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.

(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…

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.

(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 in Season Rematch with Brookstone

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

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…

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.

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…

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.

(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…

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.

(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,…

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

Hidden costs of homeownership are rising sharply nationwide.

(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…

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

(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

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

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…

Macon advocate says trauma and pressure fueling youth violence

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

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…

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.

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…

Temperatures return to the 80s Wednesday

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…

Piedmont Macon looks ahead to the Great American Smokeout, encourages people to quit smoking

Dr. Charles Teames, a resident physician at Piedmont Macon Medical Center, says people can quit smoking at any time.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon is preparing for the Great American Smokeout and encouraging the community to consider quitting smoking. The Great American Smokeout is held on the third Thursday of every November and is aimed at motivating people to stop smoking and pursue a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Charles Teames, a resident physician at Piedmont Macon Medical Center, said…

Hollywood Minute: Tom Cruise receives honorary Oscar as new Swedish media drama “Vanguard” debuts

Tom Cruise now has an honorary Oscar, receiving the prestigious recognition at this year’s Governors Awards.

(CNN)- Tom Cruise now has an honorary Oscar, receiving the prestigious recognition at this year’s Governors Awards. Filmmaker Alejandro Iñárritu presented him with the award, and Cruise opened his speech by thanking Iñárritu and praising the evening’s other honorees: Debbie Allen — the actress, dancer, choreographer, singer, director, and producer — production designer Wynn Thomas, known for his collaborations with…

Tech Report: Ford partners with Amazon on certified used car sales as Apple accelerates CEO succession planning

Ford’s franchised dealers will soon be able to sell certified preowned vehicles directly through Amazon.

(LILAMAX)- Ford’s franchised dealers will soon be able to sell certified preowned vehicles directly through Amazon. The companies announced Monday that the new program will allow customers to secure financing, begin paperwork, and schedule pickup times at participating Ford dealerships. The move comes a year after Amazon first said it would open its platform to auto sales, starting with Hyundai….

Border Patrol expands enforcement surge into Raleigh, North Carolina

City and state leaders in North Carolina are continuing to push back as Border Patrol expands its enforcement mission.

(NBC)- City and state leaders in North Carolina are continuing to push back as Border Patrol expands its enforcement mission, taking the surge from Charlotte to the state capital of Raleigh. Raleigh’s mayor confirmed to NBC News that Border Patrol joined ICE in the city last night and she believes officers would begin enforcement operations there this morning. The expansion…

House moves toward vote to release DOJ’s Jeffrey Epstein files

The House is preparing for a highly anticipated vote today that could force the Justice Department to release all of its files related to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

(NBC)- The House is preparing for a highly anticipated vote today that could force the Justice Department to release all of its files related to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a major escalation in the push for transparency. After months of resisting the effort, President Trump has reversed course, now urging Republicans to support the bill and saying he…

Morning Business Report: USDA to require SNAP users to reapply as holiday travel weakens

The government shutdown is over, and economic reports will resume this week.

(LILAMAX)- The government shutdown is over, and economic reports will resume this week. Among the most anticipated releases are the delayed employment figures for September and October, as well as existing home sales. AI company NVIDIA, along with Walmart and Target, will also report earnings. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the Trump administration will require all SNAP recipients to reapply…

Mercer rolls to second straight SoCon title behind record-breaking season

Bears clinch automatic playoff berth, celebrate undefeated conference run ahead of Auburn finale

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer left no doubt at Five Star Stadium on Saturday, steamrolling Chattanooga 63–17 to secure its second consecutive Southern Conference championship and an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. Head coach Mike Jacobs and the Bears capped the win with celebratory cigars on the field, a fitting end to a historic regular season that included…

Northeast Sweeps Awards at Weekly Macon Touchdown Club

Northwest Raiders Sweep Awards at Macon Touchdown Club coming off their GHSA First Round Playoff Win over Fannin County

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – At the weekly gathering of the Macon Touchdown Club Monday night, three Northeast players swept the awards table Monday night, after their GHSA first round playoff victory over Fannin County 41-0. The Back of the Week went to Raiders Junior Kortnei Williams for his 214 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on offense, to go along…

House prepares vote on Epstein files as President Trump reverses position

As the House prepares for a vote this week aimed at forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

(NBC)- As the House prepares for a vote this week aimed at forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, President Trump is shifting course. Overnight, he posted: “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.” The president has long opposed the effort, calling the push by Democrats a hoax. He has also…

Morning Business Report: Economic reports resume after shutdown as markets shift and holiday spending tightens

With the government shutdown now over, long-delayed economic reports are finally set to resume this week.

(LILAMAX)- With the government shutdown now over, long-delayed economic reports are finally set to resume this week. Among the most anticipated releases are the missed employment figures for September and October, along with existing home sales data. Major earnings are also on the way from Nvidia, Walmart, and Target. Bitcoin has erased its gains for the year, falling below $94,000…

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for family violence in Monroe County

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME (1-877-682-7463).

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Regional Crimestoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia and sharing the organization’s word of the day. Crimestoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals are wanted: Rex Mays is wanted by the…

U.S. weighs military and diplomatic options as pressure on Venezuela escalates

The United States is signaling increased pressure on Venezuela, though President Donald Trump’s exact intentions remain unclear.

(CNN)- The United States is signaling increased pressure on Venezuela, though President Donald Trump’s exact intentions remain unclear. That ambiguity may be deliberate, but what is known is that the U.S. has built up significant military and intelligence resources in the region — and the president has authorized the CIA to operate inside the country. Officials say President Trump has…