Tech Report

Tech Report: AI job replacements, TikTok sale update, crypto expansion

Companies like IBM and Klarna are among the few being transparent about artificial intelligence replacing human roles.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – Companies like IBM and Klarna are among the few being transparent about artificial intelligence replacing human roles. While AI is increasingly impacting the workforce, most companies continue to frame job cuts using terms like “restructuring,” “reorganization,” or “optimization.” Business analysts say few are willing to openly admit AI is taking over human jobs. In other tech news, Blackstone…
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Houston County drug bust tied to Atlanta raids nets $5M in seized narcotics

A massive drug bust across the Atlanta metro area has resulted in 21 arrests and the seizure of illegal narcotics worth more than $5 million.
Keenan Gibson,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A massive drug bust across the Atlanta metro area has resulted in 21 arrests and the seizure of illegal narcotics worth more than $5 million. On July 17th, officers with the Perry Police Department and Houston County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at nine homes. The coordinated operation was the result of a months-long investigation…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: EU eyes U.S. tariffs, Gen Z questions college, markets slide

European Union envoys are preparing to meet as early as this week to craft a response to proposed U.S. tariffs, according to Bloomberg.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – European Union envoys are preparing to meet as early as this week to craft a response to proposed U.S. tariffs, according to Bloomberg. The bloc’s leaders reportedly favor continuing negotiations with Washington in hopes of reaching a resolution before next month’s deadline. The U.S. is said to be pushing for a near-universal tariff of over 10% on European…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Sony delays “Spider-Verse” sequel

Sony is pressing pause—briefly—on the highly anticipated next chapter in its hit animated franchise.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Sony is pressing pause—briefly—on the highly anticipated next chapter in its hit animated franchise. “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse”, the third installment in the Spider-Verse saga, is now scheduled to hit theaters on June 25, 2027, three weeks later than originally planned. The new date aligns with a time when more schoolchildren are on summer break, potentially boosting box office…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump marks six months amid Epstein backlash

President Donald Trump is marking six months into his second term by spotlighting what he calls key wins.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC) – President Donald Trump is marking six months into his second term by spotlighting what he calls key wins—while facing lingering controversy over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. “We hit a lot of home runs, and we’re going to keep hitting them,” Trump said, pointing to recent legislative victories, including the passage of a massive tax and…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Woman dies, second motorist upgraded to stable condition after head-on crash on Log Cabin Drive in Macon

According to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 4:07 a.m. near the intersection of Log Cabin Drive and Meadowbrook Drive.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE: The family of JaNiecea Smith has started a GoFundMe page to help provide for her four daughters, ages 5 through 8. UPDATE: The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says one of the drivers involved in a head-on crash early Saturday has died. According to an updated news release, 28-year-old JaNiecea Iman Smith died at the hospital. The second driver’s condition…

Former Fpd Coach Philip “coach Mac” Mcleroy Passes Away At 86
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Featured, Local Sports, Sports

Former FPD Coach Philip “Coach Mac” McLeroy Passes Away at 86

McLeroy was the Head Football Coach in 1973-74 and the Head Basketball Coach for the Vikings for 20 years after until 1995-96 season
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Former First Presbyterian Day School coach and physical education teacher Philip McLeroy, affectionately known as “Coach Mac,” has passed away following a battle with stage four bladder cancer. He was 86. A Crawford County native, McLeroy made a lasting impact at FPD, serving as the school’s first head football coach. He led the Vikings to…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Salvation Army joins forces with Walmart for ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive

The organization, in collaboration with Walmart, hosted its annual "Stuff the Bus" school supply drive, where members of the Salvation Army and the women's auxiliary braced the heat on Friday to gather much-needed items. 
Fiona King,

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As families gear up for a new school year, local organizations like the Salvation Army of Greater Macon are helping to ease the burden of back-to-school shopping for many households. The organization, in collaboration with Walmart, hosted its annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, where members of the Salvation Army and…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Turning up the heat this weekend

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures will climb into the upper 90s and triple digits across Middle Georgia this weekend. This Evening Partly sunny skies will give way to mostly clear conditions through the evening and into tonight. A few spotty storms are possible, however most of the region will stay dry. Expect light wind from the southwest around 5 mph…

Positive Parenting: Eco Action Empowering People
41 Today, Featured, WMGT

Positive Parenting: Eco-Action Empowering People

IDEAS For Us launches local think and do tanks, called The Hive, to help communities build customized plans where solutions start with a sharpie and end in action.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

ORLANDO, Florida – Raising environmentally responsible kids isn’t just about recycling — it’s about results. A global movement that started by two college kids is now teaching children around the world to take real eco-action, from growing food to planting trees. Sixty-three thousand trees planted. Forty-eight thousand volunteers. Sixty-eight school gardens in 33 countries. This isn’t just an environmental movement,…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Netflix revenue surges, Congress passes Crypto bill, Amazon cuts more jobs

Streaming giant Netflix reported strong growth in subscribers, helping to push its net income past $3 billion.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – Streaming giant Netflix reported strong growth in subscribers, helping to push its net income past $3 billion. The company also raised its 2025 revenue forecast. Analysts say much of the success comes from its lower-priced $7.99 monthly plan, which attracted viewers who may have been deterred by the $24.99 ad-free option. Netflix’s most-watched show was Adolescence, racking up…
Featured, Local News

Man injured in aggravated assault near downtown Macon bar

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred early this morning near a downtown bar.
Keenan Gibson,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred early this morning near a downtown bar. Deputies responded to the area near Daisy Tequila & Margarita Bar on Cherry Street just before 3 a.m. following reports of gunshots. When they arrived, they found a 49-year-old man suffering from a head injury. Authorities say the…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Builder struggles, Netflix momentum, potential rail merger

Builder confidence has remained in negative territory for 15 straight months, prompting more aggressive sales strategies.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- It’s a challenging season for the U.S. housing market, as homebuilders continue to face headwinds. Builder confidence has remained in negative territory for 15 straight months, prompting more aggressive sales strategies. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 38% of builders reported cutting home prices in July — the highest level since the group began tracking the metric…
Across the Nation, Featured

White House confirms Trump has chronic vein condition, doctors say it’s not serious

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is living with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN) – The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is living with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency — a vein disorder that causes periodic swelling in the lower legs, especially around the ankles. Officials and medical experts stress the condition is not alarming. “It’s basically not alarming information, and it’s not surprising,” said Dr. Jeremy Faust, Assistant…

Macon Nike Rbi 15u Team Returns To Southeastern Tournament After Breakout Year
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Featured, Local Sports, Sports

Macon Nike RBI 15U Team Returns to Southeastern Tournament After Breakout Year

This year's squad returns only one player, but may be heading back to Jacksonville with a better team than last season
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – One year after a breakout run to the RBI World Series, the Macon Nike RBI 15U baseball team has returned to the Southeastern Regional Tournament with high hopes and even higher expectations. The program, representing one of the smallest markets in the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) initiative, made waves last season after capturing…
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Monroe County Investigators arrest 15 in identity theft operation

Monroe County Investigators say the operation began in March, geared toward stopping individuals they say were stealing from businesses and residents.
Clayton Poulnott,

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Multiple suspects are in custody after the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrests 15 in ‘Operation Fall Guy’. Investigators say the operation began in March, geared toward stopping individuals they say were stealing from businesses and residents. According to the Sheriff’s Office, there were 14 identified victims in this case with a total of 272 checks…

Tommy Thomason Gfx
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Man accused of $35K fake land sale arrested in Monroe County undercover operation

Tommy Thomason was arrested during an undercover operation after deputies say he sold a $35,000 plot of land he didn’t own.
Tucker Sargent,

Tommy Thomason (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A man accused of scamming someone out of $35,000 in a fake land sale was arrested on Monday during an undercover operation in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say they began investigating after being notified of a possible land scam earlier that day. After…

Roxie Watson Gfx
Crawford County, Featured, Local News, Monroe County

UPDATE: 73-year-old Monroe County woman wanted for identity fraud now in custody

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a 73-year-old woman wanted in connection with an identity fraud case in Monroe County.
Tucker Sargent,

Roxie Elaine Watson (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (7/17/25): Roxie Elaine Watson has been arrested, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say she is being held in the Monroe County Jail without bond. Online jail records show she is charged with identity theft fraud. ORIGINAL STORY (4/10/25): FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking…

Samuel Mccoy Wrightsville Gfx
Featured, Johnson County, Local News

UPDATE: Wrightsville man pleads guilty to child sex abuse charge

According to a Friday, February 28 news release, 23-year-old Samuel McCoy was taken into custody on Friday, one day after an investigation was started into an alleged relationship between McCoy and a 14-year-old.
Tucker Sargent,

Samuel McCoy (Photo: Johnson County Sheriff’s Office)ORIGINAL STORY (7/17/25): A Wrightsville man has pleaded guilty to sexual battery involving a minor. 23-year-old Samuel McCoy entered the plea on Thursday in Superior Court, according to the sheriff’s office. The case stems from his arrest in February after investigators say he had illegal contact with a 14-year-old victim. A judge sentenced McCoy…
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Local News

Bibb County Board of Education proposes 4.65% property tax increase

Bibb school board members propose a 4.65% property tax increase in 2025, raising the millage rate to 14.674. Public hearings set for July 31 and August 14.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Board of Education has tentatively approved a millage rate for Calendar Year 2025/Fiscal Year 2026 that would raise property taxes by 4.65 percent. According to a news release from the school district, the proposed increase would bring the millage rate to 14.674 mills, which is .652 mills higher than the roll-back rate of…
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Deputies: 1 found dead after house fire in Monroe County

Monroe County deputies say a male body was found inside a home after a house fire on Thursday. The cause remains under investigation.
Tucker Sargent,

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Authorities are investigating after first responders found a man’s body following a house fire Thursday afternoon in Monroe County. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the fire broke out around 3:39 p.m. “in the area of” Lakeside Drive. The exact address was not provided. Monroe County deputies, the Monroe County Fire Department and the City…

Sparta Police Bolo
Featured, Hancock County, Local News

Sparta Police searching for man accused of firing gun near apartments

Police say 33-year-old Courtney Fredrick Dixon is wanted on firearm charges after firing a weapon at Heritage Manor Apartments. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Tucker Sargent,

Sparta PoliceSPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Sparta Police Department is asking for the public’s help finding a man accused of firing a gun near an apartment complex over the weekend. According to a bulletin from the Sparta Police Department, officers are looking for 33-year-old Courtney Fredrick Dixon in connection to the incident that happened Saturday, July 12, at Heritage Manor…