Georgia NOW News for Monday Feb. 16, 2026

DeKalb County commissioners have withdrawn a resolution that would have called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement to end tactical operations in residential neighborhoods, but state lawmakers are pressing ahead. State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez is seeking a hearing on House Bill 889 to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and require public identification, while a similar measure advances in the Senate. Georgia’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is seeing more disconnected and abandoned calls after a vendor change increased reroutes to national backup centers. Advocates warn local counselors are better equipped to connect callers with in-state resources, underscoring the stakes as more Georgians rely on the service. Environmental groups are considering legal action after another fuel spill at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport sent about 10,000 gallons into the Flint River — the latest in at least nine spills over the past decade — raising renewed concerns about oversight and long-term damage. In Burke County, roughly 150 seniors are facing GPA reductions after officials found dual enrollment credits were incorrectly weighted. Leaders are weighing fixes for the class of 2026 as students warn scholarships could be jeopardized. Meanwhile, Georgia House Republicans are advancing a family-focused package that includes House Bill 1142 to create a time-limited domestic violence offender registry and a proposed $4.5 million increase for shelters and sexual assault centers. Kennesaw State University will launch Georgia’s first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence this fall, and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is opening a Tuskegee Airmen exhibit aimed at inspiring young learners. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW at georgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #GaPol #ICE #988Lifeline #MentalHealth #FlintRiver #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HigherEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #TuskegeeAirmen