Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols discusses energy, accountability and Georgia’s future

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols says his priority remains balancing the state’s clean energy growth with keeping utility rates affordable for families and small businesses.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols says his priority remains balancing the state’s clean energy growth with keeping utility rates affordable for families and small businesses. Echols, who has served on the commission since 2010, is running for re-election and says he wants to continue helping Georgia “lead the nation in clean energy, in technology, and…

Trump proposes resuming U.S. nuclear weapons testing ahead of Xi meeting

President Donald Trump declared that he wanted to begin testing America’s nuclear weapons just before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump declared that he wanted to begin testing America’s nuclear weapons just before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. He later clarified the move wasn’t related to China, saying, “That had nothing to do with them. It had to do with others.” On Truth Social, Trump wrote that the United States “has more…

Morning Business Report: Federal Reserve cuts interest rates again as job market slows

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point Wednesday.

(LILAMAX)- The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point Wednesday — its second consecutive reduction — citing concerns over a sluggish job market and slowing growth. The move pushed mortgage rates to their lowest level in more than a year, triggering a 111% jump in refinancing activity compared to last year, as homeowners rushed to…

Former Illinois deputy found guilty of second-degree murder in Sonya Massey shooting

Former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 36-year-old Sonya Massey

(NBC)- Former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, who was killed in her Springfield home last year after calling 911 to report a possible prowler. The verdict — carrying a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison — prompted both cheers and frustration outside the…

Hollywood Minute: Legend of Zelda soundtrack gets deluxe vinyl release as Henry Winkler celebrates 80th birthday

Fans of The Legend of Zelda have something new to celebrate — and this time, it’s not a video game.

(CNN)- Fans of The Legend of Zelda have something new to celebrate — and this time, it’s not a video game. Nintendo and Laced Records announced that the official soundtrack to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is coming to vinyl. The release will include both a double LP and an eight-LP deluxe box set, available in either…

Taylor County Eyes History in Rivalry Showdown with Macon County

The Taylor County Vikings (7-2, 5-0) look to cap off a dominant season and clinch their first region title in over two decades against their long-time rivals, the Macon County Bulldogs (4-5, 4-1)

BUTLER, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – It doesn’t get more small-town than this. A rivalry dating back to the 1970s, a pair of programs separated by 20 miles, and a region championship on the line. The Taylor County Vikings are set to host the Macon County Bulldogs Friday night in The Endzone’s final regular-season Game of the Week. Under fourth-year head…

GoFundMe supports Wrightsville firefighter after sword attack outside gas station

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office shared a fundraiser for firefighter Chad Wombles, who suffered severe injuries in the late night attack.

Photo: GoFundMe/Help Chad Wombles, a true American hero and friendWRIGHTSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office shared a GoFundMe page Wednesday to help a Wrightsville firefighter recovering from a sword attack that left him seriously injured outside a gas station. According to the fundraiser, “our friend, Chad Wombles, was ambushed by an attacker he had never met while…

Macon businesses helping SNAP users amid shutdown, looming pause in benefits

According to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, more than 36,000 Bibb County residents received SNAP benefits last year, which is roughly 23% of the county's population.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set to pause this Saturday, the risk of food insecurity for thousands of Middle Georgians increases by the day. That’s why a few local businesses are helping fill the gap. “We’re doing free sausage biscuits,” said Scott Mitchell, Owner of Sweet Eleanor’s Divine Desserts. “Show us…

Mostly cloudy and windy Thursday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This Evening It’s been another overcast day for most of Middle Georgia with off and on light showers. The warmest locations only climbed into the lower 60s with many spots staying in the mid-upper 50s seen so far this week. The wind has largely been out of the southeast to this point however a shift to…

‘It’s a cycle’: Macon DA speaks at Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium

According to CDC data from the National Intimate Partner and sexual violence survey, an average of 20 people are physically abused every minute in the United States. 

Domestic violence symposium (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – District Attorney Anita Howard focused on recognizing the warning signs and breaking the cycle of abuse Wednesday at the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium at Wesleyan College. The event addressed all types of domestic violence, including physical, emotional and financial abuse. According to CDC data from the National Intimate Partner and…

President Trump in South Korea ahead of key meeting with China’s Xi as U.S. shutdown deepens

President Donald Trump has arrived in South Korea, his final stop on a weeklong tour of Asia.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump has arrived in South Korea, his final stop on a weeklong tour of Asia, as he prepares for a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump said he believes a new era of trade is within reach after months of tariff battles and rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. “You know that President Xi…

Morning Business Report: Fed expected to cut rates again amid data blackout from shutdown

The Federal Reserve wraps up its policy meeting today, but officials are making decisions without the usual stream of government data.

(LILAMAX)- The Federal Reserve wraps up its policy meeting today, but officials are making decisions without the usual stream of government data. Nearly all major economic reports have been delayed due to the ongoing shutdown, leaving the Fed “flying blind.” Most analysts believe the central bank will cut interest rates by a quarter percent, a move expected to drive down…

Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica as Category 5 storm barrels toward Cuba

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history, slammed into Jamaica on Tuesday.

(CNN)- Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history, slammed into Jamaica on Tuesday, leaving widespread devastation and cutting power to hundreds of thousands across the island. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government, described the storm as catastrophic.”The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa,” he said. “Jamaica’s gone through what I can call one…

Georgia military families brace for food insecurity amid shutdown

Georgia military families are facing a harsh new reality — they might not be able to put food on the table this week.

(CNN)- With the government shutdown dragging on, some Georgia military families are facing a harsh new reality — they might not be able to put food on the table this week. Purple Heart recipient and retired Army Sergeant Gary Herber said his friends at Dobbins Air Reserve Base began their week with a difficult list — places offering free food…

Macon County Eyes Back-to-Back Region Titles in Rivalry Clash with Taylor County

The Macon County Bulldogs (4-5, 4-1) look to cap their season off with another region crown with a regular season finale victory over the Taylor County Vikings (7-2, 5-0) Friday night as small-town pride takes center stage in Montezuma in the End Zone's Week 12 Game of the Week

MONTEZUMA, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The regular season finale doesn’t get more “Friday night lights” than this. Two small-town schools with a combined student body of just 700 will square off in one of Georgia’s longest-running rivalries – and a region title on the line. The Macon County Bulldogs (4-5, 4-1 Region 6-A Division II) host the Taylor County Vikings…

Mayor Randall Walker, Christopher Smith face off in Perry mayoral race

In just one week, Perry voters will decide who will lead the city for the next four years. Current Mayor Randall Walker is eyeing another four years in office, while his opponent, Christopher Smith, looks to unseat him.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – In just one week, Perry voters will decide who will lead the city for the next four years. Current Mayor Randall Walker is eyeing another four years in office, while his opponent, Christopher Smith, looks to unseat him. Walker has led Perry since his special election victory in 2019. He says one of…

Telfair County commissioner pushes FEMA reform in Washington, says rural counties need help

Commissioner Dakkia Bradshaw says FEMA’s current reimbursement system burdens small counties like Telfair and supports a new upfront grant model to speed up recovery.

TELFAIR COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Even as the federal government shutdown continues into its 27th day, county leaders are trying to make progress within the government.  Dakkia Bradshaw, Telfair County District 2 Commissioner and a member of the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, was in Washington D.C. Tuesday along with other local leaders from around the country, urging congress to…

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office hosting free Halloween festival for families

The annual Halloween Haunted House Fall Festival will be held on Friday, October 31, at the Outreach and Restorative Justice Center, located at 774 Hazel Street.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is making sure kids have a fun and safe place to celebrate Halloween this year. The annual Halloween Haunted House Fall Festival will be held on Friday, October 31, at the Outreach and Restorative Justice Center, located at 774 Hazel Street. Families can enjoy a haunted house, inflatables, a gaming truck,…

President Trump visits Japan and South Korea as trade deals take center stage

President Donald Trump is in Japan and South Korea today as part of a seven-day trip through Asia.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is in Japan and South Korea today as part of a seven-day trip through Asia, where trade remains the top priority at every stop. Negotiators are still finalizing agreements with Japan and South Korea, while also laying the groundwork for future trade pacts with China and Malaysia. “We’re going to do tremendous trade together — more…

Morning Business Report: Amazon to announce biggest corporate layoffs in company history

Amazon is set to announce massive job cuts today — reportedly the largest in its corporate history.

(LILAMAX)- Amazon is set to announce massive job cuts today — reportedly the largest in its corporate history. According to multiple reports, as many as 30,000 corporate employees could lose their jobs as part of the company’s sweeping restructuring effort. The layoffs are expected to affect multiple divisions, with Amazon citing efficiency and automation as driving factors. Meanwhile, the U.S….

Tennessee plastics plant worker kills two supervisors, barricades himself at home

Police in Tennessee are investigating a deadly workplace shooting at a plastics manufacturing plant.

(NBC)- Police in Tennessee are investigating a deadly workplace shooting at a plastics manufacturing plant that left two supervisors dead and triggered a tense standoff hours later. Authorities say the suspect, an employee at Barku Plastics, shot and killed his two supervisors during what’s believed to have been a meeting just after 10 a.m. Monday. Investigators quickly identified the shooter,…

Top local players honored at Macon Touchdown Club’s Week 11 meeting

Windsor’s Woodard, Rutland’s Johnson and Hill, lead list of standout performances

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Another week of high school football is in the books, and with it came another round of honors from the Macon Touchdown Club. Week 11 brought standout performances from student-athletes across Middle Georgia, with Windsor Academy quarterback Heath Woodard and Rutland’s Zamerian Johnson, and Jaykaden Hill, earning recognition this week. Woodard, a junior signal-caller for…

Mercer Bears Make History, Stay Perfect in SoCon With 62-0 Rout of VMI

Freshman QB Braeden Atkinson sets school passing record as Mercer climbs to No. 13 in FCS Coaches Poll ahead of Furman clash

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Mercer Bears are making history this fall. For the first time in program history, Mercer sits atop the Southern Conference standings at 5-0 after a dominant 62-0 victory over VMI at Five Star Stadium on Saturday. Coming off a bye week, the Bears showed no signs of rust, earning their ninth straight conference win…