Milledgeville to receive $13,500 refund after disappointing July 4 fireworks show

Freedom Fireworks apologized to the City of Milledgeville for a July 4 show that sparked criticism and offered a refund and future discount.

City of Milledgeville/FacebookMILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A fireworks company is issuing a $13,500 refund to the City of Milledgeville as well as a 50% discount on future events after its July 4 fireworks show in Milledgeville left many residents disappointed. In a letter posted by the city on Facebook and signed by company president Ryan N. Wells, Freedom Fireworks acknowledged…

Early voting underway for Democratic PSC run-off in Georgia

Voters can cast early ballots through July 11 in the run-off between Peter Hubbard and Keisha Sean Waites

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Early voting is now underway in the Democratic run-off election for Georgia’s Public Service Commission, with polls open through Friday, July 11. The race features candidates Peter Hubbard and Keisha Sean Waites, who are vying for the chance to represent their party in the November general election. The Public Service Commission regulates utility rates and energy…

Tech Report: Amazon Prime Day sees seller pullback, while Bezos sells shares, tech giants make headlines

For the past week, millions of Amazon shoppers have been filling their carts in anticipation of major discounts for this year’s Prime Day.

(LILAMAX)- For the past week, millions of Amazon shoppers have been filling their carts in anticipation of major discounts for this year’s Prime Day. But some may be disappointed. According to Bloomberg, many online sellers are pulling back on deep discounts, citing tighter profit margins amid rising costs due to tariffs. Despite fewer deals, Amazon has extended the event to…

Morning Business Report: Job gains, layoffs, and market drops

The White House reports nearly 2 million job gains for American-born workers since January.

(LILAMAX)- The White House reports nearly 2 million job gains for American-born workers since January, marking a significant shift in labor market trends. This comes as employment among foreign-born workers—especially unauthorized immigrants—declines. A recent Bloomberg News analysis estimates that undocumented immigrants make up roughly 5% of the U.S. labor force, playing critical roles in sectors like construction and food processing,…

Trump targets trade and foreign conflicts in cabinet meeting

President Trump, shifted focus Tuesday to escalating global tensions and sweeping trade changes.

(NBC)- President Trump, flanked by his full Cabinet, shifted focus Tuesday to escalating global tensions and sweeping trade changes—announcing new tariffs and signaling a tougher U.S. posture abroad. “I just want you to know, a letter means a deal,” the President said during the meeting, referring to letters sent Monday to 14 of America’s global trading partners. Those letters, he…

Hollywood Minute: K-Pop meets demons, slow horses returns, and Dune gets a title update

“K-Pop Demon Hunters” is officially a global sensation.

(CNN)- “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is officially a global sensation. The genre-bending Netflix series, which follows a girl group balancing pop stardom with demon-slaying duties, has topped the streamer’s global movies list. The buzz doesn’t stop there—the series’ soundtrack is climbing fast on the Billboard 200 chart, with seven different tracks landing on this week’s Hot 100. Meanwhile, there’s no slowing…

More than 170 Missing, over 110 dead as Texas flood recovery continues

As search and rescue operations continue across flood-ravaged areas of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott revealed a heartbreaking update Tuesday.

(NBC)- As search and rescue operations continue across flood-ravaged areas of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott revealed a heartbreaking update Tuesday: 161 people remain missing in Kerr County alone. Statewide, the number of unaccounted-for individuals has climbed to more than 170. “Just in the Kerr County area alone, there are 161 people who are known to be missing,” Governor Abbott said…

TSA eases shoe removal rule for most U.S. travelers

Today marks the first full day U.S. air travelers without TSA PreCheck can now keep their shoes on while passing through airport security.

(CNN)- Today marks the first full day U.S. air travelers without TSA PreCheck can now keep their shoes on while passing through airport security. The policy shift—originally evaluated under the Biden administration—was formally announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She says officials now believe it’s safe to eliminate the long-standing rule that dates back to 2001, after a failed…

Numerous showers & storms increase by midweek

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- rounding the base of eastward troughs and moisture transport along the western edge of the Bermuda High will support a return to the diurnally-driven thunderstorm chances that are characteristic of summertime. A moisture rich airmass will continue to fill in across the region over the next few days, and convective coverage will increase. As it does, so…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores June 30-July 4

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, June 30 and Friday, July 4.

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, June 30 and Friday, July 4. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Morning Business Report: Tariffs, insurance gaps, office dress codes

Starting August 1, imports from at least 14 countries will face steep new tariffs as part of the Trump administration’s latest trade move.

(LILAMAX)- Starting August 1, imports from at least 14 countries will face steep new tariffs as part of the Trump administration’s latest trade move. Goods from Japan, South Korea, and three additional nations will be hit with 25% tariffs. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that official tariff letters have already been sent, with more expected in the coming…

Trump meets with Netanyahu as U.S. pushes for peace and trade deals

President Donald Trump met late Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump met late Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing hope that the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran could be a stepping stone toward a lasting peace in the region. “I hope it’s over, yeah,” President Trump said. “I think Iran wants to meet. I think they want to make peace.” The high-level meeting comes…

Hollywood Mintue: SpongeBob stamps, Michael B. Jordan stars in new film

 The U.S. Postal Service is releasing four new “Forever” stamps featuring SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom gang.

(CNN)- The U.S. Postal Service is releasing four new “Forever” stamps featuring SpongeBob and the beloved Bikini Bottom gang. The stamps are set to be officially unveiled on August 1st in New York, giving fans a collectible that’s just as fun as the show itself. In movie news, Michael B. Jordan is reimagining the classic Thomas Crown Affair — and he’s…

Kerrville community mourns as flood recovery begins

Five days after catastrophic flooding swept through Central Texas, the true scope of the disaster is still coming into focus.

(NBC)- Five days after catastrophic flooding swept through Central Texas, the true scope of the disaster is still coming into focus — and for many, it’s difficult to comprehend. “This is unprecedented,” said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice. “Unprecedented flood events.” In some areas, walls of water rose as high as 30 feet, tearing through homes, businesses, and entire communities….

Rescuers save lives during Central Texas Floods

Among the countless stories of loss are accounts of bravery and sacrifice.

(CNN)- More than a hundred people are confirmed dead following catastrophic floods that tore through Central Texas — a disaster that has left communities shattered and grieving. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. reflected on the personal toll: “I’ve lost two friends. We left them, and they’re gone.” Among the countless stories of loss are powerful accounts of bravery and sacrifice….

Downtown Macon gears up for annual French Fry Fight

Downtown Macon restaurants are getting ready for the Fourth Annual French Fry Fight, set to begin this week.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Downtown Macon restaurants are getting ready for the Fourth Annual French Fry Fight, set to begin this week. This year, the competition is expanding from a one-day event to a three-day celebration in honor of National Fry Day. From July 9 through July 11, 23 local restaurants will dish out unique, creative takes on the classic…

CGTC student Kaleb Brown wins national SkillsUSA title in computer programming

CGTC student earns top national honor in computer programming at the 2025 SkillsUSA conference in Atlanta.

Photo: Central Georgia Technical CollegeWARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Kaleb Brown, a 20-year-old Information Technology student at Central Georgia Technical College, won first place in Computer Programming at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. According to a news release from CGTC, Brown competed against top programming students from across the country and earned the national title…

Macon attorney Steven McNeel announces run for Georgia Senate District 18

McNeel, a Republican attorney and timber farmer, says he wants to promote pro-agriculture and pro-business policies in Middle Georgia.

Steven McNeelMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Attorney and family farmer Steven McNeel has announced his candidacy for Georgia State Senate District 18. According to a news release from his campaign, McNeel is running to represent District 18, which includes Houston, Bibb, Peach, Crawford, Upson and Monroe counties. State Senator John Kennedy (R), who currently holds the seat, recently announced he is…

City of Warner Robins encouraging more businesses to become pet-friendly

Each summer, the city encourages more businesses to welcome customers' four-legged friends as the heat increases health concerns.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Satterfield & Dempsey Jewelers is one of more than 40 pet-friendly businesses in Warner Robins. Owner Sam Satterfield admits he was nervous about putting up the decal on his store window three years ago but says the change hasn’t disrupted business. “We haven’t had any issues whatsoever,” Satterfield said. “Matter of fact,…

Bibb County Coroner urges people to avoid jail in social media video

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones shared a strong message on Facebook, warning residents that jail fits everyone, and many crimes are entirely preventable.

Photo: Leon Jones Coroner/ FacebookMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones is sending a clear message to the community: think before you act, and stay out of jail. Jones recently uploaded a Facebook Reels video encouraging people to avoid preventable crimes and consider the consequences of their actions. Jones says the number of inmates in the Bibb County…

Reynolds man sentenced to 20 years for armed robbery in Houston County

The charges stem from a September 11, 2024, robbery at the Dollar General located at 104 Plaza Connector in Perry.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Reynolds man pleaded guilty to armed robbery and was sentenced to prison without the possibility of parole, according to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards. 64-year-old Johnny Ray Parks was sentenced on July 7. Parks received a 20-year sentence, with the first 16 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections without…

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for failure to register as sex offender in Houston County

Today's word of the day: Optimism

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…