Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Businesses brace for slower hiring as retailers raise return fees

Companies across the U.S. are preparing for a leaner year ahead, with many planning to slow hiring or hold steady on staffing levels in 2026.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Companies across the U.S. are preparing for a leaner year ahead, with many planning to slow hiring or hold steady on staffing levels in 2026. According to new projections from job site Indeed, hiring growth is expected to remain modest. At a recent gathering of business leaders hosted by the Yale School of Management in Midtown Manhattan, 66 percent…
Around the World, Featured

Search resumes for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in Indian Ocean

Nearly eleven years after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished, a new search effort is set to begin in the southern Indian Ocean.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- Nearly eleven years after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished, a new search effort is set to begin in the southern Indian Ocean. The renewed mission will focus on a 5,800-square-mile area off the coast of western Australia — a region believed to offer the highest likelihood of locating wreckage from the aircraft. The search will be led by Ocean…
Across the Nation, Business, Featured

Paper checks could disappear as Federal Reserve considers ending processing

The Federal Reserve says it is considering overhauling or possibly winding down its check processing services, citing a sharp decline in usage and a rise in check fraud.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- Paper checks have long been a part of everyday life — from paying bills to cashing a paycheck — but that familiar form of payment may soon be on its way out. The Federal Reserve says it is considering overhauling or possibly winding down its check processing services, citing a sharp decline in usage and a rise in check…
Featured, Georgia News

Small plane crashes between homes in DeKalb County

A small plane crash in DeKalb County narrowly avoided homes after experiencing engine trouble just miles from the runway.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A small plane crash in DeKalb County narrowly avoided  after experiencing engine trouble just miles from the runway. The call came in shortly after 9:30 a.m. along Sudbury Road, where neighbors reported hearing loud, unusual noises before the crash. Roxy Barlow says she was still in bed when she heard what sounded like a failing engine.“I woke up to…

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Featured, Weather

Colder temperatures start the new week in Middle Georgia

Karen Williams,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Cloudy conditions continue to hold temperatures steady in the mid to upper 60s. Expect a line of showers to move across thearea Monday morning andslowly fall apart. Total rain accumulation will mostly be less than 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches is possible in the mountains or isolated locations.  Conditions cool and dry rapidly behind the…

Santa Makes Early Christmas Eve Stop In Macon To Deliver Gifts To Family In Need
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Santa makes early Christmas Eve stop in Macon to deliver gifts to family in need

Santa Claus partnered with Kids Yule Love to bring toys, bikes and holiday cheer to children in Macon ahead of Christmas Day
41NBC Web Producer,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Santa Claus made an early stop in Macon on Christmas Eve, delivering gifts and holiday cheer to children from a local family in need. The visit included the distribution of presents such as remote-control cars, stuffed animals and bicycles. Santa made a special effort to ensure two sisters received exactly what they had hoped for this Christmas….

Bs Report: December 24th Bill's Wish List
Sports

A Christmas Eve wish list for Georgia sports: Bulldogs, Falcons, Hawks and Braves

BS Report: December 24th - Bill's Wish List-- From a national title hope for the Bulldogs to roster wishes for Atlanta’s pro teams, one fan’s holiday wish list covers Georgia sports.
Bill Shanks, David Tufts,

On this Christmas Eve, I want wish you and your families a very merry Christmas. I hope you’re looking forward to a great day on Thursday with your families.  I want to share with you my Christmas List, my wish list for Santa Claus that I hope will he bring down the chimney for me later on tonight. Georgia Bulldogs:…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Last-minute Christmas shoppers crowd Dillard’s in Macon on Christmas Eve

Shoppers rush for final gifts, popular items, and stocking stuffers before stores close at 6PM
Gena Tripp,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- For some shoppers, one final purchase marked the end of their Christmas lists, and while the rush may look hectic, store managers say this final push is expected every year. Christmas Eve shopping brought packed walkways and fast-moving crowds to Dillard’s at the Shoppes at River Crossing in Macon. Managers say shoppers are grabbing everything from popular…
Across the Nation, Featured, Tech Report

Tech Report: Apple fined in Italy as tech giants face growing legal and market pressure

Apple has been fined more than 116 million dollars by Italy’s antitrust regulator over what officials call excessively burdensome privacy rules imposed on third-party app developers.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Apple has been fined more than 116 million dollars by Italy’s antitrust regulator over what officials call excessively burdensome privacy rules imposed on third-party app developers. Italy’s Competition Authority says Apple abused its dominant position in the App Store market by forcing developers to comply with disproportionate data collection requirements that go beyond existing privacy laws. The fine follows…
Across the Nation, Featured

Supreme Court blocks Trump effort to deploy National Guard in Illinois crime crackdown

The Trump administration is weighing its next steps after the Supreme Court blocked an effort to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois as part of a crime crackdown.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- The Trump administration is weighing its next steps after the Supreme Court blocked an effort to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois as part of a crime crackdown. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the ruling a win for democracy and said it represents an important step in curbing what he described as the Trump administration’s abuse of power. The…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Gift cards, subscriptions drive last-minute holiday spending as markets hit record highs

Gift cards remain one of the most popular last-minute holiday gifts, with spending expected to reach 29 billion dollars this year.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Gift cards remain one of the most popular last-minute holiday gifts, with spending expected to reach 29 billion dollars this year. Subscription services are also seeing strong interest. From digital experiences to meal kit deliveries scheduled for January, experts say non-shipping gifts are fast, thoughtful and arrive instantly in inboxes — making them an attractive option for procrastinating shoppers….
Across the Nation, Featured

California mother accused of killing 9-year-old daughter after multi-state road trip

A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy. Investigators say nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard died from gunshot wounds to the head. Her body was discovered earlier this month in a remote area of Wayne County, Utah. The child’s mother, 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, was arrested at her home in…

product recalls watch list including food vehicle and toy safety recalls
Featured, Local News, Recall Watch List

Publix dessert, So Delicious ice cream and Blue Wave pools among new recalls

Allergy risks, contamination concerns and child safety hazards prompt multiple recalls across consumer products
Fiona King,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Families across Middle Georgia, it’s time for your weekly recall watch list, where we look inside those pantries, freezers, and medicine cabinets to ensure you’re not being affected by popular consumer goods. Publix coffee cake recalled over labeling error Publix has recalled a batch of its Maple Walnut Coffee Cake after discovering a labeling error that…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Extremely warm conditions likely Christmas Eve

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – . This Evening It’s been a pretty warm day for Middle Georgia as temperatures have again exceeded expectations for highs. Almost everywhere around the region got to or over 70 this afternoon. It will be a mild night under clear skies as the wind will generally flow from the west-southwest around 5 mph. Expect lows to…

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Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Holiday travel surge brings heavy traffic through Georgia, local sheriff urges drivers to slow down

With more than 122 million Americans expected to travel, Monroe County ramps up patrols and warns drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions.
Gena Tripp,

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- AAA says more than 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday season. Heavy traffic is expected nationwide — including through Monroe County. Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman said this could be one of the busiest travel periods yet. “Pretty heavy,” Freeman said. “From what I understand, it’s going to be one…

Georgia State Capitol Senate
Bibb County, Daybreak, Featured, Local News, Monroe County, Peach County

UPDATE: Another candidate enters race for Georgia State Senate District 18

The special election will be held January 20, with early voting beginning December 29.
Fiona King,

MGNUPDATE (12/23) – In a news release sent to 41NBC, lifelong Thomaston resident Eugene Allison has officially announced his candidacy for the Georgia State Senate, District 18. “I would be greatly honored to earn your support in the 2026 Republican Primary. I am committed to fighting for justice, safety, families, and the constitutional freedoms that protect us all,” said Allsion. According…

Artcile Pic With Santa
Bibb County, Entertainment, Featured, Georgia News, Happening Now, Lifestyle, Local News

Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops in Macon with free photos and family fun

Santa Claus is back in Macon, and with him comes a beloved holiday tradition for families across Middle Georgia.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bass Pro Shops has officially opened Santa’s Wonderland, a free in-store Christmas experience that includes studio-quality photos with Santa, festive crafts, games, and holiday giveaways. The event runs through Christmas Eve and is open to families of all ages. Michael O’Brien, General Manager of Bass Pro Shops in Macon, says the event has become a multigenerational…
Entertainment, Featured

Hollywood Minute: Final episodes of Stranger Things revealed as film release dates shift

Fans preparing to say goodbye to Stranger Things now know exactly how much time to set aside for the show’s final chapters.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Fans preparing to say goodbye to Stranger Things now know exactly how much time to set aside for the show’s final chapters. Show co-creator Ross Duffer revealed on Instagram that episodes five, six, and seven — debuting Thursday, December 25 — will each run between just over an hour and roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. The series finale,…
Across the Nation, Featured

U.S. launches new strike as Trump ramps up pressure on Venezuela

The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Southern Command said the operation was conducted at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and involved a vessel “operated by designated terrorist organizations.” Officials say one suspected narco-terrorist engaged in drug trafficking was killed in…

restaurant report card food service inspection scores health safety ratings 41nbc macon warner robins dublin middle georgia central
Baldwin County, Bibb County, Bleckley County, Crawford County, Dodge County, Dooly County, Featured, Hancock County, Health, Houston County, Johnson County, Jones County, Laurens County, Local News, Macon County, Monroe County, Peach County, Pulaski County, Restaurant Report Card, Taylor County, Telfair County, Treutlen County, Twiggs County, Washington County, Wheeler County, Wilcox County, Wilkinson County

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores December 15-19

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, December 15 and Friday, December 19.
Tucker Sargent,

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, December 15 and Friday, December 19. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Economic reports, Paramount deal, and holiday spending trends drive business news

A slate of key economic reports is being released today, offering a fresh snapshot of the strength of the U.S. economy.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- A slate of key economic reports is being released today, offering a fresh snapshot of the strength of the U.S. economy. The reports include updated figures on consumer confidence, durable goods orders, and gross domestic product — all closely watched indicators of economic momentum. Meanwhile, a major media merger is gaining new traction. Paramount–Skydance has added a significant assurance…
Across the Nation, Featured

Video shows California mother ramming burglars’ getaway car to protect children

Newly released video shows a California mother taking extreme action to stop burglars after learning her three young children were inside the home during a break-in.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- Newly released video shows a California mother taking extreme action to stop burglars after learning her three young children were inside the home during a break-in. The incident unfolded as the woman was away getting coffee while her mother was inside the house watching the children. While on the phone, she realized suspects were breaking in. “I see the…
Featured, Georgia News

Dangerous fugitive sought after escape from DeKalb County Jail

Federal authorities are searching for 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, who the U.S. Marshals Service says is extremely dangerous following an escape from the DeKalb County Jail.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Federal authorities are searching for 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, who the U.S. Marshals Service says is extremely dangerous following an escape from the DeKalb County Jail. Charles was being held in DeKalb County while facing new murder and theft charges connected to the 2022 shooting death of a 24-year-old man from Cumming. Investigators say Charles allegedly killed the victim and…

How Parents Can Help Teens Stay Healthy During Holiday Break
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Health, Local News

How parents can help teens stay healthy during holiday break

As students head home for the holiday break, the time off from school can be both refreshing and disruptive, especially for teens.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dr. Paritosh Kaul, an adolescent care pediatrician with Atrium Health Navicent, says while the holidays bring excitement, they can also throw off routines that are important for young people’s physical and mental health. Screen time is another area parents should monitor. With more free time at home, teens often spend additional hours on phones, video games…