Georgia NOW News for Friday Feb. 13, 2026

Georgia health leaders are deciding how to spend $218.8 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funds awarded to the state. Hospitals will apply through the Georgia Department of Community Health, with providers saying the money is needed for emergency preparedness, modernizing technology, improving electronic medical records and addressing the strain of an aging population that relies heavily on Medicare. As costs climb, nonprofits like the YMCA of Greater Augusta say more families need help affording camps and after-school care, emphasizing they never turn children away for inability to pay. Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate has passed two major tax cut bills that would exempt the first $50,000 of income for individuals, lower the flat income tax rate to 3.99% by 2028 if revenue targets are met, and phase out certain credits. The measures now head to the House. Immigration enforcement is expanding in Georgia, with a new ICE processing center planned in Oakwood that would house up to 1,500 detainees before transfers to a larger Social Circle facility. Local officials say they were blindsided. At the same time, Georgia has lost more than 200,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees amid an ongoing Medicaid debate, as a Medicaid expansion bill remains stalled in committee. Lawmakers also added late amendments to a home health care bill that would restrict gender-affirming care for transgender Georgians, passing the measure along party lines. And historians are reflecting on the power of collective Black singing as both survival and resistance, with scholars urging new gospel tributes honoring leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW at georgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #GaPol #RuralHealth #MedicaidExpansion #TaxCuts #ICE #HealthcareAccess #LGBTQRights #BlackHistory #GospelMusic