Across the Nation, Featured

Morning Business Report: New unemployment claims hit three-year low as mortgage market hesitates and major cheese recall issued

New data from the U.S. Labor Department shows unemployment claims dropped by 27,000 in the final week of November, pushing filings to their lowest level in three years.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- New data from the U.S. Labor Department shows unemployment claims dropped by 27,000 in the final week of November, pushing filings to their lowest level in three years. The numbers will be a key factor in next week’s Federal Reserve meeting, where policymakers are expected to discuss potential rate cuts. Despite last week’s dip in mortgage rates, would-be homebuyers…
Across the Nation, Featured

Suspect arrested nearly five years after pipe bombs found near DNC and RNC

Investigators released images of a masked suspect shortly after the attack, but for years the case appeared to stall.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC) -Nearly five years after pipe bombs were discovered outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on the eve of January 6, 2021, federal officials say they have arrested the man responsible. Investigators released images of a masked suspect shortly after the attack, but for years the case appeared to stall. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro underscored the…
Across the Nation, Featured

Daring high-rise rescue saves two window washers in Virginia

A dramatic rescue unfolded Thursday morning in Tysons Corner, Virginia, after a tether supporting a window-washing basket snapped.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- A dramatic rescue unfolded Thursday morning in Tysons Corner, Virginia, after a tether supporting a window-washing basket snapped—leaving two workers dangling 15 stories above the ground in frigid, low-30s temperatures. Radio traffic captured the tense moments as emergency crews rushed in. “Extended call. Make sure we do everything right. Slow it down, be safe,” responders were heard saying over…
Across the Nation, Entertainment, Featured

Hollywood Minute: “Wedding Crashers” returns to theaters and Oscar-winning short “War Is Over!” debuts online

“Wedding Crashers” is heading back to theaters for its 20th anniversary, with special screenings on December 4th and 11th.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- “Wedding Crashers” is heading back to theaters for its 20th anniversary, with special screenings on December 4th and 11th. The comedy classic is being celebrated by fans and cast members alike, including Jane Seymour, who reflected on working with the film’s star-studded ensemble. “It was a master class… every single actor had a different style of comedy,” Seymour said….

Thumbnail
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Bass Road widening project moves forward as property owners prepare for right-of-way process

Right-of-way acquisition starts soon for the Bass Road widening project, which will expand the corridor and replace bridges in north Macon.
Gena Tripp,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Georgia Department of Transportation’s plan to widen more than a mile of Bass Road in north Macon is moving forward, and local property owners may soon feel the impact. Attorney David Needham with the Georgia Eminent Domain Law Firm says now is the time for homeowners and business owners along the corridor to understand their rights….

Baldwin County Fire Gfx
Baldwin County, Featured, Local News

Pets killed, cars destroyed in early-morning Baldwin County house fire

Baldwin County Fire Rescue says the fire tore through a single-story home before crews brought it under control.
Tucker Sargent,

Photo: Baldwin County Fire Rescue/FacebookMILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fire crews spent more than an hour battling a house fire on Cape Harbor Drive early Thursday morning, according to Baldwin County Fire Rescue. Deputy Fire Chief Bradley Towe said the call came in around 4:30 a.m. Crews arrived to find a single-story home with heavy fire through the roof. Two cats…

Golden Corral Thursday Post Fire Photos Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Golden Corral in Macon temporarily closes after electrical fire

The fire started in the dining room ceiling, and the restaurant remains closed while damage is assessed.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Golden Corral on Presidential Parkway is temporarily closed after an electrical fire broke out inside the restaurant Wednesday night. According to Capt. Kyle Murray with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the restaurant at about 8:10 p.m. Wednesday after reports of smoke inside the building. Firefighters arrived to find no flames visible…

Marché De Noel Bringing New Holiday Tradition To Downtown Macon
41 Today, 41 Today Lifestyle, Bibb County, Entertainment, Featured, Georgia News, Happening Now, Local News

Marché de Noel bringing new holiday tradition to Downtown Macon

Macon’s holiday season is getting even brighter this year with the debut of a new European-inspired Christmas market in the heart of downtown.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The inaugural Marché de Noel: Macon Christmas Market will take place December 5–14 at Cherry Street Plaza, running alongside the beloved Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza. The 10-day market aims to enhance the festive atmosphere that already draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Wooden chalets, twinkling lights, seasonal music, and daily themed events will create…

Cozy Kidz Hosts 9th Annual Coat Give Away To Support Local Families
41 Today, 41 Today Lifestyle, Bibb County, Featured, Georgia News, Local News

Cozy Kidz hosts 9th annual coat give-away to support local families

A local nonprofit is helping children stay warm this winter.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Cozy Kidz is hosting its 9th Annual Coat Give-Away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will take place at the Warner Robins Masonic Lodge, located at 803 2nd Street in Warner Robins. Families in need can receive new coats, socks, and toys for children, free of charge. Organizers say…
Across the Nation, Featured

Former doctor sentenced in Matthew Perry ketamine case

Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty to illegally selling Matthew Perry large quantities of ketamine in the weeks leading up to the beloved Friends star’s fatal overdose.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- In an emotional day in a Los Angeles courtroom, prosecutors branded former physician Salvador Plasencia a “drug dealer in a white coat” before a judge sentenced him to two and a half years in prison. Plasencia pleaded guilty to illegally selling Matthew Perry large quantities of ketamine in the weeks leading up to the beloved Friends star’s fatal overdose….
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Private sector job cuts rise as hiring slows; Trump says new Fed chair pick coming in 2026

A new private-sector jobs report from ADP shows 32,000 job cuts in November, with the steepest declines hitting small businesses.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- A new private-sector jobs report from ADP shows 32,000 job cuts in November, with the steepest declines hitting small businesses. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the ongoing government shutdown has slowed hiring — and that mass deportations of undocumented immigrants also suppressed job growth. President Trump says he expects to choose a new Federal Reserve chair in early 2026….
Across the Nation, Featured

CDC panel considers major vaccine schedule changes as experts warn of public health risks

Public health experts are raising concerns about sweeping changes to U.S. vaccine policy under the Trump administration.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Public health experts are raising concerns about sweeping changes to U.S. vaccine policy under the Trump administration, as a key CDC advisory committee prepares to revisit long-standing immunization guidelines. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets Thursday and Friday to re-examine established vaccine protocols — including a likely revision to the timing of the hepatitis B birth…

Early Signing Day All Over Middle Georgia For High School Student Athletes
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Houston County, Laurens County, Local Sports, Sports

Early Signing Day for Middle Georgia Student-Athletes

Local student-athletes signed their commitments to play their respective sports at the next level
Justin Dierkes,

MIDDLE GEORGIA – (41NBC/WMGT) – All over middle Georgia Wednesday, several senior student-athletes signed their commitments to play collegiate sports next season. From UGA, to JMU, and everywhere in between, students from Houston County, Bibb County, Laurens County, and more, all made their decision to play their respective sport, at the next level. Houston County HS: Jordan Smith – UGA…

Screenshot 2025 12 03 164909
Featured, Local News, Weather

Next round of rain arrives tomorrow

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – . This Evening While many clouds from this morning finally cleared out this afternoon overhead cirrus largely stayed put. Those will remain overhead into the overnight hours. The Full Moon for December, the Long Nights Moon, will also be visible tonight. This may be the only night this week where it is visible as overcast conditions…

Winter
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Middle Georgia experts share winter home prep tips as temperatures drop

Plumbing and HVAC technicians say wrapping spigots, clearing gutters and checking filters now can help prevent expensive repairs during winter cold snaps.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

Winter weather home prep (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – We’re getting a feel of colder weather is on the way, and experts say now is the time for Middle Georgia homeowners to prepare their houses for winter. Chad Crews, lead plumber service tech with Heath’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, recommends wrapping your hoses, draining outside spigots and closing vents…

Dutch Bros Brings Back The Festive “jingle Nog” For The Holiday Season
41 Today Lifestyle, Featured, Georgia News

Dutch Bros Brings Back the Festive “Jingle Nog” for the Holiday Season

Dutch Bros is kicking off the holiday season with the return of a fan-favorite drink, the Jingle Nog.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The festive beverage is now available at all 1,050+ Dutch Bros locations for a limited time. The Jingle Nog blends holiday nog, the brand’s signature Soft Top® and festive sprinkles. Customers can enjoy it as a hot or iced latte, or as a hot or iced chai. Dutch Bros joined 41NBC in studio for a special…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump distances himself from second drug boat strike as Congress investigates

President Trump is distancing himself from a second September military strike on a boat in the Caribbean suspected of trafficking drugs.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Trump is distancing himself from a second September military strike on a boat in the Caribbean suspected of trafficking drugs.“I didn’t know about the second strike… I wasn’t involved in it,” the president said Tuesday. The comments come as lawmakers from both parties question the legality of that second operation. According to one U.S. official and another source…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Holiday shopping hits record as rents fall and health insurance drives career choices

An estimated 203 million U.S. consumers shopped during the five-day stretch from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- An estimated 203 million U.S. consumers shopped during the five-day stretch from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation. That marks the largest turnout since the organization began tracking the data in 2017. Analysts say shoppers were motivated by strong sales, free shipping offers, and limited-time promotions, according to Phil Rist of Prosper Insights &…
Across the Nation, Featured

Costco sues Trump administration over tariffs as holiday spending shifts

Costco is taking the Trump administration to court, filing a lawsuit challenging a series of tariffs the company says are driving up costs for retailers and consumers.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Costco is taking the Trump administration to court, filing a lawsuit challenging a series of tariffs the company says are driving up costs for retailers and consumers. The case, now before the U.S. Court of International Trade, argues that the “reciprocal tariffs” imposed on imports earlier this year are unlawful. Business and finance reporter Matt Egan says Costco wants…

West Laurens Prepares For First Final Four In Program History
Across Georgia Sports, End Zone, Game of the Week, Laurens County, Local Sports, Sports

Undefeated West Laurens Reaches First-Ever Semifinal, One Win From State Title Shot

Once a program stuck in years of losing, the 13–0 Raiders ride a historic season and a cultural overhaul into the GHSA Class AAA Final Four
Justin Dierkes,

DEXTER, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – As the GHSA playoffs narrow to just 32 teams statewide a week after Thanksgiving, Middle Georgia has only one contender still standing, and the West Laurens Raiders are making history with every snap. The undefeated Raiders (13–0) advanced to the GHSA Class AAA semifinals for the first time in program history after a 21-16 win…

Thumbnail
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Perry ends ban on alumni group as NAACP calls for accountability

City officials met with the Perry High Alumni Group and agreed on resolutions, though the NAACP is pushing for clearer accountability and policy consistency.
Gena Tripp,

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The City of Perry has lifted a ban on the Perry High Alumni Group and event organizer Kirenski Wilkerson following concerns over a previously prohibited event. City officials say they met with representatives of the alumni group on November 24. According to the city, issues were discussed, resolutions were agreed upon, and all parties were…
Baldwin County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Milledgeville woman, Americus man sentenced in multimillion-dollar COVID loan fraud case

Federal prosecutors say the pair stole more than $3 million in pandemic relief funds and used the money for personal luxury expenses.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE (12/2/25):  Two defendants in a pandemic loan fraud scheme have been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison each and ordered to pay millions in restitution. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, 40-year-old Rosalend Way of Milledgeville and 51-year-old James Frank Austin of Americus were sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge…

911
Featured, Health, Houston County, Local News

Warner Robins renews PTSD support plan for first responders

City leaders say the plan protects firefighters, police officers and 911 operators coping with trauma from severe calls.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

First Responders PTSD coverage (Photo: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Warner Robins City Council recently renewed a state-mandated health insurance plan that provides mental health and financial support for first responders who experience post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic call or incident. We often look at our firefighters, police officers, and 911 operators as heroes who aren’t…

Mgn 1280x960 80914b00 Hfvqd
Dooly County, Featured, Houston County, Local News

Former GDC cadet pleads guilty after meth found in clothing at Dooly State Prison

Federal prosecutors say a Dooly State Prison cadet hid taped packages of meth and admitted he planned to take the drugs to an inmate.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A former correctional officer cadet pleaded guilty in federal court after Georgia Department of Corrections officers found several packages of “pure” methamphetamine hidden in his clothing as he tried to enter Dooly State Prison. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, 29-year-old Julius Deshawn Williams Jr. of…