WEEKEND WATCH: Cherry Blossom Festival’s final weekend, other events

Here’s your guide on fun things to do this weekend.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As the Pinkest Party on Earth winds down, Macon is gearing up for one last burst of fun, food, and festivities. Here’s your guide to the Cherry Blossom Festival’s grand finale weekend—plus a look at some other popular events happening this weekend. This is your 41 NBC Weekend Watch!  Final Chance for Pink Pancakes Kick off…

Missile strikes intensify across Middle East

Missiles and drones launched by Iran are striking multiple locations across the region, signaling a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

(NBC) – Missiles and drones launched by Iran are striking multiple locations across the region, signaling a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. Explosions were reported in the United Arab Emirates, while in central Israel, several missiles detonated, leaving multiple people injured. The attacks come as U.S. and Israeli forces continue targeting Iranian positions….

Airport chaos grows as shutdown drags on and TSA staffing crisis worsens

Lawmakers remain divided over whether to restore pay for TSA workers without addressing ICE reforms.

(NBC)- Travelers across the country are facing massive delays as record-long security lines snarl operations at some of the nation’s busiest airports. “We were at the airport for 9 hours yesterday and still didn’t make our flight,” said one traveler, describing the growing frustration. At the center of the disruption is the ongoing government shutdown and a political standoff over…

Morning Business Report: USPS price hikes, tough job market for grads, stocks rise on oil dip

The United States Postal Service is planning to raise prices on select shipping services as it looks to offset rising transportation costs.

(LILAMAX)- The United States Postal Service is planning to raise prices on select shipping services as it looks to offset rising transportation costs, including fuel. The proposed increase would raise prices by about 8 percent on some packages, including Priority Mail and Parcel Select services, through mid-January of next year. Postal officials say the adjustment is necessary to meet its…

Jury finds Meta and YouTube negligent in landmark social media case

Emotional scenes unfolded outside a Los Angeles courthouse as families celebrated a major legal victory against two of the world’s biggest tech companies.

(NBC)- Emotional scenes unfolded outside a Los Angeles courthouse as families celebrated a major legal victory against two of the world’s biggest tech companies — Meta Platforms and YouTube. “Big tech, your gig is over,” one parent shouted as the verdict was announced. In what legal experts describe as a first-of-its-kind case, a jury found both companies negligent in designing…

TSA staffing shortages cause record airport wait times

Air travelers across the country are facing unprecedented delays as the ongoing partial government shutdown continues.

(CNN)-Air travelers across the country are facing unprecedented delays as the ongoing partial government shutdown continues to strain the Transportation Security Administration workforce. Officials say the impact is being felt nationwide, with some of the longest security lines in history. Ha Nguyen McNeill, Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, says many TSA officers are struggling to report to work…

BS Report: March 25, 2026

Well, a lot of the young whippersnappers in the 41 NBC newsroom occasionally like to chide me over my advanced age. And yes, I’ve been around a little bit, but that’s fine, because it allows you to have great memories of things that happened in the past, like growing up and watching baseball on NBC. There was nothing like those…

Macon fire crews respond to vacant structure fire on Pio Nono Avenue

Fire crews responded to a structure fire Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Robert Street and Pio Nono Avenue.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – According to the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 3:24 p.m. after receiving reports of a fire at the location. When firefighters arrived, they found a single-story vacant building with heavy flames showing. Crews quickly began working to put out the fire while also searching the structure to make sure no one was inside….

Hotel 45 prepares for Cherry Blossom Pink Tie Event

In downtown Macon, the Hotel Forty Five is turning up the flavor for the Cherry Blossom Festival with a full lineup of themed dining experiences.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – From pink-inspired cocktails to elevated dishes, the hotel is offering guests multiple ways to celebrate one of the city’s most iconic spring traditions. Inside the hotel, Loom Comfort Kitchen & Cocktails and Hightales Rooftop Bar are serving up specialty items throughout the festival. Guests can enjoy unique bites like open-faced bao with hoisin pork belly and…

Switch Macon brings ‘Cherry Blossom & Chick Flicks’ theme to life during the festival

In the heart of downtown Macon, one popular bar is turning the Cherry Blossom Festival into an immersive, picture-perfect experience.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Switch Macon is embracing the season with its limited-time “Cherry Blossom & Chick Flicks” theme, blending springtime florals with nostalgic movie inspiration to create a vibrant and playful atmosphere. From the moment guests walk in, they’re greeted with a full-scale pink dreamscape. The space features eye-catching décor, a themed cocktail menu, and curated bar bites designed…

Georgia Business Focus: Agriculture week, Warner Robins expansion and Macon arena project drive growth

New jobs, housing initiatives and consumer warnings highlight key economic developments across Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Ag Week, new developments in Warner Robins and Macon and a warning from the Better Business Bureau about scams involving fake government grants are leading the way to job growth and economic awareness. Georgia Ag Week highlights the importance of agriculture Georgia is celebrating its agricultural industry during Georgia Ag Week, which runs March 23-29….

Crossroads Christian Counseling Center opens new outpatient facility on Macon’s east side

The center is open Monday through Friday at 717 North Ave.

New Christian counseling center in East Macon (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The east side of Macon is getting an upgrade with a new outpatient counseling center, Crossroads Christian Counseling Center. Robyn Schopp, executive director of Crossroads Christian Counseling Center, said the center was “a God sent” and that it will use faith-based guidance to help the community. Schopp…

Show Me Swine Races entertain crowds at Cherry Blossom Festival

The Show Me Swine Races feature trained pigs racing for crowds.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A unique attraction is entertaining visitors at the International Cherry Blossom Festival. The Show Me Swine Races feature trained pigs racing for crowds. Organizer James “Pork Chop” Crook said he has been doing this for more than 30 years. Crook said the pigs do not take long to train — about a week — and are…

Deadly Air Canada crash investigation reveals multiple safety failures at LaGuardia

An intense investigation is now underway following a deadly crash involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck.

(NBC)- An intense investigation is now underway following a deadly crash involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck, with federal investigators uncovering serious breakdowns in key safety systems meant to prevent such incidents. Specialists are combing through the crash site for answers, as early findings point to multiple failures in layers of protection designed to avoid collisions on…

Airport lines surge nationwide amid shutdown, TSA staffing shortages worsen delays

Airport security lines across the country are stretching to extreme lengths this morning.

(NBC)- Airport security lines across the country are stretching to extreme lengths this morning, leaving frustrated travelers facing long and unpredictable waits as the partial government shutdown continues to impact staffing. From New York to Houston, terminals are packed with passengers waiting on painfully slow security checks — with crowds forming as early as 4:30 a.m. At Houston’s George Bush…

DHS funding debate continues as airport delays worsen and TSA workers go unpaid

Lawmakers in Washington are facing growing pressure to ease chaos at airports nationwide as long security lines continue amid the DHS partial shutdown

(NBC)- Lawmakers in Washington are facing growing pressure to ease chaos at airports nationwide as long security lines continue amid the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. “This morning — hope to halt the insanity at crowded airports across the country,” as frustrated travelers deal with delays and staffing shortages. “It’s very overwhelming right now,” said one traveler…

Morning Business Report: Oil prices fall, stocks rise as Iran conflict shows signs of easing

Markets also reacted to signs the war could be winding down, with stocks paring earlier losses as oil prices fell.

(LILAMAX)- Global oil prices tumbled and U.S. stock futures rose Tuesday evening following reports that the United States, through intermediary Pakistan, sent Iran a 15-point plan aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, now in its fourth week. Markets also reacted to signs the war could be winding down, with stocks paring earlier losses as oil prices fell….

Wife testifies in attempted murder trial, describes alleged cliffside attack in Hawaii

A woman took the stand in a Hawaii courtroom, delivering emotional testimony against her husband in his attempted murder trial.

(NBC)- A woman took the stand in a Hawaii courtroom, delivering emotional testimony against her husband in his attempted murder trial, recounting what she says was a brutal attack during a hike on Oahu. Arielle Konig testified that her husband, anesthesiologist Dr. Gerhardt Konig, turned violent during the outing — an encounter she says nearly cost her life. “I’m screaming,…

Gas prices rise as U.S.-Iran conflict disrupts global oil supply

Drivers across the country are feeling the impact at the pump as gas prices continue to climb amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

(CNN)- Drivers across the country are feeling the impact at the pump as gas prices continue to climb amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. “You see it’s $60, so it is what it is — and at this point I guess you have to do what you got to do,” said one Ohio resident reacting to…

Deadly street racing crash in Albany leaves 2 dead, residents demand action

Community members in Albany are speaking out after a deadly street racing crash in Dougherty County left two people dead.

(CNN)- Community members in Albany are speaking out after a deadly street racing crash in Dougherty County left two people dead, calling the tragedy both shocking and preventable. “Well, I was just shocked,” said Michael Fowler. “I mean, I know it happens in big cities, and here in Albany it probably happens, but I’ve never been a part of seeing…

Piedmont shares tips during National Nutrition Month

Emelina Carranza, a clinical registered dietitian at Piedmont Macon, shares tips for eating healthy on a budget.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon is sharing tips during National Nutrition Month to help people eat healthy while staying on a budget. Emelina Carranza, a clinical registered dietitian at Piedmont Macon, says people should check what is already in their refrigerator before grocery shopping to save money and avoid waste. She recommends making a list of items on hand,…

Cherry Blossom Festival foot traffic fueling business for Macon coffee shop

Z Beans Coffee reports increased customers and seasonal drink sales during festival weekend

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A coffee shop in Macon says it’s seeing a boost in business as crowds gather for the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Z Beans Coffee is offering its annual Cherry Blossom Latte along with a new matcha drink this year as part of its festival themed menu. Employees say the influx of visitors has already led to…

Five inmates injured in fight at Dooly State Prison

The altercation occurred March 23 and involved multiple offenders, officials said.

UNADILLA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Five inmates were injured in a fight at Dooly State Prison on Monday, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. The altercation occurred March 23 and involved multiple offenders, officials said. The fight was contained to one dormitory and is believed to be gang-related. All five inmates sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to an outside…

Fellowship Bible Baptist Church to host immersive Easter experience

The free, immersive Easter experience will be held Friday, April 3.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fellowship Bible Baptist Church is hosting a free, immersive Easter experience for the community. Event organizers Faye Boyer and Alan Robinson say the event is open to everyone and encourage people from all backgrounds to attend. The event is April 3 at 450 Dunbar Road in Warner Robins. A marketplace with vendors and live music…