Students help present academic progress at Bibb Schools’ State of the District

District leaders say graduation rates continue to climb, but chronic absenteeism remains a key focus.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Students helped lead Bibb County School’s  annual State of the District Friday, walking the audience through academic progress and school achievements. From elementary schools to high schools, students highlighted gains in areas like content mastery, student growth and readiness. Graduation rates were one of the biggest takeaways. The district’s overall graduation rate reached 88.97 percent, which…

Gov. Kemp declares new statewide state of emergency ahead of winter storm

Emergency order runs through Feb. 6 as winter storm and extreme cold are forecast across Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency today ahead of a winter storm expected to impact Georgia this weekend. The declaration is a separate executive order from the one issued Jan. 22 ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center beginning…

GDOT treats Middle Georgia roads ahead of weekend winter storm

Georgia Department of Transportation crews are working around the clock in Middle Georgia to prepare major highways and state routes ahead of this weekend’s winter storm.

Photo: Georgia Department of TransportationMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – GDOT says brine operations began early Friday morning across multiple counties in the west central district, including Crawford, Peach, the northern half of Houston County, Coweta, Meriwether, Upson Counties. The treatment includes major roadways such as I-75, I-475, I-16, and several state routes. GDOT spokesperson Juanita Birmingham say crews will continue applying…

Community forum aims to raise awareness on human and sex trafficking in Macon

Macon residents will have the opportunity to learn more about human and sex trafficking during a community forum focused on prevention, awareness, and action.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC) – The Human & Sex Trafficking Forum, presented by Priscilla Stanley and The Edify House, will take place Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, located at 1539 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Macon. January is recognized nationally as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and organizers say the forum is designed to educate the…

Morning Business Report: Budget deal eases shutdown fears as markets slide

Senate Democrats have reached a deal with Republicans and the White House to pass five spending bills, funding a large portion of the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year.

(LILAMAX)- Senate Democrats have reached a deal with Republicans and the White House to pass five spending bills, funding a large portion of the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year. The agreement helps avert another potential government shutdown—an outcome that has been weighing on Wall Street amid concerns it could curb spending and slow an economy that…

UPDATE: GBI says 21-year-old Warner Robins man charged in shooting of officer and woman

Officials say the suspect surrendered after a barricaded standoff, and the investigation remains active.

(Photo Credit: Bre’Anna Sheffield/41NBC)UPDATE (8 p.m.): The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says it has arrested and charged 21-year-old Rashawn Williams of Warner Robins with aggravated assault on a peace officer and aggravated assault. In a news release Thursday night, the GBI said the original 911 call came in just after 8:30 a.m., and Williams was taken into custody just after…

Border Patrol agents placed on leave after fatal Minneapolis shooting as tensions rise

The two U.S. Border Patrol agents who fired their weapons in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis are on administrative leave, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

(NBC)- The two U.S. Border Patrol agents who fired their weapons in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis are on administrative leave, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The announcement comes as tensions remain high in the city, with President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan expected to speak in Minneapolis in an effort to ease public…

Morning Business Report: Federal Reserve holds interest rates as markets and consumers watch next moves

The Federal Reserve has entered a new holding pattern on interest rates, signaling it is in no rush to begin cutting borrowing costs anytime soon.

(LILAMAX) – The Federal Reserve has entered a new holding pattern on interest rates, signaling it is in no rush to begin cutting borrowing costs anytime soon. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said recent economic data has painted a somewhat brighter picture than at the central bank’s previous meeting. Powell pointed to stronger economic growth and early signs that the…

Weekend Watch: Middle Georgia events include concerts, races and workshops

Middle Georgia residents looking for weekend activities have plenty of options, from live music and fitness events to creative workshops and wellness gatherings

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Middle Georgia residents looking for weekend activities have plenty of options, from live music and fitness events to creative workshops and wellness gatherings. Music Lineup The weekend kicks off Friday night at Grants Lounge in Macon with Eddie 9V and Nether Hour taking the stage at 9 p.m. The Georgia-born bandleader has gained recognition for his distinctive blend…

Arctic blast brings record-breaking cold to Washington, D.C. and eastern U.S.

Officials in the nation’s capital are warning residents that the brutal winter weather gripping the region is far from over, with dangerously cold temperatures expected to linger for days.

(CNN)- Officials in the nation’s capital are warning residents that the brutal winter weather gripping the region is far from over, with dangerously cold temperatures expected to linger for days. Clint Osborn, director of the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, said overnight lows could plunge into the negatives, with temperatures falling as low as minus three…

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigating inmate death at law enforcement center

Investigators are looking into the death of a 24-year-old inmate found unresponsive at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center Thursday morning.

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office(UPDATE 11:20AM): Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones has identified the person found dead at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center as Quintavous Vincent. MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Investigators with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office are looking into the death of an inmate found unresponsive this morning at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. Inmate found during medication rounds The…

Arena construction team named, primary care clinic opens, gas prices climb

From a new arena and radio leadership to healthcare expansion, port growth and rising gas prices, key developments are unfolding across Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Macon-Bibb County has selected Barton Malow, in association with Sheridan Construction, to manage construction of the new Macon Arena, a major project that will replace the current Macon Coliseum. New Macon Arena planned The new arena is designed to host a wide range of events, including minor league hockey and basketball games, high school tournaments, concerts, conferences…

Protesters march in downtown Macon over killing of Alex Pretti

Organizers say the march aimed to raise awareness and encourage local organizing around immigration enforcement concerns.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Members of the Middle Georgia Democratic Socialists of America marched in downtown Macon Wednesday night in response to the recent killing of Alex Pretti and what organizers describe as ongoing violence tied to federal immigration enforcement. Organizers say the march traveled from City Hall to the federal courthouse as part of a broader call for change….

Houston County plans new drinking water treatment facility amid growth

Officials say the facility will treat fresh drinking water and support continued population growth in the county.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County leaders are taking steps toward building a new water treatment plant to keep up with the county’s rapid growth. Officials say the new facility will be located on Highway 127 near the intersection of Moody Road. The plant will treat fresh drinking water drawn from wells and is designed to provide clean, ready-to-drink…

BBB, police warn taxpayers to watch for scams during filing season

Better Business Bureau and law enforcement say researching tax preparers can help prevent fraud during the filing season

Tax scams (Photo: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The IRS has opened the 2025 tax filing season, with returns due by April 15, and officials say now is the time to make sure your personal financial information is in the hands of a trustworthy tax professional. Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia President and CEO Kelvin Collins says consumers…

UPDATE: Location, time set for Edward Foster District 5 commission announcement Friday

Foster plans to outline his platform during a public announcement event.

Edward Foster (Credit: Facebook: Edward Foster)UPDATE (1/28/26):  Edward Foster’s campaign says his official announcement is set for Friday, January 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church, located at 2656 Napier Avenue in Macon. UPDATE (1/26/26): Edward Foster’s campaign announcement has been pushed back to Friday, January 30 due to weather conditions and extreme low temperatures, the campaign…

Deputies: Two arrested after chase linked to Bibb County church burglary investigation

Sheriff’s office says the vehicle the suspects were in was linked to a January burglary at Highland Hills Baptist Church.

Henderson (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Macon man was one of two people taken into custody after a brief vehicle chase connected to a commercial burglary investigation, according to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were alerted around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday after a suspicious vehicle linked…

Atrium Health Navicent raises minimum wage for staff in Georgia to $18.85 per hour

Increase reflects a $2.85 hourly boost as part of a systemwide workforce investment

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Atrium Health Navicent announced Wednesday it is raising the minimum starting wage for eligible teammates in Georgia to $18.85 per hour, a move that represents a $2.85 per-hour increase, or 17.8%, for workers across the state. The new wage rate will be reflected on teammates’ Jan. 30 paychecks, according to the health system. Atrium Health Navicent is…

State Sen. David Lucas introduces bill to expand Medicaid statewide in Georgia

Legislation would allow Georgia to draw federal funding and extend coverage to more residents

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- State Senator David Lucas, a Democrat from Macon, has introduced Senate Bill 380, legislation aimed at expanding Medicaid statewide in Georgia. The bill would allow the state to draw on federal funding to cover low-income households and extend Medicaid eligibility to a broader range of Georgians. Addressing healthcare costs and coverage gaps In a news release, Lucas…

Casey Fleckenstein named CEO of Monroe County Hospital

Hospital Authority Board approves promotion at January meeting

The Monroe County Hospital Authority has promoted longtime hospital leader Casey Fleckenstein to chief executive officer, effective following a January board vote.FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Monroe County Hospital Authority Board voted Jan. 22 to promote Casey Fleckenstein to chief executive officer. Fleckenstein brings more than 20 years of experience at the hospital to the role, according to Kerry Trapnell, chief…

National IV Nurse Day Highlights the Importance of Hydration and Infusion Care

January 25 marks National IV Nurse Day, a time to recognize the vital role infusion nurses play in patient care and overall health.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – These healthcare professionals administer intravenous fluids, medications, and nutrients that help patients recover from illness, manage chronic conditions, and prevent serious complications caused by dehydration. IV hydration therapy is commonly used in hospitals, emergency rooms, and outpatient settings to quickly restore fluids and essential electrolytes in the body. Medical experts say dehydration can lead to symptoms…

Tensions rise in Minneapolis as Rep. Ilhan Omar confronted at town hall

Political tensions in Minneapolis escalated overnight after Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was confronted at a town hall meeting by a man who attempted to spray her with an unknown substance before being dragged out and arrested.

(NBC)- Political tensions in Minneapolis escalated overnight after Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was confronted at a town hall meeting by a man who attempted to spray her with an unknown substance before being dragged out and arrested. During the disruption, Omar remained composed, telling the audience, “We’re going to keep talking,” before the event continued. The incident came just hours…

Morning Business Report: Home deals fall through, market hits record high

A growing number of homebuyers are walking away from purchase agreements as market conditions continue to shift.

(LILAMAX)- A growing number of homebuyers are walking away from purchase agreements as market conditions continue to shift. More than 40,000 signed home purchase agreements were canceled in December, representing 16 percent of all homes that went under contract, according to Redfin. Home sellers now outnumber buyers by a record margin, giving buyers more leverage and more choices. Analysts say…

Middle Georgia families invited to explore education options at school choice fair

Families across Middle Georgia will have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of education options during Middle Georgia School Choice Week, a two-week celebration highlighting different paths for student learning.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Families across Middle Georgia will have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of education options during Middle Georgia School Choice Week, a two-week celebration highlighting different paths for student learning. The events run from January 25 through February 7 and will wrap up with the Middle Georgia School Choice Fair for Transformative Education on…