Fireworks safety tips ahead of Fourth of July in Macon

Jake’s Fireworks store in Macon urges residents to use caution with fireworks and offers safety advice for families this Independence Day.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Fourth of July is only three days away, and many people are getting ready to purchase fireworks. Jake’s Fireworks store operator Jesse Pittman says safety is a major priority. “Lot of safety things people forget is shoe wear,” Pittman said. “Make sure you’re not wearing flip flops or loose Crocs, try to have some type…

Sen. Jon Ossoff slams President Trump’s spending bill

“It guts the Medicaid program," Ossoff said. "It puts nursing homes and hospitals at risk. It will drive up health insurance premiums for working and middle-class families in Georgia."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Today, the United States Senate passed President Donald Trump’s spending and tax cuts bill, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie breaking vote. After voting against the bill, Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) reacted to its passage, calling the bill a “catastrophe” for healthcare access in Georgia and the state’s economy. “It…

Peach County jury convicts man of child molestation after years-long case

Michael Todd Durham was convicted of molesting a 13-year-old family member, with two others testifying about prior abuse.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Peach County jury found a 57-year-old man guilty of child molestation on Friday after a years-long case involving sexual abuse of young family members. According to a news release from Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard’s office, Michael Todd Durham was convicted of molesting a 13-year-old family member in 2017. During the trial,…

Piedmont shares benefits of virtual nursing, resources available for patients

Elizabeth Larkins, chief nursing officer for Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital, said the resource is available for patients.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Health officials are highlighting the benefits of virtual nursing as part of a new effort to introduce patients to technology aimed at improving care and extending the careers of experienced nurses. Elizabeth Larkins, chief nursing officer for Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital, said the resource is available to patients and emphasized…

Scattered storms tonight; isolated storms tomorrow

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An incoming cold front will spur on a round of storms for Middle Georgia today and a few more tomorrow. This Evening Continuing through the evening skies will stay mostly cloudy as storms become more widespread. A Level 1 “Marginal” risk for severe storms includes the northernmost counties of the region. This risk is for a…

Macon-Bibb County Fire Department hosts Fireworks Safety Demonstration

“We want to have a great time. Celebrate the 4th of July and we're here to help in any kind of way,” said Chesney Butler, Owner of Freedom Fireworks in Warner Robins.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – July 4th is just three days away and Macon-Bibb County Fire Department wants families to enjoy their time together and to also be safe doing so. That’s why they are stressing the importance of fireworks safety ahead of the holiday. A live safety demonstration was held as they lit fireworks and shared tips,…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores June 23-27

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, June 23 and Friday, June 27.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — This week’s Restaurant Report Card provides food service inspection scores across Middle Georgia, as released by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, June 23 and Friday, June 27. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Hollywood Minute: New trailers drop for “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” and Ryan Gosling’s “Project Hail Mary”

Two major films are generating buzz this week, as fans get their first look at a beloved period drama’s final chapter—and a high-stakes sci-fi adventure.

(CNN)- Two major films are generating buzz this week, as fans get their first look at a beloved period drama’s final chapter—and a high-stakes sci-fi adventure. The official trailer for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is out, teasing a new era for the Crawley family and their loyal staff. Set in 1930, the film promises change, charm, and a proper…

Senate nears vote on Trump’s budget bill amid GOP divisions and democratic delays

The Senate could vote today on President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget proposal, but the path to passage remains far from certain.

(CNN)- The Senate could vote today on President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget proposal, but the path to passage remains far from certain. Democrats continue to push for delays, flooding the floor with dozens of amendments. They argue Americans deserve more time to understand how the plan would impact them. “This bill steals people’s healthcare, jacks up their electricity bill, takes…

UPDATE: Arrest made after man found with stab wound, head injury in Macon roadway

Deputies say Brock Fowler was found in the roadway with injuries and later died at the hospital.

Eric Scott (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE: Bibb County investigators made an arrest in connection with Monday’s death investigation on Pine Valley Drive. According to a news release, patrol deputies made contact with a person of interest in the 400 block of Poplar Street “shortly after the incident.” Deputies took the person to investigators headquarters, and after further investigation, 49-year-old…

‘Macon Staycation’ offers local deals, events for Fourth of July week

Downtown Macon shops and restaurants hope to boost foot traffic with a weeklong event for locals staying home during the July Fourth holiday.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As the Fourth of July approaches, small businesses in downtown Macon typically face a slower week. However, a local organization is making sure if you choose to stay home for the holidays, you can still experience the best party of the summer. This week, downtown Macon is open for business, providing a great opportunity to explore…

Armed robbery at SSH Mart on Pio Nono Avenue under investigation

Deputies say two suspects fled in a white Dodge pickup after a robbery on Pio Nono Avenue.

Bibb County Sheriff’s OfficeMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying two people connected to an armed robbery at SSH Mart on Pio Nono Avenue. According to a news release, it happened around 4:28 p.m. Monday at 3457 Pio Nono Avenue. A man entered the business, pulled a gun on a customer…

Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia pushes through heat wave to serve hundreds of clients

The organization serves roughly 300 Bibb and Jones County seniors daily.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – While triple digit heat indexes force many to stay inside, staff members at Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia (MOWMIDGA) say extreme temperatures make getting out and doing their jobs all the more important. “Even though it’s hot outside, it’s very important to make sure each client receives their meal,” said Lashandria Jackson,…

Macon man arrested after attempted armed robbery at BP gas station

Deputies say the suspect tried to take cash from an ATM, pulled a gun and ran before being arrested.

Mitchell Baggarly (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Bibb County deputies arrested a Macon man Monday after an attempted armed robbery at a BP gas station on Hawkinsville Road, according to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. According to the release, it happened just after 2 p.m. at 7285 Hawkinsville Road. Deputies say a man…

Isolated storms likely this evening; more rain tomorrow

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Rain chances are up across Middle Georgia to begin the new week. This Evening A partly cloudy afternoon will see isolated storms around Middle Georgia through suppertime and into the overnight hours. The most intense storms could bring a bit of hail or strong wind gusts. Overnight expect partly cloudy skies with storms tapering off after…

Morning Business Report: Markets soar, manufacturing faces labor crunch

Wall Street closed out a strong week on Friday, with the S&P 500 hitting a new all-time high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping 429 points.

(LILAMAX)- Wall Street closed out a strong week on Friday, with the S&P 500 hitting a new all-time high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping 429 points. Early indicators  suggest the rally may continue, with pre-market futures pointing to another positive day for investors. However, beneath the stock market surge, American manufacturing  is facing a serious hurdle. The U.S….

Senate braces for high-stakes vote on President Trump’s budget bill

The future of President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget bill remains uncertain as the Senate heads into a critical vote-a-rama today.

(CNN)- The future of President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget bill remains uncertain as the Senate heads into a critical vote-a-rama today. Democrats are united in opposition. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill sharply, saying, “A handful of billionaires get a big break while working people lose their Medicaid, while hungry kids lose access to food funding.” Meanwhile, most…

Hollywood Minute: Big reveals and finales ahead in film and anime

The “Fast and the Furious” franchise may not be done surprising fans.

(CNN)- The “Fast and the Furious” franchise may not be done surprising fans. During an appearance at the FuelFest car convention, Vin Diesel hinted at the return of Paul Walker’s character in the upcoming eleventh and final film. While Diesel didn’t share specifics, Variety reports the highly anticipated movie is set to hit theaters in April 2027. Meanwhile, Emma Stone…

Dublin Native Caleb Williams Reflects on Racing Journey Ahead of LIUNA 150

The Dublin native gets ready for the inaugural race at Lime Rock Park this weekend as the Lead Engineer for Front Row Motorsports in the NCTS

LIME ROCK PARK, Connecticut- (41NBC/WMGT) – As the engines rev for the inaugural LiUNA 500, Dublin native Caleb Williams prepares for another intense NASCAR weekend, but his path to this moment has been anything but conventional. Williams, a 2020 Georgia Southern graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, grew up immersed in the world of racing. Dirt tracks around his…

Rhythm & Rally offer pickleball for Neurodivergent kids

Lee says the program allows kids with disabilities to feel just like everyone else.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- All children should have the opportunity to feel included at all times. That’s why Sports Program Manager for Rhythm & Rally Andrea Lee, created the ‘Pickleball for a Purpose’ program. “Our goal is to allow individuals to have the opportunity to participate in pickleball. It’s a fun evolving sport for anyone, everyone”, said Lee.  She says the…

Macon leaders seek preservation of Fort Hawkins blockhouse

Builders used concrete on the replica to mimic what was timber on the original blockhouse. But over time, chunks of that concrete have fallen from the fort’s upper levels, and moisture has gotten inside, causing rust.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC) MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Local leaders are exploring different options to preserve Fort Hawkins, particularly the fort’s southeastern blockhouse. Historians say Macon’s story can’t properly be told without the mention of Fort Hawkins. The fort stored U.S. Army supplies and rations during the War of 1812. It was also a factory that was central to deerskin…

UPDATE: Monroe County missing woman found

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 478-994-7010.

UPDATE: (11:15 p.m.) – According to a Facebook post by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Petitt has been located safe. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to locate a missing woman. 55-year-old Sharon Summers Petitt was last seen about 1:30 p.m. June 23 at the Shell station on Harold…

Unapologetics Movement Center to host youth summit

The event will be held June 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5049 Log Cabin Drive.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Unapologetic Movement Center is set to host the inaugural “Tag Youth Summit.” The event will be held June 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5049 Log Cabin Drive. Pastor Marvin Moore said the event is free and open to children ages 8 to 18. Attendees can RSVP by contacting event organizers at 478-277-2777….

Current pattern continues this weekend

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures both high and low will be near average through this weekend with isolated storms over the back half of the day. This Evening It’s a bit hotter this afternoon than it was yesterday, however the heat is not as bad as Wednesday. Isolated storms have already begun around the region with more expected through the…