Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Good morning! On this date in 1854, the Georgia General Assembly created Charlton County, the state's southernmost county and the site of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge's main entrance.

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Trump Coming to Rome

President Trump will travel to Rome on Thursday to deliver remarks on affordability and the economy, according to the White House.

The trip comes with early voting underway in the 14th Congressional District special election to replace Republican former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Rome.

Two weeks ago, Trump endorsed Lookout Mountain district attorney Clay Fuller in the crowded race, but this week he left open the possibility of making additional endorsements.

During his visit, he plans to visit a local business and highlight his administration's efforts to raise wages and accelerate economic growth nationwide.

Lawmaker Cites Changing Funeral Preferences

A bill moving through the state legislature would end the requirement that funeral directors also hold an embalming license to work in the state.

The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Rick Williams, R-Milledgeville, and a licensed funeral director for over 50 years, cited the growing shift toward cremation.

Across the U.S., cremations will account for about two-thirds of dispositions this year, the National Funeral Directors Association projected.

If the measure becomes law, Georgia would join 26 other states that do not require all funeral directors to also hold an embalmer's license.

Race Week Off and Running

NASCAR fans began arriving for race week at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, to be capped by the Autotrader 400 Cup Series race at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Off the track, the speedway offers a full slate that includes camping, a hauler parade, charity laps, a weekend Fan Zone, and a pre-race concert.

The speedway changed its name from Atlanta Motor Speedway last summer under a seven-year partnership deal with EchoPark Automotive.

The racing on Saturday will feature the Craftsman Truck Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series events. See the full racing schedule here.

In Sunday's Cup Series race, Dawsonville driver Chase Elliott will look to build on his strong showing in the Daytona 500, in which he led during the final lap before a crash-marred finish.

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➤ Savannah: A school teacher was killed Monday when an illegal immigrant fleeing a traffic stop crashed his vehicle into her car, according to police. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Political and civil rights leaders mourned the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He was 84. (More)

➤ Forsyth County: The body found in a submerged car pulled from Lake Lanier was identified as 85-year-old Phillip Malone, who was reported missing from Roswell. (More)

➤ Albany: The former longtime Roses Discount Store building on the city's east side was demolished, as community leaders voice concerns about the area's commercial decay. (More)

➤ Columbia County: County commissioners approved additional requirements for a proposed data center development, including noise limits. (More)

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➤ Former Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker received an official commendation from Gov. Brian Kemp, recognizing his 49-year tenure with the Braves organization. (More)

➤ Georgia women's basketball re-entered the AP Top 25 this week, coming in at No. 24. (See Full Poll)

➤ Atlanta Falcons assistant coach Mike Rutenberg was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. (More)

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➤ Gov. Brian Kemp announced $4.3 million in rural site development grants to six communities, bringing the state's spending on the initiative to $21 million since 2024. (More)

➤ An 8,000-seat arena built in long-dormant retail space at Southlake Mall in Morrow celebrated the hosting of its first event, the state high school wrestling championships. (More)

➤ Trader Joe's confirmed plans to open a grocery store in Evans. No timeline or specific site was announced. (More)

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➤ Skateland Augusta hosted its inaugural Presidents Day Artistic Roller Skating Meet, drawing competitors aged 5 to 67 from 22 clubs nationwide. (More)

➤ Dru Hill and Tamar Braxton will headline a Mother's Day R&B show on May 10 at Columbus Civic Center, joined by Ginuwine and Keke Wyatt. (More)

➤ Two fishermen with Georgia ties fared well this past weekend, with Emery Burnett winning the Phoenix Bass Fishing League event at Clarks Hill Lake and Caleb Hudson placing 10th at Bassmaster Elite Lake Martin. (More)

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