Gray woman charged after alleged $500K theft from Macon church

According to the news release, after discovering suspicious and fraudulent activity, the conference reported its findings to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A woman was arrested in connection with a Georgia RICO Act violation investigation, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was reported October 28, 2025. According to a news release, the Criminal Investigation Division responded to a complaint from leaders of the South Georgia United Methodist Conference, where it was reported that, in recent…

Forsyth man faces prison after passport fraud guilty plea

Prosecutors say the defendant used another person’s identity for years before the case was uncovered.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Forsyth man who federal prosecutors say used a stolen identity to obtain a U.S. passport has pleaded guilty and now faces prison time, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. According to a news release, 54-year-old Roan Lynch, a Jamaican citizen, pleaded guilty Monday to making a false statement in…

Macon hospitals raise Donate Life flag to honor donors, encourage registration

Piedmont Macon facilities mark Donate Life Month by raising awareness about the need for organ donors

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – April marks Donate Life Month, and in Macon, two hospitals raised a flag to honor organ donors and encourage others to register. At Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital, the Donate Life flag now flies as a symbol of hope. Hospital leaders say the ceremony is meant to recognize donors, their families and…

Buc-ee’s construction continues as officials mark groundbreaking in Monroe County

President of Buc-ee’s Arch Aplin, he says he’s bringing in the 4th Buc-ee’s in Georgia, due to the traffic interstate 75 brings to the Monroe County area. 

Buc-ee’s Forsyth groundbreaking (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Monroe County leaders held a ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday for a new Buc-ee’s location, even as work on the site has already been underway for several months. The new Buc-ee’s will be located at 1080 Rumble Road near Interstate 75, becoming the fourth location in Georgia and second in our viewing area….

Piedmont Macon shares resources ahead of Black Maternal Health Week

"Black mothers have a higher mortality rate and it's not just about race," says Willingham. "It's against the biases and access to healthcare that these women experience."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As Black Maternal Health Week approaches, Piedmont Macon is raising awareness about the disparities Black mothers face and sharing resources to support mothers and families throughout pregnancy and the postpartum journey. Kari Willingham, director of women’s services at Piedmont Macon, says it is important that mothers listen to their bodies if something doesn’t feel right. “Black…

Bethel CME Church to host Fort Valley State University Choir Concert

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fort Valley State University Choir and Bethel CME Church.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Fort Valley State University Choir is set to perform a concert at Bethel CME Church this weekend. The concert is scheduled for April 11 at Bethel CME Church, located at 1668 Pio Nono Ave. in Macon. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 6 p.m. Church member Freeman Lester says Bethel CME…

Explosions in Tehran as Trump sets deadline for Iran deal, tensions escalate

Fresh explosions were reported in Tehran as Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran to reach a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

(NBC)- Fresh explosions were reported in Tehran as Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran to reach a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The president has set an 8:00 p.m. Eastern deadline, warning of severe consequences if an agreement is not reached. “After that, they’re going to have no bridges. They’re going to have no…

Morning Business Report: Tax refunds rise as markets climb and new child investment accounts announced

The average tax refund is higher so far this filing season, according to Internal Revenue Service data.

(NBC)- The average tax refund is higher so far this filing season, according to Internal Revenue Service data. As of March 27, the average refund for individual filers is $3,521—up about $350 compared to roughly $3,170 at the same time last year. The IRS says it has received about 88.4 million individual returns so far, out of approximately 164 million…

Father dies saving children from rip current in Florida

Ryan Jennings is being remembered as a husband, father, and hero after giving his life to save his children.

(NBC)- A family vacation turned into tragedy after a father died while rescuing his children from dangerous ocean conditions in Palm Beach County. Ryan Jennings is being remembered as a husband, father, and hero after giving his life to save his children from a powerful rip current. “He was like my real-life hero, just as he was for everybody else—so…

Artemis II astronauts break distance record

Now on day six, the Artemis II crew has reached a maximum distance of roughly 252,000 miles from Earth

(CNN)- The NASA Artemis II mission is making history, as the crew travels farther from Earth than any humans before President Donald  Trump spoke with the astronauts Monday, congratulating both the crew and mission teams for what he called an “incredible, historic mission.” He also emphasized the broader goal of the program, signaling future plans beyond the current mission. “We’ll…

Ava Little’s family calls for stronger bullying policies in Peach County Schools

Family and community members push for change during Board of Education meeting following vigil for 12-year-old Ava Little

PEACH COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Friends and family gathered Monday at the Peach County Board of Education to honor 12-year-old Ava Little, a life her family says was full of light. But beyond remembrance, there was also a call to action. Loved ones and supporters later filled the Peach County Schools Board of Education meeting, asking leaders to take a…

Man pleads guilty in Byron church arson, faces up to 20 years

Prosecutors say the defendant set multiple fires inside the church and took money before leaving.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A South Carolina man has pleaded guilty to setting fire to a church in Byron and now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. Prosecutors say 34-year-old Luke Andrew Westefeld of North Augusta pleaded guilty Monday to one count of malicious use of…

Red Cross urges pet owners to download free emergency app

The app includes guidance on CPR, choking, injuries and emergency planning for pets.

Red Cross pet emergency app (PHOTO: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners to prepare for emergencies during Pet First Aid Awareness Month by downloading a free app designed to help care for animals in urgent situations. Regional communications director for the American Red Cross Suzanne Lawler says the app, called Pet First…

Orion crew prepares for far-side moon flyby in historic Artemis mission

The maneuver will give astronauts one of the clearest and widest views ever captured of the moon’s far side.

(NBC)- The countdown is on for a historic moment in space exploration as NASA’s Orion crew prepares to fly past the far side of the moon, marking a major milestone in the Artemis program. The four astronauts spent Easter traveling deeper into space, sending back images of Earth as they continued their roughly 252,000-mile journey toward the moon. During the…

Morning Business Report: Oil surges, stocks wobble and airline fees rise amid Iran conflict

Oil prices are climbing sharply as tensions with Iran continue to shake global markets.

(LILAMAX)- Oil prices are climbing sharply as tensions with Iran continue to shake global markets. U.S. crude topped $114 per barrel overnight after Donald Trump gave Iran a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential attacks on power infrastructure. Iran has effectively kept the critical shipping lane closed through attacks on oil tankers, disrupting global supply. OPEC+…

Car plows into Louisiana parade, injuring multiple during Lao New Year celebration

Witness videos captured panic at the scene, with people screaming as the incident unfolded.

(NBC)- A festive celebration turned into chaos after authorities say a car drove into a parade crowd during a Lao New Year event in Iberia Parish, just south of Lafayette. Witness videos captured panic at the scene, with people screaming as the incident unfolded. The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the crash does not appear to be intentional, and the…

Woman killed, teen injured in Piedmont Park shooting in Atlanta

A woman is dead and a teenage girl is injured following a shooting at Piedmont Park on Saturday.

(CNN)- A woman is dead and a teenage girl is injured following a shooting at Piedmont Park on Saturday. According to police, the shooting happened during an unpermitted gathering, about an hour after a large festival had wrapped up in the park. Investigators say a 15-year-old girl was also shot. She was alert and breathing when she was transported to…

Crime Stoppers seeks man wanted for furnishing contraband to inmates in Wilcox County

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME (1-877-682-7463).

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon Regional Crime Stoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies across Middle Georgia as part of its ongoing effort to encourage community involvement in locating fugitives. Crime Stoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement agencies in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals…

RECALL WATCH LIST: From a popular snack to swimwear, here’s what you need to stop using immediately

Here's a rundown of the most recent consumer safety alerts and product recalls you should know about.

CREDIT: USDA/ FSISUPDATE: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service has retracted its earlier public health alert for Walmart’s Great Value dino-shaped chicken nuggets. According to a new release, follow-up testing found no elevated levels of lead in the product. Officials say the initial result that prompted the alert was a false positive caused by contamination during…

Tennille man arrested after crash into church during pursuit

According to a news release, a vehicle pursuit started in Tennille April 4.

TENNILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Tennille man was arrested Saturday after a vehicle pursuit ended with a crash into a church, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. According to a news release, a vehicle pursuit started in Tennille April 4. The sheriff’s office states that a deputy attempted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 68 and Highway…

Georgia’s American Journey: 250 Years | Andalusia and Flannery O’Connor’s legacy

The Milledgeville property that inspired Flannery O’Connor now stands as a museum honoring her impact on American literature.

Georgia’s American Journey: 250 Years | Middle Georgia History SeriesMILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we highlight Andalusia, a Georgia landmark with a remarkable literary legacy. Once Muscogee land and later a cotton plantation, Andalusia went on to become the home of one of the South’s most famous writers, Flannery O’Connor. Her time on the farm…

Pam Bondi removed as Attorney General

A major shakeup at the Department of Justice as Pam Bondi is out as Attorney General.

(NBC) — A major shakeup at the Department of Justice as Pam Bondi is out as Attorney General. Donald Trump announced the move, posting “we love Pam,” while saying she will transition to a new role in the private sector. Bondi, a longtime ally of the president dating back to his first term, had recently appeared alongside him during a…

Pooh Shiesty arrested in federal robbery and kidnapping case

The arrests come after a newly unsealed 31-page federal criminal complaint that triggered coordinated law enforcement raids in Memphis and Frisco, Texas.

(NBC) — Federal authorities have arrested rising rapper Pooh Shiesty, along with his father and seven others, in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping plot. The arrests come after a newly unsealed 31-page federal criminal complaint that triggered coordinated law enforcement raids in Memphis and Frisco, Texas. According to prosecutors, Pooh Shiesty — whose real name is Lontrell…

Morning Business Report: More states requiring personal finance classes as part of high school graduation

Growing number of states are making personal finance education a requirement for high school graduation.

(LILAMAX)-  Growing number of states are making personal finance education a requirement for high school graduation, as educators push to better prepare students for real-world financial decisions. An analysis by the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College found that by 2031, 29 states and the District of Columbia will require a personal finance course. That would mean about 73%…