Heat and scattered storms return for Independence Day

Highs for the 4th of July will once again heat into the mid 90s with scattered storms possible during the afternoon and evening.

It was another stormy day for parts of Middle Georgia, with most of us seeing some calm weather for the evening. The 4th of July will be another hot day in the area with highs in the mid-90s. Humidity will be high, which means our “feels like” temps will be warming into the 100s. By the afternoon and evening, storms…

Preparations underway for Lake Tobesofkee’s ‘Sparks Over the Park’ Independence Day Celebration

The 27th annual 4th of July Celebration on Tuesday, which will conclude with a fireworks show, is expected to bring thousands of people to Lake Tobesofkee for food, fun and festivities.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re planning on going to Lake Tobesofkee this Fourth of July, you can expect to find food, fun and fireworks during the 27th annual “Sparks Over the Park” Independence Day Celebration. Park staff, lifeguards, food vendors and first responders are preparing for the day of festivities, with a turnout expected to be in the thousands….

Local shelter urges pet protection this Independence Day

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, All About Animals shelter in Macon is urging local pet owners to ensure the safety of their animals during noise from fireworks.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, All About Animals shelter in Macon is urging local pet owners to ensure the safety of their animals during noise from fireworks. Shelter staff and volunteers report an increase in missing dogs during past fireworks celebrations. The shelter is advising pet owners to keep their dogs inside a secure…

Hundreds from across Georgia attend unity service to support Temple Beth Israel

Local and state leaders, as well as clergy and community members, gathered in Macon on Sunday to condemn the antisemitic rally that took place a week earlier.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temple Beth Israel received an outpouring of support Sunday in the wake of an antisemitic rally that took place in front of the synagogue one week earlier. “There were those people with such extreme hatred out there, and we were in the building just trying to understand how much of a threat they posed for us,”…

Mom to Mom: DIY pool noodle firecracker decoration

Today on Mom to Mom, Mandy walks through an easy DIY firecracker decoration made of pool noodles. This Fourth of July craft is an inexpensive way for you and your kids to add some flare to tables. You can find everything you need at Dollar Tree for about $7.  To get started, you’ll need: Red and blue pool noodles Electric…

Morning Business Report: Teamsters Union keeps up pressure despite offer from UPS

Negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters Union continue. UPS has around 340,000 unionized employees, represented by the Teamsters, under what is the largest private sector collective bargaining agreement in North America. The union is threatening a strike if a deal is not reached before the current contract expires at the end of July. While UPS has offered the Teamsters a…

Former Veterans Warhawk basketball player returns to Middle Georgia as a Mercer Bear

"It feels so good," Stacie Jones said. "There's no separation from me and my family."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Mercer women’s basketball team experienced a significant setback with the departure of nine student-athletes due to graduation or transferring to other schools. In response to this substantial loss, the Bears swiftly turned to the transfer portal to rebuild their roster, and in the process, they successfully recruited a talented hooper from Middle Georgia. “It feels…

GBI investigation into missing Laurens County man leads to 2 arrests

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested two Laurens County residents in connection with the disappearance of James Douglas Wilkinson, who had been missing since June 1.

EAST DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)  — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested two Laurens County residents in connection with the disappearance of James Douglas Wilkinson, who had been missing since June 1. A GBI news release says 60-year-old Edwin Lamar Wilkinson and 55-year-old Leslie Young were arrested following the execution of a search warrant at a home on 883…

Stay safe, stay sober and stay with a buddy if you’re hitting the water this 4th of July

With large crowds anticipated for Lake Tobesofkee's Independence Day Celebration, emergency responders are stressing the importance of safe boating and swimming practices.

MACON (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re headed to the lake for the 4th of July weekend, it’s important to put safety first so everyone can have a good time. Whether you’re boating, swimming or relaxing on the beach, there are laws and guidelines everyone should follow to keep themselves and others safe. As hundreds prepare to visit Lake Tobesofkee for its…

Macon-Bibb first responders host Public Safety Day to teach kids emergency preparedness

Members from all emergency response agencies in Macon-Bibb County gave safety demonstrations to kids from Union Baptist Church on Friday.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Kids from Macon’s Union Baptist Church got a chance to learn about how first responders handle emergencies during Macon-Bibb County’s Public Safety Day on Friday. Responders from the Sheriff’s Office, Code Enforcement, Emergency Management Agency and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division were at the Macon-Bibb Fire Department to teach kids about safety and help them feel…

11th annual Unity Retreat in Fort Valley empowers youth to combat violence

The 11th Annual Unity Retreat, an initiative aimed at empowering youth and curbing violence, was held at the Camp John Hope center in Fort Valley on Friday.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The 11th Annual Unity Retreat, an initiative aimed at empowering youth and curbing violence, was held at the Camp John Hope center in Fort Valley on Friday. The retreat, hosted by the Vicki Foundation, focuses on instilling valuable life skills and promoting teamwork among young attendees. “It was founded to curb youth violence,” Charles McGhee,…

Stanley Stewart announces run for Macon-Bibb District 3 Commissioner

Stanley Stewart has officially launched his campaign for the District 3 Commission seat in Macon-Bibb County.

  MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Stanley Stewart has officially launched his campaign for the District 3 Commission seat in Macon-Bibb County. He says he’s seeking to drive economic development and improve safety in east Macon. Stewart announced his candidacy Friday as the current District 3 Commissioner Elaine Lucas reaches the end of her term limit. “I’ve put a lot of…

Tech Report: 5G service is coming to airlines and some are concerned

Coming up on July 1, AT&T, Verizon, and other wireless carriers will bring 5G services to airplanes. Although 80% of domestic airlines have made adjustments to prevent technology interfering with equipment, flights could still be disrupted, says Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The chances of flights being delayed or canceled due to disruptions will increase on days with bad weather and…

Warner Robins American sweeps Little League baseball district tournaments

Warner Robins American won the Georgia District 5 Tournament in the 10U, 11U and 12U divisions.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Warner Robins American baseball teams swept the Georgia District 5 Little League tournaments, winning the 10U, 11U and 12U divisions. The 11U and 12U teams defeated Dudley, while the 10U squad took down Vine Ingle. Warner Robins American 10U and 11U will now compete at the state tournament beginning July 8, while 10U will…

Doctors urge drivers to never leave a loved one in a hot car

Temperatures inside a car can rise by nearly 20 degrees above outside temperatures in 10 minutes, putting occupants at risk for heat-related emergencies.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High temperatures and high humidity make for dangerous conditions–especially inside of a car. According to Director of Clinical Practice for Pediatrics at Atrium Health Navicent,  Dr. Yameika Head, temperatures inside a parked car can rise by 19 degrees Fahrenheit above outside temperatures within 10 minutes. “Some people think if they leave the windows open, that it’s…

New and expecting mothers receive free diapers during Peach State Health Plan’s ‘Pamper Party’

Peach State Health Plan is providing new and expecting mothers with necessary supplies and resources to care for their babies.

JEFFERSONVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Peach State Health Plan is providing new and expecting mothers with necessary supplies and resources to care for their babies. Parents in Jeffersonville were able to receive free diapers on Thursday during the Peach State Health Plan’s Pamper Party. Vendors such as the Twiggs County Health Department, First Choice Primary Care and the Lifelink Foundation were there…

STEM event at Bloomfield Library launches watermelons, student interest

Macon's Bloomfield Library wasn't just all about books on Thursday. The library launched a STEM event that had watermelons flying high.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon’s Bloomfield Library wasn’t just all about books on Thursday. The library launched a STEM event that had watermelons flying high. The event featured a watermelon catapult as part of the library’s summer reading program. The aim is to inspire students to delve into the world of engineering by demonstrating how catapults work. Alex Holsey, the…

DISCOVER MIDDLE GEORGIA: Go Fish Education Center

Most Middle Georgia waters host fresh water fish like bluegill and bass.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — At the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, we learn that Georgia features many bodies of water and aquatic life. There are many different lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, along with a coastline in Georgia. In those bodies of water, you can find a multitude of fish that impact their ecosystems. Most Middle Georgia waters host…

Tech Report: How you can learn to work with AI for free

As early as next month, TikTok may launch an online retail store in the United States. The upcoming in-app shopping section will feature Tiktok’s own line of products, supplied by manufacturers in China. Semafor reports that the new store will sell toys, kitchen gadgets, and other items. This would allow the company to directly compete with Amazon, Shien, Temu, and…

Morning Business Report: Calls to the Social Security Administration are still frustrating

In recent years, people seeking help from the Social Security Administration have reported long wait times, dropped calls, and an inability to access the agency’s services. On some days, the rate of unanswered phone calls reaches 80%. The disruptions began during the pandemic, when the agency limited its in-person services. The government says that it is upgrading the system to…