AGP Executive Report

Election Security in Georgia: Researchers warn AI makes a known flaw in Georgia voting equipment more exploitable, potentially letting bad actors match voters to ballots and threaten ballot secrecy even if results can’t be changed. Cyber & Privacy: Revolut says sensitive customer records were exposed after attackers used a fraudulent request from a legitimate government domain email, with identity docs and Bitcoin transaction histories potentially included. Solar Research (Georgia Tech): Georgia Tech and Bert Thin Films report a copper-contacted TOPCon solar cell using laser-enhanced contact optimization to cut silver use while keeping efficiency competitive. Rural Broadband (Nokia): Nokia will build an AI-ready fiber network for Planters Broadband Cooperative in southeast Georgia, aligned with BEAD and Build America, Buy America requirements. Data Centers & Jobs: A survey finds Georgia’s data center boom is driving labor demand and competition for skilled trades, which could slow builds without more workers. Public Safety Tech Oversight (Peachtree City): After a Flock Safety audit, Peachtree City police removed two officers and referred matters to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. EMS Leadership (Jackson County): Bradley Love was named Jackson County EMS director after years across field, supervisory, and assistant director roles. Federal Funding Cuts: A Georgia-focused analysis says CDC funding cancellations have hit public health programs hard, forcing some groups to stop community services.

Election Security in Georgia: Researchers warn AI can exploit a long-known flaw in Georgia voting equipment that could reveal how people voted, raising ballot-secrecy and legal-challenge concerns ahead of November. Police Surveillance Scrutiny: Peachtree City fired two officers after a Flock Safety audit found misuse, while broader reporting highlights rising calls for tighter rules on automated license plate readers. Autonomous Transit in the Region: Lyft and Waymo launched a dual-app robotaxi service in Nashville, dispatching Waymo Jaguar I-Paces via both platforms. Forensic Science in Georgia: Georgia Southern and Shimadzu will host a Sept. 30 forensic science symposium featuring speakers from law enforcement and the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia. Education & Workforce Pathways: West Georgia Tech GED graduate Nii Ahene N. Boye credits steady upskilling—from certificates to engineering degrees—for a career turnaround. Local Health: Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center in Carrollton welcomed psychiatrist Alexandra Reischman, expanding adult and senior behavioral health services.

Medical Breakthrough at UGA: Researchers at the University of Georgia are testing a new vaccine (NXT-2) aimed at protecting against multiple fungal infections without harming the gut microbiome—an approach meant to tackle drug-resistant fungi. Robotics in Healthcare: Chattanooga startup Zeus Robotics is launching a three-month Erlanger Hospital pilot for an autonomous logistics robot to move lab samples through hospital hallways, with a focus on reducing clinician workload. Cybersecurity Founder Story: Zscaler CEO Jay Chaudhry’s rise—from a rural upbringing in Himachal Pradesh to a $9.3B net worth—highlights how tech talent can emerge from outside major hubs. Data Centers vs. Local Control: Massachusetts is moving toward stronger community veto power for data center projects, adding risk for developers; the broader fight mirrors similar tensions Georgia communities are seeing. Privacy Backlash to Flock Cameras: Cities and creators continue pushing back on Flock license-plate surveillance, citing misuse and targeting concerns, while some local governments are terminating contracts. Space Science: A new study suggests Mercury’s shrinking may be faster than expected, using surface features to refine how the planet evolved. Local Tech & Community: Atlanta Women’s Foundation announced $1.418M in metro investments, funding research, leadership, and programs to expand opportunity.

UGA Research: A University of Georgia team is testing a new vaccine, NXT-2, aimed at multiple deadly fungal infections while preserving the gut microbiome—an approach meant to avoid the collateral damage seen with current antifungals. Public Health: The CDC has declared a multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce over, after 12,883 illnesses across 21 states; officials say the implicated product is no longer in stores. Privacy & Surveillance: After privacy concerns, Liberty Hill voted to end its Flock Safety contract and remove license-plate cameras, adding to Georgia-area scrutiny of automated surveillance. EV Infrastructure: Walmart opened a fast-charging station in Monument, Colorado, using ABB E-mobility equipment, with Georgia listed among early rollout markets. Agriculture Threat: Spotted lanternflies have spread to 22 states, including Georgia, with officials urging people to kill the pests on sight. Tech & Education: Georgia Tech reported a 93.8% six-year bachelor completion rate for students of two or more races (2018 cohort through 2024).

Data Centers & Local Tax Policy: Columbia County, Ga., is moving toward a “strategic economic development partnership” with Google for an 8-million-square-foot data facility at White Oak Technology Park, with officials saying it could mean billions in revenue and property tax relief—while residents worry about water and power strain. Cloud Security Governance: Georgia adopted GovRAMP as its main framework for authorizing and monitoring third-party cloud services, aiming to cut redundant security reviews and speed procurement. Surveillance Tech Backlash: In Milton, Ga., and beyond, Flock Safety’s AI license-plate readers keep colliding with privacy concerns; Monroe, N.C. added transparency steps after protests, and Georgia lawmakers and communities are watching closely. Health Tech Research: Emory University researchers published a pilot study on disability prevalence, disclosure, and accommodations in pediatric residency programs. Immunology Lab Breakthrough: Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt built a lab model to study how antibody-producing plasma cells develop and survive in bone marrow, using organoid and tissue-chip components. Wildlife & Ecology: DNA work using OCEARCH samples found two tagged great white sharks are siblings, helping explain repeat habitat use. Environment & Public Health: US Army Corps of Engineers testing at Carters Lake now uses on-site E. coli lab equipment for faster swim-beach results.

Vehicle Buying Reality Check: A Georgia family’s 1,700-mile extended test drive of a 2027 Chrysler Pacifica highlights how “sell-you” features don’t always translate into real-life comfort and usability. Crypto & Inflation Watch: Bitcoin hovers near $78K ahead of the August CPI release, with $80K framed as the key level as markets weigh Fed rate expectations. Public Health Alert: The CDC warns rabies-related inquiries jumped 17% this summer, citing more exposures and some post-exposure treatment errors, with vaccine and immunoglobulin use rising sharply. Privacy-Focused Security: SAFR is showcasing privacy-first face-based access control at GSX 2026, emphasizing on-device processing and configurable biometric storage. Georgia Data Center Labor Strain: A new survey finds data center build-outs are intensifying competition for skilled construction workers and driving wage pressure, with Georgia respondents reporting similar effects. AI + Healthcare Research (Georgia): Georgia State and Emory researchers report a protein-based MRI agent that can detect tiny lung cancer lesions and metastases earlier. Energy Storage Financing (Georgia): NeoVolta secured up to $30M in credit to expand U.S. BESS manufacturing in Pendergrass, supporting a supply deal for lithium iron phosphate cells. Local Tech Infrastructure: Atlanta’s Beltline Northwest Trail Segment 3B breaks ground, including a technically complex pedestrian bridge over Northside Drive.

Beltline Progress: Atlanta broke ground on Northwest Trail Segment 3B, adding a pedestrian bridge over Northside Drive, a path through the Atlanta Technology Center, and an elevated trail along Tanyard Creek—aimed at safer walking and biking links for northwest neighborhoods. AI in Local Government: Forsyth County is considering a $35,000 consulting deal to build an AI roadmap and governance program as staff already use chatbots for work. Privacy vs Surveillance: Multiple Georgia communities are wrestling with Flock camera use—Brookville voted to keep them, while Doraville is weighing cameras amid privacy concerns. Energy Storage Manufacturing: NeoVolta won $20M in senior credit to scale battery energy storage systems, including a planned manufacturing facility in Pendergrass, Georgia. Public Transit Hearings: MARTA will hold hearings on proposed changes to Decatur bus routes and MARTA Reach service, with comments due Sept. 21. Tech & Security Showcase: GardaWorld will bring intelligence-led, prevention-first security tech to GSX 2026 in Atlanta (Sept. 14–16). Health & Aging Research: Georgia Southern researchers propose “movement span” as a new way to measure aging beyond lifespan and health span. E-bike Rebates: Atlanta opened applications for city-funded e-bike rebates up to $1,600, selected by lottery for eligible residents. STEM/Space Outreach: NASA and the NFL team up for a new Inspiration Tour with flyovers and astronaut appearances at select games, including the Falcons’ Sept. 13 matchup.

Public Safety Tech & Privacy: Atlanta-area Flock Safety cameras and license-plate readers keep sparking backlash, with critics warning about misuse and misidentification while supporters argue they help solve crimes. Biometrics at Airports: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is expanding to 65 airports, shifting identity checks toward facial recognition for faster screening. Healthcare Innovation: Georgia State University researchers report a protein-based MRI contrast agent that can detect tiny lung tumors and metastases earlier, without radiation. Mobility Tech: iFlex Stretch Studios is rolling out Kinotek 3D markerless movement assessment to personalize assisted stretching. Climate & Health Costs: Georgia Tech economists explain how wildfire smoke drives major economic losses via worse air quality, higher healthcare costs, and reduced productivity. Crypto Policy Watch: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says the CLARITY Act could unlock institutional crypto capital, with regulatory clarity still possible even if Congress misses its vote. Education & Literacy: State Sen. Billy Hickman highlights Georgia’s push for early literacy and teacher support, including the 2026 Early Literacy Act. Local Governance: Spalding County flags 226 registered voters as potential felons and begins outreach to confirm eligibility. Data Centers in Georgia: A proposed “Kingston Technology Hub” data center would target ~150 MW/day power use, with build-out estimates near $1B.

Surveillance & Privacy: Alpharetta High students have launched a petition to remove Flock Safety cameras from campus, arguing the system violates student privacy and Fourth Amendment protections, while the Fulton County School System says the cameras were approved in 2022 and are installed across all district schools. Local Governance & Oversight: Newnan police say they’ve tightened access to their license plate reader/Flock system and outlined safeguards for who can search the data and what is collected, as other Georgia communities weigh similar controls. Education Policy: Georgia’s districts are also spending major money in court over special education evaluations, with reporting that legal fights with parents of disabled students have more than doubled in cost. Health & Research: Georgia State University researchers report a protein-based MRI contrast agent that can detect lung tumors and metastatic disease as small as 1 millimeter, aiming to improve early diagnosis without radiation. Medical Breakthrough: A multicenter trial finds 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation can reduce pain and improve sensation for people with treatment-resistant painful diabetic neuropathy. STEM in Schools: Hubbard Elementary students visited the Georgia Farm Bureau Mobile Classroom, using hands-on agriculture activities tied to STEM learning. Public Safety Tech Debate: A broader national conversation is heating up around Flock-style surveillance and how it’s used for monitoring large gatherings and investigations.

Invasive Species Watch: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking the public to track the invasive Joro spider, first detected in Georgia in 2014 and now spreading through the Southeast, raising questions about how it may affect local ecosystems. Surveillance & Privacy: Athens-Clarke County is tightening rules after an ACCPD employee was fired for misusing Flock license-plate readers to track his ex-wife, with audits and state investigators looking into potential crimes. Public Transit Costs: MARTA is raising long-term parking rates by $2 a day and cutting free parking time from 24 hours to 14 hours, citing maintenance and security upgrades. Airport Milestone: Hartsfield-Jackson marked 100 years of aviation history by burying a time capsule packed with documents, memorabilia, and future-facing messages. Health & Food Safety: A major Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry flocks has grown to 1,061 cases across 46 states and Puerto Rico, including deaths in Washington and Georgia. Local Tech/Industry: Georgia Tech startup work is highlighted for protecting historic campus buildings, while Georgia’s DOT and The Ray are partnering to expand monarch butterfly habitats along roadsides. Cancer Research via Sports: Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter, returning after an NCAA suspension, is donating $427 per tackle to cancer charities—turning a $427 flight into a season-long fundraiser.

Georgia Tech & Campus Tech: Georgia Tech is piloting drone-based infrared scanning at Lyman Hall to spot hidden moisture intrusion and prevent costly building envelope failures. Sports Tech in Georgia: SportsBug launched near-real-time in-stadium radio streaming with the University of Georgia, cutting typical broadcast delay to under a second for football and other sports. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A new report on summer cyberattacks on U.S. water systems raises alarms about how vulnerable rural areas could be next, with Idaho lawmakers citing their own “red-teaming” experience. Public Safety Tech Debate: Flock Safety’s license-plate camera controversy keeps spreading, with Georgia-area coverage highlighting ongoing deployments even as privacy backlash grows nationwide. Georgia Business & Health Tech: Atlanta-based Scan.com raised $220M to expand its medical imaging network, aiming to build a national infrastructure for imaging access. Policy & Environment: Georgia DNR opened a comment period on proposed Protected Species List changes, including adding/removing species and updating statuses. Education Metrics: Georgia State University reported a 52.3% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black/African American students (2018 cohort through 2024). Local Governance & Data Centers: Colquitt County extended its data center moratorium for 180 days amid resident concerns about water impacts.

Data Center Labor Crunch: A new report says construction demand is surging for 2026 data centers, but the industry still needs 349,000 new workers this year and 456,000 next year—pushing firms toward automation on job sites. Banking Oversight Shift: Federal rules would raise the bar for when supervisors can criticize banks, pushing more responsibility for spotting emerging risks onto the banks themselves. Georgia Education Results: Georgia says it improved across key PISA 2025 areas, including natural sciences and math, while reducing the share of low-achieving students. Power Costs & Reliability: Georgia Power’s high summer disconnection rates and rising bills are leaving households without cooling when temperatures spike, with data center growth adding pressure to the grid. Solar Recycling Reality Check: A study highlights how a tiny share of silver drives most solar panel recycling value—raising questions about whether “recycling” labels reflect responsible handling. Mining in Georgia: Krakatoa Resources reports high-grade gold and antimony hits from its 2026 drilling at the Zopkhito project, supporting continuity of the mineralized system. Privacy Tech Backlash: Commentary and reporting continue to track the spread of Flock-style license plate reader surveillance and the growing pushback against it. Wind & New Energy: Georgia marks the start of a Chinese-invested Imereti wind project, framed as boosting green power and energy independence.

AI & Jobs: Cognizant says AI could expose $4.5tn in U.S. work and plans to hire 1,500 college grads for an “AI job family,” underscoring how quickly automation pressure is reaching the labor market. Healthcare Policy: The FDA opened a botanical drug docket, seeking input on speeding development of plant-based medicines—timed with Appalachia’s wild ginseng harvest under federal trade controls. Privacy & Surveillance: A new wave of Flock license-plate reader debate keeps hitting Georgia, with coverage of how the cameras work and local misuse concerns fueling calls for tighter rules. Local Tech & Infrastructure: A Wayne County, Georgia community meeting will address potential data center impacts in Jesup, focusing on public health, water, and energy demand. Autonomous Mobility: Waymo’s robotaxi rollout is expanding, but access and pricing remain unclear—raising the big question of whether driverless rides can beat Uber on cost. Education Metrics: New county-by-county six-year bachelor’s completion figures highlight uneven outcomes across Georgia public colleges, including notable rates in Cobb, Richmond, Bibb, and Gwinnett. Atlanta Development: Georgia-Pacific scrapped its downtown mixed-use redevelopment plan, citing construction costs and market headwinds. Public Safety: An Atlanta police recruit, Moses Russ, died in a crash en route to training—his family described the officer path as a “calling.” Space Tech: Texas A&M’s RoboBall III concept aims to bounce a spherical robot through permanently dark lunar craters to enable safer sample return.

Fashion & Manufacturing Tech: Tapstitch, a Georgia-based fashion-on-demand platform, is expanding creator-led production by exhibiting at ComplexCon LA after an Atlanta activation—aiming to cut inventory risk with no-minimum print-on-demand options. Climate & Food Security: A new Georgia-focused roundup highlights 10 vulnerable foods, with peaches, blueberries, pecans, and peanuts among the most at risk as warmer winters, fewer chill hours, and stronger storms disrupt yields. Global Mapping Policy: The UN General Assembly backed “Correct the Map,” pushing equal-area world maps; Georgia is among the abstainers, while the U.S. voted against. Surveillance Backlash: Flock’s license-plate camera controversy is spreading from cities to retail, with critics targeting major partners like Ulta over concerns about tracking and misuse. Autonomous Mobility: Waymo says it wants to enter South Korea while continuing robotaxi operations across multiple U.S. cities; separately, Chattanooga received a $25M DOT grant for self-driving buses. PLM & Industry Software: Axiothread became an authorized Siemens Channel Partner, offering Teamcenter/NX CAD implementation and support for manufacturers. Public Health & Libraries: Georgia Southern and rural library systems are piloting harm-reduction support—Narcan access and recovery connections—funded by the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust. Wildlife Conservation: Georgia DNR confirmed a rare Altamaha spinymussel was found in the Ocmulgee River after years without sightings. AI/Fintech Policy Watch: The CLARITY Act is framed as a potential unlock for “Bitcoin banking” roles if it advances through Congress.

AI Policy & Hiring: OpenAI is beefing up its state-level policy push with new appointments focused on regional partnerships, cyber defense, and state AI regulation as states race to set rules. Smart Transit Debate (Chattanooga): CARTA won a $25M DOT grant for self-driving buses, but residents split over safety; the plan includes smart infrastructure coordination and a remote operations/learning center with UTC. Biodiversity (Georgia): Georgia DNR confirmed the Altamaha spinymussel was found in the Ocmulgee River after more than a decade without sightings, reviving hopes for a species long thought extinct. Wildlife Regulation (Public Input): DNR opened a comment period (Aug. 28–Sept. 20) on proposed Protected Species List updates, including adding/removing species and aligning status with federal listings. Education Outcomes (Georgia counties): New six-year bachelor’s completion figures show big gaps by race and county, including 92.8% for Hispanic/Latino students at Georgia Tech and low rates like 25.5% for Asian students at Georgia Gwinnett College. Urban Rail Plan (Atlanta): Beltline officials proposed a $3.5B light-rail system, selecting CSX alignment for the northwest corridor and outlining 13 station locations plus long daily service hours. Robotaxi Testing (Houston): Zoox begins robotaxi testing in Houston later this month using retrofitted SUVs and human safety drivers, with plans for a local depot.

UN Cartography Vote: India backed a UN General Assembly resolution pushing equal-area world maps, while insisting its borders—including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh—must match India’s official maps and warning that inaccurate depictions are “unacceptable.” Georgia Research in Agriculture: UGA and Wisconsin-Madison researchers mapped 37 genetic regions tied to aerial root traits in Sierra Mixe maize, a step toward explaining how these roots support nitrogen-fixing potential. Georgia Tech Imaging Breakthrough: UGA scientists built an ultra-fast light-sheet microscope to capture 3D zebrafish brain seizure spread, aiming to track neural activity during rapid events. Marine Science at UGA: UGA researchers reported a non-invasive “epigenetic clock” method to estimate shark age from DNA markers, avoiding lethal vertebra counting and improving conservation planning. Metro Atlanta Tech & Privacy: Gwinnett County and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office announced tighter controls after reviews found misuse of Flock Safety license plate reader systems, with officers resigning and facing charges. SkillsUSA in Atlanta: SkillsUSA recognized career and technical education students at its National Leadership & Skills Conference, with the next event slated for Atlanta in 2027.