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) –…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Congress eyes major crypto legislation as ‘Crypto Week’ begins

Congress is on the verge of reshaping American finance as lawmakers prepare to tackle three major cryptocurrency bills during what’s being called “Crypto Week.”
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Congress is on the verge of reshaping American finance as lawmakers prepare to tackle three major cryptocurrency bills during what’s being called “Crypto Week.” The legislation will address stablecoins, the development of a government-backed digital currency, and new rules for crypto trading—marking a pivotal moment in the country’s approach to digital assets. Meanwhile, the tech world is racing ahead…
Baldwin County, Bibb County, Bleckley County, Crawford County, Dodge County, Dooly County, Featured, Hancock County, Houston County, Johnson County, Jones County, Lamar County, Laurens County, Local News, Macon County, Monroe County, Peach County, Pulaski County, Taylor County, Telfair County, Treutlen County, Twiggs County, Washington County, Wheeler County, Wilcox County, Wilkinson County, WMGT

Operation Southern Slow Down targets speeders on Georgia highways

The effort includes participation from five states—Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee—in a coordinated push to reduce deadly driving behaviors during one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia law enforcement is joining officers across the Southeast for a weeklong crackdown on speeding and aggressive driving, according to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. Operation Southern Slow Down runs from July 15 through July 20, with officers increasing patrols on major highways and interstates. The effort includes participation from five states—Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Billy Joel doc, Murderbot renewal, Superman’s Clark Kent reveal

The official trailer has dropped for “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” an upcoming documentary chronicling the life and career of the legendary “Piano Man.”
Keenan Gibson,

(CN N)- The official trailer has dropped for “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” an upcoming documentary chronicling the life and career of the legendary “Piano Man.” The HBO Max docuseries will air in two parts—the first half premiering Friday, July 18, followed by the second installment on July 25. Featuring Joel’s own candid commentary, the film dives into the…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Trump unleashes new tariffs, reshapes education policy

President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new set of tariffs this week, targeting two of America’s key trading partners.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new set of tariffs this week, targeting two of America’s key trading partners. Starting August 1, the U.S. will impose a 30% tariff on goods imported from the European Union and Mexico. However, Trump says EU companies can sidestep the levies entirely—if they relocate production to the United States.  Mexico, calling the tariffs…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump escalates trade tensions with new tariffs on Mexico and EU

President Donald Trump is reigniting trade battles with two major U.S. allies
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is reigniting trade battles with two major U.S. allies, announcing over the weekend that new 30 percent tariffs will be imposed on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting August 1st. The move adds fresh strain to already tense economic relationships, though the president says he’s still open to striking deals. “We’re dealing with other…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump criticizes Putin, backs NATO arms deal

President Donald Trump says he may make a significant announcement regarding Russia, following growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- President Donald Trump says he may make a significant announcement regarding Russia, following growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hosting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today, Trump appeared to signal a shift in tone—moving closer to NATO and further away from the Kremlin. “I am very disappointed with President Putin,” Trump said. “I thought he was somebody that…

Perry High School Wrestling Team Involved In Bus Crash In Dodge County
Across Georgia Sports, Dodge County, Featured, Houston County, Local Sports, Sports

Perry High School Wrestling Team Involved in Bus Crash in Dodge County

Everyone involved in the crash is now safe, according to the Houston County District Spokesperson
Justin Dierkes,

RHINE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – A Perry High School wrestling team bus crashed into a tree Thursday night in Dodge County as the team was returning from an event, according to the Houston County School District. The crash occurred in the town of Rhine when a large tree suddenly fell across the road. The bus driver was unable to avoid…

Red Cross Blood Shortage
Bibb County, Featured, Georgia News, Local News

Red Cross Blood Shortage

Lawler says every two seconds somebody in the county needs blood, and the American Red cross supplies 40 percent of the nation's blood supply  
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Communications manager Suzanne Lawler says during the summer seasons donating blood isn’t necessarily at the top of most people’s list.   “But it is the most altruistic thing you can do. we have blood drives here in this office every Wednesday and I talk to people. And they come in and day my family member needed…

Screenshot 2025 07 11 184652
Featured, Weather

The heat is on for the weekend

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Scattered thunderstorms are once again expected. Coverage may not be as widespread as yesterday with a shortwave moving out of the Ohio Valley and a modest ridge on top of the coverage area. No significant airmass changes are expected through Saturday, so we are likely to see the same conditions for Saturday as well. Thunderstorms could…

Positive Parenting: What Parents Need To Know About The Heat
41 Today, Featured, WMGT

Positive Parenting: What parents need to know about the heat

Children heat up faster than adults, that’s why you need to make sure you have a place too cool off.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

GAINESVILLE, Florida – The summer heat is on and it’s getting hotter and deadlier. Kids are among the most vulnerable. From the playground to football practice, extreme temperatures can turn dangerous — fast. Fires, floods, hurricanes and tornado’s — all dangerous — but extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather event. Last year at least…

Bibb County Jail Altercation Aftermath Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: 18 inmates face new charges in Bibb County jail death investigation

Eighteen inmates at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center are facing additional charges in connection to a June 4 incident that left one person dead.
Tucker Sargent, Monica Diaz-Meek,

File (June 4, 2025)UPDATE (7/11/2025): Eighteen inmates at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center are facing additional charges in connection to a June 4 incident that left one person dead. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were notified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that further charges have been filed following continued investigation into the case. Several inmates…
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Forsyth to celebrate Christmas in July with vendors, music and family fun

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Forsyth Main Street parking lot and will feature live music, games for kids, and a variety of local vendors.
Denise Turner,

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re looking for something to do next Friday, Forsyth is getting festive with its annual Christmas in July celebration. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18 in the Forsyth Main Street parking lot and will feature live music, games for kids, and a variety of local vendors. Kemie Childs,…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Bitcoin soars, tech news surges, major layoffs hit job sites

Bitcoin investors had a banner day Thursday, as the flagship cryptocurrency surged to a new all-time high, topping $113,000.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Bitcoin investors had a banner day Thursday, as the flagship cryptocurrency surged to a new all-time high, topping $113,000. The rally, driven by a wave of investor confidence in riskier assets, also boosted the value of other major cryptocurrencies including Ether, Solana, and Dogecoin. Bitcoin has now remained above the $100,000 mark for more than 60 consecutive days, with…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Deadly head-on crash under investigation in Bibb County

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 and ask to speak with a fatality investigator.
Keenan Gibson, Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man is dead after a head-on crash late Thursday night on Rocky Creek Road, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the crash happened just before 11 p.m. on July 10, when an SUV traveling east crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with an 18-wheeler near Jennifer Drive. The driver of…
Across the Nation, Featured

President Trump visits Central Texas as flood recovery continues

One week after catastrophic floodwaters tore through Central Texas, President Donald Trump is traveling to the region today to witness the devastation firsthand.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- One week after catastrophic floodwaters tore through Central Texas, President Donald Trump is traveling to the region today to witness the devastation firsthand and meet with survivors, volunteers, and emergency responders. The president tours flood-ravaged areas described as the “broken heart of a national tragedy,” where more than 2,000 first responders and an army of volunteers continue working around…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Tariffs, flood insurance, and market highs

President Trump issued a new tariff proposal late last night—this time targeting Canada.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- President Trump issued a new tariff proposal late last night—this time targeting Canada. The plan calls for a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, set to take effect August 1st. In defense and energy news, the Department of Defense announced it will invest $400 million in MP Materials, which operates the only rare earth mine in the United States. Rare…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Superman returns to theaters as Tom Morello drops new protest song

“Superman,” the latest installment from writer-director James Gunn, hits theaters with a familiar message at its core.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- “Superman,” the latest installment from writer-director James Gunn, hits theaters with a familiar message at its core. While the world may have changed, Gunn insists the Man of Steel has not. “He has always represented goodness and hope and kindness,” Gunn said. “Looking out for people who can’t look out for themselves — in today’s world, that might be…
Across the Nation, Featured

White House letter sparks speculation over Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s future

A recent letter from the White House is raising eyebrows in Washington, with some analysts speculating it may be part of a broader push to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A recent letter from the White House is raising eyebrows in Washington — with some analysts speculating it may be part of a broader push to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The letter, issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), concerns planned renovations at the Federal Reserve’s headquarters. It accuses Powell of failing to…

Middle Georgia State University Joins Ncaa Division Ii And Peach Belt Conference
Across Georgia Sports, Featured, Local Sports, Sports

Middle Georgia State University Joins NCAA Division II and Peach Belt Conference

MGA will make the transition from the NAIA to the NCAA starting in the fall semester
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia State University officially announced its move from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and entry into the Peach Belt Conference, a milestone expected to significantly impact the institution’s athletic and academic future. MGA President Dr. Christopher Blake and Director of Athletics Michael Brown made the announcement during a gathering at the Peyton Anderson…

Lamarcus Parker Booking Photo Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Bibb deputies: Man charged after Hillridge Drive shooting leaves another man hospitalized

Deputies say a man was shot in the leg during an argument in the 1300 block of Hillridge Drive.
Tucker Sargent,

Lamarcus Parker (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 36-year-old man is facing charges after deputies say he shot another man during an argument on Hillridge Drive Thursday night. According to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release, the shooting happened just after 6 p.m. in the 1300 block of Hillridge Drive. Deputies say 36-year-old Lamarcus Parker and…

Summer Heat Safety Tips
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Atrium doctor shares tips to stay safe during extreme summer heat

Dr. Timothy Griffin from Atrium Health says June, July and August typically bring an increase in the heat index, humidity and overall UV index.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent is sharing tips to stay safe during the summer heat. Dr. Timothy Griffin from Atrium Health says June, July and August typically bring an increase in the heat index, humidity and overall UV index. Griffin says these conditions can lead to problems with heat exposure, dehydration and impact vulnerable people. Griffin adds that…