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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Columbus Road repaving underway in Macon-Bibb County

County officials say the project targets one of the lower-rated road segments identified in a systemwide scan of more than 1,100 miles of roadway.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County crews started repaving a section of Columbus Road on Tuesday. According to a county news release, the work runs from I-475 through Robinson Drive and is part of the county’s Paving the Way program. Professional Paving, LLC is handling the project. Weather permitting, the section is expected to be finished by Thursday, December 4. The…

Baldwin Child Molestation Arrest Booking Photo Gfx
Baldwin County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: DECAL revokes license for Milledgeville daycare after arrest, rule violations

State officials say the daycare failed to report an arrest, maintain supervision and meet background check requirements during a November inspection.
Tucker Sargent,

Irvin Eugene Griffin (Photo: Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (12/2/25): The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has revoked the license for Griffin Group Day Care Home in Milledgeville. A DECAL statement says the revocation followed the November arrest of a 78-year-old employee who was charged with child molestation. The department issued an Emergency Order on November 12, and…

Piedmont Macon Shares How Community Giving Supports Local Healthcare
Bibb County, Featured, Georgia News, Health, Local News, Medical

Piedmont Macon Shares How Community Giving Supports Local Healthcare

Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital say that support from the public plays a major role in the care they provide year-round.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Renee Bryan, philanthropy officer for both hospitals through the Piedmont Healthcare Foundation says many viewers may not realize Piedmont operates as a nonprofit. That means donations and community support help fund programs, patient services, and resources that aren’t always covered through traditional healthcare revenue. Those contributions can help expand access to care, support patient assistance programs,…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Shoppers tighten budgets as automakers face slowing sales

Americans are scaling back their spending, and the auto industry is feeling the impact.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Americans are scaling back their spending, and the auto industry is feeling the impact. Shoppers are downsizing, buying used vehicles, stretching out loan terms, and waiting longer for deals. Analysts had expected a third-straight year of rising sales as automakers recovered from pandemic-era shortages, but instead, buyers are pushing back. Cars are sitting longer on dealer lots, discounts are…
Entertainment, Featured

Hollywood Minute: Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas” certified platinum as new holiday releases arrive

Elton John’s holiday classic “Step Into Christmas” has officially gone platinum.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Elton John’s holiday classic “Step Into Christmas” has officially gone platinum. The Recording Industry Association of America confirmed the 1973 single has now sold more than one million copies. In the United Kingdom, the song remains a seasonal favorite, certified triple-platinum and re-entering the charts every December since 2011. Country-pop trio Lady A is also adding to the holiday…

restaurant report card food service inspection scores health safety ratings 41nbc macon warner robins dublin middle georgia central
Baldwin County, Bibb County, Bleckley County, Crawford County, Dodge County, Dooly County, Featured, Hancock County, Health, Houston County, Johnson County, Jones County, Laurens County, Local News, Macon County, Monroe County, Peach County, Pulaski County, Restaurant Report Card, Taylor County, Telfair County, Treutlen County, Twiggs County, Washington County, Wheeler County, Wilcox County, Wilkinson County

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspections November 24-28

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, November 24 and Friday, November 28.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This week’s Restaurant Report Card provides food service inspection scores across Middle Georgia, as released by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, November 24 and Friday, November 28. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…
Around the World, Featured

Man killed after entering lioness enclosure at Brazilian zoo

A shocking video from eastern Brazil shows the moments before a man was killed after climbing into a lioness enclosure at the Bica Zoo.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- A shocking video from eastern Brazil shows the moments before a man was killed after climbing into a lioness enclosure at the Bica Zoo. The footage begins with the man dangling from a tree as a female lion, just feet below, watches him closely. As the man tries to slide down the trunk, the lioness lunges upward, clawing at…
Across the Nation, Featured

Winter storm slams U.S. with heavy snow, rain, travel delays and record cold

A massive winter storm is sweeping across the country
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A massive winter storm — the third this week — is sweeping across the country, bringing a mix of dangerous weather conditions that stretch from the Northeast to the Gulf Coast. Meteorologist Chris Warren says the Northeast will bear the brunt of the snowfall today. “The Northeast is gonna see the majority of the snow on Tuesday,” Warren said,…

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Education, Featured, Houston County, Local News

CGTC breaks enrollment record with more than 12,700 students this fall

College leaders say affordable tuition and expanded student services are fueling a surge in enrollment.
Gena Tripp,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Central Georgia Technical College says it broke its attendance record this fall, enrolling more than 12,700 students, a 10 percent increase from last year. JoBen Rivera-Thompson, the college’s director of marketing, says the rise in enrollment reflects CGTC’s focus on delivering a strong student experience and a quality education. “It shows our efforts in providing…