AGP Executive Report

Education & Attendance: Georgia’s chronic absenteeism remains stubborn, with 20.7% of students missing at least 10% of school days in 2024, as the state leans on a real-time attendance dashboard, public outreach, and targeted help for high-need districts. School Demographics (Richmond County): Tobacco Road Elementary in Augusta-area Richmond County enrolled 374 students in 2024-25, with white students down to 4% (14 students). School Demographics (Atlanta Public Schools): E. Rivers Elementary totaled 673 students in 2024-25, with multiracial enrollment at 6% (40 students). Higher Ed Outcomes (Chatham County): At Savannah State University, Chatham County’s Hispanic/Latino six-year bachelor’s completion rate was 32.1% for the 2018 cohort by 2024. Pop Culture & Community: Dragon Con’s long-running blood drive with LifeSouth is back for Labor Day weekend, aiming to keep saving lives while downtown fills with comic and sci-fi fans. Local Lifestyle: Trulieve is opening a new medical cannabis dispensary in Dunwoody (DeKalb County) with a Sept. 10 ribbon-cutting and patient-focused hours. Arts & Film: Netflix’s indie drama “Color Book” spotlights a Metro Atlanta father-son journey featuring a child with Down syndrome. Food Safety: Walmart expanded a recall tied to an E. coli O145 outbreak, adding Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in multiple states.

Dragon Con fallout in Midtown: Three friends say Staybridge Suites Midtown shut its doors for renovations without properly notifying guests, leaving them scrambling for rooms and losing reservations during the Labor Day rush. Big-box to community hub: A long-vacant Kohl’s in Roswell is reopening as a faith-and-events space after a $28M “from Kohl’s to souls” redevelopment by Eagles Nest Church. Undocumented students, new access: Freedom University is running a virtual study-abroad Japan program, helping undocumented Georgia students learn history and culture from home. Local arts loss: Georgia Ensemble Theatre closed for good after 34 years, citing declining subscribers and a move away from its longtime home. Sports & culture: Coco Gauff advanced at the US Open and the Atlanta Dream’s duo heads to Team USA duties for the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Education spotlight: SkillsUSA recognized career-and-technical students at its Atlanta national conference, with the next event slated for 2027. Voting access push: Georgia lawmakers weigh election equipment changes with disability and language-access advocates urging safeguards.

Career & Skills: SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta crowned thousands of career-ready students, including local medalists from York-area programs. Public Health & Community: Forsyth County commissioners proclaimed September 2026 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, spotlighting local nonprofit Harts of Teal and the need for awareness and support. Education Watch: Georgia school enrollment data shows shifting student demographics at specific campuses (from multiracial growth at Lovin Elementary to Hispanic enrollment changes at E. Rivers and Coastal Middle). Campus Outcomes: New figures on six-year bachelor’s completion rates highlight big gaps by race and county at Georgia’s public four-year schools. Pop Culture & Local Life: Dragon Con’s 40th-year parade returned to downtown Atlanta, with full parade coverage available online. Sports Culture: Angel Reese’s Reebok choice sparked debate after a NIL deal, while Georgia’s own Rep. Mike Collins shared “Go Dawgs!” amid his recent posts. School Safety/Discipline: A Tattnall County high school football coach resigned after an “incident” at practice and an investigation.

Local Government & Taxes: Dalton and Dalton Public Schools have both floated property tax rates above their rollback levels, setting up public hearings over city services, school funding, and household costs. Culture & Community: Dragon Con turns 40 in downtown Atlanta, with tens of thousands of fans packing hotels and streets for cosplay and pop-culture celebrations. Public Health & Aging: A Georgia Tech-led study highlights a potential way to repair aging immune systems, aiming to improve defenses against cancer and infection. Education & Recovery: Georgia Southern’s library kicked off a “Statesboro Recovery Community, Origin + Evolution” exhibit tied to National Recovery Month, spotlighting addiction recovery history and programs. Arts & Schools: New Manchester High School’s FAME Chorus is headed to the 2027 national ACDA conference after climbing from state and regional stages. Health & Longevity: A Fayetteville woman is celebrating her 112th birthday, crediting faith and family for a long life. Sports (Georgia tie-in): Atlanta Black Pride’s Men’s Empowerment Brunch returns with panels on identity, mental health, politics, finance, and real estate. Crime & Safety: The GBI arrested a Milledgeville couple tied to alleged theft from Greene County Board of Education grant funds. Surveillance Debate: Atlanta-area shoppers are raising concerns about Ulta allowing Flock cameras, adding to the broader backlash over automated license plate readers.

Flock Camera Backlash: Ulta Beauty is facing shopper outrage after reports it uses Flock Safety license-plate readers in some stores, reigniting privacy fears and calls for limits on how the data is used. Local Politics & Privacy: In Hall County, Democratic state House candidates are pushing to end Flock contracts, pointing to recent law-enforcement misuse and asking where the money goes. Civic Youth Leadership: Savannah welcomed 32 eighth-graders into the Savannah Youth Council, a yearlong program mixing civic education, leadership training, and community service. Education Spotlight: Cobb County School District earned a Forbes “best places to work” nod for the eighth straight year, citing strong retention and staff advancement support. Arts & Community: Georgia-based all-cat band Tuna and the Rock Cats continues its sold-out tour momentum, bringing “meowsic” to new audiences. Culture & Philanthropy: Beyoncé’s 45th birthday roundup highlights BeyGOOD partnerships supporting HBCU students and Black-owned business growth. Music News: Nigerian superstar Davido threatened to quit music amid persistent attacks, sparking major fan reaction.

Georgia Rivers Gala: Georgia Rivers will host its Sept. 17 gala at The Conklin Farm to celebrate the Okefenokee World Heritage designation, fund water trails, and push for public access to float Georgia waterways. Arts & Community: ArtsATL reports Georgia Ensemble Theatre is shuttering after decades of artistic vision and camaraderie, with the board staying silent on the decision. Local Food & Culture: East Atlanta Village’s new Italian wine bar, Sagra, opens with a “sagra” spirit—warm, community-first gatherings built around food and wine. Education & Lifelong Learning: Troup County honors 91-year-old Helen Woodyard for earning her GED at West Georgia Technical College, starting classes at 88. Public Safety Tech Debate: After Abbott’s order limiting Flock camera spending in Texas, Georgia-area questions linger as DPS keeps using its broader surveillance network. Health & Daily Life: A Savannah guide breaks down adult ADHD treatment options and what evaluations can look like. Sports (Georgia ties): The Braves begin an NL East series vs. the Phillies in Philly.

Education & Community: Savannah’s third annual Afro-Wellness Experience returns Sept. 19 with dance, drumming, wellness workshops, and an evening artist showcase featuring Atlanta and regional performers. School Staffing & Enrollment: Hull Public Schools welcomed new teachers and staff for the 2026-27 year, while Georgia Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting demographics and ongoing chronic absenteeism pressure statewide. Local Culture & Arts: Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is gearing up for its centennial with 200+ new acquisitions and a block party Oct. 18, with visitor diversity rising sharply since 2015. Health & Philanthropy: Statesboro’s Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s hit a record $151,775 at its sold-out concert, funding local dementia support programs. Civic Life: A new manager took over Venice’s Senior Friendship Center, keeping it running as a volunteer-powered community hub. Business & Lifestyle: Oxford Industries reported mixed fashion momentum, with Tommy Bahama up but Lilly Pulitzer facing headwinds.

Back-to-school prep: Atlanta’s “Toddler Tutor” Tangee Peek is urging parents to treat the 1,825 days before kindergarten as the real learning window—especially for Black kids—so they enter school ready to succeed. Labor Day culture: Metro Atlanta’s long weekend is packed with Black-focused arts and music, including Alliance Theatre’s Pulitzer-winning “Purpose,” plus major celebrations tied to underground dance, hip-hop, and a Raphael Saadiq/Ari Lennox 50th anniversary concert. Local health awareness: Spalding County commissioners proclaimed September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting symptoms and the need for awareness. Public safety tech debate: Privacy concerns keep swirling around Flock license-plate cameras, with Woodland police defending their use while residents question warrantless-style surveillance. LGBTQ+ community: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend turns 20, centering joy, empowerment, and support for LGBTQIA+ youth and people affected by HIV/AIDS. Education access: Jenkins County families say a virtual school abruptly closed after failing a new state readiness score requirement, leaving students scrambling to transfer. STEM workforce: Georgia Tech was named Georgia’s lead institution for a national microelectronics education network aimed at building semiconductor career pathways.

Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (20th anniversary): Sept. 2–7, the city gears up for nearly a week of Black LGBTQIA+ joy—parties, performances, and community programming—with big-name appearances alongside a focus on connection and visibility. Local Arts & Protest: Duke’s Nasher Museum spotlights “Turn the Volume Up!,” a protest-art show that pushes visitors toward action—vote, petition, and community—running through July 2027. Tech + Privacy in Public Life: Woodland residents and leaders debate Flock automated license plate readers, weighing crime-solving claims against privacy and data concerns. Education Watch: Georgia enrollment snapshots show shifting demographics at local schools (including Park Street and DeSana), while broader attendance challenges remain a statewide focus. Community Resources: Gwinnett County Public Library kicks off Library Card Sign-Up Month, highlighting tutoring, career tools, and kids’ reading resources. Sports & Culture: Dragon Con returns to Atlanta Sept. 3–7, and Georgia Tech’s Labor Day closure sets up a weekend of campus events and city festivities.

Local Arts & Heritage: Macon-Bibb is dedicating “Otis Redding Way” on Sept. 9, honoring the soul legend with a street-name ceremony at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts. Education & Health: Georgia State University nursing students are learning nutrition in a hands-on kitchen program, aiming to better connect diet to chronic disease care. Public Safety & Community: Douglas County commissioners approved a one-year lease for the Douglas County Museum of History & Art to keep it in the historic old courthouse, after months of uncertainty. Culture & Lifestyle: Savannah Bee Company’s BeeTopia lets visitors watch a working hive up close and learn beekeeping from a “beekeeper’s point of view.” Scams & Trust: A Sandy Springs woman says she was targeted in a romance scam and, when reporting it, was told she might have committed a crime as a “money mule.” Sports & Identity: Midnight Basketball marked its 40th anniversary in Atlanta with a youth safety and mental health summit at Forbes Arena.

Nepal Floods, Local Families: A Canton, Georgia woman, Mary Sorensen, is among about 85 Americans reported missing after catastrophic Nepal flooding tied to a glacier collapse, as search efforts continue and loved ones cling to hope. Arts & Community Memory: North Point Mall’s history gets a spotlight, tracing the Rich’s store legacy and the Atlanta shopping culture it helped shape. Public Health & Accountability: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff released a new report alleging Georgia patients face denials or delays of medically necessary care through prior authorization. Education & Youth Tech: DeKalb County is asking parents for input on student screen time, while Muscogee County’s Reese Road Leadership Academy shows a sharp drop to seven Asian students for 2024-25. Service & Civic Life: Georgia Serves announced $5.4 million in AmeriCorps funding for 17 organizations statewide, supporting education, health, homelessness help, and financial literacy. Local Government & Safety: Augusta approved a full-time arborist role, largely grant-funded, to manage trees and storm damage. Metro Atlanta Weekend Picks: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend returns Sept. 2-7 with multi-day events across the city.

Cost of Living: A new SmartAsset study says Georgia now takes $100,714 a year for a single adult to “live comfortably,” with a family of four needing $214,573. Teen Beauty & Retail: Atlanta’s Black-owned skincare brand Just for Teens is expanding into about 10,000 stores next month, including more than 8,000 Dollar General locations. Mental Health: A Georgia mom is speaking out after her 17-year-old son died by suicide, urging families to recognize warning signs and start hard conversations. School & Community: Georgia’s school-uniform sales begin today, with first through sixth grade uniforms mandatory starting the 2026-27 school year. Local Arts & Culture: Augusta’s historic Miller Theater lands a sponsorship from Garrett Murphy Law, backing performances and community events. Music & Pop Culture: Jodeci announces a 35th anniversary tour with an Atlanta stop, and Dragon Con continues to fuel romance and community connections. Public Safety: Macon-Bibb is pushing pedestrian-safety education after 14 pedestrian deaths this year.

Local Immigration Support: Decatur residents are rallying for Angel Ivan Chavez Salas, taken by ICE Aug. 16 despite an asylum case pending for nearly 10 years, with neighbors and advocates pushing for his release. Community Safety Training: Douglas County is rolling out a free Safe Business Initiative to standardize emergency readiness at local businesses, including CPR/AED use, Narcan, and “stop the bleed.” STEM for Kids: Georgia’s Ag Experience Farmers Market Madness invites 3rd–5th graders to design school market stands using STEM; registration runs through Sept. 11. Arts & History in Atlanta: “Parade,” the musical about Leo Frank and the 1913 Mary Phagan case, opens Sept. 4 at Marietta’s Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre. Education Numbers: Rainey McCullers School of the Arts reports 140 white students enrolled for 2024–25, alongside ongoing statewide focus on chronic absenteeism. Culture Calendar: Atlanta Black Pride Weekend returns Sept. 2–7 with festivals, empowerment events, and nightly parties.

Immigration & Local Power: AJC lays out where Georgia governor candidates stand as ICE ramps up arrests in the state and local agencies deepen partnerships under Kemp’s 2024 Criminal Alien Track and Report Act. Public Safety & Surveillance: Atlanta-based Flock Safety’s license-plate camera network faces mounting backlash over privacy fears and alleged mistaken stops, with lawmakers and residents pushing back. Sports & Community Pride: Georgia Tech running back Justice Haynes leans into a family legacy of activism and impact, aiming for a “legacy bigger than myself.” Education & Equity: New enrollment snapshots from across Georgia show shifting demographics and ongoing attendance pressure, from Baker County’s steep drop to schools like Sawyer Road (Hispanic-majority) and DeRenne Middle (African American-majority). Arts & Culture: Atlanta’s creative scene gets a boost with a spotlight on SAIC libraries and collections, plus coverage of Georgia-linked cultural celebrations like Adjara’s “Tbeloba.” Music on the Road: Nicko McBrain’s Titanium Tart mini-tour includes a Georgia stop, bringing Iron Maiden energy to local venues. Pop Culture: Netflix’s next Scooby-Doo live-action push signals the Mystery Gang’s staying power.

Immigration & Public Records: The U.S. announced it will deport a UAE citizen, Mohamed Rashed, arrested in Atlanta, and released his photo and name as the case moves forward. Wildlife & Family Fun: Atlanta Safari Park in Commerce opened a walk-through kangaroo habitat where visitors share space with the animals during guided tours. Education & Community Support: KIPP Atlanta Schools received a $35,000 Delta grant to expand college and career readiness; Positive Childhood Alliance Bulloch joined the Georgia Family Support Network to strengthen local family support. School Enrollment Snapshots: Georgia Department of Education data highlighted shifting student demographics at multiple schools, including Fair Street International Academy and Bruce Elementary. Culture & Faith: A Conyers monastery’s podcast is drawing national attention, bringing convent life to wider audiences. Tech & Privacy Debate: Coverage of Flock license-plate cameras spotlights growing concerns about mass surveillance and what data is collected. Arts & Pop Culture: Dolly Parton’s “Dolly-isms” and reflections on her legacy continue to circulate after her death. Sports Lifestyle: Atlanta shoppers’ nickname culture for Kroger stores gets a spotlight, from “Disco Kroger” to “Murder Kroger.”

Georgia Education Watch: New enrollment snapshots show shifting demographics across Richmond County (Garrett Elementary: 26 Hispanic students, 7% of 383), Gwinnett (Alford Elementary: 173 African American students, 21% of 824), and Forsyth (Denmark High: 200 African American students, 8% of 2,511), alongside broader statewide chronic absenteeism concerns (20.7% missing 10%+ days in 2024). Community & Culture: A Savannah couple is hosting a French exchange student through Rotary, pairing everyday hospitality with arts learning at Savannah Arts Academy. Local Politics: Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson campaigned in Savannah on affordability and education upgrades, while Democrats attacked his transparency. Pop Culture & Justice: As the Tupac Shakur murder trial nears its end, fans in Las Vegas describe the case as a long-awaited shot at resolution. Arts & Memory: A decade after “Moonlight’s” historic Oscar win, the film’s Atlanta-to-Miami story is being revisited for its emotional and visual impact.