Teens removed from church basement after fire code violations discovered

A dozen teenagers under the care of Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services were relocated from a church basement after fire officials determined the building was not a safe or legal group living space.

(NBC)- A dozen teenagers under the care of Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) were relocated from a church basement after fire officials determined the building was not a safe or legal group living space. Clayton County Fire Chief Tim Sweat said the teens had been staying in the basement of Now Faith Apostolic Church, a move that…

Colorado dentist sentenced to life for poisoning wife, plotting further killings

Colorado dentist James Craig has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of murdering his wife, Angela Craig, in 2023.

(CNN)- Colorado dentist James Craig has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of murdering his wife, Angela Craig, in 2023. The trial, which spanned two weeks and featured 48 witnesses—including two of Craig’s own children—highlighted the depth of betrayal felt by the family. “I was supposed to be able to trust…

Houston County students head back to school Wednesday

“We are family. So we welcome them in and we are saying hello, we are giving them hugs... we always make them feel welcome.”

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It was a cheerful morning at Miller Elementary School in Warner Robins, as students returned for their first day of school. Teachers and staff greeted students at the door with smiles and hugs, setting the tone for what school leaders say will be a strong year of learning and growth. “Miller is a family,” said…

Georgia school safety laws now in effect, advocates plead for more support services

A host of new measures are now in effect, geared toward the safety of students and staff members as they return to school. But some Georgia advocacy groups are calling for increased support services.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC) MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A host of new measures are now in effect, geared toward the safety of students and staff members as they return to school. Although, some Georgia advocacy groups are calling for increased support services. Georgia’s newly enacted school safety law is the result of a mass shooting at Apalachee High school in Winder,…

Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety stresses bus safety

"If you see a yellow school bus, I mean we see how bright they are, go ahead and slow down, prepare to stop, put your phone down."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Summer break is over for some Middle Georgia students, with others headed back to class next week. With school back in session, school buses are back on the road. That’s why the Director of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Roger Hayes, is reminding drivers to pay attention on the roads. “If you see a yellow school…

Big time heat continues despite increased rain odds.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Scattered storms will remain possible tomorrow, however the Heat Advisory remains in effect across Middle Georgia. This Evening While it was a cloudy start to our Wednesday plenty of sun has emerged this afternoon making things quite hot and sticky. The Heat Advisory across Middle Georgia has again been extended, this time through 8 PM EDT…

Meet Monroe County Superintendent Dr. Jim Finch

The Monroe County School District begins August 1 for students.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Monroe County School District is preparing for a new school year under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Jim Finch. Finch began his tenure as superintendent in June 2023, following the retirement of Dr. Mike Hickman. Finch brings more than three decades of experience in public education, having served as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant…

Orthopedic surgeon shares tips for shoulder injury prevention, treatment

Dr. Jared Hudspeth, an orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon with Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, encourages people to see an orthopedic specialist for shoulder pain.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon orthopedic surgeon is offering tips for preventing and treating shoulder injuries. Dr. Jared Hudspeth, an orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon with Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, encourages individuals experiencing shoulder pain to consult with a specialist. Hudspeth said the most common types of shoulder injuries he sees are shoulder instability in athletes and soft…

Trump clashes with Fed over rate cuts

The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady today, resisting mounting pressure from President Donald Trump.

(CNN)- The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady today, resisting mounting pressure from President Donald Trump, who is calling for cuts—or the resignation of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Trump argues that lower rates would make borrowing more affordable for Americans and boost economic growth. But economists caution that rate cuts could stoke inflation, which Powell has already…

Tsunami waves hit U.S. West Coast following massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake

Tsunami waves struck the U.S. West Coast early this morning after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.

(NBC) – Tsunami waves struck the U.S. West Coast early this morning after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded — an 8.8-magnitude quake off Russia’s coast — sent shockwaves across the Pacific. The earthquake caused intense shaking that impacted cliffs, homes, and even hospitals, with some operations interrupted by the tremors. The quake triggered small tsunami waves and…

Tech Report: YouTube uses AI for age detection, tech giants shake up cybersecurity

YouTube is rolling out new artificial intelligence tools to estimate whether users are under 18—based on their activity and the age of their account.

(LILAMAX) – YouTube is rolling out new artificial intelligence tools to estimate whether users are under 18—based on their activity and the age of their account. Starting August 13, accounts flagged as likely belonging to minors will receive the same protections already offered to users who voluntarily declare themselves under 18. That includes automatic restrictions on age-restricted videos and limits…

Morning Business Report: Major rail merger, Mars investment, Americans’ screen habits

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have announced plans for a $71 billion merger.

(LILAMAX)- Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have announced plans for a $71 billion merger, combining their networks to create a 50,000-mile rail system stretching from New Jersey to California’s ports. Union Pacific says the merger will enhance supply chain efficiency and speed up shipping times. However, regulators are expected to scrutinize the deal closely to ensure it doesn’t give the…

Gaza faces worst-case hunger crisis as U.S. promises more aid

As food aid was air-dropped into Gaza on Tuesday, desperate residents rushed into the ocean to retrieve packages that had landed offshore.

(NBC)- As food aid was air-dropped into Gaza on Tuesday, desperate residents rushed into the ocean to retrieve packages that had landed offshore. Among them was a father who nearly drowned in the effort. The scene comes as a dire new assessment from the world’s top hunger-monitoring authority warns Gaza is enduring the “worst-case scenario of famine.” Though no official…

Jury deliberates fate of Colorado dentist accused of poisoning wife

A Colorado jury is now deliberating the fate of former dentist James Craig, who is accused of murdering his wife, Angela Craig, by poisoning her protein shakes.

(NBC)- A Colorado jury is now deliberating the fate of former dentist James Craig, who is accused of murdering his wife, Angela Craig, by poisoning her protein shakes. During closing arguments Tuesday, prosecutors argued Craig meticulously plotted Angela’s death in 2023—researching poisons online before lacing her shakes with cyanide, arsenic, and eyedrops. “He suddenly realizes he needs to go buy…

Hollywood Minute: 20th anniversary of a comedy classic, new star-studded films on the way

The 40-Year-Old Virgin is back in the spotlight as the hit comedy marks its 20th anniversary.

(CNN)- The 40-Year-Old Virgin is back in the spotlight as the hit comedy marks its 20th anniversary. To celebrate, Universal is giving fans a high-definition treat — releasing the film in 4K Ultra HD for the first time on August 12th. And for one week only starting August 22nd, the movie returns to theaters for a special anniversary run. Elizabeth…

Bibb County Schools Gather for 2025 Media Day Ahead of Football Season

2025 Bibb County Football Media Day saw all six schools attend to discuss the upcoming 2025 season

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – As the 2025–26 school year approaches, football season is also right around the corner. To kick off the countdown to fall, the six Bibb County high school football programs came together at the Thompson Complex for this year’s Football Media Day. This year’s theme: “Filling the GAP” — with GAP standing for Gratitude, Accountability, and…

Church helping keep residents hydrated during the extreme heat

“There is just this essential need. Something that is able to help our bodies work in the best ways that they can and so, it's an asset for folks."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — With temperatures nearing one hundred degrees in Middle Georgia for consecutive days, a local church is working actively to support the most vulnerable in the community.  Centenary United Methodist Church in Macon is helping residents in need stay hydrated and safe. Senior Pastor Sara Pugh Montgomery, emphasizes the importance of their community fridge, which she says is…

American Red Cross asking for volunteers

"The goal is to recruit, and make sure that Maconites and Middle Georgians are prepared in the event that a disaster would occur."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — There seems to be more frequent and intense natural disasters today than ever before. That’s why the American Red Cross in Macon  says there is a need for more volunteers in Middle Georgia. Community Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross in Macon, Virgil Watkins Jr., says the organization trains to provide help, shelter, food, and…

Meet Bibb County Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims

The Bibb County School District begins August 4 for students.

Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims (Photo: Bibb School District)  MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County School District is preparing for a new school year under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims. Sims began his tenure as superintendent in July 2022, following the retirement of Dr. Curtis Jones. Sims brings more than two decades of experience in public education, having…

“Iron sharpens iron”: Houston County School District’s top teachers band together to tackle issues

The Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council will feature some of the best talent the district has to offer, as it’s comprised of the district’s 39 teacher of the year winners from 2024-2025. Each meeting will serve as an opportunity for teachers to discuss what’s working at their respective schools and what they need more help with.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new council is looking to tackle teacher burnout, tardiness and other issues facing the Houston County School District. The Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council will feature some of the best talent the district has to offer, as it’s comprised of the district’s 39 teacher of the year winners from 2024-2025. District Teacher of the…

Meet Houston County Superintendent Dr. Richard Rogers

The Houston County School District begins July 30 for students.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Houston County School District is preparing for a new school year and a new superintendent. Dr. Richard Rogers began his tenure as superintendent on June 2, replacing Mark Scott, who recently retired. Rogers has worked for the district since 2004, serving as a middle school teacher, principal and, most recently, deputy superintendent. Rogers spoke with…