Morning Business Report: Oil prices surge above $100 as stocks fall; used car prices and home sales also rising

Oil prices are surging and stocks are falling as global markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

(LILAMAX)- Oil prices are surging and stocks are falling as global markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Crude oil prices jumped 17 percent overnight, climbing toward $110 per barrel. Oil is now about 50 percent more expensive than it was before the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. The spike comes as…

Candidates qualify for Georgia House races affecting Middle Georgia voters

Georgia House Districts 133, 142, 145, 147, 149 and others will appear on the May primary ballot.

Georgia voters will decide party nominees in the May 19 primary election.MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Candidates have qualified for several Georgia House of Representatives races that will appear on the May 19 primary ballot affecting Middle Georgia voters. The races include districts covering Bibb County, Houston County, Baldwin County, Laurens County, and surrounding areas. Voters will decide party nominees during…

Global tensions tied to Iran war may impact gas prices in Macon, economist says

A Wesleyan College economics professor explains how global conflicts can affect what drivers in Middle Georgia pay at the pump.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Gas prices are rising in Middle Georgia, and an economics professor says global tensions like the war in Iran may be part of the reason. Dr. Ying Zhen, an economics professor at Wesleyan College, says events happening thousands of miles away can quickly impact what drivers pay at the pump. “Gasoline prices depend heavily on crude…

BS Report: Three Weeks Away from Opening Day

Well, you can’t be in Florida without being near some palm trees and a golf course and there’s a body of water, so let me know if that alligator pops out of there and comes after me, please. The Braves are on the road tonight. They are playing at Minnesota against the twins and they continue their spring training schedule….

Reynolds man sentenced to 20 years for aggravated assault-family violence

Robinson was immediately sentenced by Houston County Chief Superior Court Judge Edward D. Lukemire to 20 years, with the first seven years to serve.

CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Reynolds man pleaded guilty to aggravated assault-family violence, according to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards. 29-year-old Devin Jamal Robinson entered his guilty plea on February 23, 2026, in the Superior Court of Houston County. The plea came while motions were being heard for his upcoming jury trial, which had been scheduled to begin March…

Person dead, driver injured after multi-county chase

Officials say additional information will be released as it becomes available.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A person is dead and another injured after a high-speed pursuit that spanned multiple counties early Friday morning, according to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say the incident began around 2 a.m. when a patrol deputy spotted a vehicle parked at a closed gas station off Sgoda Road in Twiggs County. After running the vehicle’s tag…

Partners in Education hosting P.I.E. Day celebration to support music lessons in Middle Georgia

The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. March 12 at Pierce Chapel at Wesleyan College.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Partners in Education, a local nonprofit, is hosting a P.I.E. Day Celebration to raise funds for musical instruments and lessons. The organization provides free music lessons and refurbished instruments to students in Bibb County and across Middle Georgia. The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. March 12 at Pierce Chapel at Wesleyan College. The celebration…

Georgia’s American Journey: Georgia’s many constitutions tell the story of power and change

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Georgia’s political history offers a unique look at how the state and the nation has evolved.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – One of the clearest ways to see that evolution is through Georgia’s constitutions. Since the American Revolution, Georgia has adopted ten different constitutions, reflecting major changes in government, politics, and civil rights over more than two centuries. Scott Buchanan, a political science professor at Georgia College & State University, says those rewrites often followed major moments…

Green Bay Packers Safety Javon Bullard hosting Family Fun Day in Milledgeville

A hometown football star is returning to the community that helped shape his journey to the NFL.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Javon Bullard, safety for the Green Bay Packers, will host a Family Fun Day for the community on Saturday, March 7 in Milledgeville. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Huley Park and will feature food, local vendors, sports activities, music, games and a car show. Organizers say the event is…

Spring Into Good Health event returns to Peach County with free screenings, food, and family activities

Residents in Peach County will have the opportunity to connect with health resources and enjoy family-friendly activities at the 4th Annual Spring Into Good Health event this weekend.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Residents in Peach County will have the opportunity to connect with health resources and enjoy family-friendly activities at the 4th Annual Spring Into Good Health event this weekend. The community health fair is set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marvin Crafter Festival Park in Fort Valley. Organizers say the event has…

Morning Business Report: Oil prices surge above $80 as markets fall, Gap sales miss, and Walmart helmet recall announced

Trump administration considers steps to address rising oil prices as Middle East tensions disrupt markets and a new survey finds changing happy hour habits.

(LILAMAX)- Oil prices surged and stock markets fell as global tensions disrupted energy markets, while a major retailer reported weather-related sales impacts, federal officials announced a product recall and new research suggested Americans are redefining “happy hour.” Administration weighing options to address rising oil prices The Donald Trump administration is weighing several options to address the spike in oil and…

Man identified after overnight Macon shooting

Deputies responded to an emergency call just before 1 a.m. in the 3400 block of Houston Avenue after a report of a person down.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)— A man is dead following a shooting in Macon, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to an emergency call just before 1 a.m. in the 3400 block of Houston Avenue after a report of a person down. When they arrived, deputies found a 42-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound outside a residence. Paramedics…

UPDATE: Two more suspects arrested in Macon killing of 19-year-old Dantwan Wynes

Investigators say a 15-year-old boy and a 26-year-old man were arrested Thursday in connection with the January shooting.

Ja’Nike Adams (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (3/5/26): The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says it has made additional arrests in connection with the death of 19-year-old Dantwan Wynes in January. According to an updated news release, investigators identified a 15-year-old boy and a 26-year-old man as suspects, and both were taken into custody just before 7 a.m. Thursday. The 15-year-old…

Weekend Watch: Family-friendly fun awaits in Middle Georgia this weekend

Family events, live entertainment and downtown festivals highlight this weekend’s activities across Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Looking for things to do this weekend in Middle Georgia? Here’s the Weekend Watch: 21st annual Kid’s Fishing Derby Start your Saturday at Javor Lucas Lake in Jones County, where the Macon Water Authority and Macon Water Alliance are hosting the 21st Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby. Registration opens at 7 a.m., fishing starts at 7:30, and…

Macon man sentenced to 25 years for shooting domestic partner

The charges stem from an April 12, 2024, incident on Date Avenue, where Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim.

Hiakeem Dillard (Credit: BIbb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after authorities say he shot his domestic partner and attempted to mislead investigators, according to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. Hiakeem Dillard was sentenced March 3, 2026, to 25 years, with the first 10…

Trump says he’s replacing Homeland Security Secretary Noem with GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin

President says Noem will become special envoy for new Western Hemisphere security initiative after contentious hearings and criticism over immigration crackdown.

PHOTO: Trump fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Photo Date: 03/03/2026By MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s replacing his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Trump made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced a grilling on Capitol…

Bibb superintendent Dr. Dan Sims says district addressing chronic absenteeism as Monday and Friday absences increase

Bibb County Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims says students need to be at school Monday through Friday.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County School District Superintendent Dan Sims says chronic absenteeism is an ongoing problem in the district, and officials are rolling out new programs to address the issue. “Students are missing significant learning when they are not at school,” Sims said. According to Sims, the district is seeing 1,200 to 1,500 more students missing school on…

U.S. and Israel strike Iran as air raid sirens sound in Jerusalem and explosions hit Tehran

The overnight developments come as both countries increase military operations against Iranian targets.

(NBC)- Air raid sirens sounded across Jerusalem and explosions rocked Tehran as the United States and Israel traded strikes with Iran, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict that is now drawing global attention. The overnight developments come as both countries increase military operations against Iranian targets. U.S. officials say the strikes are aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and…

Morning Business Report: Americans tapping retirement savings as hardship withdrawals hit record high while homeowners stay put and stocks rebound

Americans are tapping retirement savings as financial pressures grow while homeowners stay put and markets rebound.

(LILAMAX)-More Americans are turning to their retirement savings to cover financial emergencies as economic pressures continue to mount. New data from Vanguard Group shows that six percent of workers with 401(k) plans it administers took hardship withdrawals last year, marking a record high. Before the pandemic, the average rate was around two percent. The increase represents the sixth consecutive year…

State Rep. Miriam Paris (D) highlights legislative priorities and International Women’s Day Ceremony at Georgia State Capitol

State Rep. Miriam Paris (D) is continuing her work under the Gold Dome this legislative session while also preparing to celebrate women’s leadership across Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – State Rep. Miriam Paris (D), who represents District 142 in Macon, serves on several committees in the Georgia House, including Appropriations, Education, Economic Development and Tourism, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, and Urban Affairs. During an interview, she discussed the issues she is focusing on during the current legislative session and the concerns she is hearing from…

Macon Water Authority to host 21st annual Kids Fishing Derby at Javors Lucas Lake

The free event will take place at Javors Lucas Lake, 150 Broach Lane in Jones County.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon Water Authority will host its 21st annual Kids Fishing Derby on March 7. The free event will take place at Javors Lucas Lake, 150 Broach Lane in Jones County. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and fishing starts at 7:30 a.m. An awards presentation is scheduled for 11 a.m. The derby is open to children…

Georgia Business Focus: State budget signed, major investments announced

The updates include tax relief in Georgia’s amended budget, rising gas prices, VA upgrades in Dublin and expanded cancer care access.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –   Governor Brian Kemp has signed Georgia’s amended $2 billion budget, which features significant income and property tax relief for residents. Key investments include $325 million for education and workforce development, $225 million for public safety, more than $400 million for mental healthcare, $1.6 billion for transportation infrastructure and nearly $60 million to boost rural development across…

Jones County residents file lawsuit challenging M-2 data center ordinance

Plaintiffs ask court to declare January 16 ordinance void, alleging due process violations

File: January 2026GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Residents in Jones County have filed a declaratory action challenging the M-2 Data Center Ordinance passed earlier this year on January 16. According to the plaintiffs’ attorney, the lawsuit asks the court to declare the ordinance void. The plaintiffs accuse Jones County of violating the Georgia Zoning Procedures Law, the county’s own Comprehensive Land…

Flint Energies builds new substation in Houston County as growth continues

Flint Energies has put a new substation in Houston County to boost power delivery speed and reliability due to the 20% growth in Houston County.   

Flint Energies new substation (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)KATHLEEN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Flint Energies has put a new substation in Houston County to boost power delivery speed and reliability due to the 20% growth in Houston County.    Vice President of cooperative communications at Flint Energies Marian McLemore says this substation is mainly to keep up with the growth and demand in Kathleen.   “Over the last 10…