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Featured, Houston County, Local News

Perry Police determine no threat at high school after investigation

Officials say students are safe as multiple law enforcement units respond to scene
41NBC Web Producer,

Law enforcement responds to threat at Perry High School (Photo: Justin Dierkes/41NBC)UPDATE (5:45p.m.): Perry Police say they have determined the incident was the result of a “swatting” call. UPDATE (4:35p.m.): The Houston County School District says Perry High School was placed under a Code Yellow this afternoon as a precaution while law enforcement investigated a reported threat near the end…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Macon man charged with trafficking 15-year-old girl

To report suspected human trafficking in Georgia, call the Statewide 24-Hour Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-866-363-4842. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – A man is charged with trafficking a 15-year-old girl, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. 29-year-old Frank Boston of Bibb County was arrested and charged after investigators say the victim disclosed she was sold for sex out of multiple Macon motels in 2022. The charges were brought by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit….

Galleria Mall August 8 2025
Featured, Houston County

Warner Robins police officer injured, man dead after armed standoff at Galleria Mall in Centerville

Suspect opened fire after officers attempted contact in mall parking lot
Keenan Gibson, Monica Diaz-Meek,

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)UPDATE (8/8/2025 AT 2:51 p.m.) The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Michael Dewayne Bell of Fitzgerald, Georgia, according to Coroner James Williams. Bell was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for an autopsy. Next of kin has been notified. UPDATE (8/8/2025 at 1:45 p.m.) …

Positive Parenting: How Crisis Shapes A Child’s Brain
41 Today, 41 Today Get Smart, Featured

Positive Parenting: How crisis shapes a child’s brain

“In childhood, what we see is disruption in brain development, particularly in the areas of our brain that control our emotion regulation, our executive functioning and our memory,” explained Dr. Chavis.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

TAMPA, Florida – In the wake of Texas’ deadly floods, families across the country are grieving and worried about how trauma may impact the children who survived and the ones watching from afar. Experts say traumatic events, including natural disasters and extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, can rewire a child’s developing brain. But there is hope. The right…
Featured, Laurens County, Local News, WMGT

Dublin residents arrested on multiple drug trafficking, firearm charges

On August 7, the GBI Middle Georgia Gang Task Force executed a search warrant at a home on the 500 block of Pine Street in Dublin.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged two Dublin residents following a drug trafficking investigation in Laurens County, according to a news release. 36-year-old Brantley David Johnson and 49-year-old Makesha Latrise Johnson were charged with multiple counts including trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute ecstasy and cocaine, possession of firearms during…
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Houston County proposes 11% property tax increase over rollback rate for 2025

The board will vote on the 2025 tax digest after the final hearing.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC) HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – The Houston County Board of Commissioners announced Friday its intention to increase 2025 property taxes by 11.18% over the rollback millage rate, according to a news release. Each year, the county’s Board of Tax Assessors reviews property values for tax purposes. When recent sales show prices are increasing, state law requires…
Featured, Local News, Twiggs County

UPDATE: Twiggs County deputies identify man who ran from traffic stop

Olsen was arrested on August 7 and is charged with a window tint violation, two counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor willful obstruction of law enforcement officers.
Tucker Sargent, Monica Diaz-Meek,

UPDATE (8/8): The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man as 44-year-old Dusty Olsen. Olsen was arrested on August 7 and is charged with a window tint violation, two counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor willful obstruction of law enforcement officers. UPDATE (8/7): Twiggs County deputies say the search for a man who ran from…
Across the Nation, Featured

Southern California Canyon Fire rapidly expands amid multiple western wildfires

Another wildfire has broken out in Southern California, as the Canyon Fire ignited Thursday afternoon.
Keenan Gibson,

ChatGPT said: (CNN)- Another wildfire has broken out in Southern California, as the Canyon Fire ignited Thursday afternoon. Initially estimated at just 30 acres, the blaze rapidly expanded to more than 1,000 acres within two hours. By Thursday evening, the fire had scorched nearly 5,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders for residents in affected areas. The fire began in Ventura County…

Screenshot 2025 08 08 071624
Featured, Weather

Warmer temperatures will bring increased rain chances

Karen Williams,

MACON. Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Wedge conditions are still in place, however, it has weakened a bit from the past few days. That means temperatures will be cooler than what we would expect for early August with temperatures in the mid to low 80s today and Saturday. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to upper 60s. Overall this…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump defends new tariff plan as consumers and businesses voice concerns

President Donald Trump is celebrating his new tariff plan one day after it took effect, imposing import fees of 10 to 50 percent on goods from more than 90 countries.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is celebrating his new tariff plan one day after it took effect, imposing import fees of 10 to 50 percent on goods from more than 90 countries. “We have a country that’s the hottest country in the world right now,” Trump said Friday, touting the policy as an economic win. But while the White House praises…
Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Trump expands 401(k) investment options as companies boost office attendance

President Trump has signed an executive order allowing more investment options in 401(k) retirement plans.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – President Trump has signed an executive order allowing more investment options in 401(k) retirement plans. Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, savers can now include alternative assets like cryptocurrency, real estate, and private companies. While this could potentially boost returns, it also introduces additional risks. Financial experts recommend consulting multiple advisors before making changes and checking for any adjustments…

John Milledge Battles Ace In Their Scrimmage Opener
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Local Sports, Sports

Thursday Night Football Scrimmage in Macon

ACE hosted John Milledge Academy, while Westside and Southwest battled at Ed Defore Sports Complex
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Two GHSA High School football scrimmages got underway Thursday night, as teams prepare for Week One of the 2025 season next week. The Academy of Classical Education Gryphons hosted the John Milledge Academy Trojans at Perkins Field in Gryphon Stadium. The Trojans grabbed three touchdowns in the first half behind a great running game. ACE…

Cancer Survivor Painting class
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Piedmont Macon healing art classes offer cancer survivors community and hope

Cancer survivor Gail Overturl says when battling cancer there's not much to look forward to, but with these classes that has all changed.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

Cancer Survivor Painting class (photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon regularly hosts creative healing art classes for cancer survivors. The motivation is fueled by the reality that facing cancer can feel isolating for many people, but finding a community of survivors can provide strength and hope. That’s why Piedmont Macon encourages survivors to join its creative healing classes…
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Local News

Georgia leaders highlight link between education and workforce development

Chancellor Perdue and Labor Commissioner Rivera Holmes say education drives Georgia's economic growth
Denise Turner,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Corporations, no matter how big or small, are looking to hire the best and brightest employees.  That was the message from the 2025 Macon & Eggs: Education breakfast forum, which brought together local, regional, and state leaders in education and workforce development. The Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, Dr. Sonny Perdue, said education and the…
Featured, Tech Report

Tech Report: Trump announces 100% chip tariff, Apple boosts U.S. investment, and WhatsApp fights scams

President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all imported semiconductors and computer chips.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all imported semiconductors and computer chips, with one major exception: companies that are actively “building in the United States” will be exempt. Details on how much domestic manufacturing is required to qualify for that exemption were not immediately released, leaving tech firms and analysts waiting for further clarification. The announcement…
Around the World, Featured

Kremlin hints at Trump-Putin summit as Ukraine’s role remains unclear

A top Kremlin aide says Presidents Trump and Putin may meet "in the coming days," with a location already agreed upon in principle, according to reporting from NBC News’ Keir Simmons.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- A top Kremlin aide says Presidents Trump and Putin may meet “in the coming days,” with a location already agreed upon in principle, according to reporting from NBC News’ Keir Simmons. The Russian government is said to be “quite positive” about the possibility of a summit as early as next week. However, Moscow appears to be dismissive of a…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Motorcyclist identified after fatal crash on Columbus Road

The crash happened around 9 a.m. near the intersection of Columbus West Drive on August 7.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 23-year-old man is dead after a traffic collision Thursday morning on Columbus Road, according to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones. The crash happened around 9 a.m. near the intersection of Columbus West Drive on August 7. Jones said a motorist driving a Ford minivan was traveling west on Columbus Road when it collided with a…

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Featured, Weather

Middle Georgia begins to dry out as temps rise

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Flood Warning continues for the Ocmulgee River until Saturday morning. For today drier air is in place across the state. With the erosion of the wedge, additional heating is expected. Daytime highs will surge into the mid 70s to upper 80s. With this additional energy and decreased stability, the influence of the wedge begins to…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning business report: Apple expands U.S. investment, Claire’s files for bankruptcy again, tariffs hit retail and beauty

Apple is doubling down on its U.S. investment
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – Apple is doubling down on its U.S. investment. The tech giant announced it will invest an additional $100 billion in the United States, on top of the $500 billion previously committed. The announcement, made at the White House, supports suppliers across all 50 states. The expanded investment includes major funding for glassmakers producing parts for iPhones and Apple…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump announces tariffs, warns of sanctions ahead of key global deadlines

In a high-profile Oval Office meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on semiconductors and computer chips.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- In a high-profile Oval Office meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on semiconductors and computer chips, signaling a sharp turn in U.S. trade policy aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. The President touted Apple’s commitment to invest $600 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next four years, calling it a model for other companies…
Across the Nation, Featured

Severe weather across the nation: Deadly floods in North Carolina, raging fires in the west

Fast-moving flash floods turned deadly in North Carolina on Wednesday, claiming two lives in Nash County.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Fast-moving flash floods turned deadly in North Carolina on Wednesday, claiming two lives in Nash County. Authorities say a vehicle was overtaken by rising waters, prompting a swift rescue attempt. “They managed to get out of the vehicle and police responded — but despite an officer’s heroic efforts, they fell in the water and were swept away,” officials said….