Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Retirement savings hit record highs as markets surge, Gap sales jump and media giants bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Retirement savings reached new milestones in the third quarter of 2025, boosted by a strengthening stock market.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Retirement savings reached new milestones in the third quarter of 2025, boosted by a strengthening stock market. A new report from Fidelity shows the average 401(k) balance rose 9% from a year earlier to an all-time high of $144,400. Individual retirement accounts also saw gains, with the average IRA balance increasing 7% year over year to $137,902. Retailer Gap…
Across the Nation, Featured

Grocery prices may drop as Trump lifts tariffs on Brazilian imports

Experts say shoppers may soon notice lower prices on certain grocery items after President Donald Trump lifted several tariffs on Brazilian imports this week.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Experts say shoppers may soon notice lower prices on certain grocery items after President Donald Trump lifted several tariffs on Brazilian imports this week. The move removes duties on products including coffee, beef, and a range of fruits, juices and nuts. “Consumers are facing the tariffs in prices,” said Lauren Murphy, managing director of Wells Fargo Retail Finance. According…
Featured, Georgia News

Inmate impersonates funeral home owner to scam grieving widow out of $1,200

Investigators traced the fraudulent call to a state prison 200 miles away.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Kevin Wetzel, owner of Memorial Park Funeral Home, says he’s used to helping families through some of the most painful moments of their lives. But a recent phone call from a grieving widow left him stunned. “She lost her husband, she came to the funeral home to make arrangements,” Wetzel said. “She called me later and asked, ‘Kevin? What…

Mount De Sales Lady Cavaliers Take On Saint Anne Pacelli Lady Vikings In Giaa State Championship Game
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Local Sports, Sports

Mount De Sales Falls in Flag Football State Championship 20-0 to end their season

The 9-3 Lady Cavaliers lost 20-0 to the four time defending state champion St. Anne Pacelli Lady Vikings
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Thursday afternoon at Cavalier Stadium, the Mount De Sales Lady Cavaliers faced off with St. Anne Pacelli on their home turf, for the GIAA State Championship, in a rematch of the 2023 state title game. After going down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Lady Cavaliers had a hard time coming back, and eventually…

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Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Google’s NDA request in Monroe County sparks privacy concerns

A Forsyth native says the NDA request highlights gaps in Georgia’s digital-privacy protections.
Gena Tripp,

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Google has already purchased land in Monroe County for a future data center, but when the company asked county leaders to sign a non-disclosure agreement, commissioners said no. It’s something one Forsyth native says highlights a larger issue with Georgia’s digital-privacy laws. On Tuesday, Monroe County commissioners denied Google’s request for a non-disclosure agreement ahead…

Hoco
Education, Featured, Houston County, Local News

Houston County School District implements new bus badges for safety

The district says the badges verify ridership, track stops and notify parents through the Here Comes the Bus app.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

HOCO new bus badges (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County bus riders now have a new start to their mornings. The Houston County School District recently launched a new safety system on every school bus that requires students to scan a personal badge each time they get on and off. Houston County bus driver of 14 years…
Dodge County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Eastman man charged with murder in shooting death of 31-year-old

The GBI says 30-year-old Trustis Darun Deeds has been arrested in the shooting death of Eric Lewis Morgan, who was found outside a home on Lee Avenue.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE (11/20) – The GBI has arrested and charged 30-year-old Trustis Darun Deeds of Eastman with felony murder, malice murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the death of Eric Lewis Morgan on November 18. According to the GBI, Deeds was taken into custody on Thursday and booked into the Dodge County Jail. Agents say the case…

Williams And Leonard Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Two teens arrested in shooting that injured 10-year-old Macon boy

Deputies say the arrests happened after an investigator spotted a stolen vehicle on Houston Avenue.
Monica Diaz-Meek, Tucker Sargent,

Williams and Leonard (Photos: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (11/20/25): Two teens have been arrested in connection with an October shooting that injured a 10-year-old boy inside a Macon home. According to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s office, investigators made the arrests on Tuesday after a Property Division investigator spotted a stolen vehicle in the 3400 block of…

Hill Of Hope Foundation Provides Food Relief As Snap Cuts Hit Families
Featured, Georgia News, Local News

Hill of Hope Foundation provides food relief as SNAP cuts hit families

As families across Georgia face rising food prices and reduced SNAP benefits, the newly launched Hill of Hope Foundation is stepping in to provide critical support.
Tyrik Wynn,

ALBANY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Founded in honor of the late Dr. Maria Hill Fondal, the nonprofit focuses on health equity, educational advancement, and economic opportunity for underserved communities. The foundation’s early efforts are already making an impact. Hill of Hope recently donated $1,000 to the Feed the Valley Thanksgiving Meal Program, helping provide approximately 100 meals to families in need…

Manhunt Expands For Ex Olympian Ryan Wedding As Fbi Offers $15 Million Reward
Around the World, Featured

Manhunt expands for ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding as FBI offers $15 million reward

The nationwide hunt for former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding is intensifying, as federal authorities announce a reward of $15 million for any tip leading to his capture.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- The nationwide hunt for former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding is intensifying, as federal authorities announce a reward of $15 million for any tip leading to his capture. Wedding, once a 2002 Winter Olympian for Canada, is now accused of operating a massive international drug empire and ordering the murder of a federal witness. FBI Director Kash Patel called Wedding…
Across the Nation, Featured, Tech Report

Tech Report: Walmart eyes AI startup acquisition as Target launches ChatGPT tool and TikTok tests limits on AI content

Walmart is reportedly in talks to acquire R&A Data, a tech startup founded by two Israeli scientists that specializes in detecting scams and counterfeit products across online marketplaces.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Walmart is reportedly in talks to acquire R&A Data, a tech startup founded by two Israeli scientists that specializes in detecting scams and counterfeit products across online marketplaces. The potential acquisition comes as Walmart has added hundreds of millions of third-party product listings to its platform in recent years, increasing the need for more sophisticated fraud-detection tools. R&A Data…
Around the World, Featured

Deadly Russian strikes hit Ukraine as U.S. officials visit Kyiv and Trump envoy drafts peace plan

A camera captured the moment a devastating Russian strike hit the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, sending residents scrambling for cover.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- A camera captured the moment a devastating Russian strike hit the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, sending residents scrambling for cover. It was one of the deadliest nights of the war in months. In Ternopil, Ukrainian officials say 25 people were killed, including three children. By daylight, desperate families searched the rubble for survivors, asking rescuers if anyone had been…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Congress considers air traffic controller pay bill as Nvidia beats earnings and stocks rebound

A new bill in Congress aims to ensure air traffic controllers receive pay during any future government shutdowns.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- A new bill in Congress aims to ensure air traffic controllers receive pay during any future government shutdowns. Lawmakers introduced the legislation ahead of a Senate subcommittee hearing scheduled for Wednesday, where officials will examine the impact of the recent 43-day shutdown on aviation. Some in Washington argue that the absence of air traffic controllers on the job was…
Across the Nation, Featured

Key economic reports may shape next Federal Reserve rate decision

Economic reports expected today could play a major role in shaping the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)-  Economic reports expected today could play a major role in shaping the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision. The new data includes updates on home sales, mortgage rates and the long-delayed September jobs report — a key indicator for the Fed’s dual mandate of maximizing employment while controlling inflation. Business reporter Matt Egan notes the slowdown has been stark….

Stratford Hungry For First State Championship Victory In Over Two Decades
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Local Sports, Sports

Stratford Hungry for First State Championship Victory in Over Two Decades in Season Rematch with Brookstone

10-2 Eagles ride five-game surge into GIAA 4A championship
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Stratford Academy is back on the big stage. For the first time since 2022, the Eagles will play for a state championship – and this time, they’re chasing their first GIAA 4A crown in more than two decades. Under second-year head coach Paul Carroll, Stratford (10–2) has powered its way into Saturday’s title game at…

James Hayes Gfx
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Suspect in 2023 fatal I-75 South crash taken into custody, released on bond

James Leamon Hayes is charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and following too closely in a 2023 five-vehicle crash that killed a Lyons man.
Tucker Sargent,

James Hayes (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (11/19/25): A man wanted in connection with a 2023 fatal crash on Interstate 75 South was taken into custody last week and has since bonded out. According to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, James Leamon Hayes was taken to the Bibb County Jail on November 12. Hayes was wanted on charges of…
Across the Nation, Featured, Tech Report

Tech Report: Intuit partners with OpenAI, Zoox launches robotaxis, and Netflix expands retail footprint

Intuit, the maker of TurboTax and QuickBooks, has signed a multiyear deal worth more than $100 million with OpenAI to integrate the startup’s artificial intelligence language models across its financial products.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Intuit, the maker of TurboTax and QuickBooks, has signed a multiyear deal worth more than $100 million with OpenAI to integrate the startup’s artificial intelligence language models across its financial products. The technology will be embedded into TurboTax, QuickBooks, Credit Karma and Mailchimp, enhancing user guidance and automation. TurboTax customers will now be able to link their Intuit accounts…
Across the Nation, Featured

Congress passes bill ordering release of Epstein files as survivors push for transparency

After decades of delays, efforts to bring full accountability in the Jeffrey Epstein case are now accelerating.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)- After decades of delays, efforts to bring full accountability in the Jeffrey Epstein case are now accelerating, with a bill requiring the Justice Department to release its sealed Epstein files headed to President Trump’s desk. The legislation sailed through both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse cheered the vote during a candlelight vigil,…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Rising homeownership costs, Eli Lilly’s surge, and NVIDIA earnings

Hidden costs of homeownership are rising sharply nationwide.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Hidden costs of homeownership are rising sharply nationwide, with a new analysis showing owners now pay nearly $16,000 a year in maintenance, insurance, and related expenses. The report, released by Zillow and Thumbtack, highlights how insurance premiums alone have jumped 48% since 2020, adding significant strain to household budgets. Meanwhile, the exclusive trillion-dollar valuation club—currently dominated by tech giants—may…
Across the Nation, Featured

Protests grow as ICE raids surge across multiple U.S. cities

Thousands of demonstrators are calling for an end to the surge in federal immigration arrests across North Carolina
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Thousands of demonstrators are calling for an end to the surge in federal immigration arrests across North Carolina, as tensions rise following a week of high-profile ICE operations. Large crowds rallied in downtown Raleigh, demanding a halt to immigration enforcement actions they say are sweeping up families and rattling entire communities. Governor Josh Stein criticized the raids, arguing agents…

John Milledge Returns To The Big Stage: Trojans Aim For First State Title Since 2022
Across Georgia Sports, Baldwin County, Local Sports, Sports

John Milledge Returns to the Big Stage: Trojans Aim for First State Title Since 2022

John Milledge rides late-season surge into GIAA AAA State championship rematch with Deerfield-Windsor
Justin Dierkes,

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Week 15 of the high school football season brings a loaded slate across Georgia, including a state championship showdown at Five Star Stadium – and John Milledge Academy is right back in the hunt for glory. The Trojans, sitting at 11-1 and fresh off another region crown, have stormed their way back into the title…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Macon advocate says trauma and pressure fueling youth violence

Yolanda Lattimore says Macon teens need guidance, communication and creative outlets to cope with trauma.
Gena Tripp,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Recent incidents of youth crime in Macon are raising concerns about how young people cope with trauma and pressure, according to local community advocate Yolanda Lattimore. Lattimore says youth violence is often a reflection of underlying trauma and stress. Many young people are juggling responsibilities and pressures beyond their age, including financial stress, family challenges and…

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Bibb County, Featured, Health, Local News

Macon doctor: Holiday stress and heavy meals raise heart risks

Dr. Magendran Danapal says simple movement, lighter meals and calming routines can protect your heart through the holidays.
Gena Tripp,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be tough on your heart. Between rich meals, packed schedules and holiday stress, it’s important to remember cardiovascular health. Dr. Magendran Danapal, Chief Of Vascular Surgery at Atrium Health Navicent, says people shouldn’t wait until New Year’s Day to start taking care…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Temperatures return to the 80s Wednesday

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – . This Evening It’s been a lovely Tuesday afternoon following a rather chilly start. It will not be nearly as chilly tonight thanks to the wind will have been out of the south for almost a full day. Lows will be around or just below 50 degrees as the wind continues from the south-southwest around 5…