Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Darth Vader’s Lightsaber and other iconic props head to auction

Darth Vader’s actual weapon from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi prepares to hit the auction block.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Darth Vader’s actual weapon from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi prepares to hit the auction block. The legendary prop is part of Prop Store’s upcoming Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, set for September. The presale estimate for Vader’s lightsaber: between $1 million and $3 million. But that’s not the only piece of Hollywood history up for…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump doubles down on tariffs as economists warn of rising consumer costs

President Donald Trump is defending his escalating tariff strategy—even as American consumers begin to feel the pinch.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- President Donald Trump is defending his escalating tariff strategy—even as American consumers begin to feel the pinch. Trump announced he is likely to impose new duties on pharmaceutical imports by the end of the month, with rates that could eventually climb as high as 200 percent. He also confirmed plans to implement a 19 percent tariff on goods from…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Woman dies after being found shot on Pio Nono Avenue

Macon-Bibb Coroner Leon Jones says the victim has been identified as Ashanti Macon.
Clayton Poulnott,

photo courtesy of MGNUPDATE: Bibb County deputies clarified on Thursday that a woman found shot Tuesday night was actually shot in the back alleyway of Raines Lane near the 1400 block of Pio Nono Avenue. MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A woman is dead after a shooting in west Macon on Tuesday night. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, it…

Chief Woodard Gfx
Featured, Local News, Peach County

Fort Valley Fire Chief Antonio Woodard laid to rest

His wife of 12 years, Korina Woodard, says her husband wasn't only a fire chief but a leader and friend to everyone he encountered.    
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

City of Fort ValleyFORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Former Fort Valley Fire Chief Antonio Woodard was laid to rest at Willow Lake Memorial Gardens Tuesday in a service that drew family, friends, residents and officials from across Middle Georgia. His wife of 12 years, Korina Woodard, says her husband wasn’t only a fire chief but a leader and friend to…

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Featured, Houston County, Local News

Warner Robins’ FY 2026 budget reflects economic uncertainty

“City employees will pay five dollars extra per pay period for individual medical insurance, and a $10 increase for families per pay period."
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The fiscal year 2026 budget for the City of Warner Robins totals nearly $180 million, with increases to services such as public safety, public works and recreation. But Mayor LaRhonda Patrick says the city took a more conservative approach to crafting this year’s budget, citing economic concerns nationally and globally. “We see…
Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

Houston County launches new Houston Alerts emergency notification system

The free service replaces the county’s previous CodeRED alert system, which will be deactivated on July 22, 2025.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County Emergency Management has launched Houston Alerts, a new emergency notification system aimed at keeping residents and visitors informed during critical situations. The free service replaces the county’s previous CodeRED alert system, which will be deactivated on July 22, 2025. Residents who were previously signed up for CodeRED will not be automatically transferred to…

Piedmont Shares Importance Of Getting Screened For Cancer
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Piedmont shares importance of getting screened for cancer

Dr. Chantelle Martin, a resident physician at Piedmont Macon, says early detection is important.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon is highlighting the importance of cancer screenings and stressing the value of early detection. Dr. Chantelle Martin, a resident physician at Piedmont Macon, said early detection is important and can change lives. “Early screening means that we’re trying to catch cancer at the very early stages,” Martin said. “It’s that first initial start of…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Seasonal conditions roll on Wednesday

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Partly sunny and near average temperatures are expected across Middle Georgia Wednesday. This Evening Scattered clouds will remain overhead through the late afternoon and evening. One or two showers or a storm will be possible through the evening and into early tonight. Skies should be mostly clear after midnight. Expect lows in the low to mid…
41 Today, 41 Today Community, Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Georgia Transplant Foundation to host Trends in Transplant conference in Macon

Lillie Bradley, a volunteer with the Georgia Transplant Foundation, says it is important to learn about the resources available for people who need transplants.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Transplant Foundation will host its Trends in Transplant conference on July 19 to educate and support transplant patients, recipients, living donors, and their caregivers. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church in Macon. Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. Lillie Bradley, a volunteer with the Georgia…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Eight inmates released from Bibb County Jail under justice reform initiative

The initiative, announced last month in June, included an audit intended to assess inmate charges, the length of their stay, service needs and eligibility for new rehabilitation programs.
Fiona King,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says eight of the expected 150 inmates have been released under Mayor Lester Miller’s justice reform initiative. The initiative, announced last month in June, included an audit intended to assess inmate charges, the length of their stay, service needs and eligibility for new rehabilitation programs. However, the progress has been slower…

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Featured, Houston County

Houston County law enforcement seeks to curb family violence surge

According to the Houston County Sheriff's Office, there have been 12 homicides in the county this year, 9 of which were directly related to acts of family violence.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Law enforcement agencies across Houston County are coming together, looking to put an end to the surge in crimes related to domestic violence. According to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, there have been 12 homicides in the county this year, 9 of which were directly related to acts of family violence. At…

restaurant report card food service inspection scores health safety ratings 41nbc macon warner robins dublin middle georgia central
Baldwin County, Bibb County, Bleckley County, Crawford County, Dodge County, Dooly County, Featured, Hancock County, Health, Houston County, Johnson County, Jones County, Laurens County, Local News, Macon County, Monroe County, Peach County, Pulaski County, Restaurant Report Card, Taylor County, Telfair County, Treutlen County, Twiggs County, Washington County, Wheeler County, Wilcox County, Wilkinson County

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores July 7-11

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, July 7 and Friday, July 11.
Tucker Sargent,

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, July 7 and Friday, July 11. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Neil Diamond returns

A legendary voice made a surprise return in Hollywood.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A legendary voice made a surprise return in Hollywood. Neil Diamond shocked theatergoers when he appeared at a performance of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, leading the audience in a rousing singalong of his 1969 classic, “Sweet Caroline.” The moment was especially poignant — Diamond retired from touring in 2018 after revealing his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Despite…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump announces major military support for Ukraine, issues ultimatum to Putin

As Russian attacks on Ukraine continue to escalate, President Donald Trump is expressing growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)-As Russian attacks on Ukraine continue to escalate, President Donald Trump is expressing growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin—and unveiling a new plan to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. “We want to see it end. And I’m disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said during a joint appearance with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. In a marked shift in tone and policy,…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Prime Day drives $24B in sales, Pentagon awards AI contracts

Amazon's annual Prime Day event generated a staggering $24 billion in U.S. e-commerce sales over four days, according to Adobe Analytics.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Amazon’s annual Prime Day event generated a staggering $24 billion in U.S. e-commerce sales over four days, according to Adobe Analytics. While Amazon itself doesn’t release official sales figures, Adobe reported that sales momentum started slow but surged by Day 3. Artificial intelligence played a surprising role in the shopping spree. Adobe noted a 3,300% spike in Gen AI-related…
Across the Nation, Featured

Severe weather nationwide: Floods, fires, and travel disruptions coast to coast

Tens of millions of Americans are either bracing for severe weather or recovering from its destructive aftermath.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Tens of millions of Americans are either bracing for severe weather or recovering from its destructive aftermath. In the Northeast, overnight flooding left a trail of damage. New Jersey is now under a state of emergency, and in New York, floodwaters inundated subway stations, damaging some train cars. One man was rescued from a flooded suburban area, while other…

Several Middle Georgians Were Drafted At The Mlb Draft
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

Middle Georgia Talent Selected in MLB Draft

Baseball talent that once shined in Middle Georgia, have been selected in the MLB draft
Justin Dierkes,

MIDDLE GEORGIA – (41NBC/WMGT) – Before the Home Run Derby took center stage Monday night, the 2025 MLB Draft got underway Sunday with several familiar names earning their shot at the big leagues. On Monday night, former Houston County High School star and Florida State standout Gage Harrelson, who also played for the Macon Bacon, was selected in the 16th…

Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Health Care & Food Security For Thousands Of Georgians
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Georgia News, Health, Local News

Georgia health leaders warn federal budget law could force hospital closures, cut Medicaid and SNAP

Georgia health advocates say the new federal budget could cut Medicaid, threaten SNAP benefits and trigger rural hospital closures in several counties.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Experts say the newly signed federal budget law, signed by President Trump on July 4, is threatening the health, food security and stability of families across Georgia. Director of Health Justice & Georgia Budget & Policy Institute Leah Chan says health care provisions in the bill threaten the health and economic security of Georgia’s low-income families….

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Featured, Weather

Thunderstorm chances increase this week

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Heat Advisory has been issued for most of Middle and East Central Georgia until 8 pm this evening. Starting off with a fairly rinse and repeat conditions today. Modest high pressure and ridging keeps temperatures hot with flow from the West to Southwest.  Dewpoints in the 70s and temperatures in the mid to upper 90s…
Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

Man sentenced after brutal assault on pregnant woman in Perry

22-year-old Marquavious Rashawn Manning pleaded guilty to false imprisonment on July 7, just before jury selection was scheduled to begin in his trial.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Perry man has been sentenced to prison for false imprisonment in connection to a brutal domestic attack that occurred while he was out on bond for a previous armed offense, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. 22-year-old Marquavious Rashawn Manning pleaded guilty to false imprisonment on July 7, just before jury selection was…
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Houston County, Jones County, Local News, Monroe County, WMGT

Crimestoppers seeking woman wanted for exploitation of elderly, obstruction

Today's word of the day: Pride
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Sgt. Greg Thomas of Macon Regional Crimestoppers appeared on 41Today to highlight five suspects currently wanted by law enforcement in Middle Georgia and to share the organization’s word of the day. Crimestoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement agencies across eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following…

Chief Woodard Gfx
Featured, Local News, Peach County

UPDATE: Funeral services announced for Fort Valley Fire Chief Antonio Woodard

Fort Valley Fire Chief Antonio Woodard died at his home in Fort Valley, according to a city news release.
Tucker Sargent,

City of Fort ValleyUPDATE (7/14/25): The funeral service for longtime Fire Chief Antonio Woodard will be held Tuesday, July 15 at 2 p.m. at Faith Babies Ministries Church Of God By Faith (1000 Tulip Dr, Fort Valley), with burial to follow at Willow Lake Memorial Gardens (1854 Willow Lake Road). Read Woodard’s obituary here.   FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –…