Cherry Blossom Festival’s Third Street Park Festivities start with sweet treats and smiles

The Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicked off its festivities at Third Street Park on Monday, despite a little rain.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicked off its festivities at Third Street Park on Monday, despite a little rain. Visitors enjoyed pink cherry ice cream from Kroger, soft drinks and live music to set the mood. One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of “Cherry” the pink poodle, a beloved Cherry Blossom favorite…

10-year-old dies after shooting in Macon County, GBI investigating

A 10-year-old child has died after being shot in Macon County, according to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

OGLETHORPE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 10-year-old child has died after being shot in Macon County, according to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. In a news release posted on the sheriff’s office Facebook page, the sheriff’s office said Macon County Communications received an emergency call reporting that a 10-year-old had sustained a gunshot wound and needed immediate medical assistance in the…

Showers & T-storms start off Monday, dry week starts Tuesday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High pressure ridge clears Georgia to the east. Winds have shifted to the south on the back side of the high. Temperatures continue to warm, as temperatures are running above normal in the mid 70s. Wind speeds are expected to increased as a tightening pressure gradient will increase moisture in the dewpoints. Low relative humidity and…

Morning Business Report: Americans divided on Government downsizing

Americans are divided on the idea of reducing the federal government’s size.

(LILAMAX)- Americans are divided on the idea of reducing the federal government’s size. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this month found that 59% of respondents support downsizing, yet a separate Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 60% disapprove of how Elon Musk and Doge are handling federal workers. Some of this sentiment may stem from a perception that federal employees receive benefits—such as…

Hollywood Minute: “Moana 2” sails to streaming

The directors of "Moana 2" reflect on the film's success, and a documentary shows how tropical fish get to aquariums.

(CNN)- Disney’s Moana 2 continues to sail smoothly, both in theaters and on streaming. After surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, the animated sequel has now reached more than 27 million views in its first five days on Disney+. Filmmakers behind Moana 2 are celebrating the film’s success, especially its cultural significance. “We go on these long emotional…

President Trump holds cabinet meeting amid protests and growing tensions

The meeting follows one of the largest waves of protests over government cuts, with demonstrators voicing their concerns across the country.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is set to hold his next cabinet meeting today, following reports of growing rifts among some cabinet secretaries after the last meeting. The tensions come at a time when billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, known for his cost-cutting strategies, is reportedly involved in discussions with the administration. The meeting also follows one of the largest waves of…

Privacy concerns rise as IRS and Homeland Security near information-sharing agreement

The IRS and the DHS are close to finalizing an agreement that would allow the two to share information about individuals in the U.S. illegally.

CNN- The IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are reportedly close to finalizing an agreement that would allow the two agencies to share information about individuals in the U.S. illegally, sparking concerns over taxpayer privacy. A source familiar with the matter has confirmed that under the new arrangement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be able to submit…

Two arrested after multiple overnight shots fired calls, crash and chase in Milledgeville

Antonio Spencer and Shawn Spencer arrested after vehicle pursuit, drone surveillance and multiple shots fired calls; minor injuries reported.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Police arrested two men early Friday after someone fired shots into a home and later led officers on a chase through Milledgeville, according to a news release from the Milledgeville Police Department. “Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported during these events,” the release said. It all started around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, when the Baldwin County Sheriff’s…

Dry and pleasant weekend instore for Middle Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Surface high pressure is centered over the Central Gulf Coast. This will lead to dry conditions, clear skies and gradual warming as it moves eastward this evening. Our high temperatures reached the low to mid 60s in the north to the upper 60s in Central Georgia. Our dewpoints and relative humidity have dropped to 15-20 percent….

South Carolina man arrested for attempting to scam Jones County couple

A couple in Jones County was contacted by a scammer who convinced them that their money was not safe in their bank account.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A South Carolina man was arrested last week after attempting to scam a Jones County couple, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. A couple in Jones County was contacted by a scammer who convinced them that their money was not safe in their bank account. The scammer advised the couple to withdraw their money…

Two arrested in attempted contraband drop Friday at Washington State Prison

The attempted contraband drop occurred around 3:45 a.m. on March 21.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Two people were arrested after an attempted contraband drop at Washington State Prison on Friday, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The attempted contraband drop occurred around 3:45 a.m. on March 21. A deputy in Davisboro noticed a suspicious vehicle in front of the prison. The vehicle made several traffic violations, and the deputy…

Macon-Bibb Fire Department to host Pink Pancake Breakfast for Cherry Blossom Festival

The event will be held on March 22 and 29 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Luther Williams Stadium inside Carolyn Crayton Park.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon-Bibb Fire Department is set to host the annual Pink Pancake Breakfast for the Cherry Blossom Festival. The event will be held on March 22 and 29 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Luther Williams Stadium inside Carolyn Crayton Park. Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Fire Chief Shane Edwards says they are partnering with Macon…

Cherry Blossom Festival debuts new weekday pricing, additional events

Cherry Blossom Festival Board Chair Karla Redding-Andrews says the festival will be held March 21-30.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Cherry Blossom Festival is debuting new weekday pricing and adding additional events to the calendar. Cherry Blossom Festival Board Chair Karla Redding-Andrews says the festival will be held March 21-30. The Festival at Carolyn Crayton Park is open everyday: Monday: Noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday: Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday: Noon to 9 p.m. Thursday:…

Morning Business Report: Nike’s shift, Apple TV+ losses

Nike is making a major shift in its online marketplace, moving to a full-price model and reducing discounts.

(LILAMAX)- Nike is making a major shift in its online marketplace, moving to a full-price model and reducing discounts. The company expects a drop in sales as it faces tariffs and declining consumer confidence. As part of its turnaround strategy, Nike is cutting back on markdowns and promotions. Meanwhile, Apple may be great at making money, but Apple TV+ is…

Hollywood Minute: Pixar’s “Coco 2” in the works

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced at the company’s annual shareholder meeting that Coco 2 is officially in the works, set for release in 2029.

(CNN)- Pixar is bringing back the magic of Coco. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced at the company’s annual shareholder meeting that Coco 2 is officially in the works, set for release in 2029. While no plot details have been revealed, the original directors are returning for the sequel. Meanwhile, Disney fans will get a rare glimpse into the past with…

President Trump moves to eliminate the Department of Education

President Donald Trump has made it official, signing an executive order to begin the process of eliminating the Federal Department of Education.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump has made it official, signing an executive order to begin the process of eliminating the Federal Department of Education. The move is a step toward fulfilling a longstanding campaign promise and a key conservative goal: transferring full control of education oversight to the states, where curriculum decisions are already made and most school funding occurs. At…

Judge accuses DOJ of defiance, raising fears of constitutional crisis

An escalating standoff between the Justice Department and a federal judge is sparking concerns of a potential constitutional crisis.

(CNN)-An escalating standoff between the Justice Department and a federal judge is sparking concerns of a potential constitutional crisis. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has accused the DOJ of defying his orders—possibly twice—in a contentious immigration case. He stated the department “evaded its obligations” by failing to provide information about whether it disobeyed his directives last weekend. “We’re starting to…

Portion of Poplar Street in downtown Macon dedicated as ‘Bryan Nichols Way’

A stretch of Poplar Street in downtown Macon will soon be known as "Bryan Nichols Way," honoring the founder of the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza for his service and leadership in the community.

Bryan Nichols (Photo: Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza); Map: Macon-Bibb CountyMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A stretch of Poplar Street in downtown Macon will soon be known as “Bryan Nichols Way,” honoring the founder of the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza for his service and leadership in the community. The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved the ordinance Tuesday, dedicating the portion of Poplar Street…

Pickleball helps Middle Georgia friends lose weight, gain healthier lifestyle

"I just don't look at the scale anymore, because the scale's just a number. I feel better, I think that's the thing, and there's going to be ups and downs. Eat the cake if you want it, go out and enjoy it. Don't restrict yourself, enjoy it," said Bracewell.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The fastest-growing sport in the world, pickleball, has changed the lives of Sherri Bracewell and Carla Cox. Most of us feel like we could always lose a few pounds. Sherri Bracewell is no different. She said after seeing herself in pictures, something had to be done to lose weight. So, she started playing pickleball. Since picking…

A brief chill down then Spring returns

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A cold front has arrived along with gusty winds. The front has dragged the mid-level jet across the south along with strong winds and cold air. We reached a high temperature of 60 which was a struggle and overnight lows will be below freezing along the I-85 and Middle Georgia corridor for Thursday night into Friday…

More renovations coming to Fort Hill Community Park thanks to $50,000 grant

The James M. Cox Foundation awarded Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful a $50,000 grant to further ongoing renovation efforts at Fort Hill Community Park.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The James M. Cox Foundation awarded Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful a $50,000 grant to further ongoing renovation efforts at Fort Hill Community Park. The latest grant brings total investment in the park to roughly $300,000 in the past year. Asha Ellen, the Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, says the park has undergone a…

UPDATE: Second person dies after Thursday morning crash on Mercer University Drive

The crash happened at 5:09 a.m. on March 20, when a Dodge Durango and a Hyundai Elantra collided head-on east of Edwards Avenue.

UPDATE (5:45 p.m.): A second person has died after a crash Thursday morning on Mercer University Drive. According to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release, just after 3 p.m., deputies responded to a home in the 1800 block of Wray Place after a call for assistance in reference to a person down. When deputies arrived, they found a 51-year-old…

Tier Blue to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival

Tier Blue band members Hunter Pettis and Stephen Caleb Melvin have known each other since high school.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Tier Blue is set to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival. The concert will be March 21 on the Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage at Carolyn Crayton Park. The Nightly Concert Series features local, regional, and national artists performing each night of the 10-day festival. Gate entry is $10 and the Nightly Concert Series is included in your…

Cherry Blossom Gospel Fest set for this weekend

LightShine Promotions promoter Jonathan Fisher said proceeds from the event would benefit local nonprofits.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Cherry Blossom Gospel Fest is set to take place this weekend. The event is March 21 at the United Community Church located at 2411 Heath Road in Macon. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. General admission is $25, online advanced tickets are $18, groups of 10 or more are…