12-year-old Ava Little remembered for her light as family calls for kindness after tragic death

Family and community honor the Byron Middle School student while urging awareness about bullying and childhood mental health

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The family of 12-year-old Ava Little is remembering the joy she brought them while they work to raise awareness about bullying and childhood mental health. According to Peach County coroner Kerry Rooks, Little took her own life on February 25. A student at Byron Middle School, Ava is remembered as a bright, fearless and loving young…

All-girls Christian academy approved to open in Cochran

The Beauty from Ashes Youth Leadership Academy will operate inside Elevation Worship Ministries International beginning this fall.

New all girls Christian academy (PHOTO: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna Sheffield)COCHRAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A new all girls Christian Academy is coming to Bleckley County this fall. This academy will teach the girls to be faith-based and self-focused.   The Beauty from Ashes Youth Leadership Academy has received final approval from the City of Cochran to open the all-girls Christian academy. The academy will operate inside Elevation Worship Ministries International.  …

Nineteen indicted in Twiggs County dogfighting investigation

Deputies say the indictments stem from a year-long investigation involving multiple state, federal and nonprofit agencies.

Credit: Twiggs County Sheriff’s OfficeTWIGGS COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Nineteen people have been indicted following a year-long investigation into a dogfighting operation in Twiggs County, according to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. In a Monday news release, deputies said the indictments were returned February 26 by a Twiggs County grand jury after an extensive investigation led by the Twiggs County…

Georgia State Patrol arrests Bibb County deputy for DUI

Deputies say Jarrett Williams was arrested Sunday and has been placed on administrative leave.

Jarrett Williams (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Bibb County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested and charged with DUI. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office public affairs office confirmed on Monday that Georgia State Patrol arrested Jarrett Williams at 1 a.m. on Sunday. The office did not confirm the location of his arrest. Williams is charged with speeding,…

Teen arrested in armed robbery, carjacking in Macon

The incident remains under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A teenager was arrested and charged in connection with an armed robbery and carjacking investigation, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies met with a Lyft driver at the intersection of Ell Street and Laveta Drive just after midnight Monday. The victim told deputies he was transporting three men when,…

Recall Watch List: Cottage cheese, pressure cookers, BBQ sauce

Safety concerns range from improper pasteurization and undeclared allergens to burn hazards involving kitchen appliances.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –Several popular household products are being pulled from shelves this week due to safety concerns ranging from undeclared allergens to burn risks. Whether you’re stocking up your fridge, or cleaning your kitchen, here are the latest recalls you should know about—including Walmart cottage cheese, Gourmia pressure cookers, Savannah Bee Company’s Honey BBQ Sauce, and Dupray steam cleaners….

FBI investigates deadly mass shooting at Austin nightlife spot; 2 killed, 14 injured

Gunshots rang out early Sunday morning in a popular Austin nightlife district as a deadly mass shooting left two people dead and 14 others injured.

(NBC)- Gunshots rang out early Sunday morning in a popular Austin nightlife district as a deadly mass shooting left two people dead and 14 others injured. “This morning, the FBI is on the scene investigating a deadly mass shooting in a popular Austin nightlife area,” authorities confirmed. Emergency radio traffic captured the chaos unfolding. “I’ve just been flagged down —…

Pentagon confirms U.S. fighter jets shot down in Kuwait amid Iran strikes

All six American crew members ejected and were recovered safely.

(NBC)- The Pentagon confirms three U.S. Air Force fighter jets crashed in Kuwait after being mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat under Iranian attacks. All six American crew members ejected and were recovered safely. The incident comes amid escalating violence in the Middle East, with Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon exchanging fire following weekend…

Burial site of free and enslaved people of color confirmed beneath Whitefield Square in Savannah

Archeologist Daniel Elliot confirmed a burial site that operated from 1763 to 1844 for free and enslaved people of color underneath Whitefield Square.

(CNN)- On February 20, archeologist Daniel Elliot confirmed a burial site that operated from 1763 to 1844 for free and enslaved people of color underneath Whitefield Square. “Two out of three early historic maps show it being in this square, part of it. It covers more than just Whitefield Square,” Elliot said. According to Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier, the discovery is…

Morning Business Report: Oil prices jump, markets fall after Iran attacks, Americans report ‘tipping fatigue’

Oil prices surged and markets tumbled after weekend attacks involving Iran.

(LILAMAX) – Oil prices surged and markets tumbled after weekend attacks involving Iran, adding new uncertainty to an already volatile global economy. Oil prices jumped as much as eight percent following the developments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 500 points as investors reacted to concerns about potential supply disruptions. Iran is one of the world’s major oil exporters, and…

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for failing to register as a sex offender in Peach County

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME (1-877-682-7463).

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon Regional Crime Stoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies across Middle Georgia as part of its ongoing effort to encourage community involvement in locating fugitives. Crime Stoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement agencies in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals…

Mount de Sales Academy celebrates 150 years in Macon

The historic Catholic school marks its 150th Founder’s Day with community celebrations and reflection on its legacy

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mount de Sales Academy is celebrating 150 years in Macon. The school has been a part of the Macon community since 1876. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the school began as an all girls boarding school and now serves students in grades six through twelve. Mount de Sales President Brendan O’Kane says reaching 150 years…

Georgia’s American Journey: Fort Hawkins tells story of Macon’s early frontier days

Built in 1806, Fort Hawkins served as a frontier military post and helped spur the early settlement that became Macon.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As America marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we want to look back and highlight some of the important places and people here in Middle Georgia who have helped shape both our state and the country as a whole.  This week we are exploring Georgia’s American journey with one site…

U.S. military reportedly shoots down DHS drone in Texas

New safety concerns are emerging after the U.S. military reportedly shot down a drone belonging to another branch of the federal government.

(NBC) -New safety concerns are emerging after the U.S. military reportedly shot down a drone belonging to another branch of the federal government, prompting an airspace shutdown over a small Texas border town. According to The New York Times, the Department of Defense used a high-energy laser to target an unmanned aerial system that was later identified as belonging to…

Bill Clinton to testify on Jeffrey Epstein ties as lawmakers demand answers

Former President Bill Clinton is set to answer questions about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

(NBC)- Former President Bill Clinton is set to answer questions about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, as lawmakers from both parties continue probing the high-profile case. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said no one is accusing the Clintons of wrongdoing but acknowledged there are “a lot of questions” surrounding the former…

Cuba says it will share information with U.S. after deadly boat confrontation

The Cuban government says it is willing to exchange information with the United States as both countries investigate a deadly confrontation.

(NBC)- The Cuban government says it is willing to exchange information with the United States as both countries investigate a deadly confrontation involving a Florida-registered boat off Cuba’s coast. U.S. officials told NBC News that American citizens were among the passengers on the 24-foot vessel involved in the incident. At least one U.S. citizen was killed and another is now…

Marines deployed to Puerto Vallarta after cartel violence

Mexican Marines have deployed across Puerto Vallarta following recent cartel-related violence that rattled the popular tourist destination.

(CNN)- Mexican Marines have deployed across Puerto Vallarta following recent cartel-related violence that rattled the popular tourist destination. Marines patrolled visibly throughout the city — on streets, in the air, and at sea — in an effort to reassure both locals and visitors that the situation is stable. The reinforcements, however, arrived after some tourists had already decided to leave….

Tech Report: Global smartphone market to shrink 13% in 2026 amid memory chip shortage, eBay cuts jobs, Instagram adds teen safety alerts

The global smartphone market is expected to contract 13 percent in 2026.

(LILAMAX) -The global smartphone market is expected to contract 13 percent in 2026, according to new projections from International Data Corporation. IDC says soaring demand for advanced memory chips used to power artificial intelligence tasks has drained global supply, creating a shortage that could last well into next year. With fewer smartphones available, consumers could see higher prices — although…

Morning Business Report: Paramount outbids Netflix for Warner Bros. Discovery, State Farm issuing refunds to policyholders

Paramount has emerged as the leading bidder to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery

(LILAMAX)-Paramount has emerged as the leading bidder to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, offering more per share than Netflix and securing what the media company calls a “superior” proposal. According to Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global offered $31 per share — about $3 more per share than Netflix. Netflix has since dropped out of the bidding process. Paramount’s offer includes the…

21-year-old woman shot after 50 rounds fired into Tacoma home, police searching for masked gunmen

A Tacoma family is counting their blessings after a barrage of gunfire shattered their home early Tuesday morning.

(NBC)- A Tacoma family is counting their blessings after a barrage of gunfire shattered their home early Tuesday morning, injuring a 21-year-old woman as she slept. Surveillance video shows three masked men dressed in dark clothing walking up to the home before opening fire. Moments later, at least 50 rounds were sprayed into the house around 4 a.m., according to…

Anthropic clashes with Pentagon over AI guardrails as $200 million contract hangs in the balance

Leading artificial intelligence research company Anthropic is facing mounting pressure from the U.S. Department of Defense to remove safety restrictions from its AI system, Claude

(CNN)- Leading artificial intelligence research company Anthropic is facing mounting pressure from the U.S. Department of Defense to remove safety restrictions from its AI system, Claude — the first AI tool approved for use on the military’s classified network. On Tuesday, Pete Hegseth told Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei that if the company does not allow Claude to be used for…

Pulaski County man arrested in stolen ATV case

Deputies say the suspect was arrested after a short foot chase following the reported theft of a Can-Am ATV.

Credit: Pulaski County Sheriff’s OfficeHAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Pulaski County man has been arrested in connection with a stolen ATV case, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. According to a social media post on Thursday, deputies arrested 33-year-old Joe Thompson in the 14 Lane Road area on charges of theft by receiving stolen property and possession of drug-related…

OKS Martial Arts and Fitness helps kids build confidence through martial arts

Parents in Forsyth say focus, control and self-defense training are helping their children grow

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Many parents are turning to martial arts as an outlet to help their kids grow and develop. At OKS Martial Arts and Fitness, instructors say the impact reaches far beyond physical training. Owner Michael Brewster says when many children first walk through the doors, they are shy and looking for ways to build confidence. “Usually when…

Byron man sentenced in trafficking case involving 13-year-old girl

Demaria Marshawn Williams was sentenced to 25 years after pleading guilty to statutory rape and pandering involving a 13-year-old girl.

Demaria Williams (Photo: Houston County Sheriff’s Office)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Byron man has pleaded guilty in connection with the trafficking and sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl in Houston County, according to the Office of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. 36-year-old Demaria Marshawn Williams pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of statutory rape and one count of…