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41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Health, Local News

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.
Fiona King,

(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…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

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.
Fiona King,

(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…

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Bibb County, Education, Featured, Local News

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.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(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…

Perfect Gift Documentary And Exhibit
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

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.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

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…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

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.
Denise Turner,

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…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Easter weekend to be hot across Middle Georgia

Aaron Lowery,

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…

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Featured, Houston County, Local News

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.
Tucker Sargent,

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…
Featured, Georgia News, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

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.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

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…

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Featured, Local News, Peach County

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.
41NBC Web Producer,

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…
Morning Business Report

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.
Keenan Gibson,

(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…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: “28 Years Later” trailer drops

The latest trailer for "28 Years Later" reveals that time hasn’t healed the wounds left behind by the infected—or the survivors.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- The latest trailer for “28 Years Later” reveals that time hasn’t healed the wounds left behind by the infected—or the survivors. With ominous lines like “There are many kinds of death… some are better than others,” the sequel promises to delve deeper into the emotional and physical toll of the post-apocalyptic world. The film hits theaters June 20. Meanwhile,…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump administration faces scrutiny over deportation error and fed criticism

President Trump is facing new criticism this morning as both his immigration and economic policies draw national attention.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Trump is facing new criticism this morning as both his immigration and economic policies draw national attention. Fresh images emerged of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador—an action the Trump administration now admits was due to an “administrative error.” Abrego Garcia, who has no criminal convictions, was allegedly…
Across the Nation, Featured

Witnesses recall chaos and terror during deadly shooting at Florida State University

A sense of shock and sorrow grips the Florida State University community after a deadly shooting spree on campus left two people dead and several others wounded.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A sense of shock and sorrow grips the Florida State University (FSU) community after a deadly shooting spree on campus left two people dead and several others wounded. Students and staff are sharing harrowing accounts of the violence that unfolded near the Student Union on Thursday. FSU student McKenzie Heeter described walking across the green space when she spotted…
Featured, Laurens County, Local News

UPDATE: Thirteen members of MPL gang in Dublin sentenced to prison

Thirteen gang members have been convicted and sentenced for violent crimes in Laurens County.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE (4/23/25): –  Two Dublin gang members have been sentenced to life in prison plus 410 years each for a 2024 double murder that also injured five others, according to a news release from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. On Monday, the Superior Court of Laurens County sentenced Jaswain Bell following his conviction earlier this month. Bell and co-defendant Quintez…

Macon Water Authority Gary Bechtel Address Allegations
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Bechtel: Accurate meters and supply cost increases, not errors, behind Macon water bill spikes

Chairman Gary Bechtel says new meters provide accurate readings, while Elaine Lucas renews calls for oversight and an audit.
Bre'Anna Sheffield, Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As concerns grow over rising water bills in Macon-Bibb County, Macon Water Authority Chairman Gary Bechtel addressed the issue at a news conference on Thursday, saying new water meters are not to blame for higher rates but that they’re actually providing more accurate readings. The news conference comes one week after board member Elaine Lucas called…
Featured, Houston County, Local News

UPDATE: Road closure to take longer than expected for stormwater project in Warner Robins

The intersection of Esplanade Drive and Westwood Drive in Warner Robins will be closed to allow for stormwater pipe replacement, according to the City of Warner Robins Public Works Department.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE: (4/17) – According to a news release from the City of Warner Robins, the roadwork for the project will continue thru Friday, April 25. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The intersection of Esplanade Drive and Westwood Drive in Warner Robins will be closed from Wednesday, April 16 through Friday, April 18 to allow for stormwater pipe replacement, according…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Temperatures climb more Friday

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This Evening   A sunny afternoon will give way to a clear and calm night. Expect wind from the southeast at around 5 mph as temperatures drop to near average, the lower 50s. Some fog will be possible courtesy of rising dew points and calm winds under clear skies. Fire danger remains up due to low…
Featured, Houston County, Local News

UPDATE: Perry Police identify ‘person of interest’ in quadruple homicide

The Perry Police Department says detectives have identified a person of interest in a quadruple homicide earlier this month.
Tucker Sargent, Denise Turner, Monica Diaz-Meek,

UPDATE (4/17/2025 at 4:49 p.m.): The Perry Police Department says detectives have identified a person of interest in a quadruple homicide earlier this month. According to a news release, 34-year-old Michael James Jordan is in custody on charges of aggravated stalking, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and violation of probation. He has not been charged with the murders. The…
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Local News

Bibb County consolidation plan recommends rezoning, not closures

District leaders are presenting rezoning and an organizational efficiency study as alternatives to closing schools.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A school consolidation presentation set to be reviewed Thursday during the Bibb County Board of Education committee meeting recommends exploring districtwide rezoning and conducting an organizational efficiency study, rather than moving forward with school closures. The presentation was led by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Katika Lovett and Dr. Thelron Pleas of Towering Your Success. It comes after…

Cochran Bleckley County Chamber Of Commerce To Host Multiple Spring Events
41 Today, Bleckley County, Featured, Georgia News, Local News, WMGT

Cochran-Bleckley County Chamber of Commerce to host multiple Spring events

Melissa Barker, president and CEO of the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber of Commerce, said all events are open to the public.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cochran-Bleckley County Chamber of Commerce is set to host several spring events aimed at uniting the community. Melissa Barker, president and CEO of the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber of Commerce, said all events are open to the public. Here’s a list of upcoming events: April 19: Community Egg Hunt at 10 a.m.at 134 S Sixth Street. April…
41 Today, 41 Today Community, Bleckley County, Featured, Georgia News, Local News, WMGT

Cochran Downtown Development Authority to host Downtown Day

Ken Land, director of the City of Cochran’s Downtown Development Authority, said the event aims to bring the community together through activities, shopping, and family fun.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

COCHRAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cochran Downtown Development Authority will host Downtown Day on April 26, an event that’s free and open to the community. Ken Land, director of the City of Cochran’s Downtown Development Authority, said the event aims to bring the community together through activities, shopping, and family fun. The day will begin with a community clean-up event…
Bibb County, Business, Featured, Local News

Macon-Bibb County hosts small business roundtable with SBA, resource providers

For more information, contact the SBA Customer Service line at 800-827-5722.
Denise Turner,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC\WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County hosted the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Georgia District Office and other resource providers for a small business roundtable on Thursday. The three-hour event was held at Macon City Hall. Terri Denison, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, said the agency wants business owners to leave with knowledge of available resources, no matter…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Bibb County teacher resigns after using racial slur in classroom

Elizabeth Finch resigned after Bibb Schools determined she violated district principles by using racially offensive language.
Keenan Gibson, Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE (4/17): A Rutland Middle School teacher has resigned after an investigation found she used a racial slur during a classroom discussion, according to a statement provided by the Bibb County School District on Thursday. The district says the incident happened on April 10, when the teacher, identified as Elizabeth Finch, was photographed using racially insensitive language during a lesson. The…
Across the Nation, Featured

Federal judge threatens contempt proceedings against Trump administration over deportations

The legal battle between the Trump administration and federal courts over immigration policy has reached a new flashpoint.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- The legal battle between the Trump administration and federal courts over immigration policy has reached a new flashpoint. A federal judge is threatening to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against the administration for allegedly ignoring a court order to halt deportation flights to a mega prison in El Salvador. The judge insists migrants must be given hearings to challenge allegations…