Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Markets soar, manufacturing faces labor crunch

Wall Street closed out a strong week on Friday, with the S&P 500 hitting a new all-time high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping 429 points.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Wall Street closed out a strong week on Friday, with the S&P 500 hitting a new all-time high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping 429 points. Early indicators  suggest the rally may continue, with pre-market futures pointing to another positive day for investors. However, beneath the stock market surge, American manufacturing  is facing a serious hurdle. The U.S….
Across the Nation, Featured

Senate braces for high-stakes vote on President Trump’s budget bill

The future of President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget bill remains uncertain as the Senate heads into a critical vote-a-rama today.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- The future of President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget bill remains uncertain as the Senate heads into a critical vote-a-rama today. Democrats are united in opposition. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill sharply, saying, “A handful of billionaires get a big break while working people lose their Medicaid, while hungry kids lose access to food funding.” Meanwhile, most…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Big reveals and finales ahead in film and anime

The “Fast and the Furious” franchise may not be done surprising fans.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- The “Fast and the Furious” franchise may not be done surprising fans. During an appearance at the FuelFest car convention, Vin Diesel hinted at the return of Paul Walker’s character in the upcoming eleventh and final film. While Diesel didn’t share specifics, Variety reports the highly anticipated movie is set to hit theaters in April 2027. Meanwhile, Emma Stone…
Across Georgia Sports, Featured, Local Sports, Motorsports, Sports

Dublin Native Caleb Williams Reflects on Racing Journey Ahead of LIUNA 150

The Dublin native gets ready for the inaugural race at Lime Rock Park this weekend as the Lead Engineer for Front Row Motorsports in the NCTS
Justin Dierkes,

LIME ROCK PARK, Connecticut- (41NBC/WMGT) – As the engines rev for the inaugural LiUNA 500, Dublin native Caleb Williams prepares for another intense NASCAR weekend, but his path to this moment has been anything but conventional. Williams, a 2020 Georgia Southern graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, grew up immersed in the world of racing. Dirt tracks around his…

Pickleball For Neurodivergent Students
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Rhythm & Rally offer pickleball for Neurodivergent kids

Lee says the program allows kids with disabilities to feel just like everyone else.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- All children should have the opportunity to feel included at all times. That’s why Sports Program Manager for Rhythm & Rally Andrea Lee, created the ‘Pickleball for a Purpose’ program. “Our goal is to allow individuals to have the opportunity to participate in pickleball. It’s a fun evolving sport for anyone, everyone”, said Lee.  She says the…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Macon leaders seek preservation of Fort Hawkins blockhouse

Builders used concrete on the replica to mimic what was timber on the original blockhouse. But over time, chunks of that concrete have fallen from the fort’s upper levels, and moisture has gotten inside, causing rust.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC) MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Local leaders are exploring different options to preserve Fort Hawkins, particularly the fort’s southeastern blockhouse. Historians say Macon’s story can’t properly be told without the mention of Fort Hawkins. The fort stored U.S. Army supplies and rations during the War of 1812. It was also a factory that was central to deerskin…
Featured, Local News, Monroe County, WMGT

UPDATE: Monroe County missing woman found

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 478-994-7010.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

UPDATE: (11:15 p.m.) – According to a Facebook post by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Petitt has been located safe. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to locate a missing woman. 55-year-old Sharon Summers Petitt was last seen about 1:30 p.m. June 23 at the Shell station on Harold…

Unapologetics Movement Center To Host Youth Summit
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Unapologetics Movement Center to host youth summit

The event will be held June 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5049 Log Cabin Drive.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Unapologetic Movement Center is set to host the inaugural “Tag Youth Summit.” The event will be held June 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5049 Log Cabin Drive. Pastor Marvin Moore said the event is free and open to children ages 8 to 18. Attendees can RSVP by contacting event organizers at 478-277-2777….

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Current pattern continues this weekend

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures both high and low will be near average through this weekend with isolated storms over the back half of the day. This Evening It’s a bit hotter this afternoon than it was yesterday, however the heat is not as bad as Wednesday. Isolated storms have already begun around the region with more expected through the…

Positive Parenting: Connecting Kids To Conservation
41 Today, Featured, WMGT

Positive Parenting: Connecting Kids to Conservation

U.S. sea turtle populations are improving, with record Florida nesting due to conservation. Further efforts are still needed.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

GAINESVILLE, Florida – June 16th was World Sea Turtle Day. These amazing creatures have been swimming in our oceans for over 100 million years! But six of the world’s seven sea turtle species are currently threatened. They face dangers like plastic pollution and habitat loss, their long migrations and vital roles in marine ecosystems offer clear lessons about our impact…
Bibb County, Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

Macon man pleads guilty, sentenced for sexually abusing teen over two years

Further investigation showed the abuse began when the victim was about 14 and continued for roughly two years.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for child molestation, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. 34-year-old Christopher J. Dismukes pleaded guilty June 27, 2025, to one count of child molestation. He was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 15 to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections. Upon…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News, Twiggs County, WMGT

Six-hour manhunt ends with arrest of wanted felon in Macon

Stephan Cole Smith, a convicted felon, was wanted on multiple active warrants out of Bibb, Jones, and Twiggs counties, as well as by the Atrium Health Navicent Police Department.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was arrested for fleeing law enforcement and leading authorities on a six-hour manhunt on Thursday, according to the Twiggs County and Bibb County sheriff’s offices. Stephan Cole Smith, a convicted felon, was wanted on multiple active warrants out of Bibb, Jones, and Twiggs counties, as well as by the Atrium Health Navicent Police Department….

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Corey Jackson sentenced to 30 years for killing ex-girlfriend in Bibb County

Gabriella Harris was fatally shot in 2022 after leaving abusive relationship, prosecutors say
41NBC Web Producer,

Corey Jackson (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A Bibb County man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2022 shooting death of his ex-girlfriend in what prosecutors called a “deadly escalation” of domestic violence, according to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard. Corey Jackson, 31, pleaded guilty Thursday to…
Featured, Jones County, Local News, WMGT

Man wanted for terroristic threats in Macon arrested in Jones County

The arrest happened June 24 on Holloman Road.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man was arrested in Jones County for making terroristic threats in Macon, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest happened June 24 on Holloman Road. An investigator spotted a familiar vehicle and saw Andrew Blake of Macon inside. Blake was wanted on two active warrants for terroristic threats and acts. He was…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Retailers turn to tech, AI, and robotics in latest industry shifts

Retail giant Target is testing smartphone-controlled shelf access in an effort to curb theft while improving customer convenience.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Retail giant Target is testing smartphone-controlled shelf access in an effort to curb theft while improving customer convenience. According to Bloomberg, the new system would allow shoppers to unlock secured items—like razors or baby formula—without waiting for an employee to assist. Walmart is reportedly piloting a similar tool at select locations. In the tech sector, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff…
Across the Nation, Featured

President Trump defends U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites

President Trump is  defending the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them a clear success.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- President Trump is  defending the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them a clear success. “They hit the target, and the target has now been proven to be obliterated,” Trump said following the release of new details from the Department of Defense about the covert operation. Military leaders praised the B-2 bomber crews involved in the…
Entertainment

Hollywood Mintue: Adam Sandler announces nationwide comedy tour, Disney plans ‘Lilo & Stitch’ sequel

The comedian and actor just announced a new stand-up tour titled “Adam Sandler: You’re My Best Friend.”
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Adam Sandler is heading back on tour.  The comedian and actor just announced a new stand-up tour titled “Adam Sandler: You’re My Best Friend.” The 30-city run kicks off in September and marks another major comedy outing for the beloved entertainer. Meanwhile, Disney is diving back into familiar territory with a sequel to its live-action remake of Lilo &…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump presses Republicans to deliver his domestic policy bill by July 4th

President Donald Trump is urging Republicans to fast-track his sweeping "Big Beautiful Bill."
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- President Donald Trump is urging Republicans to fast-track his sweeping domestic policy bill, calling it “the ultimate codification of our agenda” — and pushing for it to be signed by Independence Day. The bill, which includes major tax cuts, spending reductions, and significant investment in border security, hit a speed bump after the Senate parliamentarian determined that several key…

Money Saving A/c Tips
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Experts share tips on how to save on your energy bill

"Keeping your windows and curtains closed during the day, and having your attic insulation looked at."
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — With hot temperatures during the summer months, many homeowners turn their thermostat’s up and down throughout the day. Experts say, that can cause your bill to skyrocket.  Flint Energies Youth and Education Specialist, Blair Brown, says they recommend homeowners to keep their homes at 78 degrees. They also recommend calling a professional to check your system…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Temperatures drop a bit to finish the week

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After a midweek heat wave temperatures will be closer to normal to finish the week around Middle Georgia. This Evening   A partly sunny and warm afternoon will give way to a partly cloudy night that may feature a few isolated storms early on. A Level 1 “Marginal” threat for severe weather includes all of Middle…

City Of Warner Robins To Host 42nd Annual Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks Extravaganza
41 Today, Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

City of Warner Robins to host 42nd Annual Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks Extravaganza

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the event is free and open to the community.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The City of Warner Robins is hosting the 42nd annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza this weekend. The event is set for June 28, and gates open at 6 p.m. at McConnell-Talbert Stadium. Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the event is free and open to the community. There will be live music from…

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Across the Nation, Featured, Local News

Fireball streaks across Southeast sky, satellite detects flash

Satellite-based lightning sensors spotted a streak over Gasbury, VA, after multiple fireball sightings across the Southeast
41NBC Web Producer,

(Photo: NBC News)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Reports of a bright fireball lighting up the daytime sky poured in from across the Southeast United States on Thursday afternoon. While details remain unconfirmed, satellite-based lightning detection systems recorded a visible streak in a cloud-free sky over the North Carolina-Virginia border between 12:51 and 12:56 p.m. The streak was centered near Gasbury, Virginia. The…

Tech Report: Nvidia Soars, Bumble Cuts Jobs, At&t Settlement, And Chatgpt Brain Study
Tech Report

Tech Report: Nvidia soars, Bumble cuts jobs, AT&T settlement, and ChatGPT brain study

Nvidia has reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable company.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Nvidia has reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable company. The chipmaker’s stock surged on Wednesday, pushing its market value to an astonishing $3.8 trillion. Despite U.S. government restrictions on its chip sales to China, Nvidia shares have continued to rise sharply this year. Meanwhile, dating app Bumble is slashing 30 percent of its workforce. The company says…

Famous Mike's Owner Dies
Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Mike Seekins, owner of Famous Mike’s, dies

According to a Facebook post, the restaurant will be closed for the next few days.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

Photo of memorial flowers left outside Famous Mike’s in Macon.MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Mike Seekins, owner of Famous Mike’s of Macon, died Wednesday. According to a Facebook post, the restaurant will be closed for the next few days. The Facebook post said the following: “Dad, Mike, passed away tonight around 9pm (Wednesday, June 25, 2025). Because of this, the restaurant…