Ross Chastain Ready for EchoPark Speedway’s Historic In-Season Tournament Debut

The Melon Man stopped by the station Wednesday to talk all things racing ahead of Nascar's return to Atlanta this weekend

HAMPTON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – As NASCAR launches its first-ever in-season tournament at the newly renamed EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway, drivers are gearing up for a high-stakes weekend of racing unlike any before. Among them is Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, who stopped by the 41NBC station to share his thoughts ahead of Saturday night’s Quaker State 400…

Forsyth teen stabbing was tied to business dispute; 4 charged, including 2 adults

Investigators say a teen was stabbed during a fight linked to a dispute over a COOGI bag and unpaid hair services.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A teenage girl was hospitalized after a violent confrontation tied to an ongoing business dispute, according to the Forsyth Police Department. According to Lt. Terence Thomas, the altercation began around six months ago when a 14-year-old girl from Forsyth allegedly took a bag from a 14-year-old girl in Hampton after she had…

Colonel Sandra Bonney takes command of 461st Air Control Wing at Robins AFB

Bonney will oversee tactical command systems, combat operations, and communications at Robins AFB.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Robins Air Force Base has a new commander for its 461st Air Control Wing: Colonel Sandra Bonney officially took command during a change of leadership ceremony on Wednesday. She will be responsible for leading ground-based tactical command, control weapon systems, combat airfield operations and leading the active-duty combat communications group. She will also be responsible…

Macon being considered as intermediate stop along Atlanta-to-Savannah intercity passenger rail

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) paved the way for the Atlanta-Savannah Corridor proposal, which is currently in the pipeline for more federal funding. The Georgia Department of Transportation is exploring five different routes for the project, with one including a route that would connect Atlanta to Macon to Savannah. 

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Local officials say we’re closer than ever to seeing a high-speed rail service connecting cities across Georgia. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) paved the way for the Atlanta-Savannah Corridor proposal, which is currently in the pipeline for more federal funding. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is exploring five…

Salvation Army opens cooling center during heat wave

The center opened Monday at noon and will remain open any time the heat index exceeds 100 degrees, according to Social Services Director Dr. Latresa White.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Salvation Army has opened a cooling center in Macon to provide relief during this week’s dangerous heat. The center opened Monday at noon and will remain open any time the heat index exceeds 100 degrees, according to Social Services Director Dr. Latresa White. Current forecasts suggest elevated heat index levels through at least Friday. Both…

Tech Report: DHS Issues cybersecurity warning amid rising tensions with Iran

s tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, the Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning about a potential wave of low-level cyberattacks.

(LILAMAX)-As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, the Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning about a potential wave of low-level cyberattacks. Officials say public infrastructure and the private sector—particularly in industries like energy, healthcare, and banking—could be primary targets. Scott White, Director of the Cybersecurity Program at George Washington University, told USA Today that Americans, especially…

High heat and humidity one more day; some relief is near

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The upper level ridge begins to weaken today. The combination of morning lows in the mid to upper 70s and afternoon sunshine will produce oppressive  conditions this afternoon. High temperatures should peak between 95 and 100 degrees and combine with the humidity to produce heat index values between 100 and 109 degrees! Heat of this magnitude…

Trump highlights ceasefire win at NATO Summit as questions swirl over Iran nuclear strikes

President Donald Trump is highlighting what he calls a major diplomatic achievement during his appearance at the NATO Summit in the Netherlands.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is highlighting what he calls a major diplomatic achievement during his appearance at the NATO Summit in the Netherlands — a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran that, for now, appears to be holding. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump recounted how he personally urged Israel’s Prime Minister to back down from a planned…

Hollywood Minute: New HBO Billy Joel documentary

A new two-part documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” will chronicle the legendary singer’s journey through music and fame.

(CNN)- A new two-part documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” will chronicle the legendary singer’s journey through music and fame. Featuring exclusive in-depth interviews with Joel, his family, and longtime collaborators, the series offers a rare glimpse into the life of the Piano Man. Part one premieres July 18 on HBO and Max, with the second installment airing a…

Senate weighs Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” as GOP pushes for vote

The U.S. Senate could vote this week on President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

(CNN)- The U.S. Senate could vote this week on President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy package, which includes major tax cuts, border security measures, and a range of spending reforms. GOP leaders are  working to rally support for what Trump calls his “big, beautiful bill.” Supporters say it aims to lower prices, reduce taxes, and strengthen the nation. “It’s a…

NASCAR Returns to Atlanta for Historic Weekend at Rebranded EchoPark Speedway

Festivities start Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. with the NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade

HAMPTON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – NASCAR makes a historic return to Atlanta this weekend, hosting two nights of racing under the lights at the newly rebranded EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway. The weekend marks the first event held at the 66-year-old super speedway since entering a multi-year partnership with EchoPark Automotive. The track unveiled a fresh look…

J. Michael Evans sworn in as the Mayor of Centerville

Evans replaced former Centerville Mayor John Harley, who resigned in December. Since last week's race was a special election, Mayor Evans will be up for re-election for a full four-year term in November.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – J. Michael Evans was sworn in as the 10th mayor of Centerville on Tuesday night. The ceremony took place one week after Evans’ special election victory over fellow former city councilman Justin Wright. During his speech inside City Hall, Evans invited both his supporters and those who didn’t vote for him to join…

Bibb County Jail inmate died hours after mental health evaluation

Wesley Gautney died hours after mental health professionals cleared him to return to the cellblock.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Bibb County Jail inmate was found unresponsive in his cell Monday night, prompting an investigation by the sheriff’s office. 41-year-old Wesley Gautney, who was pronounced dead at Atrium Health Navicent about an hour later, was found in his cell after all inmates had been secured for the night, according to Sheriff David Davis. “Any time…

Four arrested after juvenile stabbed during Forsyth altercation

Police say the suspects fled the scene but were later stopped and detained.

Photos: Forsyth Police DepartmentUPDATE: Forsyth Police identified the two adults taken into custody as Johmar Chandler and Zaheir Miller. ORIGINAL STORY: FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Four people were taken into custody Monday night after a female juvenile was stabbed during an altercation in Forsyth, according to a news release from the Forsyth Police Department. It happened around 11:20 p.m. at…

Heat continues Wednesday as rain chances climb

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures will remain above average in the afternoon however storm odds will climb in the evening. This Evening Mostly sunny and hot conditions will continue around Middle Georgia the rest of the afternoon and evening. It will be a warm night as well with lows expected in the mid to upper 70s. Wind will be light…

Deputies investigating armed robbery at Academy Sports in Macon

Deputies say the suspect pulled a gun on a store clerk before leaving on a bicycle Tuesday afternoon.

Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s OfficeMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Deputies are investigating an armed robbery that happened Tuesday afternoon at Academy Sports + Outdoors on Eisenhower Parkway, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say the call came into the 911 center at 12:46 p.m. According to the sheriff’s office, a man entered the store at 1689 Eisenhower Parkway, took…

UPDATE: Forsyth police say missing 59-year-old man has been ‘safely located’

The Forsyth Police Department says Eugene Cobb has been safely located and that investigators have made physical contact with him.

Photo: Forsyth Police DepartmentUPDATE: The Forsyth Police Department says Eugene Cobb has been safely located and that investigators have made physical contact with him. “We sincerely appreciate all individuals who provided information or assistance,” an updated news release said on Tuesday. ORIGINAL STORY: FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Forsyth Police Department is searching for a missing 59-year-old man who was…

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office searching for suspects in armed robbery, attempted motel heist

Deputies are investigating a commercial armed robbery that occurred at 4:10 a.m. June 24 at the Love’s Truck Stop, located at 1190 Frank Amerson Parkway.

Courtesy: Bibb County Sheriff’s OfficeMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two men who committed an armed robbery at a truck stop and attempted to rob another business minutes later, according to a news release. Deputies are investigating a commercial armed robbery that occurred at 4:10 a.m. June 24 at the Love’s Truck Stop, located…

Morning Business Report: Markets rise on ceasefire hopes, Oil drops after strike and BNPL loans to impact credit scores

Markets opened higher Monday following news that Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire, helping to ease fears of broader conflict in the Middle East.

(LILAMAX)- Markets opened higher Monday following news that Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire, helping to ease fears of broader conflict in the Middle East. Crude oil futures sold off sharply after an Iranian missile strike on a U.S. airbase in Qatar resulted in no casualties. Both The New York Times and President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran…

Middle East conflict follow President Trump to NATO Talks

President Donald Trump is attending the NATO Summit today, with rising tensions in the Middle East casting a shadow over the agenda.

(CNN)- President Donald Trump is attending the NATO Summit today, with rising tensions in the Middle East casting a shadow over the agenda. Lawmakers in Washington are being briefed on the latest developments involving Iran, after a flurry of military activity over the weekend. President Trump announced overnight that Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire, though specific details…

Roquan Smith Returns to Macon County to Host Sold-Out Youth Football Camp

The Macon County Alum makes a trip back to help the youth in fun football skill-building challenges

MONTEZUMA, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Former Macon County High School and University of Georgia standout Roquan Smith will return to his hometown Saturday, July 19, to give back to the community that helped shape him. The Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker will host a free youth football camp at his alma mater, offering young athletes a chance to learn from one…

Deputies: Inmate dies by apparent suicide at Bibb County Jail

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man died by apparent suicide at the county jail Monday night, according to deputies.

FileUPDATE: The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office identified the inmate who died Monday night as 41-year-old Wesley Kyle Gautney.  Deputies say Gautney was being held in the jail for charges of three counts of possession of controlled substances. ORIGINAL STORY: MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigators are looking into the death of an inmate who was found unresponsive…

Middle Georgia nurse shares summer heat safety tips for children

Sikes says many children experience heat exhaustion, which means the body has exceeded its ability to cool itself. 

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With summer break underway, kids across Middle Georgia are enjoying time outside, but health officials warn that the summer heat can quickly become dangerous without proper precautions. Houston County Health Department Nurse Manager Christina Sikes says letting kids play outdoors during morning hours and after dinner can keep them from overheating. She also recommends dressing…

Crimestoppers looking for woman wanted for cruelty to children, abuse of elderly person

Today's word of the day: Verify

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Sgt. Greg Thomas of Macon Regional Crimestoppers appeared on 41Today to highlight five wanted suspects and share the organization’s word of the day. Crimestoppers partners with media outlets, police departments and law enforcement agencies across eight Middle Georgia counties to offer anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals are currently wanted: Gerald…