AGP Executive Report

WNBA Finals: The Atlanta Dream open their best-of-seven series against the Golden State Valkyries today, chasing the franchise’s first title. Games 3 and 4 are set for State Farm Arena after a venue change made room for more fans. Georgia Elections: Early voting is off to a record start, with nearly 730,000 Georgians casting ballots by noon Saturday. No Kings rallies across Atlanta and North Georgia urged voters to turn out early, as President Trump campaigned for Republicans in the state. Public Safety: Atlanta police are investigating a southwest Atlanta shooting that killed a 28-year-old man and injured a 20-year-old woman. Six Flags Investigation: The park reopened Friday, but the Goliath coaster remains closed as authorities investigate the fatal fall that killed longtime Atlanta Public Schools educator Hassan Kariem. Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. is cleared to play against the Bears on Sunday; Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams is questionable.

WNBA Finals: The Atlanta Dream open their first championship series since 2013 against Golden State today at 3:30 p.m. Games 3 and 4 have been moved to State Farm Arena to meet demand. Six Flags Investigation: The park has reopened as authorities continue investigating the fatal Goliath roller-coaster fall that killed an Atlanta Public Schools teacher. Health Costs: Georgia ACA marketplace premiums are projected to rise more than 10% on average, with some plans up as much as 29%; average monthly costs could top $900 ahead of Nov. 1 open enrollment. Georgia Politics: President Donald Trump rallied in Dalton for Senate candidate Mike Collins and gubernatorial hopeful Rick Jackson as early voting gets underway. Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. is cleared to play against the Bears on Sunday after a rib injury; Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams says he expects to play despite a hamstring issue.

Georgia Midterms: President Donald Trump rallied in Dalton for Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins and gubernatorial hopeful Rick Jackson as Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Sen. Jon Ossoff campaigned separately. Early voting set a record, with nearly 529,000 ballots cast in the first three days; metro Atlanta counties accounted for about a third. Child Welfare: A federal judge ordered Georgia’s child welfare agency to stop charging parents for foster care, including after children return home or are adopted. The fees case says some parents faced threats of jail and license suspension over debts they could not pay. Social Media Law: A federal appeals court lifted a block on Georgia’s law requiring parental consent for children under 16 to open social media accounts, sending the case back to district court. Six Flags Safety: Six Flags Over Georgia reopened after the fatal Goliath coaster fall that killed Atlanta educator Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem. The ride remains closed as authorities investigate. Atlanta Dream: The Dream open the WNBA Finals against Golden State, with Games 3 and 4 set for State Farm Arena after a venue change made room for more fans.

Georgia Elections: Early voting is off to a record start, with nearly 365,000 in-person ballots cast statewide and more than 16,000 absentee ballots accepted. Candidates for school superintendent and agriculture commissioner clashed in Atlanta debates over literacy, vouchers and food inspections; President Trump is due in Dalton Friday to campaign for Republicans. Social Media Law: A federal appeals court cleared Georgia to enforce its law requiring parental consent for users under 16 to join social media platforms, rejecting a tech industry challenge for now. Six Flags Investigation: The park is reopening for Fright Fest after a fatal fall from the Goliath coaster, which remains closed; the state says the ride had no recorded violations at its March inspection. Atlanta Dream: The team opens the WNBA Finals Saturday against Golden State. Allisha Gray hopes to play after a finger injury, but the medical staff will make the call. Atlanta United: Giuliano Galoppo scored and assisted in a 3-0 win over Montreal, snapping a rough stretch with a clean-sheet performance.

Six Flags Investigation: Georgia officials are examining the Goliath coaster after Atlanta educator Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was killed. The state says its March inspection found no violations; the ride remains closed as the park prepares to reopen Friday. Schools and Data Centers: A new analysis estimates Georgia school districts will forgo about $300 million this year through sales-tax breaks for data center projects, including $35.5 million in Gwinnett County. Children Online: A federal appeals court cleared Georgia to enforce its social media law, including parental-consent rules for children 15 and younger. MARTA: CEO Jonathan Hunt told Atlanta council members new trains won’t enter service until safety checks are complete, potentially pushing their debut beyond 2026; unexpected overtime also contributed to a budget shortfall. Public Safety: An 81-year-old bystander died after being shot outside a Gainesville Walmart Wednesday; police say the investigation is ongoing. Atlanta Development: A vacant Chamblee tower once considered for apartments is slated for implosion Oct. 24 after conversion plans fell through. Dream Finals: Atlanta opens its WNBA Finals series Saturday, with Games 3 and 4 moved to State Farm Arena to accommodate more fans.

Six Flags Investigation: Georgia is investigating the fatal fall of an Atlanta man from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. The park plans to reopen Friday, while nine similar rides remain closed during safety checks. Georgia Elections: Early voting opened with record turnout, and Vice President JD Vance visited metro Atlanta to rally Republicans. In a Senate debate, Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins traded sharp attacks. Schools and Courts: Dunwoody High School shifted to virtual learning through the week after black water appeared in sinks and toilets. The Georgia Supreme Court struck down Chatham County’s fire service fee, a ruling that could affect similar charges statewide. Atlanta Sports: The Dream begin the WNBA Finals against Golden State, with Games 3 and 4 moved to State Farm Arena. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returned to practice and is expected to start against Chicago if his ribs hold up. Atlanta United beat Montreal 3-0. Public Safety: An Atlanta man was among four arrested in the February shooting of 49ers player Keion White; investigators also reported major drug and gun seizures tied to the probe. State Finances: Georgia tax collections rose 2.3% in September to $3.34 billion, led by stronger sales-tax revenue.

Election 2026: More than 190,000 Georgians voted on the first day of early voting, shattering the 2022 midterm record by over 53,000. In their final debate, Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Mike Collins traded attacks over the Epstein files, the 2020 election and other issues. Public Safety: Georgia is investigating the fatal fall of a man from Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath coaster; the state says the ride was inspected before the season. Schools: Dunwoody High School will shift to virtual learning through Friday while crews address discolored water and valve problems. Research and Jobs: Georgia Tech and Emory say their combined AI investments exceed $1.175 billion, funding computing, research and workforce development. Atlanta Sports: The Dream’s WNBA Finals home games are set for State Farm Arena, giving more fans a chance to attend. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is expected to start Sunday against Chicago if his rib injury holds up.

Six Flags Investigation: Atlanta educator Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Police say he struck other riders; similar coasters have been temporarily closed as investigators examine ride safety. Georgia Elections: More than 180,000 voters cast ballots on the first day of early voting, topping the 2022 midterm opening-day record. In a heated Senate debate, Jon Ossoff said he has “zero interest” in a 2028 presidential run and pledged to serve a full term if reelected. Statewide candidates also clashed over education, agriculture and other issues. Atlanta Dream: The WNBA Finals’ third and fourth games will move to State Farm Arena, giving the team a much larger home crowd after venue conflicts. Star Allisha Gray remains day-to-day after a hand procedure. Jobs: Dutch manufacturer VDL Groep plans to add 120 jobs in Hall County, expanding Georgia’s role in the semiconductor supply chain.

Six Flags Investigation: Cobb County police identified Atlanta resident Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, as the man killed Monday after being ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. He struck other riders before falling beneath the ride; investigators have not said what caused the ejection. Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters at parks across North America. Atlanta Dream: The team will host WNBA Finals Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena, after schedule changes made room for the series. Game 3 is Oct. 21 at 8 p.m.; Game 4 is Oct. 24 at 1 p.m., before the Hawks’ home opener. Georgia Elections: Early voting began Tuesday and runs through Oct. 30. A new state rule requires poll workers to record each checked-in voter’s name on a numbered list. Public Safety: A pedestrian was killed in a crash on Lavista Road at Henderson Road in DeKalb County early Tuesday; other wrecks also snarled metro Atlanta traffic. Georgia Economy: Netherlands-based VDL Groep plans to invest $77 million to expand its Hall County facility, adding about 120 jobs. Georgia Tech: Research executive Timothy Lieuwen will become interim president Nov. 1, when Ángel Cabrera leaves for the Aspen Institute.

Six Flags Tragedy: A man died and several people were injured Monday in an incident on the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Cobb County. The cause is under investigation; Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar rides at parks across the country. Georgia Elections: Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterms starts Tuesday. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms debated alone after Republican Rick Jackson skipped the Atlanta Press Club forum; statewide candidates also addressed election integrity and public safety. Dream’s Finals Venue: Atlanta’s WNBA team still has no confirmed site for Games 3 and 4, with State Farm Arena booked for a concert and Hawks games. Gateway Center Arena seats about 3,500. Metro Atlanta Water: A boil-water advisory remains in effect for parts of Southwest Atlanta and nearby communities after water disruptions. Falcons: Atlanta fell 30-23 to Baltimore in overtime, blowing a late lead. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. says his rib injury is not expected to keep him out long-term.

Atlanta Dream: The team’s first WNBA Finals home games remain without a venue: State Farm Arena is booked for a concert and Hawks games, potentially forcing the Dream into 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena. Falcons: Atlanta blew a late lead and lost 30-23 in overtime to Baltimore. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left with a rib injury but said he hopes to play next week. Public Safety: A seven-month-old girl and the driver fleeing Georgia State Patrol troopers died in a 10-vehicle crash on I-20, state officials said. Georgia Elections: Early voting in key statewide races begins Tuesday. President Donald Trump plans a Friday rally in Dalton, with U.S. Senate nominee Mike Collins expected to attend. Delta: The Atlanta-based airline pushed its planned nonstop Atlanta-Riyadh service from Oct. 23 to March 2027 after deadly attacks on the Saudi airport and an FAA safety warning. Conyers: DNA testing identified remains found in 2016 as Tammy Fortson, who disappeared in 1997. The investigation into her death remains active.

Falcons: Atlanta blew an eight-point lead late and lost 30-23 in overtime to Baltimore. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. injured his ribs late in regulation; backup Tua Tagovailoa threw the game-ending interception. Dream Finals: Atlanta still hasn’t secured a larger venue for its WNBA Finals home games. State Farm Arena is booked, while Gateway Center Arena seats just 3,500. Georgia Elections: Early voting in key statewide races begins Tuesday. Local Safety: Midtown residents are urging the city to inspect a deteriorating building after strong winds left exterior panels dangling near Peachtree and 14th streets. Gainesville Tragedy: A 22-month-old boy died after a car struck him and his father at a shopping center.

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.