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Featured, Georgia News, Houston County

State Sen. Blake Tillery kicks off lieutenant governor bid with statewide tour

Tillery is now the third Republican who's entered the race, joining State Sens. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon) and Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega). State Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Sandy Springs) is currently the only Democratic candidate.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Today, Georgia State Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) announced his campaign for lieutenant governor in a tour across the state. Tillery has represented District 19 in the State Senate since he was first elected in 2016. He spoke to supporters alongside his wife at the Perry-Houston County Airport, one of his seven campaign stops…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Scattered storm odds remain elevated

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Scattered storms and below average temperatures are continuing to begin the new work week. This Evening Mostly cloudy skies are abundant around Middle Georgia and showers and storms have been scattered in nature as they press northward. Nothing severe is expected but lighting and thunder will be fair game for any showers that develop. Skies should…
Across the Nation, Featured

Tech Report: Buy now pay later use surges among young Americans, Amazon unveils AI-powered Alexa+

"Buy now, pay later" plans are rapidly growing in popularity among young Americans.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- “Buy now, pay later” plans are rapidly growing in popularity among young Americans, but not everyone is convinced they’re a smart financial choice. Haley Sacks, a personal finance influencer, says people shouldn’t use them at all. She argues that credit cards have important benefits that BNPL plans don’t, like rewards and consumer protections. Amazon’s popular voice assistant finally features…
Across the Nation, Featured, Georgia News

Mother remembers fallen DeKalb County officer David Rose

A DeKalb County community is mourning the loss of Officer David Rose, a Marine veteran and newly sworn-in police officer who was killed in the line of duty Friday while responding to a shooting near the CDC,
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- A DeKalb County community is mourning the loss of Officer David Rose, a Marine veteran and newly sworn-in police officer who was killed in the line of duty Friday while responding to a shooting near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His mother, Deveane Atkinson, described Rose as someone who had always been ready to help others. “He…

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Featured, Weather

A wet start to the week as summer strikes back by midweek

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – We will slowly start to see an increase in thunderstorm activity for Middle Georgia to start the new week. This afternoon thunderstorms will be mostly  limited to south of I-20 though lingering cloud cover over the metro Atlanta and Athens areas may put a lid on potential development north of a line from Columbus to Macon….
Across the Nation, Around the World, Featured

Trump and Putin prepare for Alaska talks on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine

Preparations are underway for high-stakes talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)-Preparations are underway for high-stakes talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this Friday in Alaska. There is a possibility that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join the meeting. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met over the weekend in England with top Ukrainian officials and European…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Wall Street watches inflation reports, Trump-Putin meeting as stocks near records

Wall Street is gearing up for a pivotal week ahead, featuring key economic data releases and a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Wall Street is gearing up for a pivotal week ahead, featuring key economic data releases and a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Investors will closely watch two important inflation reports: the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI), alongside retail sales data. These indicators will offer insight into…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump unveils plan to increase federal control over Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump is set to unveil a new plan for Washington, D.C., aimed at increasing federal control over the nation’s capital.
Keenan Gibson,

ChatGPT said: (CNN)- President Donald Trump is set to unveil a new plan for Washington, D.C., aimed at increasing federal control over the nation’s capital, following his recent threats to take greater authority. Trump criticized the city’s leadership, saying, “We’ve got to get the mayor to run this city properly. This city has to be run. You know, I have…
Entertainment, Featured

Hollywood Minute: Tom Holland returns to film Spider-Man as Jonah Hill, Netflix gear up for new releases

Tom Holland is back on set, filming the much-anticipated “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Tom Holland is back on set, filming the much-anticipated “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Sony recently released footage showing Holland riding a tank and interacting with fans — marking his first “day one” with fans on set for this project. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. Meanwhile, Jonah Hill is gearing up to release his…

Jones County Hosts Mary Persons In Scrimmage Game
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Jones County, Local Sports, Sports

Friday Night Football Scrimmages

Several Middle Georgia High School teams hit the gridiron Friday night to prepare for their season openers next week
Justin Dierkes,

MIDDLE GEORGIA – (41NBC/WMGT) – Several local football programs took the field Friday night for scrimmage games, to prepare for their season openers next week. In Gray, Jones County defeated Mary Persons 41-28 at Greyhound Stadium. The Greyhounds will head to Freedom Field to take on the Veterans Warhawks Friday in a rematch of last season’s week one matchup. The…

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Across Georgia Sports, Featured, Jones County, Local Sports, Sports

Former Jones County football coach accepts plea deal to tax evasion after months-long investigation

Mike Chastain was head football coach of the Greyhounds from 2019 until his resignation January 31, 2025
Justin Dierkes,

File: August 2022GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A months-long investigation into the Jones County High School football program concluded with a plea deal from former head coach Mike Chastain, who has repaid $24,500 to the Jones County Touchdown Club as part of a negotiated plea deal with Ocmulgee District Attorney T. Wright Barksdale III. The investigation began in January 2025 after…

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Elections, Featured, Georgia News, Local News, Politics

Georgia Democrat Mike Thurmond talks bid for governor

The Democratic primary field already includes State Sen. Jason Esteves and former Atlanta Mayor of Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – Mike Thurmond has held several elected offices across Georgia, and is looking to add the state’s top leadership position to that list. Earlier this week, Thurmond launched his campaign for governor, joining a growing Democratic primary field. Thurmond’s political career began in 1986 when he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives….
Bibb County, Featured, Georgia News, Local News

Middle Georgia synthetic drug trafficking operation leads to six federal charges

A federal grand jury returned the indictment on May 14, 2025, which was unsealed August 7.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Six people, including two Georgia inmates and two Chinese nationals, have been federally indicted for allegedly conspiring to distribute synthetic controlled substances, including fentanyl, into the Middle District of Georgia. A federal grand jury returned the indictment on May 14, 2025, which was unsealed August 7. The charges name: 44-year-old Devito Duran Young, aka “Big” or…

Consignment Event Georgia National Fairgrounds Perry August 8 2025
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Middle Georgia’s Largest Consignment Event returns to the Georgia National Fairgrounds

"So tons, clothing, toys, shoes, books, games," said Laura Johns, Founder of Tykes, Tots, & Teens.
Godfrey Hall,

(Photo Credit: Bre’Anna Sheffield/41NBC)PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia’s Largest Consignment Event returns to the McGill Building at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. The event is run by Tykes, Tots, & Teens and there are tons of items to choose from. They are open until 8:00 p.m. tonight and Saturday night there will be a 50% off sale on…

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Featured, Houston County, Local News

Perry Police determine no threat at high school after investigation

Officials say students are safe as multiple law enforcement units respond to scene
41NBC Web Producer,

Law enforcement responds to threat at Perry High School (Photo: Justin Dierkes/41NBC)UPDATE (5:45p.m.): Perry Police say they have determined the incident was the result of a “swatting” call. UPDATE (4:35p.m.): The Houston County School District says Perry High School was placed under a Code Yellow this afternoon as a precaution while law enforcement investigated a reported threat near the end…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Macon man charged with trafficking 15-year-old girl

To report suspected human trafficking in Georgia, call the Statewide 24-Hour Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-866-363-4842. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – A man is charged with trafficking a 15-year-old girl, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. 29-year-old Frank Boston of Bibb County was arrested and charged after investigators say the victim disclosed she was sold for sex out of multiple Macon motels in 2022. The charges were brought by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit….

Galleria Mall August 8 2025
Featured, Houston County

Warner Robins police officer injured, man dead after armed standoff at Galleria Mall in Centerville

Suspect opened fire after officers attempted contact in mall parking lot
Keenan Gibson, Monica Diaz-Meek,

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)UPDATE (8/8/2025 AT 2:51 p.m.) The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Michael Dewayne Bell of Fitzgerald, Georgia, according to Coroner James Williams. Bell was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for an autopsy. Next of kin has been notified. UPDATE (8/8/2025 at 1:45 p.m.) …

Positive Parenting: How Crisis Shapes A Child’s Brain
41 Today, 41 Today Get Smart, Featured

Positive Parenting: How crisis shapes a child’s brain

“In childhood, what we see is disruption in brain development, particularly in the areas of our brain that control our emotion regulation, our executive functioning and our memory,” explained Dr. Chavis.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

TAMPA, Florida – In the wake of Texas’ deadly floods, families across the country are grieving and worried about how trauma may impact the children who survived and the ones watching from afar. Experts say traumatic events, including natural disasters and extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, can rewire a child’s developing brain. But there is hope. The right…
Featured, Laurens County, Local News, WMGT

Dublin residents arrested on multiple drug trafficking, firearm charges

On August 7, the GBI Middle Georgia Gang Task Force executed a search warrant at a home on the 500 block of Pine Street in Dublin.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged two Dublin residents following a drug trafficking investigation in Laurens County, according to a news release. 36-year-old Brantley David Johnson and 49-year-old Makesha Latrise Johnson were charged with multiple counts including trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute ecstasy and cocaine, possession of firearms during…
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Houston County proposes 11% property tax increase over rollback rate for 2025

The board will vote on the 2025 tax digest after the final hearing.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC) HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – The Houston County Board of Commissioners announced Friday its intention to increase 2025 property taxes by 11.18% over the rollback millage rate, according to a news release. Each year, the county’s Board of Tax Assessors reviews property values for tax purposes. When recent sales show prices are increasing, state law requires…
Featured, Local News, Twiggs County

UPDATE: Twiggs County deputies identify man who ran from traffic stop

Olsen was arrested on August 7 and is charged with a window tint violation, two counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor willful obstruction of law enforcement officers.
Tucker Sargent, Monica Diaz-Meek,

UPDATE (8/8): The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man as 44-year-old Dusty Olsen. Olsen was arrested on August 7 and is charged with a window tint violation, two counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor willful obstruction of law enforcement officers. UPDATE (8/7): Twiggs County deputies say the search for a man who ran from…
Across the Nation, Featured

Southern California Canyon Fire rapidly expands amid multiple western wildfires

Another wildfire has broken out in Southern California, as the Canyon Fire ignited Thursday afternoon.
Keenan Gibson,

ChatGPT said: (CNN)- Another wildfire has broken out in Southern California, as the Canyon Fire ignited Thursday afternoon. Initially estimated at just 30 acres, the blaze rapidly expanded to more than 1,000 acres within two hours. By Thursday evening, the fire had scorched nearly 5,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders for residents in affected areas. The fire began in Ventura County…

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Featured, Weather

Warmer temperatures will bring increased rain chances

Karen Williams,

MACON. Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Wedge conditions are still in place, however, it has weakened a bit from the past few days. That means temperatures will be cooler than what we would expect for early August with temperatures in the mid to low 80s today and Saturday. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to upper 60s. Overall this…