Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett running for Georgia Secretary of State focusing on election integrity and voting rights

Dana Barrett, who represents District 3 in Fulton County, brings a diverse background to the race, including experience as a technology executive, entrepreneur and media host. She previously was the Democratic nominee for Georgia’s 11th Congressional District in 2020.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dana Barrett, a Fulton County commissioner and former congressional candidate, is running for Georgia Secretary of State, centering her campaign on election security and support for small businesses. In launching her campaign, Barrett has emphasized protecting what she calls “free, fair and secure elections,” a message shaped in part by her role in recent disputes over…

Phaedra Parks talks Season 17 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta

Season 17 of the long-running franchise premiered this past weekend on Bravo, marking Phaedra Parks’ return to the series after several years away.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Reality television veteran Phaedra Parks is back in the spotlight as the newest season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta gets underway. She originally appeared on the show from 2010 to 2017 and rejoined the cast in 2024, bringing renewed attention to one of the franchise’s most recognizable figures. Before her rise in reality television, Parks…

Georgia Business Focus: Major projects and new restaurants bring jobs and growth to Middle Georgia

New restaurants, major projects and expanded air service highlight regional economic momentum

Big-name brands and major projects are driving new jobs and growth across Middle Georgia, from Buc-ee’s in Forsyth to new restaurants and expanded air service for Macon and Warner Robins. MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia is seeing a surge in business activity, with companies including AutoZone, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Buc-ee’s leading new development across the region. This week’s…

Middle Georgia State University buries time capsules to mark milestone

Ceremonies held across campuses to preserve artifacts from 2025–2026 academic year

Middle Georgia State University leaders and students take part in time capsule ceremonies across campuses. (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)Middle Georgia State University is preserving a moment in time, burying capsules across its campuses filled with artifacts from today for students to rediscover decades from now. MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -To commemorate the first year of a second decade as a University, Middle…

Melania Trump denies Epstein ties in rare public statement

Melania Trump is pushing back against rumors linking her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a rare public statement.

(NBC)- Melania Trump is pushing back against rumors linking her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a rare public statement. “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” the First Lady said, without specifying what prompted her to speak out now. Behind the scenes, her legal team has reportedly spent the past year challenging…

Morning Business Report: DOJ investigates NFL over media rights, consumer concerns

At the same time, economic pressures are hitting other industries.

(LILAMAX)- The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into whether the National Football League engaged in anticompetitive practices that may harm consumers, with a focus on how fans access games. According to an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal, the investigation centers on media rights deals. The league operates under the Sports Broadcasting Act, which allows teams…

Artemis II Orion spacecraft prepares for fiery re-entry and Pacific splashdown

NASA teams are making final preparations as the Artemis II crew returns to Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft following a historic journey around the moon.

(CNN)- Officials say all systems are performing as expected ahead of one of the most dangerous phases of the mission — re-entry. “We’ve reviewed all the re-entry procedures and activities, and we are good to go,” said Branelle Rodriguez, Artemis II Orion vehicle manager. “Orion remains healthy. It’s been working fantastic.” NASA specialists on the ground are now running through…

Community Foundation of Central Georgia awards grants to local nonprofits

One of those organizations, Prevent Blindness Georgia, received $24,000 to help children get vision care directly in schools.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Community Foundation of Central Georgia is investing in communities across the region, awarding grants to more than 20 nonprofits to support education, health care, housing and the arts. One of those organizations, Prevent Blindness Georgia, received $24,000 to help children get vision care directly in schools. Jill Thornton, president of Prevent Blindness Georgia, says many…

Jason Esteves outlines vision for Georgia governor’s race focused on cost of living, healthcare, and education

Esteves, a state senator and former chair of the Atlanta Board of Education, enters the race highlighting his background as an educator, attorney, and small business owner.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves is laying out a campaign centered on lowering costs for families, expanding healthcare access, and increasing investment in education as Georgia’s 2026 race for governor begins to take shape. Raised in Columbus, he was the first in his family to attend college and later law school, an experience that has shaped…

44th Ham and Egg Legislative Breakfast focuses on farm bill changes, concerns

The price of fertilizer increased 21% between 2024 and the end of 2025, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

FVSU farmers ham & egg breakfast (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Rising fertilizer costs and concerns over profitability are placing added pressure on Georgia farmers, according to agriculture leaders. The price of fertilizer increased 21% between 2024 and the end of 2025, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Keith Howard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Family…

Warner Robins Little Theatre to present “Musical Madness”

Performances will run April 17-19 at the Warner Robins Little Theatre, located at 502 S. Pleasant Road.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Warner Robins Little Theatre is preparing to welcome audiences for its upcoming production, Musical Madness, next week. Set at Unity Grove Academy, the show follows the excitement surrounding the school’s annual spring musical as students eagerly await the announcement of what production they will perform. The storyline follows Ms. Cassie as she steps into the…

Artemis II astronauts share new images, prepare for return to Earth

Astronauts aboard Artemis II are giving a final look at their historic journey as they prepare to return home.

(CNN)- Astronauts aboard Artemis II are giving a final look at their historic journey as they prepare to return home. Speaking during a live press conference from space on day eight of the mission, astronaut Victor Glover said the crew is bringing back far more than what the public has already seen. “There’s so much data that you’ve seen already,…

Morning Business Report: U.S. job growth slows, internships drop as Lowe’s invests in skilled trades

U.S. job growth has slowed sharply over the past year, making it harder for young Americans to land their first jobs after college.

(LILAMAX)- U.S. job growth has slowed sharply over the past year, making it harder for young Americans to land their first jobs after college—or even secure internships, often a key first step in building a career. Data tracked by Indeed shows internship postings last year dropped compared to each of the previous five years, falling slightly below 2019 levels. Pharmacy…

Magnolia Soapbox Derby returns to downtown Macon

The free event will also feature food trucks, live entertainment and a STEM zone.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Magnolia Soapbox Derby is set to return to downtown Macon this weekend, bringing high-speed races, live entertainment and family-friendly activities to the city. The event is scheduled for April 11, with the first race beginning at 11 a.m. at the hill on Magnolia Street. Organizers say the race will feature teams from local high schools,…

Tensions rise as Israel strikes and Strait of Hormuz disputes threaten Iran ceasefire

A fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is facing growing pressure.

(NBC)- A fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is facing growing pressure, as new violence and key disagreements threaten to derail efforts toward a lasting peace agreement. Recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns about the stability of the two-week ceasefire. Overnight, Donald Trump said U.S. forces will remain in…

Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to Gilgo Beach murders, admits to eighth killing

The man accused of being the Gilgo Beach serial killings suspect has pleaded guilty.

(NBC)- The man accused of being the Gilgo Beach serial killings suspect has pleaded guilty, bringing long-awaited answers to victims’ families. Rex Heuermann, 62, admitted in court to murdering seven women and confessed to an uncharged eighth killing—that of Karen Vergata. Prosecutors say the victims were strangled and their bodies dumped in remote areas of Long Island between 1993 and…

One-year-old dead, mother charged after children left alone without food for hours

Authorities arrested 37-year-old Sherry Magby, who now faces six counts of second-degree child cruelty.

(CNN) – A tragic discovery in a local neighborhood has left residents shaken after a one-year-old child was found dead inside a home where police say multiple children had been left alone for hours without food. According to investigators, officers responded to a home on James D. Simpson in late March for a reported cardiac arrest. When they arrived, the…

New nonstop flights from Macon to Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale announced

New nonstop routes from Middle Georgia Regional Airport begin June 9, expanding travel options to Maryland and South Florida

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Contour Airlines is expanding service in Middle Georgia, announcing the return of nonstop flights to Baltimore and the launch of a new route to South Florida from Middle Georgia Regional Airport. Beginning June 9, 2026, the airline will reinstate nonstop service between Macon and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The Baltimore route previously operated out of Macon…

Macon man dies in fatal Monroe County crash

The fatal crash happened at approximately 11:58 p.m. April 8 at the Interstate 75 southbound entrance ramp off Johnstonville Road.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –A man is dead after a fatal crash in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The fatal crash happened at approximately 11:58 p.m. April 8 at the Interstate 75 southbound entrance ramp off Johnstonville Road. Deputies responded to the scene and saw an overturned Honda Accord. The sheriff’s office says the driver lost control…

Two Harley-Davidsons recovered in Macon after Twiggs theft

Investigators say the motorcycles were stolen in Twiggs County and later located at two sites in Macon.

Credit: Twiggs County Sheriff’s OfficeMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two motorcycles stolen out of Twiggs County have been recovered in Macon, and a suspect is now facing multiple felony charges, according to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the sheriff’s office said deputies originally responded March 15 to the 200 block of Lettie Way in Twiggs…

Theatre Macon celebrates 40 years of performances, community impact

The celebration will continue with Theatre Macon’s annual gala on May 16, where the official 40th season will be revealed.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Theatre Macon is celebrating a major milestone, marking 40 years of performances and contributions to the community. The theater kicked off its anniversary season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Along with celebrating four decades, leaders are also highlighting an addition to the performance space. Organizers say the milestone reflects not only years of entertainment, but also the…

Seventeen become U.S. citizens during ceremony in Macon

The ceremony at the federal courthouse marked the end of a long journey for new citizens from around the world.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Inside the William A Bootle Federal Building & US Courthouse Wednesday, 17 people stood together, raised their right hands, and took the oath of allegiance, officially becoming United States citizens. Those applicants came from 11 different countries. Erica Yang first arrived in the United States as a toddler from a refugee camp in Thailand. She says…

Proposal would bring Jack in the Box to Gray Highway in Macon

The proposal would convert an existing building into a drive-in restaurant, pending approval.

A rendering of the restaurant as seen in the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission Draft Agenda for May 11.MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Jack in the Box restaurant could be coming to Gray Highway, according to a draft agenda released by the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission. The proposal, submitted by Macon Vortex PropCo LLC and listed on the…

Deputies: I-75 chase leads to arrests in prison drop attempt

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says deputies found a drone and other items linked to a planned prison drop during the traffic stop.

Watkins (top) and Bonner (bottom); Credit: Monroe County Sheriff’s OfficeMONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two men are in custody after Monroe County deputies say a traffic stop on Interstate 75 turned into a chase tied to an attempt to deliver contraband to a state prison. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted a traffic stop just after 8:30…