Joel Taylor returns to Macon as Mercer Bears’ head football coach

Taylor replaces Mike Jacobs and becomes Mercer's 22nd head football coach.

Joel Taylor (Photo: mercerbears.com)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer University has moved quickly to fill its football coaching vacancy, announcing Thursday that Joel Taylor has been named the Bears’ 22nd head football coach. Taylor replaces Mike Jacobs, who stepped down Wednesday after  two seasons in Macon to accept the head coaching job at the University of Toledo. Taylor brings 21 years…

Deck the Paws: Humane Society of Houston County hosting holiday fundraiser in Perry

The Humane Society of Houston County is inviting families and pet lovers to celebrate the holiday season at its annual “Deck the Paws” fundraiser on December 13.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Oaks Park in Perry and will feature more than 40 arts and crafts vendors, local food trucks, and live entertainment from the A to Z Band from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to the festivities, Warner Robins Animal Control will be on-site offering…

Hollywood Minute: ‘Star Wars’ poster art sells for $3.8M as Zendaya’s new trailer drops and Beyoncé returns to Met Gala

A piece of cinematic history has shattered records at the auction block.

(CNN)- A piece of cinematic history has shattered records at the auction block. The original artwork for the “Star Wars: A New Hope” movie poster has sold for an astounding $3.8 million, making it the most expensive Star Wars artifact ever auctioned — and the highest price ever paid for any movie poster art. The iconic illustration, long considered one…

Tech Report: Walmart to use 3D printing for new stores as Rivian unveils AI push and Google settlement nears

Construction firm Alquist is preparing to 3D print more than a dozen new Walmart buildings, along with structures for several other major retailers.

(LILAMAX)- Construction firm Alquist is preparing to 3D print more than a dozen new Walmart buildings, along with structures for several other major retailers—marking what may be the largest commercial real estate rollout of 3D-printing technology to date. While the method has gained traction in homebuilding, commercial adoption has lagged due to the massive printers required for larger structures. Alquist’s…

Fed cuts interest rates as inflation, housing costs strain Americans

The Federal Reserve delivered new economic relief this morning, cutting interest rates by a quarter point in an effort to support borrowing and stabilize the slowing economy.

(NBC)- The Federal Reserve delivered new economic relief this morning, cutting interest rates by a quarter point in an effort to support borrowing and stabilize the slowing economy. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the latest move reflects signs of improvement across key sectors. “Economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace,” Powell said. “Consumer spending appears to have remained…

U.S.–Venezuela tensions rise after Coast Guard seizes sanctioned oil tanker

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela are sharply escalating this morning after the Venezuelan government accused Washington of “a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.”

(NBC)- Tensions between the United States and Venezuela are sharply escalating this morning after the Venezuelan government accused Washington of “a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.” The accusation centers on a dramatic U.S. operation at sea, where elite Coast Guard forces rappelled from helicopters onto a massive oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. According to two U.S….

Philip Rivers comes out of retirement, joins Colts practice squad at age 44

Legendary NFL quarterback Philip Rivers is officially coming out of retirement — joining the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad at age 44.

(NBC)- Legendary NFL quarterback Philip Rivers is officially coming out of retirement — joining the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad at age 44, nearly five years after he last played in the league. “It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours,” Rivers said, holding back emotion as he spoke with reporters. “Each moment that goes by, I feel more and more confident.” Rivers,…

Morning Business Report: Federal Reserve rate cut boosts markets as Warner Bros bidding war heats up

The Federal Reserve has lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point.

(LILAMAX)- The Federal Reserve has lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point — a move expected to ripple through nearly every corner of consumer finance, from credit card APRs and mortgages to online savings accounts. Experts say consumers may soon see slightly lower annual percentage rates on credit cards, which determine the yearly cost of borrowing. Auto loans, which…

Washington declares emergency as floods and mudslides worsen

Officials in Washington state are urging roughly 100,000 people to evacuate certain areas as an intense atmospheric river brings heavy rain, widespread flooding and dangerous mudslides.

(CNN)- Officials in Washington state are urging roughly 100,000 people to evacuate certain areas as an intense atmospheric river brings heavy rain, widespread flooding and dangerous mudslides. The relentless rainfall has already prompted Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a state of emergency, warning that some rivers could reach historic levels in the coming days. “The situation is extremely serious,” Ferguson…

Mike Jacobs resigns as Mercer head football coach, takes HC job at Toledo

After two seasons as the Bears HC, Jacobs leaves for the Rockets and his hometown

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer University announced Wednesday that head football coach Mike Jacobs has stepped down to accept the same position at the University of Toledo. The school said a national search for his successor will begin immediately. “Coach Jacobs has led the Mercer football program to unprecedented success over the last two years with back-to-back Southern Conference…

UPDATE: Deputies looking for Macon man they say is tied to Arkwright Road vehicle break-ins

Investigators say six vehicles were broken into at a hotel on Arkwright Road early Monday morning.

Keyontae Dontrell Walston (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (12/10/25): Bibb County investigators are searching for a 20-year-old Macon man now identified as a person of interest in a series of vehicle break-ins reported earlier this week on Arkwright Road. The sheriff’s office said Wednesday night it is looking for Keyontae Dontrell Walston, who is wanted on multiple charges. Those charges…

Woman hospitalized after vehicle hits Monroe County fire station

Deputies say the vehicle went off the road, crossed railroad tracks and hit the fire station.

Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s OfficeBOLINGBROKE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 70-year-old Twiggs County woman was taken to the hospital Wednesday after her vehicle left the roadway in Bolingbroke and hit Monroe County Fire Station 4. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle went off the road, crossed the railroad tracks and struck the building. The woman’s injuries are described…

Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson to step down to prepare for State Senate District 18 run

Wilson announced his decision one day after John Kennedy resigned to focus on his lieutenant governor campaign.

Eric WilsonFORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson says he will step down next week to qualify for the January 20 special election for Georgia State Senate District 18. Wilson announced the move Wednesday in a Facebook post, one day after John Kennedy announced his resignation to focus on his Lieutenant Governor campaign. “Next week, I will step down…

Doctor: Cold weather brings uptick in flu, RSV and respiratory infections

A Lifeguard Pediatrics doctor says flu, RSV and other respiratory illnesses are increasing as temperatures drop.

Winter illness tips (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With winter just days away, doctors say colder temperatures bring a rise in seasonal illnesses such as respiratory infections, colds, flu and bronchitis. Lifeguard Pediatrics doctor Uwa Iguobadia says they often see respiratory infections this time of year caused by common viral illnesses. “But we’re also seeing RSV; we’re also…

FanCam: Jasper County at West Laurens

The energy was high Friday night as the Jasper County Hurricanes traveled to take on the West Laurens Raiders under the lights. Fans from both communities packed the stands, bringing big spirit, loud cheers, and plenty of Friday night pride. It was another unforgettable night of high school football, fueled by passionate crowds and community support. The 41NBC FanCam is…

Band of the Week: Dublin High School

This week’s 41NBC Band of the Week spotlight shines on the Dublin High School Sound of Dublin Marching Band. Band Director Marcus Rayner says he is incredibly proud of his students and the progress they’ve made this season. Their hard work, discipline, and commitment to growing as musicians have helped the Sound of Dublin deliver powerful performances week after week….

Band of the Week: West Laurens

This week’s 41NBC Band of the Week spotlight shines on the West Laurens High School Raider Brigade. Band Director Richard Hone leads this year’s powerhouse show, “Legends of Rock,” featuring iconic hits from Bon Jovi, Metallica, and more. Hone says the students’ energy, dedication, and love for performing have helped the Raider Brigade deliver electric performances all season long. Congratulations…

Annual Christmas Feast & Toy Giveaway happening in Macon

The holiday season in Macon is bringing joy to families in need with the Lois Taylor Institute of Excellence’s annual Christmas Feast & Toy Giveaway.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The event will take place on  Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Terminal Station, 200 Cherry Street, downtown Macon, starting at 11 a.m. The nonprofit organization expects to serve even more families and distribute more toys than ever before this year. In addition to a delicious holiday meal, children in the community will receive toys, spreading holiday…

“Releaf” Your Community: Tree Giveaway happening in Macon and Warner Robins

This Saturday, residents of Macon and Warner Robins have the chance to help “releaf” their community, literally!

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMMGT) – Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful and Keep Warner Robins Beautiful are teaming up for a special community tree giveaway. The event will feature dozens of tree varieties at two convenient locations, giving locals the opportunity to beautify their neighborhoods while supporting the environment. Asha Ellen, Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, and Tiffany Bowen, Manager of Keep Warner…

Former Vice President Kamala Harris to Bring Her 107 DAYS Book Tour to Macon, GA

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is bringing her highly anticipated 107 DAYS book tour to Macon, Georgia.

Vice President Kamala Harris, Photo Date: 6/19/24MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The event will take place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, at Macon City Auditorium, in partnership with Books-A-Million. Harris’ book, 107 DAYS, has become one of the defining political books of the year, debuting as a #1 New York Times Bestseller and remaining on the list for 10 consecutive weeks,…

Hollywood Minute: Taylor Swift tops year-end charts as Courtney B. Vance earns Walk of Fame honor

Taylor Swift continues her record-breaking streak, claiming the No. 1 spot on the 2025 Billboard 200 year-end albums chart with “The Life of a Showgirl.”

(CNN)- Taylor Swift continues her record-breaking streak, claiming the No. 1 spot on the 2025 Billboard 200 year-end albums chart with “The Life of a Showgirl.” It marks her fifth time topping the annual ranking — the most of any artist. Swift also led the chart last year with “The Tortured Poets Department.” Actor Courtney B. Vance is being recognized…

Lineman of the Week: West Laurens High School

Tonight we lift up and celebrate Flint Energies Power Lineman of the Week, Jed Merrell, Line Technician with Flint Energies, and high school football lineman Grady Howell, a senior offensive tackle for West Laurens High School. Both linemen bring strength, determination, and heart to everything they do—on and off the field! The 41NBC Lineman of the Week is powered by…

Trump rallies in Pennsylvania as voters voice frustration over high prices and affordability concerns

President Trump returned to battleground Pennsylvania overnight for a campaign-style rally centered on the economy

(NBC)- President Trump returned to battleground Pennsylvania overnight for a campaign-style rally centered on the economy — and debuted a new slogan aimed at frustrated voters: “Lower prices, bigger paychecks.” “We’re getting inflation, we’re crushing it,” the president said to cheers, even as recent polling shows many Americans remain unhappy with persistently high prices and skeptical of his progress in…

Morning Business Report: Trump administration moves to end SAVE student loan plan

The Trump administration has taken its final step toward dismantling the Biden-era SAVE student loan repayment plan.

(LILAMAX)- The Trump administration has taken its final step toward dismantling the Biden-era SAVE student loan repayment plan. Under a proposed settlement, the program would be shut down entirely and millions of borrowers would be redirected into new repayment options that officials say are fully authorized under federal law. The Department of Education argues the change will shift the cost…