Johnson County Man Found Gfx
Featured, Johnson County, Local News

Missing Johnson County man with dementia found safe after two-day search

Authorities say James Tompkins was found safe Friday and taken to a hospital for evaluation after a multi-agency search effort.
Tucker Sargent,

Photos: Johnson County EMA/Johnson County Sheriff’s OfficeWRIGHTSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Johnson County man reported missing Wednesday has been found safe following a large search effort involving multiple agencies, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management Agency. The sheriff’s office said James Tompkins was found Friday and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Tompkins, who has…
Featured, Local News, Peach County

Byron man convicted on 18 counts of child sexual exploitation

Prosecutors say iInvestigators found disturbing videos on two devices belonging to Benjamin Frank Smith, who was convicted Thursday in Peach County.
Tucker Sargent,

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Peach County jury has convicted a Byron man on 18 counts of child sexual exploitation following an undercover investigation that began more than seven years ago. According to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, jurors found Benjamin Frank Smith guilty Thursday after five hours of deliberation. Prosecutors said disturbing…

Jones County Arrest Gfx
Featured, Jones County, Local News

Man charged with aggravated assault after Jones County shooting

Deputies say Kenneth Kitchens Jr. was arrested after a shooting that sent one person to the hospital in stable condition.
Tucker Sargent,

Photo: Jones County Sheriff’s OfficeGRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man is in custody after deputies say he shot someone Thursday in Jones County. According to a news release from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a person shot on Morris Stevens Road. When they got there, they learned the suspect, identified as Kenneth Kitchens Jr.,…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News, Sports

Macon-Bibb Firefighters tee off to support Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department spent the morning on the greens, all for a good cause.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Firefighters and community members came together Friday for the department’s annual MDA Golf Tournament at Bowden Golf Course. The event raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which supports research and advocacy for people living with neuromuscular diseases. “It’s a great event for us because all the proceeds that we get from this tournament we actually…

Sonny’s Bbq Brings New Fall Flavors To Middle Georgia
Featured, Georgia News, Local News

Sonny’s BBQ Brings New Fall Flavors to Middle Georgia

As the weather cools down, Sonny’s BBQ is heating things up with a brand new fall menu.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The restaurant chain, known for its slow-smoked meats and Southern hospitality  is rolling out seasonal dishes that bring comfort and creativity to the table. Brad Fink, owner and pitmaster of several Sonny’s BBQ locations across Middle Georgia, stopped by the 41NBC studio to show off some of the new flavors and share his barbecue expertise. Also…
Across the Nation, Featured, Tech Report

Tech Report: Smart glasses, AI cyberattacks, digital remittances, Bezos’ space prediction

EssilorLuxottica is doubling down on the future of smart glasses, investing in eyewear that lets users play music and take photos — all hands-free.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- EssilorLuxottica is doubling down on the future of smart glasses, investing in eyewear that lets users play music and take photos — all hands-free. The company’s CEO says he believes glasses will eventually replace much of what smartphones do today. The push follows Meta’s September unveiling of its $799 Ray-Ban display glasses during the Connect developer event — signaling…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Mortgage rates dip as housing market cools; stocks, drugmakers fall amid tariff pressures

There’s a bit of relief for potential homebuyers this week.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- There’s a bit of relief for potential homebuyers this week. Freddie Mac reports the average rate on a 30-year mortgage slipped to 6.27%, down from 6.3% last week. Analysts say a slowing job market, the government shutdown, and economic uncertainty have helped push rates slightly lower. Shares of Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk dropped in late trading…
Across the Nation, Featured

Robocalls and scam texts surge to six-year high, watchdog warns

Americans are getting more robocalls and scam texts than ever before.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- If it feels like your phone never stops buzzing, you’re not imagining it. Americans are getting more robocalls and scam texts than ever before. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) says spam robocalls are up 20 percent, reaching a six-year high. That’s an additional 420 million calls and texts every month as scammers use artificial intelligence to impersonate real…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump considers giving Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine during Zelensky White House visit

The war in Ukraine — and the weapons needed to fight it — are taking center stage in Washington today.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- The war in Ukraine — and the weapons needed to fight it — are taking center stage in Washington today as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President Donald Trump at the White House. Among the topics: the potential transfer of Tomahawk missiles, U.S.-made weapons powerful enough to strike Moscow. “Exactly such pressure may work for peace,” Zelensky said…
Across the Nation, Featured

Massive storm triggers one of Alaska’s largest airlifts as villages wiped out along west coast

One of the largest airlifts in Alaska’s history is underway after a devastating storm tore through the state’s western coast.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC) – One of the largest airlifts in Alaska’s history is underway after a devastating storm tore through the state’s western coast, leaving widespread destruction and entire communities under water. Hundreds of residents were flown to safety Thursday night, packed into military planes and helicopters for the 500-mile trip to Anchorage. The National Guard says more than 2,000 people have…
Across the Nation, Featured

Man accused of briefly stealing car with baby inside at Florida gas station

Surveillance video captured the tense moments when a man drove off in a car with a one-year-old child inside — then returned seconds later.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- Surveillance video captured the tense moments when a man drove off in a car with a one-year-old child inside — then returned seconds later. Authorities say 53-year-old William Mullis took the vehicle from a Sunoco gas station along U.S. Highway 1 in Brevard County. Video shows the baby’s mother rushing out of the convenience store and toward the car…
Entertainment, Featured

Hollywood Minute: ‘Sinners’ cast to receive Gotham Awards tribute as family films and cult classics hit theaters

The acclaimed drama Sinners is getting fresh recognition this awards season.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- The acclaimed drama Sinners is getting fresh recognition this awards season. The Gotham Awards announced that the film’s cast will receive an Ensemble Tribute during the ceremony in December. Organizers praised star Michael B. Jordan for his “magnificent” dual roles and said the ensemble delivered “one of the great cinematic experiences of the year.” The film, which earned both…

Meet The New Macon Bacon Head Coach Jesse Litsch
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Local Sports, Sports

From the Big Leagues to the Bacon: Former MLB Pitcher Jesse Litsch Takes Over in Macon

Ex–Blue Jays arm brings major-league experience and player-first philosophy to the Macon Bacon dugout
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The offseason is sizzling in Bibb County as the Macon Bacon have hired former Major League Baseball pitcher Jesse Litsch as their new head coach. A move that brings both big-league experience and a renewed focus on player development to Historic Luther Williams Field. Litsch, who pitched five seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, called…

Northeast Takes Care Of Central On Senior Night 61 6
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Local Sports, Sports

Northeast takes down crosstown region rival Central 61-6 on senior night

The Northeast Raiders (6-2, 6-1) defeated the Central Chargers (0-8, 0-7) 61-6 to remain in Region 2-A D-I title contention
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Thursday night at Thompson Stadium, the Northeast Raiders picked up their sixth Regio 2-A D-I win of the season with a 61-6 victory over crosstown region rivals, the Central Chargers, on the Raiders senior night. Northeast looks to keep region title hopes alive when they head to Eastman next week to face the Dodge…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Macon family threatens legal action following burial plot dispute

Leroy Thomas Jr. was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial park in Macon in 2017. His family received a call on Tuesday, saying that Thomas Jr.'s burial plot belonged to a family who’s loved one recently died, and would be buried in that spot.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Leroy Thomas Jr. was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial park in Macon in 2017. On Thursday, his sisters were at his grave, but this wasn’t a typical visit. “They had the audacity to place him in someone else’s grave,” said Angela Coleman, Thomas Jr.’s sister. “And now you want to dig him…

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Featured, Houston County, Local News

Halloween shoppers feeling the pinch as prices rise

A store in Warner Robins is offering 25% off as families face higher Halloween accessory prices.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

Halloween prices increase (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Creepy masks, spooky decorations and tons of candy could cost Halloween shoppers more than ever this season, with a projected record spending of $13.1 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.  Halloween is only a few weeks away, but most shoppers are stressed about the increased prices. Research has shown that…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Slight temperature drop Friday

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After a few days in the mid 80s temperatures will be closer to 80 degrees Friday afternoon. This Evening   It’s been another clear and pleasant afternoon across the region and tonight will be clear and cool. Lows will be in the lower 50s across the region with a couple of spots possibly dropping below 50…
Across the Nation, Around the World, Featured

Trump authorizes CIA covert action in Venezuela, warns of new immigration crackdowns

President Donald Trump is escalating his fight against immigration and the drug trade — both at home and abroad.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is escalating his fight against immigration and the drug trade — both at home and abroad. Speaking Wednesday, the president made a rare public admission that he authorized the CIA to carry out covert action in Venezuela, a move that immediately drew sharp criticism from international leaders. “I authorized for two reasons, really,” Trump said. “Number…
Across the Nation, Featured, Tech Report

Tech Report: Americans uneasy about rise of AI, Walmart expands IoT network

A new Pew Research Center survey shows more Americans are concerned than excited about the rise of artificial intelligence in daily life.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- A new Pew Research Center survey shows more Americans are concerned than excited about the rise of artificial intelligence in daily life — the highest level of worry globally. Researchers say public unease could slow AI adoption and reshape workplaces if employees remain skeptical of the technology. The poll found that men, tech-savvy respondents, and heavy internet users were…

Happy Hour Service Center Invites Community To State Of The Organization Address, Heroes For Happy Hour Super 5k Run & Walk
41 Today, 41 Today Community, Featured, Houston County, Local News

Happy Hour Service Center invites community to State of the Organization Address, Heroes for Happy Hour-Super 5K Run and Walk

Both events highlight the organization’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities and strengthen community connections through education, inclusion and service.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Happy Hour Service Center is inviting the community to the upcoming State of the Organization Address and Heroes for Happy Hour Super 5K Run and Walk. The State of the Organization Address will take place October 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rigby’s Entertainment Complex. The evening will include reflections on the past year, celebrations…

Hendarius Jamal Wilson
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Warner Robins teen sentenced to 20 years for Halloween 2024 shooting

Prosecutors said the shooting happened when Wilson was 17 years old on Halloween night 2024.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An 18-year-old Warner Robins man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a 2024 Halloween shooting that left another teenager injured, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. Hen’darius Jamal Wilson entered a guilty plea Thursday to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a…
Across the Nation, Featured

Judge blocks Trump layoffs as shutdown deepens and tensions rise

As the government shutdown stretches on, the legal and political stakes continue to climb.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- As the government shutdown stretches on, the legal and political stakes continue to climb. President Donald Trump insists his administration is “getting rid of a lot of things that we never wanted,” but a federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the White House from laying off thousands of federal employees during the shutdown. The decision comes after White…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Major banks report strong earnings as markets rally, United Airlines projects record revenue

The nation’s largest banks are sending a message of confidence about the U.S. economy.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)-  The nation’s largest banks are sending a message of confidence about the U.S. economy. Major lenders reported strong earnings this week, providing some reassurance amid the ongoing government shutdown and a lack of federal economic data. Executives point to growing business confidence, low delinquencies on consumer debt, and a rallying stock market as key factors behind their profit gains….
Across the Nation, Featured

Los Angeles County declares emergency over Trump immigration raids

Los Angeles County is declaring a state of emergency over President Trump’s immigration raids — a move typically reserved for natural disasters.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- Los Angeles County is declaring a state of emergency over President Trump’s immigration raids — a move typically reserved for natural disasters. The Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to allow taxpayer funds to help undocumented immigrants and their families pay for rent and legal aid if they are impacted by federal enforcement operations. “I want our immigrant communities to…