Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Elon Musk launches X-Coin as oil prices rise and Palantir relocates to Florida

Elon Musk, announced the pre-sale of a new digital currency called “X-Coin.”
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, announced the pre-sale of a new digital currency called “X-Coin.” The cryptocurrency will be available exclusively through the platform’s newly introduced “X Wallet.” The company, formerly known as Twitter, is the latest tech giant to expand into digital asset storage and financial services. Meanwhile, oil prices rose four percent in trading…
Across the Nation, Featured

Mark Zuckerberg testifies in Los Angeles trial over social media’s impact on youth mental health

The Meta CEO testified before a jury about allegations that social media platforms are harmful to young users’ mental health.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Mark Zuckerberg entered through the front doors of the Los Angeles Superior Court Wednesday morning and exited through a back entrance hours later, after taking the stand in a landmark civil trial centered on the impact of social media on children. The Meta CEO testified before a jury for the first time about allegations that social media platforms —…

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Crime, Featured, Houston County, Local News

Macon man arrested after Houston County chase ends in PIT maneuver rollover

A man was arrested and faces multiple charges after fleeing from police after a failed traffic stop. 
Keenan Gibson,

Eric York (Credit: Houston County Sheriff’s Office)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was arrested and faces multiple charges after fleeing from police after a failed traffic stop.  According to a press release from  the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop around 6:53 p.m. on Wednesday February 18, on a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox for a…

Interstate Crash
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Woman, child identified after fatal crash on I-75 S in Bibb County

The crash on Interstate 75 South near Sardis Church Road was reported just after 4:30 p.m.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE (2/18 – 9:35 pm.) – Bibb County Deputy Coroner Luann Stone identified the two people killed in a crash on Interstate 75 South on Wednesday as 61-year-old Joann White and 1-year-old Zion Thomas, both of Warner Robins. Stone told 41NBC Thomas would have turned two on April 22. She said White was Thomas’ grandmother. UPDATE (2/18 – 8:50 p.m.):…

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Featured, Local News, Monroe County

One dead, two hospitalized after apartment fire in Forsyth

Police say the fire started on the first floor and spread to the upper level and attic.
Tucker Sargent,

MGNFORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – One person is dead and two others were taken to the hospital after an apartment fire Wednesday afternoon in Forsyth. According to a news release from the Forsyth Police Department, police and fire crews responded at 3:36 p.m. to 235 Union Hill Drive after reports of an apartment fire with possible entrapment. Police say one victim…

Court Sentenced
Bibb County, Featured, Jones County, Local News

UPDATE: Third defendant pleads guilty in Morris Bank fraud scheme

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia on Wednesday, 57-year-old James Kevin Meyers of Gray pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of causing the filing of false currency transaction reports. 
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE (2/18/26):  A third defendant has now pleaded guilty in connection with the Morris Bank fraud scheme. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia on Wednesday, 57-year-old James Kevin Meyers of Gray pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of causing the filing of false currency transaction reports. Prosecutors say Meyers managed…

Winter Storms Worsen Blood Shortage As American Red Cross Calls For Urgent Donations
41 Today, Featured, Local News

Georgia blood drives impacted as Red Cross faces shortage

Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood after recent winter storms led to a significant drop in donations. Since the beginning of the year, more than 500 blood drives have been canceled nationwide, the organization said. Suzanne Lawler, a regional communications manager for the Red Cross, said 24 blood drives in Georgia were…

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Crawford County, Featured, Local News

Bishop presents $1 million check for Crawford County youth center

Congressman Sanford Bishop presented a ceremonial check Wednesday to support construction of a gym and activity space for children.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

New youth center coming to Crawford county (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna SheffieldROBERTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Crawford County is receiving $1 million in federal funding for a new youth center. Congressman Sanford Bishop presented a ceremonial check to county commissioners on Wednesday. Bishop says the new youth center will have a gymnasium and space to support a variety of recreational and extracurricular activities…

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Bibb County, Crime, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Bibb deputies release photos of Circle K armed robbery suspects

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery that happened just before 4 a.m. Tuesday at the Circle K on Riverside Drive.
Fiona King, Tucker Sargent,

Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s OfficeUPDATE (2/18/26): The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has released surveillance photos of the two suspects in Tuesday’s armed robbery at Circle K on Riverside Drive. The photos are attached. ORIGINAL STORY (2/17/26): MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early morning armed robbery that happened just before 4 a.m. Tuesday at the…
Featured, Local News, Peach County, WMGT

Fort Valley man pleads guilty in deadly 2024 shooting

Johnson later entered a guilty plea rather than proceed to trial.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Fort Valley man was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2024 fatal shooting, according to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. 19-year-old Jaqwan Johnson was sentenced to serve the first 20 years in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: FAA orders merit-based pilot certification as Apple expands and Wendy’s closes stores

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered U.S. airlines to certify pilots based strictly on merit rather than DEI.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered U.S. airlines to certify pilots based strictly on merit rather than diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Sean Duffy said the directive is aimed at ensuring the highest safety standards in aviation. “The American people don’t care what their pilot looks like, or the gender, just that they are the most qualified,” Duffy said….
Across the Nation, Around the World, Featured

Russia-Ukraine talks resume as U.S. advances parallel Iran nuclear negotiations

Negotiators returned to the table for a second day of talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- Negotiators returned to the table for a second day of talks between Russia and Ukraine, as U.S.-mediated discussions continue just one week before the four-year mark of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy involved in the talks, said the first day of negotiations yielded “meaningful progress” toward a potential peace deal. Ahead of the discussions, Donald…

Douglass Theatre Celebrates 105 Years Of Culture, History, And Black Excellence In Macon
41 Today, 41 Today Lifestyle, Bibb County, Business, Community Calendar, Entertainment, Featured, Local News

Douglass Theatre celebrates 105 years of culture, history, and black excellence in Macon

One of Macon’s most treasured historic landmarks is marking a major milestone this February.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Douglass Theatre is celebrating its 105th anniversary with a month-long lineup of events honoring its rich legacy in entertainment, culture, and community impact. Founded in 1921 by Macon native Charles H. Douglass and his wife Fannie Appling Douglass, the theatre was created as a performance space for Black artists during segregation. Over the decades, it…
Across the Nation, Featured

240 million gallons of sewage spill contaminate Potomac River, officials warn

The river once called “the nation’s river” by George Washington is now off-limits after a massive sewage spill contaminated the waterway.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- The river once called “the nation’s river” by George Washington is now off-limits after a massive sewage spill contaminated the waterway. Officials say a 60-year-old sewage line in Maryland ruptured last month, releasing more than 240 million gallons of raw waste into the Potomac River — the same river that flows past landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the…
Across the Nation, Featured

Four dead in Colorado I-25 pileup as high winds spark wildfires and avalanche rescue

At least four people are dead and dozens more injured after a massive multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 in Colorado.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- At least four people are dead and dozens more injured after a massive multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 south of Pueblo, as powerful winds battered the region. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash involved more than 30 vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles, pickup trucks pulling horse trailers, SUVs and passenger cars. “A multiple vehicle crash just south…

Rodeo Article Pic
Entertainment, Featured, Georgia News, Houston County, Lifestyle, Sports

Georgia National Rodeo returns to Perry with three nights of PRCA action

The Georgia National Rodeo is returning to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter for three nights of high-energy competition February 19–21.
Tyrik Wynn,

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the annual event will feature traditional rodeo favorites including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling and women’s barrel racing. Organizers say the indoor atmosphere inside Reeves Arena is part of what makes the Perry stop special for competitors and fans alike, often…

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Featured, Georgia News

Protesters demand justice for Linda Davis at Savannah’s Forsyth Park

Chants of “Justice for Linda Davis” echoed through Forsyth Park as demonstrators gathered for a protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Chants of “Justice for Linda Davis” echoed through Forsyth Park Tuesday evening as demonstrators gathered for a protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Organizers said the demonstration was held in response to the death of Linda Davis and to raise concerns about immigration enforcement operations in Savannah. Some demonstrators criticized responses from federal officials, expressing disappointment…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Deputies identify 3 killed in Lake Wildwood shooting Tuesday

Bibb County coroner confirms deaths; deputy serving eviction warrant heard shots from inside home
41NBC Web Producer, Tyrik Wynn,

Two dead, one critically injured at Lake Wildwood home in Bibb County (Photo: Tyrik Wynn/41NBC)UPDATE (10 p.m.): The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has identified the three people who died Tuesday as 49-year-old Brande Summers, 21-year-old Haliegh Summers and 51-year-old Ray Summers. UPDATE (5:30 p.m.): – According to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones, the man that was listed in critical condition…

Steven Mcneel Gfx
Bibb County, Crawford County, Featured, Local News, Monroe County, Peach County

UPDATE: Republican Steven McNeel wins District 18 Senate runoff

Unofficial results show McNeel winning with nearly 60 percent of the vote after all precincts reported.
Tucker Sargent,

Steven McNeelUPDATE (10:20 p.m.) – Republican Steven McNeel has won the runoff election for Georgia State Senate District 18, according to unofficial results posted by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. With all precincts reporting across the district, McNeel received 59.42 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat LeMario Nicholas Brown, who finished with 40.58 percent. In Bibb County, all 10…

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Bibb County, Featured, Houston County, Local News

North Central Health District installs harm reduction vending machines in Macon-Bibb, Houston County

North Central Health District installs harm reduction vending machines in Bibb and Houston County.
Gena Tripp,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The North Central Health District has installed two harm reduction vending machines — one at the Macon-Bibb County Health Department and the other at the Houston County Health Department. Officials say the machines are part of the district’s opioid and overdose prevention program. Marissa Cooling, overdose opioid program manager with the North Central Health District, says, “We’ve…

Jesse
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Leaders reflect on legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson after his death

Local leaders say Jackson’s legacy lives on through continued calls for unity and justice.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

Jesse Jackson dies at age 84 (PHOTO: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna SheffieldMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Reverend Jesse Jackson, a protégé of Martin Luther King Junior and two-time presidential candidate who led the civil rights movement for decades, died Tuesday at the age of 84.  Jackson become one of the most well-known civil rights leaders during the civil rights movement in the late 20th and…

Al Alligood Gfx
Featured, Local News, Washington County

Longtime Davisboro Fire Chief Al Alligood dies at 71

Alligood served as Davisboro fire chief for more than 30 years and held multiple public safety roles in Washington County.
Tucker Sargent,

Al Alligood (mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com)DAVISBORO, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Longtime Davisboro Fire Chief and community leader William Alton “Al” Alligood has died. He was 71. Alligood died peacefully at his home on Monday surrounded by family, according to his obituary. He spent more than three decades serving the City of Davisboro and Washington County in public safety and public works roles. The Davisboro…

Atrium Health Navicent Shares Resources During American Heart Health Month
41 Today, Featured, Health, Local News

Atrium Health Navicent shares resources during American Heart Health Month

Cardiothoracic surgeon Anthony Holden at Atrium Health Navicent says heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent is sharing resources with the community during American Heart Month. Cardiothoracic surgeon Anthony Holden at Atrium Health Navicent says heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. “If we can identify it earlier, people can get therapy and treatment, and they can have a better longer life with less…