Teen battling leukemia completes marathon inside hospital

Wesley Araujo took on the challenge inside Boston Children’s Hospital, turning his daily walks into a remarkable test of strength and determination.

(NBC) A 15-year-old from Massachusetts is inspiring people across the country after completing a marathon—entirely inside a hospital while battling cancer. Wesley Araujo took on the challenge inside Boston Children’s Hospital, turning his daily walks into a remarkable test of strength and determination. “My strength is greater than any struggle in front of me,” Wesley said. Diagnosed with leukemia, the…

RECALL WATCHLIST: Ford recalls 1.4 million F-150 Trucks; Electronics, toys, pet products recalled due to safety concerns

Your guide to this month’s most important product recalls and safety warnings for consumers.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Several major product recalls have been announced, affecting everything from vehicles and electronics to children’s toys and pet products. Here’s your 41NBC News Recall Watch List Ford recalls 1.4 million F-150 Trucks for transmission defect  Ford has announced a major recall of approximately 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks due to a transmission defect. The National Highway…

Pilot killed in Florida neighborhood crash, witness calls final moments ‘heroic’

Ring camera video captured the terrifying moment, with a witness reacting in real time as smoke filled the sky.

(NBC)- A deadly plane crash in Wesley Chapel has left a community shaken after a small aircraft went down in a residential backyard. Ring camera video captured the terrifying moment, with a witness reacting in real time as smoke filled the sky. Christina Galbiati says she watched the aircraft descend from the sky moments before impact. “It was loud, it…

Tech Report: Meta layoffs, AI race and app boom highlight shifting tech landscape

Major changes are underway in the tech industry, as Meta prepares for significant layoffs while artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global economy.

(LILAMAX)- According to a report from Reuters, the parent company of Instagram plans to cut about 10% of its workforce—roughly 8,000 employees—in an initial round expected May 20. Additional layoffs could follow later in the year, depending on the company’s progress in AI development. Meanwhile, the United States maintains a strong lead in AI infrastructure, with more than 5,400 data…

8 children killed in Shreveport, Louisiana domestic violence tragedy

A community in Shreveport is reeling after a devastating act of violence that left eight children dead and multiple others injured.

(NBC)- A community in Shreveport is reeling after a devastating act of violence that left eight children dead and multiple others injured. Authorities have identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, who police say is responsible for killing eight children across three homes on Sunday. Seven of the victims were his own children, while the eighth was a cousin. The children—three…

Georgia’s American Journey: Ellen Craft’s daring escape from slavery in Middle Georgia

Ellen Craft is remembered for one of the most daring escapes from slavery in American history.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, stories of resilience and courage are taking center stage, including one that began in Macon. Ellen Craft carried out one of the most daring escapes from slavery in American history. A daring escape begins in Macon In 1848, she fled bondage not by hiding, but by disguising herself…

Jones County deputies warn of ATV trespassing, safety risks during hunting season

Captain Travis Douglas says safety is the top priority, especially as deputies respond to these calls.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Jones County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to stay safe and follow the law during hunting season as complaints involving ATV riders increase. Officials say they have received multiple reports of people riding ATVs on private property without permission, which can create dangerous situations for both riders and hunters. Captain Travis Douglas says safety is…

Four arrested after attempted contraband drop near Washington State Prison

Deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle traveling near Davisboro around 3:30 a.m. on April 17.

SANDERSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Four people were arrested Friday after an attempted contraband drop near Washington State Prison, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle traveling near Davisboro around 3:30 a.m. on April 17. According to a news release, a traffic stop was conducted after deputies noticed an unusual travel pattern and the vehicle failing…

Two arrested on drug charges after burglary investigation in Washington County

The sheriff’s office said Washington County deputies were notified of a burglary that occurred within the city of Sandersville on April 16.

SANDERSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two people were arrested on drug charges Thursday, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said Washington County deputies were notified of a burglary that occurred within the city of Sandersville on April 16. Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on Elliot Lane outside of Davisboro and found a quantity of…

Georgia Sen. Blake Tillery campaigns for lieutenant governor on tax cuts and public safety

A major pillar of Tillery’s campaign is his call to eliminate Georgia’s state income tax.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia State Sen. Blake Tillery is making his case to voters as he runs for lieutenant governor, highlighting a platform centered on tax cuts, public safety and conservative values. He said his record includes cutting taxes, investing in infrastructure and maintaining what he describes as fiscal discipline. A major pillar of Tillery’s campaign is his call…

Republican candidate Dr. Takosha Swan campaigns for Georgia lieutenant governor seat

Her platform includes proposals to eliminate property taxes for seniors, reduce taxes on everyday necessities and support small businesses across the state.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Republican candidate Dr. Takosha Swan is campaigning across Georgia as she seeks the state’s lieutenant governor seat in the 2026 election. Her platform includes proposals to eliminate property taxes for seniors, reduce taxes on everyday necessities and support small businesses across the state. She also emphasizes education reform, including expanding trade and skills-based programs to prepare…

Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah holds as U.S.-Iran tensions ease

A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah appears to be holding.

(NBC)- A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah appears to be holding, raising hopes for a broader de-escalation across the region. The pause in fighting, which went into effect just hours ago, is being seen as a key step toward potentially ending the wider conflict involving the United States and Iran. Donald Trump signaled optimism overnight, posting on…

Morning Business Report: Mortgage rates fall, stocks hit records and community college interest rises

Mortgage rates are easing slightly, offering a bit of relief to homebuyers as economic concerns tied to global conflict begin to settle.

(LILAMAX)-  According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 6.30% this week, down seven basis points and marking the lowest level in about a month. Rates are also lower than this time last year, when they stood at 6.8%. In the entertainment industry, Paramount Skydance says it plans to prioritize theatrical releases, keeping films exclusively in theaters…

Rising jet fuel prices could disrupt 2026 summer travel season

Travelers may face a turbulent summer as rising fuel costs and global tensions threaten to disrupt air travel.

(CNN)- Travelers may face a turbulent summer as rising fuel costs and global tensions threaten to disrupt air travel. Experts say the 2026 summer travel season could bring higher ticket prices, fewer flights and longer delays, driven largely by soaring jet fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran. “Supply and demand are the undefeated champions of business and economics,”…

Community mourns Lauren Bullis killed during morning walk in Atlanta

Neighbors gathered Tuesday for a prayer walk, retracing the same route Bullis took along Battle Forrest Drive where she was attacked.

(CNN)- A community is coming together in grief following the death of Lauren Bullis, a 40-year-old woman killed while walking her dog. Neighbors gathered Tuesday for a prayer walk, retracing the same route Bullis took along Battle Forrest Drive where she was attacked. “We just wanted to come together in solidarity, in reflection,” said neighbor Chari Ponder. “Give everyone the…

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new jail administrator

Colonel Samuel Jines, a veteran corrections official with national credentials, has been appointed Jail Administrator.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- As the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office launches phase one of its new jail expansion, a new leader is stepping in to oversee jail operations. Colonel Samuel Jines, a veteran corrections official with national credentials, has been appointed Jail Administrator. Jines will manage nearly 100 deputies, staff, and vendors as he takes on the challenges facing the Bibb County…

WEEKEND WATCH: Family fun, festivals, food trucks, circus, and more

A complete guide to family-friendly festivals, food, and fun activities happening in Middle Georgia this weekend.

CREDIT: MGNMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia is gearing up for a weekend full of festivals and family fun. Here is a list of some events going on. Picnic in the Park: Food Truck Festival set for Saturday This Saturday, Carolyn Crayton Park will transform into a haven for foodies and families alike with the Picnic in the Park: Food…

10-year-old Crawford County girl wins pitchside World Cup experience

The young player won the experience during a surprise video call with a U.S. national team player.

(L): Bailey DeWitt at soccer practice; (R) Bailey and her mom Susanna during their phone call with Gisele ThompsonMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 10-year-old Middle Georgia soccer player is headed to the World Cup after winning a once-in-a-lifetime contest through a mobile app. Bailey DeWitt, who lives in Crawford County and has played at Macon Soccer Club since she was…

Demolition begins on Bibb County jail improvement project in Macon

Leaders say this first phase will make way for a new parking lot, creating space for future expansion tied to the jail.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The demolition of the James F. Higgins Memorial Building marks the beginning of phase one of Macon Bibb County’s jail improvement project. Leaders say this first phase will make way for a new parking lot, creating space for future expansion tied to the jail. Mayor Lester Miller says the work is part of a larger vision…

Operation Gatekeeper leads to more than 30 arrests in Middle Georgia drug investigation

A news release states that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Butts County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation that began in February 2026.

Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s OfficeMONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A months-long drug investigation spanning multiple counties in Georgia has led to dozens of arrests, according to law enforcement. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Butts County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation, called Operation Gatekeeper, targeting a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in north Monroe County and south Butts County….

Two Warner Robins men sentenced in Middle Georgia drug trafficking case

Seventeen individual members of the drug trafficking organization were arrested in connection with the investigation.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two Warner Robins men pleaded guilty and were sentenced in connection with a drug trafficking organization, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. A news release states that 46-year-old Patrick Maurice Marshall and 36-year-old Jerod Rondell Hughes pleaded guilty on April 7, 2026, and were sentenced. Marshall was sentenced to a total of 35…

Four injured after accidental gun discharge at Warner Robins Kroger

Police say firearm discharged from customer’s pocket, injuring four adults

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Gunfire at a Warner Robins Kroger left four people injured Wednesday night after an accidental discharge of a firearm inside the store. Officers responded around 9:14 p.m. to the Kroger at 774 Highway 96 after reports of a gunshot. According to a preliminary investigation, a customer was carrying a firearm in their pocket when it discharged…

Macon ranks among highest foreclosure rates in U.S., new report finds

New data shows rising foreclosure activity locally and across Georgia

Macon ranks among the highest foreclosure rates in the country, according to new housing data.MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Macon is among the areas with the highest foreclosure rates in the country, according to a new housing market report. Data released by ATTOM shows the Macon metro area had one foreclosure filing for every 492 housing units in the first quarter of…

Hancock County Health Department hosting “It Takes A Village” Community Resource Expo

The 3rd Annual “It Takes A Village” Community Resource Expo is set to take place on Saturday, April 18, at the Hancock County Youth Center in Sparta.

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Hancock County Health Department is inviting the community out for a day focused on health, wellness and connection. The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Organizers say the expo is designed to bring together a wide range of resources…