Tributes pour in for Pope Francis as Vatican begins funeral rites

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died at age 88 from a stroke and heart failure.

(NBC)- As tributes continue to pour in for Pope Francis—known by many as the “People’s Pope”—the Catholic Church begins the solemn process of mourning a leader who pushed the faith toward a more progressive path. “Pope Francis had a way of getting the Church to think outside the box,” said Monsignor Francis Rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King,…

Flooding hits U.S. cities on Earth Day as deadly storms leave destruction behind

Parts of the United States are grappling with dangerous flood conditions this Earth Day.

(CNN)- Parts of the United States are grappling with dangerous flood conditions this Earth Day, following a weekend of deadly storms that have left communities underwater and families grieving. In the New Orleans area, sudden flooding turned roads into rivers, catching commuters off guard during Monday evening’s rush hour. Dramatic videos captured the chaos. “This is insane,” one person is…

48-year-old woman killed in ATV accident in Crawford County

The crash happened on private property in the 700 block of Tucker Road. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

LIZELLA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A 48-year-old woman died Monday morning in an ATV crash on private property in Crawford County, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the 700 block of Tucker Road around 10:29 a.m. after receiving a call about an auto accident involving an all-terrain vehicle, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. When…

Family of Stephen Fossett plans civil rights lawsuit after jail video release

The Bibb County inmate’s family says the video shows excessive force; DA Anita Howard says no charges will be filed against deputies.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Graphic and disturbing video showing the final moments of Stephen Fossett’s life has been released to his family. The footage, sent to the family’s attorneys Monday, shows multiple deputies repeatedly using stun guns on Fossett as he lies on the floor, curled in the corner of a jail cell. The video later shows…

NAACP Macon branch seeking surveillance footage, dismissal of charges against woman after DFCS incident with deputy

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jordan says she was at the Bibb County Division of Children and Family Services office on March 19, seeking proof of employment. While waiting in line, Jordan says a deputy walked to the area. About five minutes later, Jordan says he looked back and asked her to move. “He was like, well, I…

Rain chances finally start to return

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia will see opportunities for isolated storms beginning Tuesday. This Evening A partly cloudy and warm afternoon will become a partly cloudy and warm night. Expect well above average temperatures as lows only drop into the lower 60s for most of the region. One or two upper 50s will be possible. Wind will be gentle…

Johnson State Prison officer arrested, accused of enabling inmate assault

Baronique Burton was charged and fired after allegedly enabling an inmate assault at Johnson State Prison in Wrightsville.

WRIGHTSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT). — A Johnson State Prison correctional officer was arrested and fired this month after being accused of enabling an inmate assault, according to warrants and a statement from the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). 26-year-old Baronique Burton of Dublin was charged with violation of oath by public officer and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution….

Crimestoppers looking for Peach County man who failed to register as sex offender

Today's word of the day: You

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Sgt. Greg Thomas of Macon Regional Crimestoppers appeared on 41Today to highlight five wanted suspects and share the word of the day. Crimestoppers partners with media outlets, police departments, and law enforcement agencies across eight Middle Georgia counties to offer anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals are currently wanted: Darrian Jackson,…

Salvation Army golf tournament in Macon celebrates 125 years, raises funds for local programs

The annual tournament raises funds for the Salvation Army’s homeless shelter and vital programs that support families, individuals, and veterans throughout Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Golfers teed off for more than just trophies Monday at River North Country Club, as this year’s Salvation Army Charity Golf Tournament celebrated 125 years of service in Greater Macon. Dozens of players hit the course, all swinging for a cause. The annual tournament raises funds for the Salvation Army’s homeless shelter and vital programs that…

Hollywood Minute: “Sneak peek showcase”

Movie lovers are in for a treat this week with a special “Sneak Peek Showcase” hitting theaters across North America.

(CNN)- Movie lovers are in for a treat this week with a special “Sneak Peek Showcase” hitting theaters across North America. Hosted by The Cinema Foundation, the event will take place on Tuesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 24, with proceeds going to charity. The nearly 70-minute showcase will feature a blend of movie clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and previews of…

Morning Business Report: DHL shipping cuts, Sam’s Club tech shift, and Golf’s surprising health edge

Shipping giant DHL will suspend international shipments valued over $800 to U.S. consumers starting today.

(LILAMAX)- Shipping giant DHL will suspend international shipments valued over $800 to U.S. consumers starting today. The move comes in response to updated U.S. customs regulations that now require formal entry processing for all imports exceeding that value. Sam’s Club is rolling out a new “friction-free” shopping experience by phasing out traditional checkouts. Shoppers will use the Sam’s Club mobile…

Trump immigration policy faces Supreme Court roadblock

The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted the deportation of a group of Venezuelan migrants and alleged gang members.

(NBC)- President Trump’s immigration policy is once again under legal fire after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted the deportation of a group of Venezuelan migrants and alleged gang members. The court’s decision comes amid growing concerns that the individuals were being denied hearings to argue their cases — a process the court previously ruled was required under the wartime-era…

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused of sharing military plans on Signal App

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny after allegations surfaced that he used a non-government messaging app to discuss sensitive military operations.

(CNN)- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny after allegations surfaced that he used a non-government messaging app to discuss sensitive military operations. According to three sources, Hegseth participated in a Signal group chat earlier this year that included his brother, personal attorney, and spouse — just ahead of U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. While both his brother…

Dublin Breaks Ground on New Indoor Baseball Facility During Senior Night Celebration

Senior Night at Dublin Brought New Milestones and Acheivements Both On and Off the Fighting Irish Baseball Diamond

DUBLIN, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – As the regular season winds down and playoff baseball looms, Dublin High School made sure its senior players went out in style. On a memorable Senior Night, the Fighting Irish honored their four seniors—not just on the field, but at a groundbreaking ceremony for a brand-new indoor baseball facility. The ceremony, held just beyond the…

Piedmont Chief Nursing Officer: Black women face triple the risk in childbirth

Piedmont Macon’s CNO says systemic racism is a factor in why Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Local and national organizations are turning their focus to Black maternal health this week, raising awareness and calling for action to improve maternal outcomes for African American women. Elizabeth Larkins, Chief Nursing Officer at Piedmont Macon Medical, says the data is clear and alarming. “The United States is the most dangerous developed country…

UPDATE: Attorney says Bibb Sheriff’s Office violated deadline after Fossett records request, threatens lawsuit

Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis says the sheriff's office has not released video footage tied to Stephen Fossett’s death at the Bibb County Jail.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Fossett family’s pursuit of transparency following the 2024 death of Stephen Fossett at the Bibb County Jail is ongoing, and their attorney says they have yet to receive open records requested from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis, who represents the family, said during a news conference last week…

Ingram-Pye Elementary School hosts parent parade ahead of Georgia Milestones testing

Dr. Dan Sims, the Superintendent of the Bibb County School District, was at the parade. Ingram Pye Elementary was one of the county's lowest-performing schools in last year's milestone testing season. But with new leadership, Dr. Sims says he expects scores to be much improved this time around.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles lined College Street in Macon today to encourage their favorite Ingram-Pye Elementary School students. The school hosted a parent parade ahead of Georgia Milestones testing season, which kicks off next week. Last-minute studying before standardized testing can be stressful. That’s why family members decorated their cars with words…

Macon documentary premiering Saturday highlights organ donation in Black community

“The Perfect Gift” explores the impact of organ donation among African Americans, who make up more than 60% of Georgia’s transplant waitlist.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful’s Asha Ellen is presenting a new documentary titled “The Perfect Gift,” which will explore the impact of organ donation and transplantation within the African American community. The film is based on real-life stories of African Americans whose lives were changed through organ donation. Ellen says the project is especially important because it brings…

Volunteers serve 1,500 meals on Good Friday at Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia

Loaves and Fishes Ministry, senior citizens and homeless people in and around Macon were just a few served on Good Friday.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With smiles on their faces, volunteers at the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia quickly made about 1,500 hot meals on Friday to serve those dealing with hardship, homelessness and hunger in Middle Georgia. Michael Howell, one of those volunteers and a resident at the mission, says this is his second time helping. “I used to be…

Easter weekend to be hot across Middle Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This Evening Friday was a warm and sunny end to the week with temperatures that climbed largely into the mid 80s this afternoon. Expect a warm night tonight as lows will hover around or just below the 60 degree mark. Wind will be out of the south at around 5-10 mph. Some fog will be possible…

Inmate charged with Sammy Jackson’s murder now accused of assaulting deputy at Houston County jail

The sheriff's office says Iquane Brown, who's charged in the killing of Sammy Jackson, now faces additional felony charges after a violent attack on a detention deputy.

Iquane Shaquille Brown (Photo: Houston County Sheriff’s Office)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An inmate charged in the murder of former Fort Valley State coach Sammy Jackson is now facing new felony charges after deputies say he attacked a jailer inside the Houston County Detention Center. According to an April 18 news release from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, sent after…

Warner Robins man convicted in domestic violence murder of Michaela Chaney

24-year-old Jayveon Jermaine Bivins was convicted by a Houston County jury following a four-day trial.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins man has been convicted of malice murder in connection with the 2024 shooting death of Michaela Chaney, according to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards. 24-year-old Jayveon Jermaine Bivins was convicted by a Houston County jury following a four-day trial. Bivins was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing…

School resource officer accidentally discharges gun at Peach County High School

No students or staff were injured in the incident, and normal school operations were not disrupted.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A firearm belonging to a school resource officer was accidentally discharged this morning while the officer was preparing for duty in an area of the school that is restricted to students, according to a statement from Sheriff Buck Shannon. No students or staff were injured in the incident, and normal school operations were not disrupted. “The…

Holiday Report: Americans spend billions in time and money complying with complex tax code

As Tax Day passed on Tuesday, a new study by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation is shedding light on the overwhelming cost Americans face each year just to comply with the U.S. tax system.

(LILAMAX)- As Tax Day passed on Tuesday, a new study by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation is shedding light on the overwhelming cost—both in time and money—Americans face each year just to comply with the U.S. tax system. According to the study, individual taxpayers spent an average of 13 hours and $290 to file their 2024 tax returns. The burden…