybrid output. Local Human Interest: A Georgia teacher who lost a leg in a crash says she’s giving back by donating blood and hosting drives to help address shortages.

Georgia Runoff Politics: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones debated an empty podium while Rick Jackson campaigned in Kennesaw, setting up a June 16 GOP governor runoff that will decide who faces Keisha Lance Bottoms in November. Gas Prices & Taxes: Georgia’s 33-cent gas tax suspension ends at 11:59 p.m. June 2, with drivers bracing for roughly a 33-cent-per-gallon jump at the pump. Statehouse Watch: Chatham County election officials announced polling place changes ahead of the runoff, including multiple precinct relocations across Savannah. Campaign Trail: Lucy McBath is seeking a fourth term in Georgia’s 6th District after dropping a governor bid, facing Republican Kevin Martin. Policy & Industry: A new data center fight is heating up in Georgia as communities weigh AI infrastructure growth against environmental and local impacts. National Intelligence: Trump tapped Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, elevating a housing regulator with no intelligence background. Legal/Permitting: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to restore state control over federal permitting timelines.

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.