Tech Report

Tech Report: Prime Day drives $24B in sales, Pentagon awards AI contracts

Amazon's annual Prime Day event generated a staggering $24 billion in U.S. e-commerce sales over four days, according to Adobe Analytics.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Amazon’s annual Prime Day event generated a staggering $24 billion in U.S. e-commerce sales over four days, according to Adobe Analytics. While Amazon itself doesn’t release official sales figures, Adobe reported that sales momentum started slow but surged by Day 3. Artificial intelligence played a surprising role in the shopping spree. Adobe noted a 3,300% spike in Gen AI-related…
Across the Nation, Featured

Severe weather nationwide: Floods, fires, and travel disruptions coast to coast

Tens of millions of Americans are either bracing for severe weather or recovering from its destructive aftermath.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Tens of millions of Americans are either bracing for severe weather or recovering from its destructive aftermath. In the Northeast, overnight flooding left a trail of damage. New Jersey is now under a state of emergency, and in New York, floodwaters inundated subway stations, damaging some train cars. One man was rescued from a flooded suburban area, while other…

Several Middle Georgians Were Drafted At The Mlb Draft
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

Middle Georgia Talent Selected in MLB Draft

Baseball talent that once shined in Middle Georgia, have been selected in the MLB draft
Justin Dierkes,

MIDDLE GEORGIA – (41NBC/WMGT) – Before the Home Run Derby took center stage Monday night, the 2025 MLB Draft got underway Sunday with several familiar names earning their shot at the big leagues. On Monday night, former Houston County High School star and Florida State standout Gage Harrelson, who also played for the Macon Bacon, was selected in the 16th…

Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Health Care & Food Security For Thousands Of Georgians
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Georgia News, Health, Local News

Georgia health leaders warn federal budget law could force hospital closures, cut Medicaid and SNAP

Georgia health advocates say the new federal budget could cut Medicaid, threaten SNAP benefits and trigger rural hospital closures in several counties.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Experts say the newly signed federal budget law, signed by President Trump on July 4, is threatening the health, food security and stability of families across Georgia. Director of Health Justice & Georgia Budget & Policy Institute Leah Chan says health care provisions in the bill threaten the health and economic security of Georgia’s low-income families….

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Featured, Weather

Thunderstorm chances increase this week

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Heat Advisory has been issued for most of Middle and East Central Georgia until 8 pm this evening. Starting off with a fairly rinse and repeat conditions today. Modest high pressure and ridging keeps temperatures hot with flow from the West to Southwest.  Dewpoints in the 70s and temperatures in the mid to upper 90s…
Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

Man sentenced after brutal assault on pregnant woman in Perry

22-year-old Marquavious Rashawn Manning pleaded guilty to false imprisonment on July 7, just before jury selection was scheduled to begin in his trial.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Perry man has been sentenced to prison for false imprisonment in connection to a brutal domestic attack that occurred while he was out on bond for a previous armed offense, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. 22-year-old Marquavious Rashawn Manning pleaded guilty to false imprisonment on July 7, just before jury selection was…
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Houston County, Jones County, Local News, Monroe County, WMGT

Crimestoppers seeking woman wanted for exploitation of elderly, obstruction

Today's word of the day: Pride
Monica Diaz-Meek,

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

Chief Woodard Gfx
Featured, Local News, Peach County

UPDATE: Funeral services announced for Fort Valley Fire Chief Antonio Woodard

Fort Valley Fire Chief Antonio Woodard died at his home in Fort Valley, according to a city news release.
Tucker Sargent,

City of Fort ValleyUPDATE (7/14/25): The funeral service for longtime Fire Chief Antonio Woodard will be held Tuesday, July 15 at 2 p.m. at Faith Babies Ministries Church Of God By Faith (1000 Tulip Dr, Fort Valley), with burial to follow at Willow Lake Memorial Gardens (1854 Willow Lake Road). Read Woodard’s obituary here.   FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Congress eyes major crypto legislation as ‘Crypto Week’ begins

Congress is on the verge of reshaping American finance as lawmakers prepare to tackle three major cryptocurrency bills during what’s being called “Crypto Week.”
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Congress is on the verge of reshaping American finance as lawmakers prepare to tackle three major cryptocurrency bills during what’s being called “Crypto Week.” The legislation will address stablecoins, the development of a government-backed digital currency, and new rules for crypto trading—marking a pivotal moment in the country’s approach to digital assets. Meanwhile, the tech world is racing ahead…
Baldwin County, Bibb County, Bleckley County, Crawford County, Dodge County, Dooly County, Featured, Hancock County, Houston County, Johnson County, Jones County, Lamar County, Laurens County, Local News, Macon County, Monroe County, Peach County, Pulaski County, Taylor County, Telfair County, Treutlen County, Twiggs County, Washington County, Wheeler County, Wilcox County, Wilkinson County, WMGT

Operation Southern Slow Down targets speeders on Georgia highways

The effort includes participation from five states—Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee—in a coordinated push to reduce deadly driving behaviors during one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia law enforcement is joining officers across the Southeast for a weeklong crackdown on speeding and aggressive driving, according to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. Operation Southern Slow Down runs from July 15 through July 20, with officers increasing patrols on major highways and interstates. The effort includes participation from five states—Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Billy Joel doc, Murderbot renewal, Superman’s Clark Kent reveal

The official trailer has dropped for “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” an upcoming documentary chronicling the life and career of the legendary “Piano Man.”
Keenan Gibson,

(CN N)- The official trailer has dropped for “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” an upcoming documentary chronicling the life and career of the legendary “Piano Man.” The HBO Max docuseries will air in two parts—the first half premiering Friday, July 18, followed by the second installment on July 25. Featuring Joel’s own candid commentary, the film dives into the…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Trump unleashes new tariffs, reshapes education policy

President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new set of tariffs this week, targeting two of America’s key trading partners.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new set of tariffs this week, targeting two of America’s key trading partners. Starting August 1, the U.S. will impose a 30% tariff on goods imported from the European Union and Mexico. However, Trump says EU companies can sidestep the levies entirely—if they relocate production to the United States.  Mexico, calling the tariffs…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump escalates trade tensions with new tariffs on Mexico and EU

President Donald Trump is reigniting trade battles with two major U.S. allies
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is reigniting trade battles with two major U.S. allies, announcing over the weekend that new 30 percent tariffs will be imposed on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting August 1st. The move adds fresh strain to already tense economic relationships, though the president says he’s still open to striking deals. “We’re dealing with other…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump criticizes Putin, backs NATO arms deal

President Donald Trump says he may make a significant announcement regarding Russia, following growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- President Donald Trump says he may make a significant announcement regarding Russia, following growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hosting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today, Trump appeared to signal a shift in tone—moving closer to NATO and further away from the Kremlin. “I am very disappointed with President Putin,” Trump said. “I thought he was somebody that…

Perry High School Wrestling Team Involved In Bus Crash In Dodge County
Across Georgia Sports, Dodge County, Featured, Houston County, Local Sports, Sports

Perry High School Wrestling Team Involved in Bus Crash in Dodge County

Everyone involved in the crash is now safe, according to the Houston County District Spokesperson
Justin Dierkes,

RHINE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – A Perry High School wrestling team bus crashed into a tree Thursday night in Dodge County as the team was returning from an event, according to the Houston County School District. The crash occurred in the town of Rhine when a large tree suddenly fell across the road. The bus driver was unable to avoid…

Red Cross Blood Shortage
Bibb County, Featured, Georgia News, Local News

Red Cross Blood Shortage

Lawler says every two seconds somebody in the county needs blood, and the American Red cross supplies 40 percent of the nation's blood supply  
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Communications manager Suzanne Lawler says during the summer seasons donating blood isn’t necessarily at the top of most people’s list.   “But it is the most altruistic thing you can do. we have blood drives here in this office every Wednesday and I talk to people. And they come in and day my family member needed…

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Featured, Weather

The heat is on for the weekend

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Scattered thunderstorms are once again expected. Coverage may not be as widespread as yesterday with a shortwave moving out of the Ohio Valley and a modest ridge on top of the coverage area. No significant airmass changes are expected through Saturday, so we are likely to see the same conditions for Saturday as well. Thunderstorms could…

Positive Parenting: What Parents Need To Know About The Heat
41 Today, Featured, WMGT

Positive Parenting: What parents need to know about the heat

Children heat up faster than adults, that’s why you need to make sure you have a place too cool off.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

GAINESVILLE, Florida – The summer heat is on and it’s getting hotter and deadlier. Kids are among the most vulnerable. From the playground to football practice, extreme temperatures can turn dangerous — fast. Fires, floods, hurricanes and tornado’s — all dangerous — but extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather event. Last year at least…

Bibb County Jail Altercation Aftermath Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: 18 inmates face new charges in Bibb County jail death investigation

Eighteen inmates at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center are facing additional charges in connection to a June 4 incident that left one person dead.
Tucker Sargent, Monica Diaz-Meek,

File (June 4, 2025)UPDATE (7/11/2025): Eighteen inmates at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center are facing additional charges in connection to a June 4 incident that left one person dead. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were notified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that further charges have been filed following continued investigation into the case. Several inmates…
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Forsyth to celebrate Christmas in July with vendors, music and family fun

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Forsyth Main Street parking lot and will feature live music, games for kids, and a variety of local vendors.
Denise Turner,

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re looking for something to do next Friday, Forsyth is getting festive with its annual Christmas in July celebration. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18 in the Forsyth Main Street parking lot and will feature live music, games for kids, and a variety of local vendors. Kemie Childs,…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Bitcoin soars, tech news surges, major layoffs hit job sites

Bitcoin investors had a banner day Thursday, as the flagship cryptocurrency surged to a new all-time high, topping $113,000.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Bitcoin investors had a banner day Thursday, as the flagship cryptocurrency surged to a new all-time high, topping $113,000. The rally, driven by a wave of investor confidence in riskier assets, also boosted the value of other major cryptocurrencies including Ether, Solana, and Dogecoin. Bitcoin has now remained above the $100,000 mark for more than 60 consecutive days, with…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Deadly head-on crash under investigation in Bibb County

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 and ask to speak with a fatality investigator.
Keenan Gibson, Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man is dead after a head-on crash late Thursday night on Rocky Creek Road, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the crash happened just before 11 p.m. on July 10, when an SUV traveling east crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with an 18-wheeler near Jennifer Drive. The driver of…