Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: McDonald’s Hiring Surge, Drug Price Cuts, Holiday Travel Trends

McDonald’s announced plans to hire up to 375,000 workers across its company-owned and franchised U.S. restaurants this summer.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- McDonald’s announced plans to hire up to 375,000 workers across its company-owned and franchised U.S. restaurants this summer, as it prepares for seasonal demand and an expected surge in foot traffic. The announcement came as the fast-food giant marked the 10-year anniversary of its Archways to Opportunity program—an initiative that provides tuition assistance and education support to employees, including…
Across the Nation, Featured

Travel delays continue at Newark Airport as United, DOT address concerns

Air travel through the Garden State has been anything but smooth in recent weeks, with passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport facing a surge in delays and cancellations.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)-Air travel through the Garden State has been anything but smooth in recent weeks, with passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport facing a surge in delays and cancellations. According to United Airlines pilot Captain Miles Morgan, much of the disruption stems from recent air traffic control outages. In some cases, these issues have led to communication breakdowns between flight crews…
Across the Nation, Featured

President Trump begins Middle East trip in Saudi Arabia amid business, ethics questions

President Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia this morning, launching a four-day Middle East trip.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)-President Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia this morning, launching a four-day Middle East trip aimed at strengthening business ties with wealthy Gulf nations and expanding U.S. investments in the region. The trip begins as the Trump administration seeks to build on a $600 billion investment pledge made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the start of Trump’s current…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Bibb County deputies investigating deadly shooting at Freedom Park

Deputies say 39-year-old Jarvis Kentral Curtis was found shot near the lake at Freedom Park in Macon. Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Keenan Gibson,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that happened late Monday night at Freedom Park. According to a news release, deputies responded to the 3300 block of Roff Avenue just after 11:30 p.m. following reports of a person down near the lake. Upon arrival, they discovered a 39-year-old man with a single gunshot…

Third Annual Bibbspys Award Ceremony
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

Third Annual BIBBSPYS Award Ceremony

The third annual event celebrated Bibb County's student-athletes successes both in and out of the classroom
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Monday night at Northeast High School’s Auditorium, hundreds packed the room to watch the third annual BIBBSPYS award ceremony. This award ceremony celebrated the best of the best student-athletes in Bibb County. It’s the third event, started by Bibb County Athletic Director Richard Grooms back in 2023. There were 30 category-award winners throughout the…

Hoco's Jordan Smith Commits Uga
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

HOCO’s Jordan Smith Commits UGA

The Houston County Safety Joins Warner Robins Natives Isaiah Gibson and RaSean Dinkins in Athens
Justin Dierkes,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Sunday, Houston County High School Junior Jordan Smith made his commitment to play football at the collegiate level in Athens at the University of Georgia. Multiple sources confirmed the news Sunday, and Smith showed himself off wearing the red and black UGA hat on Instagram Live Sunday. The highly recruited four star safety…

Undrafted Moore Signed By New York Giants
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

Undrafted Moore Signed By New York Giants

Former Mercer Bears Cornerback and undrafted NFL free agent TJ Moore has signed with the New York Giants
Justin Dierkes,

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Monday, the NFL’s New York Giants has signed undrafted rookie free agent and former Mercer Cornerback TJ Moore after a great showing at Giants Rookie Minicamp. The 6-foot, 187-pound Moore was just the second unanimous all-America selection in the 51-season history of the Mercer football program and was the runner-up for the…

Mercer Softball Wins First Conference Championship
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

Mercer Softball Wins First Conference Championship in Program History

The 38-24 Mercer Lady Bears have now earned their first bid in the NCAA Division I Softball Championship Tournament
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Sunday in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Mercer Lady Bears secured their first-ever Southern Conference Championship with a sweep in the championship round over number one seed Chattanooga. Mercer won game one 6-5 and game two 5-2 to take the program’s first conference title. After the celebration Sunday, Head Coach Lindsay Fico and the Lady…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

5-vehicle crash blocks I-475 northbound near Zebulon Road in Macon

All northbound lanes of I-475 near Zebulon Road were shut down after a five-vehicle crash involving commercial vehicles and a passenger car.
Tucker Sargent,

Photos courtesy: Amanda Middlebrooks and Brandon MichaelUPDATE: All lanes have reopened, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)– A crash involving five vehicles blocked all lanes of Interstate 475 northbound near Zebulon Road Monday night, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia 511. The crash happened around 4:50 p.m. near the I-475 rest stop and…

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Featured, Georgia News, Local News

How Middle Georgia will benefit from the state’s $37.7 billion FY 2026 budget

Gov. Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) says the state’s $37.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 will increase funding for education, prisons, Medicaid and more.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Gov. Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) says the state’s $37.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 will increase funding for education, prisons, Medicaid and more. In a press call Monday, kemp said the state’s amended budget for FY 2025 includes $25 million dollars going toward enhancement of the Mercer University School of Medicine, which will…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Lower rain odds Tuesday

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Rain odds will begin to drop Tuesday after a soggy weekend across the region. This Evening A partly cloudy afternoon is seeing more clouds arrive heading into the evening hours, accompanied by some scattered showers and storms. These could feature a few severe hazards such as hail or strong wind gusts. A brief tornado is unlikely…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump begins first foreign trip of second term amid trade breakthrough

President Donald Trump is traveling to the Middle East today for the first major foreign trip of his second term.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is traveling to the Middle East today for the first major foreign trip of his second term — a high-stakes journey expected to focus heavily on business and diplomacy, as his administration unveils major developments on the global trade front. U.S. and Chinese officials announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs, set to begin Wednesday, after…
Across the Nation, Featured

U.S., China move closer to trade agreement amid economic strain

Officials from both nations say they are actively working to finalize the details of a new trade agreement.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A potential breakthrough may be on the horizon in the long-running trade tensions between the United States and China. Officials from both nations say they are actively working to finalize the details of a new trade agreement — one that could ease a conflict that’s weighed heavily on both economies. Kenneth Rogoff, former chief economist at the International Monetary…

Giaa Opening Round Baseball Scores
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

GIAA Opening Round Baseball Scores

Here is a list of scores from the opening round of the GIAA Baseball State Championships
Justin Dierkes,

MIDDLE GEORGIA – (41NBC/WMGT) – Here are the scores from the opening round of the GIAA Baseball State Championships. Class AAAA: #9 seed Stratford swept #8 seed Tallulah falls on the road (8-6, 12-2) to advance to the second round. The Eagles will head two miles down the road to face rival and #1 seed FPD Friday, May 16.  …

Giaa Opening Round Boys And Girls Soccer Scores
Across Georgia Sports, Local Sports, Sports

GIAA Opening Round Boys and Girls Soccer Scores

Here is a list of scores from the opening rounds of both the GIAA Boys and Girls Soccer State Championships
Justin Dierkes,

MIDDLE GEORGIA – (41NBC/WMGT) – Here are scores from the opening rounds of both the GIAA Boys and Girls Soccer State Championships Friday. Class AAAA Boys: Tattnall Square Trojans 0, Cristo Rey Atlanta 2 Class AAAA Girls: Tattnall Square Trojans 0, Brookstone 5 Mount De Sales 0, Strong Rock Christian 3 Class AA Boys: LaGrange Academy 1, Trinity Christian 7…

Macon Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation Honors Fallen Officers And First Responders During Remembrance Ceremony
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation honors fallen officers and first responders during remembrance ceremony

A community remembrance honored Macon-Bibb’s fallen officers and first responders, with families and local leaders gathering to show gratitude and support.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – We often take a regular workday for granted—and rarely consider not returning home. But for those in law enforcement and emergency services, that risk is very real. The Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation held its annual Officers Memorial Ceremony on Friday. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 60 officers were killed in the line of duty…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Moist Mother’s Day weekend

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A cold front moving through Middle Georgia today will stall out over South Georgia through this weekend, spurring on many rain opportunities. This Evening   A partly cloudy and hot afternoon will see conditions become overcast through the evening and into the overnight hours. Rain will arrive from the southwest, eventually spreading to the vast majority…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Brookdale Resource Center in Macon honors Danielle Hill as Volunteer of the Year

Brookdale Resource Center in Macon named Danielle Hill as its 2025 Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to serving people facing homelessness.
Fiona King,

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Brookdale Resource Center in Macon has named Danielle Hill as its Volunteer of the Year, honoring her dedication to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Danielle expressed her surprise at receiving the recognition. “I was not expecting it because I come over here not for any type of recognition,” she said….

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Baldwin County, Featured, Local News

61-year-old pedestrian killed in Milledgeville crash

The crash happened around 2:45 a.m. on Kings Road. It marks the fourth time in three days a pedestrian has been struck in Middle Georgia.
Tucker Sargent,

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A 61-year-old man died early Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle in Milledgeville, according to Baldwin County Deputy Coroner Stephen Chapple. Chapple says Ronnie Gee was walking in the 400 block of Kings Road around 2:45 a.m. when a driver hit him. Gee was pronounced dead at the scene. Chapple said the driver turned…

Heather Thompson Missing Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Bibb County deputies searching for missing woman last seen in September 2024

Heather Marie Thompson was last seen near Cordele Avenue and Riggins Mill Road in east Macon. She hasn’t contacted family since September 26, 2024.
Tucker Sargent,

Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s OfficeMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing woman last seen in east Macon. According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, 38-year-old Heather Marie Thompson was last seen on September 26, 2024, in the area of Cordele Avenue and Riggins Mill Road. Family…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Three female inmates hospitalized after suspected overdose at Bibb County Jail

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says all three inmates are now stable after being found unresponsive during a Thursday night block check.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Three female inmates at the Bibb County Jail were hospitalized Thursday night after deputies found them unresponsive during a routine block check, according to a statement from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. During a check just after 11 p.m., deputies say they observed the inmates and suspected a possible overdose. Medical staff at the jail administered…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Pedestrian killed in Lizella identified

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic accident involving a pedestrian that occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning on the 7300 block of Knoxville Road.
Keenan Gibson,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)– The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic accident involving a pedestrian that occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning on the 7300 block of Knoxville Road. Authorities say the crash was reported to the Macon-Bibb E-911 Center at 12:46 a.m. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found 53-year-old Christopher Davis of Macon…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report – Workforce participation among men continues to decline

More than a third of Americans consider real estate the best long-term investment, according to a new Gallup survey.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- A new report from the Center for Immigration Studies reveals a significant shift in workforce trends. The share of U.S. men aged 16 to 64 not participating in the labor force has nearly doubled—from 11% in 1960 to 22% in 2024. Industries like manufacturing, maritime, and automotive are struggling to fill technical roles. Some experts point to an overemphasis…
Across the Nation, Featured

Chicago celebrates historic moment as one of its own becomes first American pope

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected to lead the Catholic Church.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- This morning, the city of Chicago — famously known as the City of Big Shoulders — is embracing one of the biggest honors in its history: the election of one of its own as the first American pope. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected to lead the Catholic Church, sending bells ringing across Chicago’s Holy…