Cartel arrest sparks violence in Mexico ahead of World Cup

Violence is escalating in western Mexico following a major cartel arrest, raising concerns about security as the country prepares to host the World Cup.

(CNN)- Scenes of burned-out businesses and smoke-filled streets have emerged in the state of Nayarit after authorities dealt what they describe as a significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexican officials confirmed the arrest of Audias Flores Silva, also known as “El Jardinero,” during a military operation Monday. Video released by authorities shows him being detained after emerging…

FCC orders early renewals for Disney stations amid Kimmel controversy

If those renewals are denied, the stations could lose their ability to broadcast.

(NBC)- An unprecedented move by the Federal Communications Commission is raising questions about the future of several major local TV stations owned by The Walt Disney Company. The FCC has ordered eight Disney-owned local stations in major cities—including Fresno, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Houston and Durham—to file for early license renewals years ahead of schedule. If those renewals…

Severe storms and wildfires impact multiple states

A powerful tornado has caused significant damage in Mineral Wells as a widespread severe weather outbreak continues across the central and southern United States.

(CNN)- A powerful tornado has caused significant damage in Mineral Wells as a widespread severe weather outbreak continues across the central and southern United States. Local officials say parts of the town—located about 80 miles west of Dallas—were flattened Tuesday when the storm tore through the area, injuring several people. At least two victims were hospitalized. “Both county judges are…

Off and on storms possible through tonight

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A slow advancing cold front will continue to bring showers and storms to Middle Georgia through tonight and into tomorrow. This Evening and Overnight   Skies across Middle Georgia will remain overcast through this evening and tonight as rain chances remain elevated. Overall activity should be isolated in nature until overnight when another widespread wave of…

Law enforcement seizes guns, drugs during Macon traffic operation

Deputies say the operation included traffic stops across Macon and involved multiple agencies.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A multi-agency traffic enforcement operation in Macon led to more than a dozen arrests and the seizure of drugs and firearms, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. According to a sheriff’s office news release, “Operation Safe Streets” was carried out Friday, April 24 by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division, with assistance from the…

Gov. Kemp warns Georgia wildfires will continue despite recent rain

Pineland Road Fire expands with evacuations underway

Gov. Brian Kemp toured wildfire-impacted areas as drought conditions continue to fuel fires across the state.(CNN)- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp toured parts of the state Tuesday impacted by ongoing wildfires as dry conditions continue to fuel fire activity. Officials say low humidity and persistent drought have contributed to the spread of fires across parts of Georgia. Rain that moved through…

What weight-loss drugs mean for wedding dress fittings

New waivers aim to protect stores from costly alterations

Bridal shops report more last-minute purchases and changes in shopping timelines.(CNN)- Some bridal shops are now asking brides to sign legal waivers as rapid weight loss tied to popular medications creates new challenges for fittings and alterations. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, stores are seeing more customers lose significant weight in a short period of time,…

Macon, Gray officials urge water conservation as Georgia enters Level 1 drought response

Officials say water systems remain stable but encourage residents to cut back on usage

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has declared a Level 1 drought response across the state. The first level of drought response focuses on public awareness and voluntary water conservation. Officials recommend fixing leaks, cutting back on water use, and only watering outdoors between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Macon Water Authority Communications Specialist Rachad Hollis…

Paula’s Closet provides free clothing each week in Macon

Volunteers say the program helps homeless and low-income residents with essentials every Tuesday.

Local volunteer clothing center (PHOTO: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A local clothing center in Macon is providing free clothing and essentials each week to people in need, including those experiencing homelessness and low-income residents. Every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., a clothing center by the name of Paula’s Closet gives away clothing, shoes, socks and undergarments…

Cancer screenings could save your life, local doctor urges early detection

According to Dale, these screenings can identify cancer before symptoms even appear, often leading to significantly better outcomes for patients.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dr. Paul Dale, a local medical expert is encouraging Middle Georgians to prioritize their health by staying up to date on routine cancer screenings. Medical professionals emphasize that common screening options include mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer, and skin checks for early signs of skin cancer….

Florida grad student murders allegedly planned, suspect used AI chatbot before and after killings

Authorities say Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both Bangladeshi doctoral students, were last seen alive on April 16.

(NBC)- Prosecutors say the murders of two graduate students in Tampa were premeditated—and allege the suspect used an AI chatbot before and after the victims disappeared. Authorities say Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both Bangladeshi doctoral students, were last seen alive on April 16. According to court filings, the suspect—identified as Hisham Abugharbieh—allegedly asked OpenAI’s chatbot about disposing of a…

Severe storms leave damage across Midwest and Plains

Severe weather sweeping across the central United States has left a trail of destruction, with high winds, flooding and tornadoes impacting multiple states.

(CNN)- Severe weather sweeping across the central United States has left a trail of destruction, with high winds, flooding and tornadoes impacting multiple states. In Wisconsin, homeowners are assessing the damage after powerful winds tore through communities. “He texted me… ‘is this your house?’” said one homeowner, describing the moment he learned his property had been hit. “I got a…

King Charles visits Washington amid diplomatic tensions

King Charles is set to address Congress, delivering a message focused on strengthening the U.S.-U.K. alliance and reinforcing shared democratic values, according to Buckingham Palace officials.

(NBC)- A ceremonial state visit is underway in Washington as King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in the U.S., blending royal pageantry with complex geopolitical challenges. King Charles is set to address Congress, delivering a message focused on strengthening the U.S.-U.K. alliance and reinforcing shared democratic values, according to Buckingham Palace officials. The visit comes at a sensitive time,…

Morning Business Report: Airline merger scrapped, Party City expands

A potential airline mega-merger is off the table, while retailers and markets continue to shift.

(LILAMAX)- United Airlines says its proposed merger with American Airlines will not move forward after American declined to engage in talks. United CEO Scott Kirby said the deal could have been “transformational,” helping improve international service and better compete with rivals like Delta Air Lines. However, he confirmed the idea is now “off the table for the foreseeable future.” Meanwhile,…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspections April 20-24

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, April 20 and Friday, April 24.

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, April 20 and Friday, April 24. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Kelvin King outlines election reform and government efficiency plans in Secretary of State bid

Republican candidate for Georgia Secretary of State Kelvin King is laying out a platform centered on election reform, voter roll management, and government efficiency as he seeks to oversee one of the state’s most influential offices.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Kelvin King, a U.S. Air Force veteran and business owner, is running on a message of restoring public confidence in Georgia’s elections and modernizing how the state manages both its voting systems and business services. His campaign emphasizes structural changes to election administration, including replacing Georgia’s current voting system with hand-marked paper ballots and hand-counted results….

Rick Jackson reshapes Georgia Governor’s race with his agenda and high-Stakes GOP Primary

Rick Jackson's platform centers heavily on affordability, including plans to cut the state income tax, freeze property taxes, and hold down the cost of higher education.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia’s Republican race for governor continues to escalate as candidate Rick Jackson emerges as a major contender, bringing a mix of bold policy proposals, personal wealth, and political controversy into the spotlight. Jackson, a healthcare executive and first-time candidate, has built his campaign around the idea of being a political outsider focused on results rather than…

Greg Dolezal highlights legislative record in bid for Georgia Lt. Governor

State Senator Greg Dolezal has backed and authored measures related to school choice expansion, restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public schools, and legislation addressing transgender participation in girls’ and women’s sports.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia State Senator Greg Dolezal has entered the race for lieutenant governor, positioning himself as a results-driven conservative focused on education reform, election integrity, and economic policy. His campaign platform also emphasizes business experience, pointing to his background founding and leading companies across multiple industries, including technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Dolezal argues that this private-sector experience…

John Francis Coyne III switches political parties and is running for U.S. Senate

John Francis Coyne III's past policy positions included raising the minimum wage, implementing a flat tax system, and proposing taxes on nonprofit organizations, ideas that sparked debate for their scope and feasibility.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – John Coyne is not entirely new to the political arena. He previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2016 as a Democrat, positioning himself at the time as a centrist candidate with a mix of liberal and conservative ideas. His past policy positions included raising the minimum wage, implementing a flat tax system, and proposing taxes on…

Middle Georgia firefighters deploy to help battle South Georgia wildfires

Departments say crews are working multi-day shifts as agencies across the region send support.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fire departments across Middle Georgia are coming together, answering the call for help as wildfires continue to burn in Brantley County. Four firefighters from the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department deployed Monday morning, volunteering to be part of the first wave. “One of those things is that our firefighters are always willing to go above and beyond,”…

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Amanda Duffy outlines her platform for Georgia Governor

Amanda Duffy, who describes herself as a working-class mother “in financial survival mode,” says her campaign is centered on representing families who feel left behind by traditional politics. Unlike many candidates with political or corporate backgrounds, Duffy says her lived experience is what sets her apart.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Amanda Duffy, democratic candidate for governor of Georgia is making her case to voters, despite facing long odds in a crowded and competitive race. “All Georgians deserve the opportunity to thrive, not just survive,” Duffy says, a message that anchors her campaign. Duffy’s platform focuses heavily on economic issues, including restructuring Georgia’s current flat income tax…

Attorney General Chris Carr makes case for Governor, emphasizing public safety and economic growth

Attorney General Chris Carr, who has served as Georgia’s Attorney General since 2016, is now seeking the Republican nomination in what is expected to be a competitive 2026 race to replace term-limited Governor Brian Kemp.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Attorney General Chris Carr is taking his campaign for governor directly to voters, outlining a platform centered on public safety, economic growth, and affordability. Throughout his campaign, Carr has leaned heavily on his record as the state’s top law enforcement official. His office created specialized units targeting human trafficking, gang activity, and organized retail crime, efforts…

Atrium Health expands student therapy access

Officials say the program connects students with licensed therapists within days to address anxiety, depression and more.

Atrium Health school therapy program (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) —Atrium Health’s school-based virtual therapy program is now offering students in middle through high school students’ greater access to mental health services.  The virtual mental health services address anxiety, depression and behavioral issues, reducing the number of missed school days and lowering any obstacles children may face.  Donnie Mitchem, the director for…