Stratford celebrates arts, creativity with annual event

"I hope they leave feeling a little happier, a little lighter. They say art is great therapy... and maybe they see something they want to take home, and they can take a piece of what we find so beautiful and enjoyable with them. That would be wonderful."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A celebration of creativity is underway at Stratford Academy, where students and professional artists are coming together for a weeklong showcase featuring more than 400 works of art from 50 artists ranging from Georgia to New York. Katy Carr, interim head of advancement at Stratford, says this week is all about celebrating arts and creativity. New…

Metro Atlanta man pleads guilty to bank fraud in Macon, approximately $96,000 stolen

28-year-old Keyon Ponder of Fayetteville pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on March 24.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An Atlanta resident plead guilty to bank fraud in Macon in federal court on Monday, according to the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia. 28-year-old Keyon Ponder of Fayetteville pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on March 24. Ponder faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison to be followed by…

Crimestoppers seeks suspect wanted for 12 counts of aggravated assault, 4 counts of terroristic threats

Today's word of the day: Communication

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Regional Crimestoppers Sergeant Greg Thomas visited 41Today to highlight five wanted suspects and discuss the word of the day. Crimestoppers partners with media organizations, police departments and other law enforcement agencies in eight Middle Georgia counties to provide anonymous rewards for tips that lead to criminal arrests. Tony Chatfield, male. He’s wanted by the Bibb…

Sunshine and above average temperatures return Tuesday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High pressure moving in behind Monday’s cold front will lead to plenty of sunshine around the Peach State. This Evening The clouds from today will stick around through the evening and into tonight, however skies by tomorrow morning should be clear. Expect lows in the mid 40s for much of the region with accompanying wind flowing…

Pedestrian killed in Friday hit-and-run crash on Ben Hall Lake Drive in Laurens County

A woman was killed Friday night after a driver struck her and left the scene along Ben Hall Lake Drive in Laurens County, according to a Georgia Motor Vehicle Crash Report obtained by 41NBC.

LAURENS COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A woman was killed Friday night after a driver struck her and left the scene along Ben Hall Lake Drive in Laurens County, according to a Georgia Motor Vehicle Crash Report obtained by 41NBC. According to the report, obtained on Monday, the crash happened around 8:11 p.m. Friday in the 700 block of Ben Hall…

Cherry Blossom Festival’s Third Street Park Festivities start with sweet treats and smiles

The Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicked off its festivities at Third Street Park on Monday, despite a little rain.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicked off its festivities at Third Street Park on Monday, despite a little rain. Visitors enjoyed pink cherry ice cream from Kroger, soft drinks and live music to set the mood. One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of “Cherry” the pink poodle, a beloved Cherry Blossom favorite…

10-year-old dies after shooting in Macon County, GBI investigating

A 10-year-old child has died after being shot in Macon County, according to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

OGLETHORPE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 10-year-old child has died after being shot in Macon County, according to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. In a news release posted on the sheriff’s office Facebook page, the sheriff’s office said Macon County Communications received an emergency call reporting that a 10-year-old had sustained a gunshot wound and needed immediate medical assistance in the…

Showers & T-storms start off Monday, dry week starts Tuesday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High pressure ridge clears Georgia to the east. Winds have shifted to the south on the back side of the high. Temperatures continue to warm, as temperatures are running above normal in the mid 70s. Wind speeds are expected to increased as a tightening pressure gradient will increase moisture in the dewpoints. Low relative humidity and…

Morning Business Report: Americans divided on Government downsizing

Americans are divided on the idea of reducing the federal government’s size.

(LILAMAX)- Americans are divided on the idea of reducing the federal government’s size. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this month found that 59% of respondents support downsizing, yet a separate Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 60% disapprove of how Elon Musk and Doge are handling federal workers. Some of this sentiment may stem from a perception that federal employees receive benefits—such as…

Hollywood Minute: “Moana 2” sails to streaming

The directors of "Moana 2" reflect on the film's success, and a documentary shows how tropical fish get to aquariums.

(CNN)- Disney’s Moana 2 continues to sail smoothly, both in theaters and on streaming. After surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, the animated sequel has now reached more than 27 million views in its first five days on Disney+. Filmmakers behind Moana 2 are celebrating the film’s success, especially its cultural significance. “We go on these long emotional…

President Trump holds cabinet meeting amid protests and growing tensions

The meeting follows one of the largest waves of protests over government cuts, with demonstrators voicing their concerns across the country.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is set to hold his next cabinet meeting today, following reports of growing rifts among some cabinet secretaries after the last meeting. The tensions come at a time when billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, known for his cost-cutting strategies, is reportedly involved in discussions with the administration. The meeting also follows one of the largest waves of…

Privacy concerns rise as IRS and Homeland Security near information-sharing agreement

The IRS and the DHS are close to finalizing an agreement that would allow the two to share information about individuals in the U.S. illegally.

CNN- The IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are reportedly close to finalizing an agreement that would allow the two agencies to share information about individuals in the U.S. illegally, sparking concerns over taxpayer privacy. A source familiar with the matter has confirmed that under the new arrangement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be able to submit…

Two arrested after multiple overnight shots fired calls, crash and chase in Milledgeville

Antonio Spencer and Shawn Spencer arrested after vehicle pursuit, drone surveillance and multiple shots fired calls; minor injuries reported.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Police arrested two men early Friday after someone fired shots into a home and later led officers on a chase through Milledgeville, according to a news release from the Milledgeville Police Department. “Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported during these events,” the release said. It all started around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, when the Baldwin County Sheriff’s…

Dry and pleasant weekend instore for Middle Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Surface high pressure is centered over the Central Gulf Coast. This will lead to dry conditions, clear skies and gradual warming as it moves eastward this evening. Our high temperatures reached the low to mid 60s in the north to the upper 60s in Central Georgia. Our dewpoints and relative humidity have dropped to 15-20 percent….

South Carolina man arrested for attempting to scam Jones County couple

A couple in Jones County was contacted by a scammer who convinced them that their money was not safe in their bank account.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A South Carolina man was arrested last week after attempting to scam a Jones County couple, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. A couple in Jones County was contacted by a scammer who convinced them that their money was not safe in their bank account. The scammer advised the couple to withdraw their money…

Two arrested in attempted contraband drop Friday at Washington State Prison

The attempted contraband drop occurred around 3:45 a.m. on March 21.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Two people were arrested after an attempted contraband drop at Washington State Prison on Friday, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The attempted contraband drop occurred around 3:45 a.m. on March 21. A deputy in Davisboro noticed a suspicious vehicle in front of the prison. The vehicle made several traffic violations, and the deputy…

Macon-Bibb Fire Department to host Pink Pancake Breakfast for Cherry Blossom Festival

The event will be held on March 22 and 29 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Luther Williams Stadium inside Carolyn Crayton Park.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon-Bibb Fire Department is set to host the annual Pink Pancake Breakfast for the Cherry Blossom Festival. The event will be held on March 22 and 29 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Luther Williams Stadium inside Carolyn Crayton Park. Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Fire Chief Shane Edwards says they are partnering with Macon…

Cherry Blossom Festival debuts new weekday pricing, additional events

Cherry Blossom Festival Board Chair Karla Redding-Andrews says the festival will be held March 21-30.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Cherry Blossom Festival is debuting new weekday pricing and adding additional events to the calendar. Cherry Blossom Festival Board Chair Karla Redding-Andrews says the festival will be held March 21-30. The Festival at Carolyn Crayton Park is open everyday: Monday: Noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday: Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday: Noon to 9 p.m. Thursday:…

Morning Business Report: Nike’s shift, Apple TV+ losses

Nike is making a major shift in its online marketplace, moving to a full-price model and reducing discounts.

(LILAMAX)- Nike is making a major shift in its online marketplace, moving to a full-price model and reducing discounts. The company expects a drop in sales as it faces tariffs and declining consumer confidence. As part of its turnaround strategy, Nike is cutting back on markdowns and promotions. Meanwhile, Apple may be great at making money, but Apple TV+ is…

Hollywood Minute: Pixar’s “Coco 2” in the works

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced at the company’s annual shareholder meeting that Coco 2 is officially in the works, set for release in 2029.

(CNN)- Pixar is bringing back the magic of Coco. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced at the company’s annual shareholder meeting that Coco 2 is officially in the works, set for release in 2029. While no plot details have been revealed, the original directors are returning for the sequel. Meanwhile, Disney fans will get a rare glimpse into the past with…

President Trump moves to eliminate the Department of Education

President Donald Trump has made it official, signing an executive order to begin the process of eliminating the Federal Department of Education.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump has made it official, signing an executive order to begin the process of eliminating the Federal Department of Education. The move is a step toward fulfilling a longstanding campaign promise and a key conservative goal: transferring full control of education oversight to the states, where curriculum decisions are already made and most school funding occurs. At…

Judge accuses DOJ of defiance, raising fears of constitutional crisis

An escalating standoff between the Justice Department and a federal judge is sparking concerns of a potential constitutional crisis.

(CNN)-An escalating standoff between the Justice Department and a federal judge is sparking concerns of a potential constitutional crisis. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has accused the DOJ of defying his orders—possibly twice—in a contentious immigration case. He stated the department “evaded its obligations” by failing to provide information about whether it disobeyed his directives last weekend. “We’re starting to…

Portion of Poplar Street in downtown Macon dedicated as ‘Bryan Nichols Way’

A stretch of Poplar Street in downtown Macon will soon be known as "Bryan Nichols Way," honoring the founder of the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza for his service and leadership in the community.

Bryan Nichols (Photo: Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza); Map: Macon-Bibb CountyMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A stretch of Poplar Street in downtown Macon will soon be known as “Bryan Nichols Way,” honoring the founder of the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza for his service and leadership in the community. The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved the ordinance Tuesday, dedicating the portion of Poplar Street…

Pickleball helps Middle Georgia friends lose weight, gain healthier lifestyle

"I just don't look at the scale anymore, because the scale's just a number. I feel better, I think that's the thing, and there's going to be ups and downs. Eat the cake if you want it, go out and enjoy it. Don't restrict yourself, enjoy it," said Bracewell.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The fastest-growing sport in the world, pickleball, has changed the lives of Sherri Bracewell and Carla Cox. Most of us feel like we could always lose a few pounds. Sherri Bracewell is no different. She said after seeing herself in pictures, something had to be done to lose weight. So, she started playing pickleball. Since picking…