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…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump defends new tariff plan as consumers and businesses voice concerns

President Donald Trump is celebrating his new tariff plan one day after it took effect, imposing import fees of 10 to 50 percent on goods from more than 90 countries.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is celebrating his new tariff plan one day after it took effect, imposing import fees of 10 to 50 percent on goods from more than 90 countries. “We have a country that’s the hottest country in the world right now,” Trump said Friday, touting the policy as an economic win. But while the White House praises…
Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Trump expands 401(k) investment options as companies boost office attendance

President Trump has signed an executive order allowing more investment options in 401(k) retirement plans.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – President Trump has signed an executive order allowing more investment options in 401(k) retirement plans. Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, savers can now include alternative assets like cryptocurrency, real estate, and private companies. While this could potentially boost returns, it also introduces additional risks. Financial experts recommend consulting multiple advisors before making changes and checking for any adjustments…

John Milledge Battles Ace In Their Scrimmage Opener
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Local Sports, Sports

Thursday Night Football Scrimmage in Macon

ACE hosted John Milledge Academy, while Westside and Southwest battled at Ed Defore Sports Complex
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Two GHSA High School football scrimmages got underway Thursday night, as teams prepare for Week One of the 2025 season next week. The Academy of Classical Education Gryphons hosted the John Milledge Academy Trojans at Perkins Field in Gryphon Stadium. The Trojans grabbed three touchdowns in the first half behind a great running game. ACE…

Cancer Survivor Painting class
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Piedmont Macon healing art classes offer cancer survivors community and hope

Cancer survivor Gail Overturl says when battling cancer there's not much to look forward to, but with these classes that has all changed.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

Cancer Survivor Painting class (photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon regularly hosts creative healing art classes for cancer survivors. The motivation is fueled by the reality that facing cancer can feel isolating for many people, but finding a community of survivors can provide strength and hope. That’s why Piedmont Macon encourages survivors to join its creative healing classes…
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Local News

Georgia leaders highlight link between education and workforce development

Chancellor Perdue and Labor Commissioner Rivera Holmes say education drives Georgia's economic growth
Denise Turner,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Corporations, no matter how big or small, are looking to hire the best and brightest employees.  That was the message from the 2025 Macon & Eggs: Education breakfast forum, which brought together local, regional, and state leaders in education and workforce development. The Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, Dr. Sonny Perdue, said education and the…
Featured, Tech Report

Tech Report: Trump announces 100% chip tariff, Apple boosts U.S. investment, and WhatsApp fights scams

President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all imported semiconductors and computer chips.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all imported semiconductors and computer chips, with one major exception: companies that are actively “building in the United States” will be exempt. Details on how much domestic manufacturing is required to qualify for that exemption were not immediately released, leaving tech firms and analysts waiting for further clarification. The announcement…
Around the World, Featured

Kremlin hints at Trump-Putin summit as Ukraine’s role remains unclear

A top Kremlin aide says Presidents Trump and Putin may meet "in the coming days," with a location already agreed upon in principle, according to reporting from NBC News’ Keir Simmons.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- A top Kremlin aide says Presidents Trump and Putin may meet “in the coming days,” with a location already agreed upon in principle, according to reporting from NBC News’ Keir Simmons. The Russian government is said to be “quite positive” about the possibility of a summit as early as next week. However, Moscow appears to be dismissive of a…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Motorcyclist identified after fatal crash on Columbus Road

The crash happened around 9 a.m. near the intersection of Columbus West Drive on August 7.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 23-year-old man is dead after a traffic collision Thursday morning on Columbus Road, according to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones. The crash happened around 9 a.m. near the intersection of Columbus West Drive on August 7. Jones said a motorist driving a Ford minivan was traveling west on Columbus Road when it collided with a…

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Featured, Weather

Middle Georgia begins to dry out as temps rise

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Flood Warning continues for the Ocmulgee River until Saturday morning. For today drier air is in place across the state. With the erosion of the wedge, additional heating is expected. Daytime highs will surge into the mid 70s to upper 80s. With this additional energy and decreased stability, the influence of the wedge begins to…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning business report: Apple expands U.S. investment, Claire’s files for bankruptcy again, tariffs hit retail and beauty

Apple is doubling down on its U.S. investment
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – Apple is doubling down on its U.S. investment. The tech giant announced it will invest an additional $100 billion in the United States, on top of the $500 billion previously committed. The announcement, made at the White House, supports suppliers across all 50 states. The expanded investment includes major funding for glassmakers producing parts for iPhones and Apple…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump announces tariffs, warns of sanctions ahead of key global deadlines

In a high-profile Oval Office meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on semiconductors and computer chips.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- In a high-profile Oval Office meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on semiconductors and computer chips, signaling a sharp turn in U.S. trade policy aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. The President touted Apple’s commitment to invest $600 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next four years, calling it a model for other companies…
Across the Nation, Featured

Severe weather across the nation: Deadly floods in North Carolina, raging fires in the west

Fast-moving flash floods turned deadly in North Carolina on Wednesday, claiming two lives in Nash County.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Fast-moving flash floods turned deadly in North Carolina on Wednesday, claiming two lives in Nash County. Authorities say a vehicle was overtaken by rising waters, prompting a swift rescue attempt. “They managed to get out of the vehicle and police responded — but despite an officer’s heroic efforts, they fell in the water and were swept away,” officials said….
Entertainment, Featured

Hollywood Minute: Dolly Parton takes Nashville, new music documentary, Power Rangers in Fortnite

Country icon Dolly Parton kicks off a star-studded announcement: Stand Up To Cancer is headed to Music City.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Country icon Dolly Parton kicks off a star-studded announcement: Stand Up To Cancer is headed to Music City. This year’s televised fundraiser will be hosted by Sheryl Crow and feature appearances by Reese Witherspoon, Tim McGraw, and more. The special airs Friday, August 15th, across more than 30 broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms, uniting celebrities and viewers in the…

Northside Takes On Rutland In Their Softball Season Opener Game
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Houston County, Local Sports, Sports

Northside Shuts Out Rutland in Softball Season Opener

The Lady Eagles beat the Lady Hurricanes 15-0 in three innings at Dyson Field
Justin Dierkes,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Wednesday evening, the Northside Lady Eagles and Rutland Lady Hurricanes opened their softball seasons at Dyson Field in Warner Robins. Northside and Rutland are both looking to improve after a 4-win and 7-win 2024 season, respectfully. Northside opened the game with 13 runs in the bottom first and added two more in the…

Ace Defeats Region Opponent Dodge County For First Win Of Season
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Dodge County, Local Sports, Sports

ACE Defeats Region Opponent Dodge County for First Win of Season

The Lady Gryphons win their first game in the post-Josh McLendon era 10-2 over the Lady Indians in GHSA Class A D-1 Region Play
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Wednesday night at Gryphon Field, the A.C.E. Lady Gryphons defeated region opponent the Dodge County Lady Indians at home 10-2 to get their first win of the season. A.C.E. scored six runs in the bottom fourth behind a grand slam from Senior Sophie Denney. They scored three more runs in the bottom sixth before…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Shuster’s Candy and Creamery opens in downtown Macon with family legacy

Family-owned ice cream shop revives a sweet legacy on Poplar Street
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

Shuster’s Candy and Creamery (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Downtown Macon has a new destination for sweet treats with the recent opening of Shuster’s Candy and Creamery on Poplar Street. Owners Jonathan and Tennille Shuster opened the creamery on July 30 after three years of planning. The couple said the new shop is a revival of a family legacy…