Florida man charged with setting deadly Palisades Fire

Nearly nine months after one of California’s most destructive wildfires, federal authorities say they’ve found the man responsible.

(NBC)- Nearly nine months after one of California’s most destructive wildfires, federal authorities say they’ve found the man responsible. Investigators arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of Florida, charging him with arson for allegedly setting the blaze that became known as the Palisades Fire — a catastrophe that killed 12 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes and businesses. “We will prove beyond…

Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of ceasefire plan

After months of conflict, there are signs of hope in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan.

(CNN)- After months of conflict, there are signs of hope in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan — a move many are calling the beginning of the end of the war. Former White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk said, “This really is the end…

FPD Aims for Consecutive Region Championship Hopes on Senior Night Against John Milledge Academy

The FPD Vikings (6-2, 2-0) look to stay perfect at home on Senior Night against the John Milledge Academy Trojans (6-1, 1-0)

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The End Zone’s Week Nine Game of the Week features another GIAA region clash with major postseason implications, this time back at First Presbyterian Day School. The Vikings, now 6-2, are riding high after their third straight win, a rivalry victory over Stratford Academy in last week’s Game of the Week. Under third-year head coach…

Nearly 200 employees losing jobs as Nichiha USA closes Macon Plant One

The company says closing Plant One will help strengthen its long-term competitiveness, while Plant Two will remain open in Macon.

Nichiha USA closes plant one (Photo: 41NBC/ Fiona King) MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Nearly 200 employees at Nichiha USA’s Macon facility are losing their jobs after the company announced it will close Plant One, which manufactures residential products. The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority says workforce development partners are prepared to support those impacted by the layoffs. Nichiha USA says the…

Gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan hosts healthcare roundtable in Warner Robins

The discussion was part of Duncan's statewide "Protect Georgians' Healthcare" Tour.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Lindsey Smith says her six-year-old son Oliver was born with Down Syndrome and a heart condition that has required him to have 10 surgeries, many of which were lifesaving. Smith says her family has relied heavily on Georgia’s Katie Beckett Medicaid program to get Oliver the proper care. “Medicaid has also helped…

Pirate-themed comedy show brings laughs to Georgia National Fair

One group of performers is bringing laughs and excitement with a pirate twist.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Swashchucklers Comedy Pirate Show is entertaining fairgoers with sword fights, stunts, and plenty of humor. The family-friendly performance blends action and comedy, keeping crowds engaged from start to finish. These pirates may not be sailing the high seas, but they’re keeping fair-goers entertained with plenty of stunts, sword fights and lots of laughs. The show…

City of Warner Robins prepares for upcoming trunk-or-treat

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the event is open to the community.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The City of Warner Robins is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat and Food Truck Roundup on Perkins Field. The Halloween-themed event will take place October 16 and will feature decorated vehicles, food trucks and family-friendly activities. Trunk or Treat will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and the Food Truck Roundup will be held…

Government shutdown hits home as travel delays, food aid cuts, and worker strain grow

More than a week into the federal government shutdown, the real-world effects are deepening across the country.

(NBC)- More than a week into the federal government shutdown, the real-world effects are deepening across the country — from family dinner tables to airport runways. In Georgia, the Forsyth Farmers Market has lost access to a key federal program that doubled SNAP food benefits for low-income families. Co-founder Kristin Russell says the program helped parents “stretch their budgets to…

Morning Business Report: Gold prices soar past $4,000 as markets face new uncertainty

Gold has officially entered record territory — topping $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever.

(LILAMAX)- Gold has officially entered record territory — topping $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever. The precious metal is up 51 percent this year, following a 27 percent gain in 2024. That surge has helped gold-mining stocks outperform even the biggest names in artificial intelligence — with one miner rising more than 100 percent, doubling the gains of…

Comey faces felony charges as Trump critics call case political payback

It’s arraignment day for former F-B-I Director James Comey.

(CNN)- It’s arraignment day for former F-B-I Director James Comey — a man long at odds with President Donald Trump. Comey faces charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The Justice Department accuses him of lying to lawmakers about whether he authorized an F-B-I media leak. Trump, who has repeatedly condemned Comey for investigating his…

Hollywood Minute: Taylor Swift’s new album breaks records as classic hits return to the spotlight

Taylor Swift’s latest album “The Life of a Showgirl” has already sold more than three million copies in just two days, according to music sales tracker Luminate.

(CNN)- Taylor Swift’s latest album “The Life of a Showgirl” has already sold more than three million copies in just two days, according to music sales tracker Luminate. That makes it the second-biggest sales week of the modern era—trailing only Adele’s “25” from nearly a decade ago. With five more days to go in its debut week, Swift could soon…

John Milledge Academy Eyes Redemption in Region Clash With FPD

After a dominant start and a statement win over Stratford, the Trojans look to stay hot, and get revenge, in a key region showdown Friday night.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The End Zone’s Week Nine Game of the Week features two GIAA region foes, including the 6-1 John Milledge Academy Trojans.  Led by 15th-year head coach J.T. Wall, these Trojans continue to show why they’ve been one of the most consistent programs in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association for more than a decade. After injuries…

Drivers urged to stay alert around farm equipment during Georgia harvest season

Georgia officials say distracted driving causes many farm-related crashes and are reminding drivers to stay patient, alert and cautious during harvest season.

Georgia farmers & their vehicles (Photo: 41NBC/ Fiona King)PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Harvest season is underway, bringing more farm vehicles to local roads and highways. As rural communities prepare for the busy season, officials are urging drivers to be alert and share the road.   According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there have been more than 300 accidents involving…

Life, work of former NewTown Macon CEO Josh Rogers honored with home dedication

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Clubs of Macon partnered to build the home and give its keys to Macon resident Jasmine Love and her three children.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s been nearly a year since former Newtown Macon President and CEO Josh Rogers died while jogging in downtown Macon — the same place he worked tirelessly to revitalize. Today, his efforts and legacy were honored as a Macon family was given the keys to their new home, known as “Josh’s House.” Rogers…

Bibb deputies: Cold case unit makes arrest in 2017 sexual assault

Deputies arrested 66-year-old Robert Lee Carter on October 7, 2025.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a sexual assault cold case from 2017. Deputies arrested 66-year-old Robert Lee Carter on Monday. He’s charged with rape and has been denied bond. The case began September 16, 2017. Investigators sent evidence to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime lab. BCSO says further findings from…

Disc-Connected K9s dazzle crowds with high-flying frisbee action at Georgia National Fair

The Georgia National Fair is known for its food, fun, and family-friendly entertainment, and one show is winning over crowds with some serious four-legged talent.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Disc-Connected K9s Frisbee Dog Show at the Georgia National Fair features dogs showing off their agility, speed and teamwork as they leap, spin, and soar through the air to catch flying discs. “Most of these dogs are world finalists, if not world champions,” said Lawrence Frederick, a Disc-Connected K9s trainer. “We are showcasing their athleticism…

Operation Reawaken in Warner Robins continues with largest demolition yet

Warner Robins Mayor Larhonda Patrick says this event highlights the city's ongoing investment in growth, renewal, and economic opportunity. This demolition marks the largest to date totaling 17,823 square feet.

Warner Robins demolition (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins held a demolition event at Commercial Circle on Tuesday as part of Operation Reawaken, an effort to develop the city’s downtown area. In May, the city released renderings of what the Commercial Circle area could look like in the future. Warner Robins Mayor Larhonda Patrick says this event…

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for aggravated assault in Peach County

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Regional Crimestoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia and sharing the organization’s word of the day. Crimestoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals are wanted: Brown, Leo is wanted by the…

Piedmont Macon highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Awareness Month, and a nurse from Piedmont Macon is urging early detection and offering resources for the community.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – October is Breast Awareness Month, and a nurse from Piedmont Macon is urging early detection and offering resources for the community. Kimberly Lewis, manager of oncology services at Piedmont Macon, said breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women other than skin cancer and that 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores September 29-October 3

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, September 29 and Friday, October 3.

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, September 29 and Friday, October 3. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

West Laurens Senior Ty Cummings Wins GHSF Daily State Player of the Week….Again

The Raiders Senior has won the award for consecutive weeks after big region wins over Harlem and Baldwin

DEXTER, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – West Laurens senior running back Ty Cummings has been named the Georgia High School Football Daily State Player of the Week for the second consecutive week after a record-breaking performance in Week 7. Cummings rushed for 615 yards and eight touchdowns on just 19 carries, setting a new GHSA single-game rushing record. He scored five…

Veterans Junior Bradley Lenz Announces Commitment to Mercer Baseball

The Junior Warhawks RHP will stay in Middle Georgia to play at the next level

KATHLEEN, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Veterans High School junior Bradley Lenz has announced his commitment to play college baseball at Mercer University. The 6-foot-3 right-handed pitcher is one of Middle Georgia’s top prospects, known for a fastball that reaches 91 miles per hour. Lenz will stay close to home as he joins the Bears’ program, which competes in the Southern…

Macon Touchdown Club Honors Week 8 Standouts Across Middle Georgia

FPD’s Brady McHugh, Rutland’s Tyson White, Mount de Sales’ Caleb Linder, and Jones County’s Junior Holloway headline this week’s honorees.

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon Touchdown Club honored its Week 8 Players of the Week on Monday night, recognizing standout performances from across Macon. Backs of the Week went to Brady McHugh of First Presbyterian Day and Tyson White of Rutland. McHugh, a senior running back and defensive back for FPD, rushed 22 times for 100 yards and…

GHSA Sets New Ruling on Playoff Seeding Starting in 2026

New formula ranks Georgia’s top 32 teams by strength of schedule, ending region-based playoff selection.

ATLANTA, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia High School Association is changing how playoff teams are selected, moving from region-based standings to statewide seeding. Starting this season, the top 32 teams in each classification will be seeded statewide, regardless of where they finish in region play. The new ranking formula multiplies a team’s winning percentage by that of its opponents…