Georgia NOW News for Wednesday Fed. 4, 2026

Atlanta-area students are taking Black history to the stage this weekend at the Black History Bowl, where middle school teams will compete in Kennesaw. Organizers say the event is about pride, learning, and honoring family legacies. March is shaping up to be a busy election month in Georgia, with several special elections set for March 10 to fill vacant seats, including State House Districts 94 and 130, State Senate District 53, and Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. Full candidate lists are available at heargeorgianow.com. In South Fulton, an after-school program is blending literacy with lyricism. Soul Food Cipher is using freestyle rap to help students build vocabulary, confidence, and public speaking skills, while encouraging self-expression. In south Georgia, Literacy Volunteers of Tifton-Tift County are preparing for their 12th annual Dessert Tasting fundraiser next week, raising money for adult literacy programs. Health care access is shifting statewide, as Kroger plans to close all 18 Little Clinic locations in Georgia by April. The clinics have offered basic medical care and vaccinations, but the company has not explained the closures. A new Emory University survey finds most Georgia parents support banning cell phones in public high schools. Lawmakers are now considering whether to expand the existing ban beyond elementary and middle schools. Under the Gold Dome, lawmakers are also moving closer to allowing high school athletes to earn money from name, image, and likeness deals, with new safeguards aimed at protecting minors. For news anytime, visit georgianow.com or download the Georgia NOW app. #GeorgiaNow #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryBowl #GeorgiaElections #SpecialElections #YouthVoices #Education #Literacy #AfterSchoolPrograms #HealthCare #SchoolPolicy #CellPhoneBan #NIL #HighSchoolSports #GaPol