Pope Leo criticizes U.S. immigration policies, White House pushes back

For the first time since celebrating his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo, the American pontiff from Chicago, is weighing in on U.S. politics

(NBC)- For the first time since celebrating his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo, the American pontiff from Chicago, is weighing in on U.S. politics — and taking aim at President Trump’s immigration policies. Speaking on the issue of morality and policy, Pope Leo said: “Someone who says that ‘I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants…

Partisan divide deepens as government shutdown impacts grow

Congressional leaders from both parties agree the ongoing government shutdown is harmful, but they remain at odds over how to resolve it.

(CNN)- Congressional leaders from both parties agree the ongoing government shutdown is harmful, but they remain at odds over how to resolve it. Democrats are pushing for a funding bill that would reverse Medicaid cuts and extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies. “What we’re doing is fighting to protect the health care of the American people,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries…

Hollywood Minute: Frankenstein, Landman, and Fallout 76 expansion

Jacob Elordi brings Frankenstein’s monster to life in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel.

(CNN)- Jacob Elordi brings Frankenstein’s monster to life in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. The film also stars Oscar Isaac and will open in limited theaters on October 17th before arriving on Netflix November 7th. Meanwhile, Demi Moore and Billy Bob Thornton return to the oil fields in Season Two of Landman. The Paramount+…

Stratford set for 50th rivalry meeting in Macon with FPD

The 5-1 Stratford Eagles look to rebound after region loss in The End Zone's Week Eight Game of the Week against the 5-2 FPD Vikings

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Week Eight of the high school football season brings region battles across the state, including one of the GIAA’s biggest rivalries. Stratford Academy will host First Presbyterian Day on Friday night in the 50th all-time meeting between the two programs. The Eagles (5-1) are off to a strong start under second-year head coach Paul Carroll….

Ideal Police searching for man wanted in case of simple battery on elderly person

Police say Jason “Smoke” Wiggins is considered dangerous and violent.

Jason Wiggins (Photo: Ideal Police Department)IDEAL, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Police in Ideal are asking for the public’s help finding a man wanted on charges of simple battery and battery on an elderly person. According to a BOLO posted on Facebook, 39-year-old Jason Wiggins of Ideal was identified by a witness as the suspect in an incident reported Tuesday at 307…

Macon-Bibb pedestrian safety summit focuses on sidewalks, lighting and Gray Highway plan

Macon-Bibb’s Pedestrian Safety Summit focused on community concerns and the $7 million Gray Highway safety project designed to reduce accidents.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Concerns over sidewalks, lighting and youth safety took center stage Wednesday as residents and leaders met at the Macon-Bibb County Pedestrian Safety Review Board Safety Summit, which also highlighted a $7 million project aimed at making Gray Highway safer for walkers and cyclists. Zakiya Muhammad, a longtime resident, shared the personal impact of unsafe streets. Her…

Reynolds council member arrested after U.S. Marshals capture Florida fugitive

U.S. Marshals arrested Florida murder suspect James Daniels in Reynolds, where Councilwoman Timishea Price was also arrested.

James Daniels and Timishea Price (Photos: Reynolds Police Department)UPDATE (10/2/25): The Reynolds Police Department said in an update Thursday that U.S. Marshals found James Daniels inside a home on Mimms Street around 4 p.m. Wednesday. Investigators said Timishea Price initially denied Daniels was there before consenting to a search. Daniels was taken into custody by the Marshals, and Price was…

Georgia’s summer burn ban ends today

With a one-day permit, Georgians can burn natural vegetation on their property between 9 a.m. and sunset.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’ve been waiting for the green light to burn yard debris around your home, now’s your time. Today marks the end of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban in 54 counties. With a one-day permit, Georgians can burn natural vegetation on their property between 9 a.m. and sunset. But it…

Fairburn man charged after Skid-steer theft reported on Rumble Road in Monroe County

Investigators say two stolen Skid-steers were recovered in Manchester and Riverdale, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Homer Douglas Roy.

Homer Roy (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office) Photos: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Investigators recovered two stolen Skid-steers and arrested a Fairburn man after construction equipment was reported missing from a job site on Rumble Road, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said the theft was reported on Thursday, September 25. Investigators…

“Get outside!” weather Thursday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Sunny and breezy conditions are likely Thursday with below average highs. This Evening A mostly sunny and breezy afternoon will give way to a clear and breezy night. Expect things to be cool overnight as temperatures fall into the mid 60s by midnight and likely the upper 50s by Thursday morning. Wind will flow from the…

Georgia National Fair brings economic boost to Middle Georgia

The Georgia National Fair is back in Perry, drawing visitors from across the state for rides, concerts and food.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Beyond the fairgrounds, the annual tradition is making a big impact on the local economy. Addie Hodges, marketing and communications specialist for the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, said attendance has continued to grow in recent years. “Each year we try to bring in new entertainment and over the years we’ve definitely seen a growth in…

Cochran-Bleckley County Chamber of Commerce to host Country Fest, more seasonal activities

Melissa Barker, president and CEO of the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber of Commerce, said the events are open to the public.

BLECKLEY COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cochran-Bleckley County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Country Fest and other seasonal activities for the community. Melissa Barker, president and CEO of the chamber, said the events are open to the public. There will be a scarecrow contest judged on October 11 and the Miss Pumpkin Pageant on October 17. Barker said the main…

Federal government shuts down over budget stalemate

The federal government is officially shut down after Congress failed to reach an agreement on a funding plan before the deadline.

(CNN)- The federal government is officially shut down after Congress failed to reach an agreement on a funding plan before the deadline. The central sticking point is healthcare, with Democrats pushing to reverse Medicaid cuts and extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies, while Republicans argue the debate should wait until December. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “We need to stop these…

Hollywood Minute: Julie Andrews celebrates 90th birthday

Julie Andrews is marking a milestone today.

(CNN)- Julie Andrews is marking a milestone today — the Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy-winning performer turned 90 years old on October 1st. Andrews rose to fame on Broadway in My Fair Lady and Camelot, before making her film debut in Mary Poppins, a role that earned her an Academy Award. She went on to star in classics including The Sound…

Breezy winds leads to Fall-like conditions through the weekend

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dry and pleasant conditions through the short term forecast as an upper level ridge over the Midwest drops across the region and high pressure expands  along the East Coast. The breezy low to mid-level northeast flow created by these features will gradually drive out any moisture, resulting in mostly clear skies. High temperatures today will  take…

Former Mercer volleyball player Aliyah Waldon dies at 19 after cancer battle

The Mercer Volleyball team is mourning the loss of one of their own after their battle with cancer, the team confirmed in a post on social media.

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Former Mercer University volleyball player Aliyah Waldon died Sunday after a battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. She was 19. Waldon was diagnosed in October 2024 forcing her to sit out her sophomore season due to aggressive new treatments. “Our hearts are extremely heavy tonight as the entire Mercer community mourns the…

FPD Looks for Third Straight Win Over Crosstown Region Rival Stratford in Rivalry’s 50th Meeting

The 5-2, 1-0 FPD Vikings take on the 5-1, 0-1 Stratford Eagles for The End Zone's Week Eight Game of the Week

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – As Week Eight of the high school football season approaches, region battles are heating up across Middle Georgia, including a cross-town rivalry showdown in the GIAA. First Presbyterian Day School enters the week at 5-2, led by third-year head coach Brett Collier, who has guided the Vikings to two straight Class 4A state championship games….

Fort Valley police: 14-year-old charged in 6 vehicle break-ins

Fort Valley police say a 14-year-old faces multiple charges after officers tracked him with a K-9 during a series of vehicle break-ins.

Photos: Fort Valley Police DepartmentFORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 14-year-old is facing charges after Fort Valley police say he broke into multiple vehicles on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at Spruce Street. According to a news release from Fort Valley Police Chief DJ Flores, officers patrolling the area on Tuesday spotted shattered glass from several vehicles. Investigators followed a…

Twiggs County Schools look to prep students for data center jobs

Superintendent Dr. Mack Bullard says the district hopes to partner with the data center to provide work-based learning, internships, and even scholarships for Twiggs County High School students, as well as allow data center employees to discuss stem education and careers with elementary and middle school students.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)JEFFERSONVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Signs protesting the recently approved Twiggs County data center still line the sides of Jeffersonville roads. But county leaders, such as School District Superintendent Dr. Mack Bullard, are moving forward with preparation. “We’re preparing our students for the future and not our past,” Dr. Bullard said. “And their future is in artificial intelligence.”…

Jones County deputies arrest women after welfare check finds children in ‘unfit’ home

Deputies say four children, including toddlers, were living in filthy conditions inside a Jones County home.

Photos: Jones County Sheriff’s OfficeJONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two women face charges after deputies say they found four children living in unsafe conditions during a welfare check in Jones County. According to a news release from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assisted the Department of Family and Children Services on Monday. When they entered the home, they found…

Atrium doctor offers resources ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Surgical oncologist Paul Dale said the Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center has resources for the community.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An Atrium Health Navicent doctor is sharing tips and raising awareness ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Surgical oncologist Paul Dale said the Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center has resources for the community. Dale said breast cancer is the number one cancer that women can get throughout their lifetime. He said one in eight…

Dublin City Schools Superintendent Frederick Williams announces retirement

Dr. Frederick C. Williams is retiring after more than three decades in education, citing family and personal interests while celebrating the district’s progress.

Dr. Fred Williams – Photo: Dublin City SchoolsDUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. Frederick C. Williams announced Tuesday he will retire effective October 3, 2025. According to a statement from Williams, he’s served the district for all 32 years of his career in education. “Over the years, I have been privileged to work with a dedicated Board…

UPDATE: Arrest made after woman found dead at Sanford Arms Apartments in Macon

Deputies found the woman during a missing person investigation Thursday morning.

Snapper Brundage (Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (9/30/25): A 48-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of Teasha Ariele Colbert this month. According to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release, the sheriff’s office’s Violent Crime Unit and the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force took Snapper Orlando Brundage into custody in Atlanta just after 1 p.m….

Sunshine returns to kickoff October

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – October begins Wednesday and sunnier conditions will return to Middle Georgia. This Evening It’s been another cloudy day across Middle Georgia resulting in a lot of high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s. The wind has again been pronounced from the northeast as gusts have hovered around 20 mph. A couple of small showers remain…