Georgia's Political Scene Is Heating Up, As Lt. Governor Burt Jones Announces He's Running For Governor In 2026
Featured, Georgia News, Politics

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones launches 2026 Georgia governor campaign with income tax repeal plan

Jones says he wants to eliminate the state income tax and he is backing his campaign with his own money.
Tyrik Wynn,

JACKSON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia’s 2026 race for governor is starting early, and one of the state’s top leaders is officially in. Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced this month that he’s running for governor, and he’s already laying out ideas and putting his own money behind the campaign. “I’m going to be the best person in the race with the…

Pkg00 00 22 25still001
Bibb County, Featured

Macon-Bibb County Commissioners vote to formally support intercity passenger rail bid

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) paved the way for the Atlanta-Savannah Corridor proposal, which is currently in the pipeline for more federal funding. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is exploring five different routes for the project, with one including an intermediate stop in Macon. 
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon-Bibb County Commission has agreed to formally support a passenger rail service connecting Atlanta to Macon to Savannah. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) paved the way for the Atlanta-Savannah Corridor proposal, which is currently in the pipeline for more federal funding. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is exploring…

Screenshot 2025 07 16 163045
Featured, Local News, Weather

Rain odds stay low; heat climbs again Thursday

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures dipped slightly Wednesday thanks to proximity to Invest93L. They will climb more as that system moves west in the Gulf. This Evening There was a decent amount of cloud cover this morning thanks to Invest93L lurking to the southwest in the Gulf of America. This has led to some nice breezes around the region which…

Amerson River Park Macon Bibb Photo Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Three dead after drowning at Amerson River Park in Macon

Amerson River Park is currently closed as first responders continue their search efforts.
Clayton Poulnott, Monica Diaz-Meek,

Photo: Macon-Bibb CountyUPDATE (7/16/2025 at 3:11 p.m.) The three people who went missing after drowning at Amerson River Park have all been found dead, according to Deputy Coroner Ronnie Miley. The 7-year-old girl has been identified as Summer McRae  and was pronounced dead at 10:06 a.m. The 28-year-old man has been identified as Johnny Collins III and was pronounced dead…

Humanitarian Gang Inc. To Host Back To School Drive Thru Giveaway
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Humanitarian Gang Inc. to host back to school drive-thru giveaway

Victoria Hudson, founder and executive director of Humanitarian Gang Inc., says the giveaway is open to the community.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Humanitarian Gang Inc. will host its third annual back-to-school drive-thru giveaway on July 19 in Macon. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at 1065 Anthony Road and is open to the community, according to Victoria Hudson, founder and executive director of Humanitarian Gang Inc. Free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed…
Tech Report

Tech Report: U.S. tech giants shift supply chains, boost AI

NVIDIA shares surged to a record high Tuesday
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- NVIDIA shares surged to a record high Tuesday after the chipmaker announced it is seeking a license to resume sales of its powerful H-20 GPU chips in China. The product, previously restricted under U.S. export controls, is used for high-performance graphics processing. In a blog post, NVIDIA said it hopes to “start deliveries soon” after the export ban cost…

Mgn 1280x720 21005p00 Dyxnc
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

I-16/I-75 traffic shift begins July 25 in Macon as new eastbound lanes open

The shift was originally scheduled to begin July 18, but GDOT officials said the date was moved to allow the public more time to prepare.
Tucker Sargent, Monica Diaz-Meek,

FileUPDATE (7/16/2025): Drivers on Interstate 75 in Macon will begin using newly constructed I-16 eastbound lanes starting July 25 as part of a six-month traffic shift at the I-16/I-75 interchange, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The shift was originally scheduled to begin July 18, but GDOT officials said the date was moved to allow the public more time…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Prices Rise for food items, Fed Chair faces uncertain future

From your morning coffee to your weekend burger, prices on some common indulgences ticked higher in June.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- From your morning coffee to your weekend burger, prices on some common indulgences ticked higher in June. New data shows the median price of a premium cup of coffee, cold brew, beer, and a burger all rose slightly last month. However, there were a few bright spots for consumers—burritos and chicken wings dropped modestly in price, and the cost…
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…

Pkg00 00 42 21still001
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…

Screenshot 2025 07 15 163441
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…

Pic
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…

Sot 100 00 10 19still001
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…