Operation Softback Book to host chicken and waffle fundraiser

Queen Mother Nana Adowa Kodwuwa ll says the event is open to everyone.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Operation Softback Book is hosting a chicken and waffle fundraiser this weekend to support its charitable efforts. The event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on May 24 at the Douglass Theatre, located at 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Queen Mother Nana Adowa Kodwuwa II said the event is open to the public,…

Macon-Bibb closes Ocmulgee River access at Amerson Park ahead of Memorial Day weekend

With the Ocmulgee River flowing at unsafe speeds, Macon-Bibb County officials have closed access at Amerson River Park to protect holiday weekend visitors.

FileMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County has closed access to the Ocmulgee River, “especially in Amerson River Park,” due to dangerously fast water flow, according to a news release from the county. As of Friday afternoon, the river was flowing at 3,000 cubic feet per second. Access will remain closed until the flow drops below at least 2,000 cubic feet…

Macon-Bibb to open pools and splash pads Saturday, May 24 as summer heats up

Macon-Bibb County is opening select pools and splash pads May 24, with more locations expected later this summer following SPLOST-funded renovations.

Photo: Macon-Bibb CountyMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County will open several pools and splash pads on Saturday, May 24. According to a news release, the pools at South Bibb Recreation Center (7035 Houston Road) and Booker T. Washington Recreation Center (401 Monroe Street) will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Beginning Tuesday, they will follow regular…

Bibb County Board of Education gives tentative approval to $482.1M FY26 budget

The proposed $482.1 million budget features staff raises, a new salary schedule for classified employees and state-funded bonuses.

FileMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County Board of Education on Friday gave tentative approval to a $482.1 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026. According to the district newsletter The Board Brief, board members reviewed three options for FY 2026 Budget approval. Board members voted to approve Option C. The proposed budget includes a 3% raise to the certified salary…

Montezuma police searching for suspect who fled traffic stop near Kountry Farms

A man wearing all black fled on foot during a traffic stop near Kountry Farms in Montezuma. Officers are canvassing the area and asking residents to stay alert.

MONTEZUMA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Montezuma police are searching for a suspect who fled from a traffic stop Friday near Kountry Farms, according to a community alert posted on the department’s Facebook page. Around 10 a.m., officers attempted a traffic stop when a man wearing all black abandoned his vehicle and ran away on foot, police said. Officers are canvassing the…

South Bibb Recreation Complex shares pool safety reminders ahead of Memorial Day weekend

The South Bibb Recreation Complex is reminding swimmers of pool safety rules as public pools open across Macon-Bibb County for Memorial Day weekend.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — As Middle Georgia families head to the water to start summer break, officials at the South Bibb Recreation Complex are reminding swimmers about pool safety protocols ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Recreation operations manager James Bell says the facility has been preparing for an influx of families now that school is out. “What we provide for…

UPDATE: Man last seen Wednesday in Milledgeville found dead in Oconee River

45-year-old Timothy Freeman was last seen walking near the Oconee River Greenway in Milledgeville on Wednesday.

Photo: Milledgeville Police Department  Photos: Milledgeville Police Department UPDATE (5/23/25): Milledgeville Police say Timothy Freeman was found dead in the river around 11:30 a.m. on Friday about one mile south of the Greenway. According to an updated news release, drone units directed Georgia DNR Game Wardens and Milledgeville Fire Rescue to the location. The case is still under investigation. That’s…

Macon Mental Health Matters hosting trauma-focused symposium this weekend

The two-day Macon Mental Health Matters symposium brings together experts and community leaders to discuss trauma, violence and how to foster healing in Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A two-day symposium hosted by Macon Mental Health Matters is bringing together mental health experts and community partners to explore how trauma and violence impact local families and how to build a more resilient Middle Georgia. Beginning Friday morning, different mental organizations gathered At the South Bibb Recreation Center. Macon Mental Health Matters Board Member Monica…

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office offers free youth basketball camp in June

Registration for the P.A.L. Basketball Skills Camp is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Outreach Section Office at 774 Hazel St.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a free basketball camp for youth in Bibb County, according to a news release. Registration for the P.A.L. Basketball Skills Camp is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Outreach Section Office at 774 Hazel St. Children must be between the…

Bibb County deputies search for suspect in Chevron armed robbery

The robbery happened around 12:15 a.m. Thursday at the Chevron gas station at 4987 Bloomfield Road.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man connected to a commercial armed robbery, according to a news release. The robbery happened around 12:15 a.m. Thursday at the Chevron gas station at 4987 Bloomfield Road. Deputies say a masked man entered the store, showed a firearm to the clerk and demanded merchandise. After receiving…

Morning Business Report: Memorial Day travel, Trump’s economic bill

As Americans gear up for Memorial Day weekend, a record-breaking 45.1 million travelers are expected to hit the road and skies, according to AAA.

(LILAMAX)-As Americans gear up for Memorial Day weekend, a record-breaking 45.1 million travelers are expected to hit the road and skies, according to AAA. Travel experts recommend drivers depart before 11 a.m. today to avoid the heaviest traffic. On the return, Memorial Day morning and afternoon are projected to be the smoothest times for driving. For those flying, Saturday morning…

Young couple killed outside Jewish museum remembered

In the wake of a deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum that claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members.

(NBC)- In the wake of a deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum that claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members, grief is replacing shock as family and friends remember the young couple whose lives were cut short. The victims have been identified as 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim. The two were reportedly on the verge…

Hollywood Minute: Dragons take flight, Hunger Games casting

How to Train Your Dragon stars got a first look a new immersive attraction, set in one of five themed worlds in the new Epic Universe park.

(CNN)- “These wings will give you a dragon’s-eye view of Berk—no dragons required.” That’s the promise from Universal Orlando’s upcoming “Isle of Berk,” part of the new Epic Universe park. How to Train Your Dragon stars Nico Parker, Mason Thames, and Gerard Butler got a first look at the immersive attraction, set in one of five themed worlds in the…

Harvard pushes back as Trump Administration targets international student enrollment

Harvard University is pushing back against a sweeping decision by the Trump administration to revoke its ability to enroll international students.

(CNN)- Harvard University is pushing back against a sweeping decision by the Trump administration to revoke its ability to enroll international students— a move that could affect more than a quarter of its student population. Harvard Government Professor Ryan Enos called the decision “shocking,” adding, “This is something that cannot be done in the United States.” Enos said many of…

Macon-Bibb firefighters audition for 2026 charity calendar benefiting children’s hospital

Dozens of Macon-Bibb firefighters auditioned for a spot in the 2026 calendar, with proceeds going to support children’s healthcare in Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department held auditions for the 2026 Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar on Thursday. More than 60 firefighters signed up to audition, but only 36 will be chosen to be featured in the calendar.  The judges were looking for the healthiest and fittest firefighters to represent the department. Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Captain Phillip…

Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin launches life jacket loaner station at Oconee River Greenway

Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin installs a free life jacket station at the Oconee River Greenway to promote water safety.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin has launched a new Life Jacket Loaner Station at the Oconee River Greenway Park to help prevent drownings and promote water safety for families visiting the river. Thomas Goss, the Chief Operating Officer at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin spoke about the importance of…

41NBC Memorial Day Blood Drive set for next week

Regional Communications Manager at the American Red Cross, Suzanne Lawler, says donors can give blood every 56 days.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 13th annual 41NBC Memorial Day Blood Drive is set to take place May 26–29 across Middle Georgia. Regional communications manager at the American Red Cross, Suzanne Lawler, says donations often decline around holidays like Memorial Day. Lawler says someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross solar…

Warner Robins police chief urges parents to enforce summer curfew, department boosting patrols to deter youth crime

Police will step up overnight patrols while local groups launch arts, music and meal programs to give Middle Georgia teens safer options this summer.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With school out for summer, law enforcement and community leaders are warning that youth crime could increase across Middle Georgia as teens face more unsupervised free time. Chief Fisher of the Warner Robins Police Department says this time of year—with summer break underway and many parents still working—kids have a lot of unstructured time. “Kids…

Nine Middle Georgia contestants to compete in Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia’s Teen pageants

Contestants from Macon and Warner Robins will take the stage in Columbus for Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia’s Teen competitions the week of June 9.

FILE (7/30/24): Autumn Knight (left) and Brooke Marshall (right) were crowned as the new Miss Macon and Miss Central Georgia, respectively, on Sunday night at the Grand Opera House. (Photos: Doug Nurnberger/Miss Macon)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Nine young women from Macon and Warner Robins are set to represent our area at the upcoming Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia’s Teen competitions…

Houston County Ends Season as the GHSA 5A State Runner Up

The 33-7 Houston County Bears fall in the State Championship at CoolRay Field to the Newnan Cougars

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Monday evening at CoolRay Field, home of the Gwinnett Stripers, the Houston County Bears faced the Newnan Cougars for the GHSA 5A State Championship. In game one, Senior Pitcher Will Allen threw for four strikeouts thru his 6 innings pitched. Isaiah Galason hit a solo homer run in the Top 4th to make it…

Morning Business Report: Markets slide, recession signals from contractors, Walmart layoffs

Stocks, bonds, and the dollar all fell on Wednesday as concerns grew over the long-standing dominance of American financial assets.

(LILAMAX)- Stocks, bonds, and the dollar all fell on Wednesday as concerns grew over the long-standing dominance of American financial assets. A key driver of the market downturn was a disappointing auction of 20-year Treasury notes, which saw weak demand. Investors appear to be demanding higher yields to hold U.S. debt, signaling increased concerns about its risk. The Dow closed…

Hollywood Minute: Lady Gaga nears EGOT status, Sheryl Lee Ralph honored

Lady Gaga is one step closer to joining the exclusive EGOT club.

(CNN)-Lady Gaga is one step closer to joining the exclusive EGOT club. The Oscar and 14-time Grammy winner has just added a Sports Emmy to her collection, earning the honor for her powerful Super Bowl performance of “Hold My Hand.” With an Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar under her belt, Gaga now needs only a Tony to achieve EGOT status—raising speculation…

Two Israeli Embassy staff members killed in D.C. shooting outside Jewish museum

A tragic shooting in the heart of the nation’s capital has left two Israeli Embassy staff members dead.

(NBC)- A tragic shooting in the heart of the nation’s capital has left two Israeli Embassy staff members dead, sending shockwaves through both the Jewish community and the country. The victims, identified as Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum late Wednesday night when they were shot and killed. According to Metropolitan Police…

GOP scrambles to finalize “One, Big Beautiful Bill” with last-minute changes

House Republicans have unveiled a revised version of what President Donald Trump has dubbed his “one, big beautiful bill.”

(CNN)- House Republicans have unveiled a revised version of what President Donald Trump has dubbed his “one, big beautiful bill,” packed with sweeping tax breaks, benefit cuts, and policy changes — many added in a last-minute push to secure enough votes within their slim majority. “We have kept this bill on a very delicate balance,” said House Majority Leader Rep….