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…

A brief chill down then Spring returns

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A cold front has arrived along with gusty winds. The front has dragged the mid-level jet across the south along with strong winds and cold air. We reached a high temperature of 60 which was a struggle and overnight lows will be below freezing along the I-85 and Middle Georgia corridor for Thursday night into Friday…

More renovations coming to Fort Hill Community Park thanks to $50,000 grant

The James M. Cox Foundation awarded Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful a $50,000 grant to further ongoing renovation efforts at Fort Hill Community Park.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The James M. Cox Foundation awarded Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful a $50,000 grant to further ongoing renovation efforts at Fort Hill Community Park. The latest grant brings total investment in the park to roughly $300,000 in the past year. Asha Ellen, the Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, says the park has undergone a…

UPDATE: Second person dies after Thursday morning crash on Mercer University Drive

The crash happened at 5:09 a.m. on March 20, when a Dodge Durango and a Hyundai Elantra collided head-on east of Edwards Avenue.

UPDATE (5:45 p.m.): A second person has died after a crash Thursday morning on Mercer University Drive. According to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release, just after 3 p.m., deputies responded to a home in the 1800 block of Wray Place after a call for assistance in reference to a person down. When deputies arrived, they found a 51-year-old…

Tier Blue to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival

Tier Blue band members Hunter Pettis and Stephen Caleb Melvin have known each other since high school.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Tier Blue is set to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival. The concert will be March 21 on the Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage at Carolyn Crayton Park. The Nightly Concert Series features local, regional, and national artists performing each night of the 10-day festival. Gate entry is $10 and the Nightly Concert Series is included in your…

Cherry Blossom Gospel Fest set for this weekend

LightShine Promotions promoter Jonathan Fisher said proceeds from the event would benefit local nonprofits.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cherry Blossom Gospel Fest is set to take place this weekend. The event is March 21 at the United Community Church located at 2411 Heath Road in Macon. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. General admission is $25, online advanced tickets are $18, groups of 10 or more are…

Two men arrested in connection with Macon burglary at Dollar General on Pio Nono

The burglary occurred at 3:17 a.m. on March 20 at the Dollar General, located at 3824 Pio Nono Ave.

Pictured: Wallace Youngblood (left), James Seals (right)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two men were arrested Thursday in connection with a commercial burglary, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The burglary occurred at 3:17 a.m. on March 20 at the Dollar General, located at 3824 Pio Nono Ave. Deputies responded to a burglary alarm and found two men inside the store….

Centerville man pleads guilty to rape in 13-year-old cold case

31-year-old Dendrick D. Solomon of Centerville plead guilty on March 20, 2025 to one count of rape. Solomon was sentenced to serve life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of sexual assault and violent behavior that may be disturbing to some readers. WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Centerville man has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to rape in a 13-year-old cold case, according to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards. 31-year-old Dendrick D….

Morning Business Report: Gold hits record high amid market volatility

Gold prices have surged to unprecedented levels, surpassing $3,000 per ounce for the first time.

(CNN)- Gold prices have surged to unprecedented levels, surpassing $3,000 per ounce for the first time last week. The precious metal continued its upward trend, closing at $3,051. So far this year, gold has climbed 12%, while the S&P 500 has fallen nearly 7%, as investors seek safe-haven assets amid geopolitical uncertainty. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged and…

Bibb County School District looking for local vendors

The Bibb County School District is looking for vendors based in Middle Georgia and south Atlanta, according to Executive Director of Procurement, Dr. Elaine Wilson-Beverly.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County School District is looking for vendors based in Middle Georgia and south Atlanta, according to Executive Director of Procurement, Dr. Elaine Wilson-Beverly. For business owners, that means a chance to find contracts and networking opportunities. Dr. Wilson-Beverley tells us that BCSD hires vendors for jobs like construction, maintenance, consulting, supplies…

Hollywood Minute: “The Handmaid’s Tale” preview

Hulu has released the official trailer for the highly anticipated sixth and final season of the Handmaid's Tale.

(CNN)-The wait is over for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale! Hulu has released the official trailer for the highly anticipated sixth and final season. The gripping footage teases an all-out revolution as June (Elisabeth Moss) and her allies prepare to take down the oppressive theocratic regime of Gilead. With tensions at an all-time high, the final battle for freedom begins…

Trump to sign executive order to begin closing the Department of Education

The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will sign an executive order today to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education.

(NBC)- The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will sign an executive order today to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. The executive order, however, does not have the authority to completely shut down the department, as that would require an act of Congress. Instead, the administration could effectively gut the department, making it incapable of…

Trump signs executive order to begin dismantling department of education

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order today to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education.

(CNN)-President Donald Trump has signed an executive order today to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education, stating, “I’d like it to be closed immediately.” However, the final decision to fully eliminate the department lies with Congress. According to a senior administration official, the order initiates a shift of education authority from the federal government to individual states….

Bibb Sheriff halts school zone camera citations amid legislative debate

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office will no longer approve citations issued by school zone speed cameras, Sheriff David Davis announced Wednesday, citing ongoing debate and pending legislation in the Georgia General Assembly.

UPDATE (3/20/25): We reached out to the sheriff’s office after receiving inquiries about citations issued prior to the sheriff’s announcement on Wednesday. This was the response: “For clarity, As of 6:30 p.m. on March 19, 2025, there will be no School Zone Speeding Citations from School Zone Speed Detection Cameras that will be approved by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office,…

‘Echoes of Sound’ public art installation to debut in downtown Macon for Cherry Blossom Festival

Hopkins says Newtown Macon has worked with Dashboard, a public arts agency out of Atlanta, to transform Poplar Street.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — With the Cherry Blossom Festival just days away, NewTown Macon has announced the unveiling of Echoes of Sound, a site-specific installation by acclaimed artist Megan Mosholder. Emily Hopkins, Vice President of External Affairs at NewTown Macon, spoke about how the new immersive installation brings Macon’s musical heritage to life. “We are installing Echoes of Sound—this is…

Man arrested after attempted contraband drop at Hancock State Prison

The attempted contraband drop happened between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. March 10. 

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was arrested after an attempted contraband drop at Hancock State Prison, according to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. The contraband drop attempt occurred between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. March 10. According to the news release, the suspect entered the prison grounds and attempted to drop off contraband. The contraband was intercepted before it…

Four arrested in Bleckley County after traffic stop reveals contraband, suspect flees in handcuffs

A traffic stop on Interstate 16 led to four arrests early Tuesday morning after Bleckley County deputies say they found suspected prison contraband and narcotics, according to the Bleckley County Sheriff's Office.

Photo: Bleckley County Sheriff’s OfficeCOCHRAN, Ga. (41NBC/WMGT) – A traffic stop on Interstate 16 led to four arrests early Tuesday morning after Bleckley County deputies say they found suspected prison contraband and narcotics, according to the Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office. According to a sheriff’s office Facebook post, deputies stopped a vehicle just after 4 a.m., and after a search “based…

Atrium Health Navicent offers tips about colorectal cancer awareness

Dr. Paul Dale says patients need to begin testing for colorectal cancer at the age of 45 unless told otherwise.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent is offering the community tips about colorectal cancer awareness and sharing available resources. Dr. Paul Dale says colorectal cancer is the third leading cancer killer in both men and women. Dale adds that early detection of cancer can save lives. Dale says patients need to begin testing for colorectal cancer at the age of…

200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour to stop in Macon

Event organizer John Trussel says the parade will travel from St. Joseph’s Catholic down Poplar Street to the steps of Macon City Hall.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour will go through Macon and share the history of America. Event organizer John Trussell says the parade will travel from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church down Poplar Street to the steps of Macon City Hall. The event begins at 10a.m. and will be March 28. Trussell says the event is…

Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful to present documentary about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last visit to Macon

Asha Ellen, executive director at Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, says this is a free documentary for the community.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful is presenting the documentary Made For A King to the community. Asha Ellen, executive director at Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, says the documentary is about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last visit to Macon, Georgia on March 23, 1968. “When he was here in 1968, it was actually apart of his Poor People’s Campaign…

Morning Business Report: Major companies embrace artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is making its way into more industries.

(LILAMAX)- Artificial intelligence is making its way into more industries. NVIDIA and General Motors have announced a partnership to use NVIDIA’s chips in vehicles, simulation, and plant design. Meanwhile, Yum Brands—parent company of Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut—says AI-powered order-taking is on the way. The housing market’s affordability struggles aren’t expected to ease anytime soon. Economist Thomas Ryan of…