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%…

Hollywood Minute: “Super Mario Galaxy Movie” scores big

A big week in entertainment, with strong box office numbers and major announcements in television.

(CNN)- “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is off to a hot start, bringing in an estimated $34.5 million in domestic ticket sales on Wednesday — the biggest opening day of the year so far. Box office analysts say the animated sequel could approach $200 million in its first five days, signaling another major success for the franchise. Meanwhile, Meryl Streep…

Monroe County man faces 27 new warrants in identity fraud investigation

A Monroe County man is facing dozens of new charges after investigators say he was involved in multiple identity fraud cases.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Monroe County man is facing dozens of new charges after investigators say he was involved in multiple identity fraud cases. Authorities say 26-year-old Quran Wauchope was first arrested in September 2025 on identity fraud charges. He later posted bond and was released. However, deputies say Wauchope quickly became a suspect in another case. Following a…

Artemis II astronauts begin historic mission around the moon

NASA is taking another major step in space exploration as the Artemis II mission successfully begins its journey around the moon.

(CNN)- NASA is taking another major step in space exploration as the Artemis II mission successfully begins its journey around the moon. “We have just completed the translunar injection burn. Preliminary reports of a good burn,” mission control confirmed. In simple terms, that means the spacecraft has reached the speed needed to break free from Earth’s orbit and head toward…

Rick Jackson visits Middle Georgia, touts focus on taxes and economic issues

Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Kackson shares plans on property taxes, data centers and representation

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Republican candidate for governor Rick Jackson is bringing his campaign message to voters in Middle Georgia, focusing on tax relief and economic issues. Jackson says one of his top priorities is reducing taxes, particularly property taxes, which he believes have become too high for many residents. He also says he wants to represent people he feels…

Memorial Park Recreation Center in Macon reopens after $2.4 million renovation

Upgrades include new playground, tennis and basketball courts and interior improvements

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Memorial Park Recreation Center is back open following a $2.4 million renovation project. The money comes from 2018 SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds, according to Macon-Bibb County. County leaders say the upgrades include a new playground for kids. “We just want to provide a quality recreational space for this community so the…

WEEKEND WATCH: Strawberries, soulful music, Easter Egg hunts

Here’s a look at some of the biggest events happening across Middle Georgia this weekend.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This weekend includes a return of strawberry season, a powerhouse R&B concert and a lineup of family-friendly Easter egg hunts! Here’s your 41NBC Weekend Watch.  Strawberry season underway at Lane Southern Orchards Spring has sprung, and Lane Southern Orchards is celebrating the start of strawberry season with a family-friendly festival this Saturday from 11 a.m. to…

New weight loss pill offers needle-free option as demand for GLP-1 drugs surges

A new option is now available for millions of Americans looking to lose weight — without the need for injections.

(NBC)- A new option is now available for millions of Americans looking to lose weight — without the need for injections. Eli Lilly has received FDA approval for its new GLP-1 weight loss pill, Foundayo, which is expected to hit the market next week. The pill enters a rapidly growing market, following the release of an oral version of Wegovy…

Trump says Iran war nearing completion, but signals more strikes ahead

Donald Trump addressed the nation overnight in his first primetime speech since the start of the war with Iran.

(NBC) – Donald Trump addressed the nation overnight in his first primetime speech since the start of the war with Iran, saying U.S. military objectives are nearing completion. “One month into strikes, we are systematically dismantling the regime’s ability to threaten America or project power outside of their borders,” Trump said. The president pointed to progress targeting Iran’s navy, air…

Morning Business Report: Alexa upgrades, Sam’s Club price hike, and new weight loss drug

Several major updates across tech, retail, and food industries are making headlines.

(LILAMAX)- Alexa Plus users can now order food directly from Grubhub and Uber Eats through the AI assistant. The feature is included with an Amazon Prime membership. Meanwhile, Sam’s Club is raising the cost of its basic annual membership from $50 to $60. The company, owned by Walmart, last increased membership prices in 2013. LinkedIn is warning users about a…

Fisherman rescues woman after hearing cries for help on lake

What started as a peaceful morning on the water quickly turned into a life-saving moment for one Middle Georgia fisherman.

(CNN) – For Marvin Winston, fishing has always been a way to reset. Winston often spends hours on the lake, documenting his trips for his YouTube fishing channel, where he shares quiet moments of sunrise catches and calm waters with viewers. But on February 19th, that calm was suddenly interrupted. “I always make the decision to go right underneath the…