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…

Vineville Academy hosts Black History Month celebration in Macon

Students participated in performances and heard from community speakers during the Black History Month event.

Vineville Academy Black History Month (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Vineville Academy celebrated Black History Month Thursday, with performances inspired by African American entertainers and activist, such as Maya Angelou and Little Richard. Assistant principal Timothy Deas says this event was to show representation of those who have paved the way and brought change to the black community. “Just…

Morning Business Report: Retail strength, Nvidia surge and beer sales slowdown

Retail and tech are driving headlines in today’s Morning Business Report

(LILAMAX)- TJX Companies — the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods — delivered a knockout quarter, blowing past Wall Street expectations. Executives credit the success of the off-price retailer to strong value, competitive pricing and what they describe as the “treasure hunt” excitement shoppers experience in stores. The performance stands in contrast to traditional department stores, many of…

Macon native and retired brigadier general Jonathan McColumn launches bid for U.S. Senate

Retired Brigadier General Jonathan McColumn has officially announced his campaign for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat, entering the race as a Republican challenger.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jonathan McColumn, a Macon native born in October 1964, served 35 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Brigadier General. Over the course of his military career, he lived and served in multiple countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, Japan, Germany, and South Korea. He also holds three master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, Business Administration, and…

Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify in House Epstein investigation as DOJ faces questions over missing files

In an unprecedented move, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are preparing to sit for congressional depositions.

(NBC)- In an unprecedented move, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are preparing to sit for congressional depositions under subpoena as part of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The depositions are scheduled to take place in New York, beginning with Hillary Clinton. House Oversight Chairman James Comer says the proceedings will be…

Man, teen killed in overnight house fire in Macon

The fire was reported at 1:50 a.m. February 26 at 5321 Valley Forge Road.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Two people are dead after an overnight house fire in Macon, according to the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department. The fire was reported at 1:50 a.m. February 26 at 5321 Valley Forge Road. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire coming from the garage area of the home, the department said in a news release. Firefighters were…

UPDATE: Suspect arrested in deadly Rocky Creek Road shooting in Macon

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones identified the man as Montago Maxwell.

UPDATE: The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with the deadly shooting on Rocky Creek Road. Investigators with the Violent Crime Unit identified 38-year-old Dequais Threatt of Macon as a person of interest in the case. Threatt was taken into custody in McDonough without incident by the McDonough Police Department, with assistance from the Bibb County…

36-year-old woman dies after being struck near Pio Nono-Montpelier intersection in Macon

In a news release, deputies identified the victim as 36-year-old Teairka Brown. They say Brown was crossing the road when she was struck and that the driver stayed at the scene during the investigation.

UPDATE: The Bibb County Sheriff’s office says the pedestrian was struck in the 1400 block of Pio Nono Avenue just before 7:30 p.m. In a news release, deputies identified the victim as 36-year-old Teairka Brown. They say Brown was crossing the road when she was struck and that the driver stayed at the scene during the investigation. EMS attempted life-saving…

Bibb deputies: More than 18 pounds of marijuana seized at Allen Road home

Deputies say investigators seized more than 18 pounds of marijuana, Xanax pills, cash and four guns during a search of the home.

Santana Ignacio (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A man and woman are facing charges after deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on Allen Road. According to a post from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded on February 15 after neighbors reported hearing a woman screaming for help inside the home. Deputies…

Daybreak Sleepout aims to raise $340,000 for homelessness services

Participants will spend the night outdoors to raise money for Daybreak services that support people experiencing homelessness.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Daybreak’s annual Sleepout aims to raise $340,000 to support homelessness services. Middle Georgians are preparing to spend Thursday night sleeping outside in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness during the annual Macon Sleepout benefiting Daybreak. Sister Deborah Mallott, director of Daybreak, says the event gives participants a small glimpse into the reality many face every day. “People…

Georgia business focus: Kroger breaks ground, Bearfoot Tavern expands, Bibb County Schools hosts job fair

Kroger has officially broken ground on a massive new Marketplace store in Perry, Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Here’s a look at the stories making headlines across Georgia this week, from major business expansions and new job opportunities to the latest industry news and a fast-food favorite closing its doors. Kroger Launches New Marketplace in Perry  Kroger has officially broken ground on a massive new Marketplace store in Perry. The 123,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to…

Market Day teaches Houston County students financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills

The market day is where students act as entrepreneurs, creating, pricing, and selling homemade goods and services to their peers and teachers. 

3rd grade Market Day (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County third graders turned classroom lessons into real-life business Wednesday during the district’s annual market day. Students act as entrepreneurs, creating, pricing, and selling homemade goods and services to their peers and teachers. The event teaches teaches financial literacy concepts like supply & demand, profit and maintaining a…