Georgia NOW News for Monday Feb. 8, 2026

Georgia’s Legislative Black Caucus is laying out its priorities for the session, calling for stronger civil rights protections, expanded voter access, worker protections, and a higher minimum wage. Lawmakers say Georgia lags behind other Southern states on anti-discrimination laws, despite its deep civil rights history. Meanwhile, the 100 Black Men of Savannah hosted a free community health and wellness fair during the Savannah Black Heritage Festival, focusing on longevity, prevention, and access to care. In Cobb County, residents will soon be able to pay certain court fines through a new drive-through service aimed at cutting wait times and courthouse congestion. At the same time, federal workforce cuts are driving higher unemployment among Black women in Georgia, with advocates warning that government job losses disproportionately hit a group long reliant on public-sector stability. At the Capitol, Georgia House Republicans are advancing several unexpected measures, including a bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control and expand access to contraceptives statewide. Lawmakers are also backing proposals to extend maternity leave for state employees and invest more funding into reducing Georgia’s maternal mortality rate. A federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to unseal records tied to the FBI’s seizure of Fulton County’s 2020 election ballots, as county leaders argue the raid violated constitutional protections and fueled public confusion. And Georgia’s congressional delegation continues to shift, with Rep. Barry Loudermilk announcing he will not seek reelection, becoming the fourth Republican representative from the state to step aside this cycle. Finally, a nonprofit theater company is bringing Broadway-style performances to Atlanta’s West Side. Broadway on Bankhead is giving children year-round access to theater training and live productions, aiming to fill a gap in arts opportunities for young performers. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at heregeorgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #GaPol #BlackCaucus #CivilRights #PublicHealth #EconomicJustice #Workforce #ContraceptionAccess #MaternalHealth #Elections #FultonCounty #ArtsEducation #Atlanta