AGP Executive Report

Georgia Elections: Early voting starts Tuesday for statewide races, including contests for governor and the U.S. Senate. A new Trafalgar poll puts Sen. Jon Ossoff eight points ahead of Republican Mike Collins. Storm Recovery: Isaias left downed trees and power outages across metro Atlanta; Georgia Power says it restored service to 80,000 customers, and federal aid has been approved. Public Safety: Five people, including the suspected shooter, were found dead in a Douglas County home. Atlanta Sports: The Dream swept New York to reach their first WNBA Finals since 2013. The Falcons host Baltimore Sunday night, with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ruled out. Local Watch: Canton issued a boil-water advisory after a water-main break, affecting customers who experienced low pressure. Atlanta Pride also brought parade crowds to the city, where Mayor Andre Dickens praised Atlanta as welcoming and inclusive.

Storm Recovery: Isaias left trees down, homes damaged and widespread outages across metro Atlanta; Georgia Power restored service to more than 80,000 customers, while federal assistance was approved and recovery continues. Public Safety: Five people, including the suspected shooter, died in an apparent murder-suicide at a home near Douglas, authorities said. Atlanta Dream: Angel Reese and the Dream swept the New York Liberty to reach their first WNBA Finals since 2013. They face the Golden State Valkyries starting Oct. 17. College Football: Georgia Tech edged Duke 28-25 for its first ACC win, while Georgia is projected to take over the No. 1 spot after beating Alabama. Falcons: Atlanta hosts Baltimore tonight; Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is ruled out. Atlanta United: FC Cincinnati dealt the struggling club a 3-1 home loss, ending Atlanta’s three-match unbeaten run.

Storm Response: Isaias remnants brought heavy rain, flash-flood warnings and damaging winds to Georgia on Saturday. Downed trees and outages left tens of thousands without power as crews worked to restore service. South Georgia: Five people were found shot dead at a home in Douglas late Friday. Police have not released their identities or said what led to the shooting. Atlanta Dream: Atlanta swept New York to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. Angel Reese scored 22 points in Friday’s 85-83 clincher; the Dream face Golden State starting Oct. 17. Georgia Politics: Early voting in key statewide races begins Tuesday, as Georgia’s governor’s and U.S. Senate contests draw national attention. College Football: No. 2 Georgia faces No. 6 Alabama in Tuscaloosa tonight, with both teams undefeated and a major SEC and playoff opportunity at stake.

Dream’s Finals Run: Atlanta swept the New York Liberty 3-0, winning 85-83 on Friday behind Angel Reese’s 22 points and Jordin Canada’s 19. The Dream reach the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013 and will face the Golden State Valkyries, with Game 1 set for Oct. 17. Hurricane Isaias: The storm came ashore in Florida as a Category 2 hurricane, and Georgia remains under a state of emergency as heavy rain, flooding and outages threaten. Officials warn of price gouging and scams. Georgia Politics: Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their first Senate debate. Early voting in key statewide races begins Tuesday. Public Safety: A 17-year-old has been charged in a Georgia homecoming shooting that killed two people and injured 35.

Hurricane Isaias: Georgia is under a state of emergency as the Category 3 storm approaches the Gulf Coast. Metro Atlanta could see heavy rain, flooding, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes Saturday; events are being canceled or postponed. Georgia Senate Race: Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins clashed in their first debate over tariffs, healthcare, Iran and the Trump administration, with both accusing the other of extremism. Atlanta Dream: Atlanta leads New York 2-0 in the WNBA semifinals after a 101-98 overtime win and is one victory from the Finals. Atlanta Braves: The season ended with a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers in Game 4, sending Los Angeles to the NLCS. Georgia Jobs and Growth: Hyundai Transys plans a $560 million West Point expansion and 320 new jobs; Georgia Tech and Emory have announced more than $1 billion in AI investments. Transit Oversight: A MARTA audit found spending ran nearly 17% over budget in the last fiscal year.

Hurricane Watch: Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast. Georgia could see 1 to 3 inches of rain, with locally higher totals, flooding and possible tornadoes; Atlanta officials are weighing changes to weekend events. Senate Race: Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks in their first debate, clashing over healthcare, tariffs, gas prices, Iran and immigration. Asked about genocide in Gaza, Ossoff said Israeli forces violated the laws of war but did not give a yes-or-no answer. Atlanta Business: Flock Safety plans to cut about 270 jobs, or 18% of its workforce, amid rising scrutiny of its surveillance cameras. Georgia Tech and Emory, meanwhile, announced more than $1 billion in combined AI investments, and Hyundai Transys plans a $560 million West Point expansion expected to add 320 jobs. Sports: The Atlanta Dream are one win from the WNBA Finals after taking a 2-0 semifinal lead over New York; Game 3 is Friday. The Braves’ postseason run ended with a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Georgia Politics: Barack Obama endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor and Jon Ossoff for Senate as Georgia’s competitive races heat up. Ossoff and Republican Mike Collins are set to debate Thursday evening. Severe Weather: Hurricane Isaias is expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding and possible brief tornadoes to Georgia on Saturday. A tropical-storm watch covers several counties, and metro Atlanta events are being canceled or postponed. Atlanta Dream: Angel Reese and Jordin Canada scored 23 points apiece as Atlanta beat New York 101-98 in overtime, taking a 2-0 lead in the semifinals and moving within one win of the WNBA Finals. Braves: Atlanta’s season ended with a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. Ronald Acuña Jr. fought back tears after a quiet series, while the team’s top hitters combined to go 5 for 45. Energy: Georgia Power plans to keep Plant Scherer, the country’s largest coal plant, running as electricity demand from data centers grows, drawing concern from nearby residents over pollution and groundwater.

WNBA: The Atlanta Dream beat New York 101-98 in overtime to take a 2-0 semifinal lead, moving within one win of their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013. Liberty star Breanna Stewart disputed the final timeout sequence; officials said they had no direct communication with the team. Braves: Atlanta’s season ended with a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers, who won the NL Division Series 3-1. The Braves managed just eight runs in four games, and Ronald Acuña Jr. said he was disappointed he couldn’t help the team. Weather: Hurricane Isaias, the Atlantic season’s first, is headed toward the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters warn it could bring heavy rain and possible tornadoes to North Georgia this weekend. Health Coverage: Georgia’s 2027 marketplace open enrollment starts Nov. 1. Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1.

Braves: Atlanta faces elimination tonight at Truist Park, trailing the Dodgers 2-1 in the NLDS after Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 10-strikeout performance. Tyler Mahle starts for the Braves against Tyler Glasnow. Severe Weather: Tropical Storm Isaias could bring heavy rain and gusty winds to North Georgia this weekend as the system strengthens in the Gulf. Atlanta Dream: Leading scorer Allisha Gray will miss Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals against New York with a hand injury; Atlanta won the opener 92-82. Metro Atlanta: A child was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after a vehicle struck the child and a building at a Gainesville shopping center. State Economy: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia’s gas-tax suspension through Nov. 5 and waived penalties for using dyed diesel on roads, offering relief to truckers and farmers. Falcons: Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson missed practice after an ankle injury, with the Ravens set to visit Atlanta on Sunday night.

NLDS Braves-Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out 10 in seven innings as the Dodgers beat the Braves 3-1 Tuesday, taking a 2-1 lead and moving one win from the NLCS; Enrique Hernández and Freddie Freeman homered off Chris Sale, and Atlanta now faces elimination in Game 4 Wednesday at Truist Park. WNBA Playoffs: The Atlanta Dream host Game 2 of the semifinals Wednesday vs. the New York Liberty, but Allisha Gray is ruled out with a finger injury; DeWanna Bonner is expected to start. Local Public Safety: Fayetteville approved an ordinance banning the purchase and use of automatic license plate readers like Flock Safety, citing privacy and due-process concerns. State Politics: Georgia’s Bottoms and Jackson faced off in the governor town hall, sparring over Trump ties, affordability, Medicaid, and data centers. City Hall: Decatur Schools hired Hoke Wilcox as chief of safety and technology services, starting Oct. 12. Business/Health: City of Hope named Melissa Childress president of its Atlanta cancer center. Sports Business/Tech: U.S. stocks hit an all-time high as AI-driven buying continues to lift major indexes.

Falcons Dominate Saints: Bijan Robinson ran for 145 yards and two TDs as the Falcons crushed New Orleans 45-24 on “Monday Night Football,” spoiling the Saints’ Superdome “Domecoming” 20th anniversary with a fast start and a punishing ground game. Ravens QB Status in Focus: Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury has the Ravens’ Sunday Night matchup vs. Atlanta in limbo, with coach Jesse Minter saying it’s still being evaluated and Tyler Huntley would start if Jackson can’t go. WNBA Semifinals: Jordin Canada poured in 20 points in the second half and the Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty 92-82 in Game 1, turning forced turnovers into a record-tying scoring surge. Local Homelessness Planning: Decatur hired a contractor to run its Task Force on Homelessness, approving a $109,023 operations contract alongside a $125,000 task force budget. Public Safety Tech: Coreforce and Scylla expanded their AI security partnership, bringing threat-detection analytics to more public safety agencies using existing camera systems. Georgia Conservation Win: DNR and partners announced a deal to restore Pine Log Wildlife Management Area, protecting 14,640 acres in Bartow and Cherokee counties. Delta Outage Report: Atlanta-area travelers reported issues with Delta’s website and app, prompting an active investigation by local TV news.

Falcons vs. Saints: Bijan Robinson exploded for 145 yards and two TDs as the Atlanta Falcons crushed New Orleans 45-24 on Monday Night Football, spoiling the Saints’ 20th anniversary “Domecoming” celebration. Michael Penix Jr. returned and went 15-for-20 for 223 yards and a TD to Jahan Dotson, while the Robinsons combined for five rushing scores and Atlanta never trailed. Local Public Safety: Atlanta police say a wanted suspect stole a marked patrol car and crashed on I-675 in Clayton County, after an armed-robbery case tied to Midtown. Georgia Utilities/Privacy: Georgia Power notified about 300,000 customers after suspicious online activity tied to a data breach. Georgia Politics/Elections: Registration deadlines are closing as candidates prep for the 2026 midterms, with voters weighing issues like equality, gas prices, and immigration. Sports Beyond Football: The Braves head into NLDS Game 3 with Chris Sale rested, aiming to seize the series lead over the Dodgers.

WNBA Playoffs: DeWanna Bonner scored 23 points off the bench as the Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty 92-82 in Game 1 of the semifinals, stepping up after Allisha Gray went down with a left-hand injury early. Local Government & Environment: Chamblee launched a curbside composting program with CompostNow, letting residents sign up for $19 a month for pickup of food scraps and other compostables. Public Safety: A Cherokee County woman, Amanda Jordan, is jailed after deputies say she fired at a car, shattering a window and grazing a victim’s head. State Politics: Atlanta News First will host Georgia’s governor town hall Tuesday, with a U.S. Senate debate following Thursday featuring Mike Collins and Jon Ossoff. Cost of Living: Georgia drivers saw relief at the pump as the state fuel tax suspension helped cut average gas prices. Community & Culture: Dunwoody High School’s Seacrest Stadium is set to open next August after fundraising hit its $1.5 million goal. Consumer Alerts: FDA upgraded a recall of Salata Jalapeño Avocado Dressing to its highest-risk salmonella category; it was sold in Georgia.

Braves Postseason Update: Ray Kerr struck out Shohei Ohtani and the Atlanta bullpen shut down the Dodgers as the Braves beat Los Angeles 3-2 in NLDS Game 2, tying the series 1-1 and setting up Game 3 in Atlanta with Chris Sale scheduled to start. WNBA Semifinals: DeWanna Bonner’s halftime message sparked a Dream surge as Atlanta beat the New York Liberty 92-82 in Game 1, taking a 1-0 series lead despite Allisha Gray leaving early with a hand injury. Violence in Georgia: A block party/homecoming celebration in Vienna, Ga., turned deadly with 2 killed and about 35 injured after 50+ shots were fired; officials say there’s no public threat and no suspects named yet. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn a Gulf low could bring heavy rain next weekend, with the highest totals projected near the Florida Panhandle and impacts possible for Georgia and the Carolinas. Local Business: Slutty Vegan, founded by Real Housewives of Atlanta star Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes, plans new Ohio locations after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year.

Georgia Politics: Georgia voters have until midnight to register for the Nov. 3 midterms, with early voting starting Oct. 13 and running through Oct. 30. Elections Watch: Atlanta News First is hosting two major televised debates this week—Georgia governor candidates Rick Jackson and Keisha Lance Bottoms on Oct. 6, and U.S. Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins on Oct. 8. WNBA (Local): The Atlanta Dream open the WNBA semifinals Sunday at 2 p.m. vs. the New York Liberty, with ABC coverage and free-stream options; Angel Reese’s Dream are back in the semis for the first time since 2018. Braves/Dodgers: The Braves face a must-win Game 2 in Los Angeles after dropping Game 1 to Tarik Skubal. Public Safety: Two people were killed and about 35 others injured in a block party shooting in Vienna, Ga., early Sunday, according to the GBI. Weather: Metro Atlanta faces a chance of scattered rain and localized flash flooding, with cooler temps expected Sunday.

NLDS Spotlight (Atlanta): Tarik Skubal dominated in 100-degree heat as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1, with Teoscar Hernández, Kyle Tucker and Max Muncy going deep; the Braves answered with homers from Sean Murphy and Ozzie Albies. WNBA Semifinals (Atlanta): The Atlanta Dream open their first WNBA semifinal in eight years Sunday at 2 p.m. on ABC against the New York Liberty at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, led defensively by Angel Reese. Public Safety (Atlanta): Police are investigating a fatal southwest Atlanta apartment shooting after an argument escalated to gunfire at Aspen Court Apartments; officers also released details on a Marietta Street jaw-slashing incident and are seeking suspects in a Fairburn Road convenience store robbery. Community & Health (Atlanta): Hundreds gathered at Piedmont Park for Blood Cancer United’s “Light The Night” fundraiser, honoring survivors and families affected by blood cancers. Weather (Metro Atlanta): Forecasts call for scattered showers Sunday, with heavier rain more likely south of I-20, then drier, cooler conditions early next week.