Dickey Farms to host 2026 Strawberry Festival

The festival will be April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dickey Farms is hosting its annual Strawberry Festival this weekend. The festival will be April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dickey Farms, located at 3440 Musella Road in Musella. Lee Dickey with Dickey Farms said the event will feature local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities and strawberry picking. Live music will be from…

Former Rep. Eric Swalwell investigated over assault allegations, resigns

A new push for accountability is underway as Eric Swalwell faces a criminal investigation following his resignation from Congress.

(NBC)- A new push for accountability is underway as Eric Swalwell faces a criminal investigation following his resignation from Congress. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirms it is looking into allegations made by Lonna Drewes, who claims Swalwell drugged her drink, raped and choked her in a California hotel room in 2018. “I lost consciousness, and I thought I…

Morning Business Report: Housing costs rise as markets gain, study warns Iran war could cost $1 trillion

According to the report, regulatory hurdles can add more than $100,000 to the cost of a home while also slowing down construction.

(LILAMAX)- A new report from the Council of Economic Advisers suggests that increasing housing supply and cutting bureaucratic red tape could significantly improve affordability across the country. According to the report, regulatory hurdles can add more than $100,000 to the cost of a home while also slowing down construction. While federal policies play a role, officials say state and local…

Husband released but still suspect in Lynette Hooker disappearance in Bahamas

In an interview, Hooker denied any involvement in her disappearance.

(NBC)- A man at the center of a growing international search is speaking out after being released from custody in the Bahamas. Brian Hooker was freed by authorities and is not facing charges, but investigators say he remains a suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, who vanished more than a week ago. In an interview, Hooker denied…

Oklahoma principal stops armed suspect at high school

Principal Kirk Moore is seen emerging from a nearby doorway and tackling the suspect in an effort to stop the threat.

(NBC)- Newly released video shows the dramatic and dangerous moments an armed suspect entered a high school in Pauls Valley—before being stopped by a quick-thinking principal. Authorities say a man, identified as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former student, walked into Pauls Valley High School carrying a pistol. Moments later, Principal Kirk Moore is seen emerging from a nearby doorway and…

Tornadoes, flooding and snowstorms hit multiple states, causing damage and rescues

Severe weather is wreaking havoc across the central United States, with tornadoes, flooding and dangerous winter conditions impacting several states.

(CNN)- Severe weather is wreaking havoc across the central United States, with tornadoes, flooding and dangerous winter conditions impacting several states. Residents in Ottawa described a terrifying tornado that tore through their community Monday, leaving behind significant damage and injuries. “Then we were going to leave and we thought we had time… the sky just changed very suddenly,” said Eileen…

Macon man, identified as youth pastor, arrested in child porn case

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says the investigation began in Pennsylvania and led to a suspect in Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Macon man identified as a youth pastor at a Monroe County church has been arrested in connection with a child pornography investigation out of Pennsylvania, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. In an email Tuesday, sheriff’s office spokesperson Anna Watkins said Pennsylvania State Police contacted the sheriff’s office after tracing downloads of suspected child…

Inclusive playground breaks ground at Magnolia Point Park in Perry

Haseya Women’s Club and City of Perry partner on playground designed for children of all abilities

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A new inclusive playground is coming to Perry after a groundbreaking ceremony at Magnolia Point Park. The project is led by the Haseya Women’s Club and is funded by more than $1 million in community donations. Avoly Wainwright, one of the co-chairs of the Haseya Women’s Club, said the playground is designed to serve children of all…

Macon man sentenced after admitting role in 2021 death

Prosecutors say the case involved a shooting and efforts to conceal the victim’s body.

Jerome Dewayne Beasley (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man has been sentenced to 50 years, with 20 to serve in prison, after pleading guilty in connection with a 2021 killing, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. 33-year-old Jerome Dewayne Beasley pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and concealing the death of…

Macon could get new Hyatt Studios hotel under proposed development plans

Plans call for a 7-story, 128-room hotel with a streamlined design

A rendering shows the proposed Hyatt Studios hotel planned for Bass Road in Macon. The project calls for a seven-story, 128-room development. (CREDIT: MACON-BIBB COUNTY P&Z)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new hotel development could expand lodging options in Macon, as Hyatt Studios has submitted plans to build a seven-story, 128-room hotel at 1512 Bass Road. New hotel proposed for growing…

Bibb County sheriff appoints new jail administrator to oversee nearly 100 deputies

Samuel Jines named Bibb County jail administrator by Sheriff David Davis

Bibb County has a new jail administrator. Samuel Jines, a veteran corrections leader, will oversee operations impacting public safety and jail conditions.MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has named a new leader for its jail operations. Samuel Jines, a veteran corrections official with national-level credentials, will serve as jail administrator, overseeing nearly 100 deputies, staff and vendors, Sheriff…

Republican Ted Metz outlines election overhaul plan in secretary of state race

Ted Metz, who has spent more than a decade advocating for election reform, is campaigning on eliminating electronic voting systems and replacing them with hand-marked paper ballots.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia’s race for Secretary of State is drawing renewed attention as Republican candidate Ted Metz lays out a platform centered on sweeping changes to the state’s election system. He argues that a physical paper trail is essential to ensuring election transparency and restoring voter confidence. A key focus of his campaign is opposition to Georgia’s current…

12th Annual Mother and Daughter Tea to raise funds for free mammogram screenings

Dr. Crystal Owens, a member of the Sisters of Pearl E. Evans Chapter No. 464, said the event raised $3,000, which went toward paying for 17 free mammogram screenings in 2025.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Sisters of Pearl E. Evans Chapter No. 464 is hosting its 12th annual Mother and Daughter Tea to support free mammogram screenings for women in the community. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at noon at the Porter Ellis Community Center, located at 5987 Houston Road in Macon. This year’s theme is “Women…

Trump announces Iran oil blockade after failed talks

The blockade, which took effect at 10 a.m., targets all Iranian ports and coastal areas.

(NBC)- A new pressure point is emerging in the conflict with Iran, as Donald Trump announced a sweeping blockade on Iranian oil following the collapse of weekend peace talks. The blockade, which took effect at 10 a.m., targets all Iranian ports and coastal areas. According to U.S. Central Command, enforcement will focus on stopping Iranian oil shipments, though vessels traveling…

Morning Business Report: Dow jumps as BlackRock signals confidence, home sales fall and cancer study shows promise

A major shift in outlook from BlackRock is helping fuel optimism on Wall Street.

(LILAMAX)- A major shift in outlook from BlackRock is helping fuel optimism on Wall Street, as the firm says the conflict involving Iran appears contained—if not essentially over—and predicts strong earnings for U.S. companies. That confidence is reflected in the markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing up 302 points, finishing at the highs of the day as investors…

Trump, Pope Leo XIV clash in escalating war of words

A public feud is intensifying between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, with both trading sharp criticism over global conflicts and moral leadership.

(CNN)- A public feud is intensifying between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, with both trading sharp criticism over global conflicts and moral leadership. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane during a multi-city visit across Africa, the Chicago-born pontiff pushed back against recent attacks from the president, making clear he would not be silenced. “I have no fear of…

Suspect charged in attack at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s San Francisco home

San Francisco Police say the suspect, identified as Daniel Moreno-Gama of Texas, was taken into custody at the scene.

(CNN)- Federal and local authorities in San Francisco have announced attempted murder and attempted arson charges against a man accused of targeting the home of Sam Altman. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the suspect allegedly threw an incendiary device at Altman’s residence in what officials describe as a deliberate and planned attack. “Today’s charges outline a dangerous and…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores April 6-10

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, April 6 and Friday, April 10.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This week’s Restaurant Report Card provides food service inspection scores across Middle Georgia, as released by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, April 6 and Friday, April 10. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Warner Robins man sentenced to 30 years for cocaine trafficking

Prosecutors say investigators found nearly a kilogram of cocaine during a search of the home.

Gregory Ford (Credit: Houston County Sheriff’s Office)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to trafficking cocaine. According to a Houston County District Attorney’s Office news release, 51-year-old Gregory Ford pleaded guilty Monday in Houston County Superior Court just before his jury trial was set to begin. Chief Judge Katherine K. Lumsden sentenced…

Leaders say expanded Macon flights could boost travel, tourism

Officials say the added routes could make travel easier for residents and bring more visitors to the area.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – More travel options are coming to Middle Georgia this summer as Contour Airlines expands service at Middle Georgia Regional Airport. The airline is adding a returning nonstop flight to Baltimore along with a new destination to Fort Lauderdale, giving travelers more choices for both business and leisure trips. Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller says he is…

Shooting under investigation in downtown Macon

The incident is currently under investigation.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that happened Monday in downtown Macon, according to a news release. The sheriff’s office says the shooting happened at 1:42 a.m. April 13 in the 400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. According to the news release, deputies discovered shots were fired in the area. No…

Artemis II astronauts return after historic moon mission, setting stage for future lunar landing

Their Orion capsule splashed down off the coast of San Diego Friday evening, wrapping up a 10-day mission that covered roughly 700,000 miles.

(NBC)- The four astronauts of Artemis II have safely returned to Earth following a groundbreaking journey to the moon and back. Their Orion capsule splashed down off the coast of San Diego Friday evening, wrapping up a 10-day mission that covered roughly 700,000 miles — one of the longest crewed spaceflights in history. The mission marked several major milestones, including…

Trump announces Iranian oil blockade as tensions rise, markets react

A new pressure point is emerging in the Middle East after failed peace talks with Iran over the weekend..

(NBC)- A new pressure point is emerging in the Middle East after failed peace talks with Iran over the weekend prompted Donald Trump to announce a sweeping oil blockade. The blockade, which began at 10 a.m. Eastern, targets Iranian oil exports and will be enforced by U.S. Central Command across Iranian ports and coastal areas. Officials say the effort is…

Morning Business Report: Oil tensions, earnings season, and workplace trends

Global markets are facing renewed uncertainty after stalled peace talks with Iran prompted a strong warning from Donald Trump.

(LILAMAX) -Global markets are facing renewed uncertainty after stalled peace talks with Iran prompted a strong warning from Donald Trump. The president is now threatening to use the U.S. Navy to control the Strait of Hormuz — a critical passage for global oil shipments. A potential blockade, expected to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern, could further strain the global oil…