South Georgia wildfires destroy homes, trigger statewide burn ban

Wildfires raging across South Georgia near the Florida border are leaving devastation in their wake, destroying homes and forcing communities into recovery mode.

(CNN) –  The Pineland Road Fire and the Highway 82 Fire have burned thousands of acres across areas including Brantley County and Camden County, damaging or destroying dozens of structures. “We tried to save your house… we couldn’t do nothing. It’s too late,” one responder said in a heartbreaking moment captured on scene. Officials say the fires have spread rapidly…

RFK Jr. faces scrutiny over measles outbreak during Senate hearings

During two Senate hearings, Kennedy denied responsibility for the surge in cases.

(NBC)- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning on Capitol Hill as lawmakers pressed him over the nation’s largest measles outbreak in decades. During two Senate hearings, Kennedy denied responsibility for the surge in cases. “I had nothing to do with the measles outbreak here,” he said. Health officials report more than 4,000 measles cases…

Autism Awareness Fair to connect Middle Georgia families with resources and support

Organizers say the event is designed to provide educational and health resources for families who have children with autism, with a strong focus on the importance of early intervention.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Families in Middle Georgia will soon have the opportunity to connect with vital resources and support at an upcoming Autism Awareness Fair. Attendees will be able to meet with a variety of vendors and service providers, including ABA and speech therapists, as well as organizations like Neurostars Phonics Factory, Rising Scholars Collective, ImpactXR, Sparkle Psychological, Communications…

New sirens coming to Macon-Bibb to improve weather alerts

Officials say the system will help alert people outdoors faster during severe weather.

Macon EMA emergency sirens (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County is upgrading its emergency alert system with new outdoor warning sirens designed to improve severe weather notifications for residents. The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency placed 50-foot-tall concrete pole emergency siren systems in the county Wednesday to help locals be aware when severe weather is near. EMA Director…

South Georgia wildfires raise fire risk and air quality concerns in Middle Georgia

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Wildfires burning in South Georgia are putting Middle Georgia on alert, as dry conditions increase the risk of fires and smoke drifts into the area. Officials say an ongoing drought is making conditions especially dangerous across Central Georgia. Deputy Chief of Operations Newell Dixon with the Warner Robins Fire Department says the combination of low humidity,…

GEORGIA BUSINESS FOCUS: Major investments, new jobs and community initiatives drive growth and tackle emerging challenges

Major investments, job creation, and community initiatives drive Georgia’s economic momentum while leaders address new challenges in energy, housing, and consumer protection.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – From multimillion-dollar investments and new manufacturing hubs to community-driven initiatives, Georgia’s business pulse is fueling economic growth and sparking job creation while leaders address new challenges in energy– housing– and consumer protection. Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED boosts logistics with new Dublin Facility Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED is making a major investment in Georgia, announcing plans for…

Georgia Strawberry Festival happening this weekend in Reynolds

The festival begins April 24 with a gospel music concert and picnic at Julian Knight Park starting at 6 p.m.

REYNOLDS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 28th annual Georgia Strawberry Festival will bring two days of events to Reynolds this weekend, featuring a Friday night kickoff and a full lineup of activities Saturday expected to draw crowds from across Middle Georgia. The festival begins April 24 with a gospel music concert and picnic at Julian Knight Park starting at 6 p.m….

UPDATE: Missing Warner Robins 17-year-old found ‘safe and sound’

The missing teen was last seen earlier this month before being found Wednesday morning.

Corey Mitchell (Credit: Warner Robins Police Department)UPDATE (4/22/26): A teenager who Warner Robins police said went missing earlier this month has been found “safe and sound,” according to an update Wednesday from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. “We are sharing a post from Warner Robins Police Department regarding a missing juvenile who was safely located today,” the sheriff’s office said…

United Way of Central Georgia hosting “United We Dine for Brookdale” fundraiser

The United Way of Central Georgia announced “United We Dine for Brookdale,” a communitywide fundraiser that will take place May 14, 2026.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – United Way of Central Georgia is inviting residents to dine out for a cause by partnering with local businesses to raise money for families experiencing homelessness. The United Way of Central Georgia announced “United We Dine for Brookdale,” a communitywide fundraiser that will take place May 14, 2026. The event will bring together restaurants, coffee shops,…

Tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz despite extended ceasefire

The incident comes just hours after Donald Trump announced he would extend the ceasefire deadline.

(NBC)- New tensions are flaring in the Strait of Hormuz after a reported attack on a commercial vessel, raising concerns about the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. A U.K. maritime agency says an Iranian gunboat attacked a container ship overnight, causing heavy damage. Officials say the crew was not injured. The incident comes just hours after Donald…

Nursing boom grows as AI reshapes workforce and healthcare demand rises

A growing number of Americans are turning to nursing as demand for healthcare workers surges and other industries face disruption from artificial intelligence.

(NBC)- At Columbia University School of Nursing, students are training through high-intensity emergency simulations—preparing for real-life scenarios involving trauma, chaos and critical decision-making. “We have folks coming in from law, from the food industry, from business, from finance,” said assistant dean Natalya Pasklinsky, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of students entering the field. The boom comes as the U.S. Department of…

Morning Business Report: ceasefire extended, markets react and consumer trends shift

The Donald Trump says the United States is extending the ceasefire deadline with Iran, citing uncertainty over leadership within the country.

(LILAMAX)- Trump also confirmed the U.S. Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place as tensions continue. Iranian state media, however, says there is no path forward for negotiations, calling talks a “waste of time” and describing the situation as a deadlock. On Wall Street, stocks fell Tuesday as oil prices surged amid fears negotiations are breaking…

FBI investigating armed Brinks truck robbery in Philadelphia

Authorities are searching for suspects following a brazen daytime armored truck robbery in Philadelphia.

(NBC)- Federal law enforcement sources say two armed suspects carried out the heist, targeting a Brinks truck and making off with more than $1 million, according to local reports. Police say the robbery happened just before 9:45 a.m., when two gunmen jumped out of a parked car armed with assault-style rifles and confronted the truck. Witnesses described a chaotic and…

Airlines cut routes as rising fuel costs disrupt summer travel

Air travelers are facing more turbulence this summer—not just in the air, but at the ticket counter.

(NBC)- Major airlines are cutting routes and scaling back service as soaring jet fuel prices—linked to global conflict in the Middle East—drive up costs across the industry. Delta Air Lines is the latest carrier to announce reductions, cutting some flights for three months from early June through early September. The changes impact major hubs including New York’s JFK, Boston and…

Wildfires in Florida force evacuations as severe weather hits coast to coast

Communities across Florida are facing evacuations and travel disruptions as fast-moving wildfires spread across parts of the state.

(CNN)- Residents are being forced from their homes as crews work to contain the flames, with many relying on support from loved ones during the crisis The fires have also disrupted transportation, forcing highway closures and impacting rail travel. Several Amtrak routes have been canceled or rerouted due to dangerous conditions. “I’m just really frustrated… I’m just waiting for something…

Publix volunteers build community garden at Central City Apartments in Macon

More than 30 volunteers plant fruits and vegetables to support residents and promote sustainability

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – More than 30 Publix associates teamed up with non-profit groups Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful and Moving to Success Tuesday to plant eight garden beds filled with fruits and vegetables at Central City Apartments in Macon. The effort is part of a larger community initiative focused on giving back and promoting sustainability. “We are a food retailer and…

New 100-room Home2 Suites hotel coming to Milledgeville

The new Milledgeville project will include meeting spaces for businesses, conferences and other local events. 

New Milledgeville hotel (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new 100 room Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel is coming to Milledgeville.   Construction has begun on a new 100-room hotel on Roberson Mill Road. The new Milledgeville project will include meeting spaces for businesses, conferences and other local events.  Executive Director for the Development Authority of Milledgeville Jonathan Jackson says this new hotel is needed due to the city of Milledgeville…

UPDATE: Woman wanted in connection with Perry murder extradited back to Houston County

Police say a second person has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at Houston Lake Apartments in Perry.

Oglesboy (Credit: Houston County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (4/21/26): Tylar Oglesby is now in Houston County after being extradited from Colorado. According to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, she was booked into the Houston County Jail just after midnight Tuesday. Jail records show she’s charged with murder. UPDATE (3/26/26): A second arrest has been made in connection with the death of Diandre Oates…

Congress, FBI investigate deaths and disappearances of U.S. scientists

Lawmakers and federal investigators are looking into a troubling pattern involving multiple American scientists connected to sensitive government work.

(NBC) -The House Oversight Committee says it is launching an investigation after reports that at least ten scientists with ties to U.S. nuclear or space programs have died or gone missing. “If the reports are accurate, these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to U.S. national security,” the committee said in a statement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation…

Piedmont Macon to host NICU reunion for families, staff

The event is scheduled for May 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Piedmont Macon North Lawn, located at 420 Charter Blvd. in Macon.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon is hosting a NICU reunion to celebrate the children and families served in its neonatal intensive care unit. The event is scheduled for May 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Piedmont Macon North Lawn, located at 420 Charter Blvd. in Macon. Shelley Tatum, manager of women’s services at Piedmont Macon, said…

Near miss in Nashville and bomb scares spark weekend travel chaos

Air traffic control audio reveals confusion during a near miss involving two Southwest Airlines flights Saturday.

(NBC)- A series of alarming aviation incidents is raising concerns about air travel safety, including a close call at Nashville International Airport and multiple bomb scare disruptions across the country. Air traffic control audio reveals confusion during a near miss involving two Southwest Airlines flights Saturday. Controllers instructed an arriving flight to perform a “go-around,” placing it on a potential…

Diplomatic push intensifies as Iran ceasefire deadline nears

The White House says JD Vance is expected to return to Pakistan to lead another round of negotiations aimed at securing a deal.

(NBC)- A last-minute diplomatic push is underway as the ceasefire between the United States and Iran approaches its expiration, raising fears of renewed conflict. The White House says JD Vance is expected to return to Pakistan to lead another round of negotiations aimed at securing a deal. But tensions remain high, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping disruptions…