Morning Business Report: Sam’s Club expands Sunday hours, IRS announces tax changes, and tariffs may impact Christmas supply

Sam’s Club members will soon enjoy longer Sunday shopping hours.

(LILAMAX)- Sam’s Club members will soon enjoy longer Sunday shopping hours. Responding to “overwhelming feedback,” most locations will now be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. “Plus” members — the retailer’s highest-tier shoppers — will continue to have early access daily from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The IRS has announced new federal tax brackets for 2026 to…

Hollywood Minute: ‘Minecraft’ sequel, Elton John reissue, and a groundbreaking new film

The sequel is set to hit IMAX theaters on July 23, 2027.

(CNN)- “Anything you can dream about… you can create!” — that’s the spirit behind Warner Bros.’ latest announcement: a sequel to this year’s hit A Minecraft Movie. Director Jared Hess is returning to helm the follow-up, but details about the cast and plot are still, as the studio puts it, “deep in the mine for now.” The sequel is set…

New York Attorney General Letitia James indicted on felony charges

New York Attorney General Letitia James — who famously won a civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump — is now facing felony charges herself.

(CNN) – New York Attorney General Letitia James — who famously won a civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump — is now facing felony charges herself. Trump has long accused James of pursuing him for political reasons, once calling her “a total stone-cold crook.” James, meanwhile, has dismissed his claims, saying, “His only goal is political retribution at…

Mary Persons Looks for Region Redemption Against LaGrange

The Mary Persons Bulldogs (4-2, 2-2) aim for consistency and revenge in crucial Week 9 showdown against the LaGrange Grangers (6-1, 4-0) Friday night at Dan Pitts Stadium

FORSYTH, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Mary Persons Bulldogs are back in the region spotlight as they host the LaGrange Grangers in a key Week 9 matchup that could shape the playoff picture in the GHSA Class 4A. At 4-2 overall and 2-2 in region 2-AAA play, the Bulldogs are finding their rhythm under 14th-year head coach Brian Nelson after…

Atrium Health Navicent hosts events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month across Middle Georgia

Atrium Health Navicent is offering mammograms, support groups and survivor events to encourage early detection and community awareness this October.

Mammography Marathon (Photo: 41NBC/ Fiona King)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Atrium Health Navicent is taking steps to support those affected and raise awareness about the disease by hosting a series of events throughout the month. On Thursday, Atrium Health Navicent held its annual Mammography Marathon, an event where both scheduled patients and walk-ins…

Houston County deputies see improved scores with advanced firearms training range

The Ed Dunbar Training Range uses computer-controlled moving targets to prepare deputies for real-world situations.

The Houston County Ed Dunbar Training range (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –The Houston County Sheriff’s Office says their deputies are increasing their target hits thanks to their new advanced training range. The Houston County Ed Dunbar Training Range has improved deputy qualification scores. The range showcases unpredictable and realistic scenarios, with a moving target system controlled by a…

Fairgoers can witness the miracle of life inside the Georgia National Fair’s Baby Barn

One of the most popular attractions at the Georgia National Fair is giving visitors a front-row seat to the miracle of life.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Inside the Baby Barn, fairgoers can see farm animals being born right before their eyes. The live birthing center and nursery features mother cows preparing to give birth and newborn calves taking their first steps. “You come in, you will see some mama cows, their dairy and hopefully have a chance to see some babies be…

UPDATE: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office confirms shooting at north Macon Kroger

Deputies say the victim was initially uncooperative but was later confirmed to have been shot. He’s now listed in stable condition.

UPDATE (10/9/25): The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says a 32-year-old man was shot Wednesday night in the Kroger parking lot on Tom Hill Sr. Boulevard. Deputies say the man was initially uncooperative at the scene, but doctors later confirmed he had been struck by gunfire. He’s now listed in stable condition. Investigators say a witness reported he was walking behind a…

Former Dooly State Prison officer accused of smuggling drugs, having sexual contact with inmate

26-year-old Ahryanna Trice of Montezuma is charged with violation of oath of public office and possession of items prohibited for inmates, according to warrants filed October 3 in Dooly County Magistrate Court.

DOOLY COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A former corrections officer at Dooly State Prison is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say she had sex with an inmate and smuggled drugs and other contraband into the facility, according to court documents. 26-year-old Ahryanna Trice of Montezuma is charged with violation of oath of public office and possession of items prohibited for…

Tech Report: Amazon debuts prescription kiosks

Amazon is rolling out prescription vending kiosks at select One Medical clinics in the Los Angeles area.

(LILAMAX) – Amazon is rolling out prescription vending kiosks at select One Medical clinics in the Los Angeles area. Each machine can stock hundreds of medications — including antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure treatments — with inventory tailored to local patient needs. The move comes as major pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens close hundreds of stores nationwide….

Texas National Guard on duty in Chicago amid protests, White House weighs broader troop options

Thursday morning, Texas National Guard troops were on duty in the Chicago area — their first mission since arriving in Illinois earlier this week

(NBC)- Thursday morning, Texas National Guard troops were on duty in the Chicago area — their first mission since arriving in Illinois earlier this week — a move carried out over the objections of city and state leaders. Governor J.B. Pritzker blasted the deployment, saying, “I can’t believe I have to say troop movements in a city in the United…

Morning Business Report: IRS furloughs thousands as shutdown drags into second week

About 34,000 IRS employees are being furloughed, according to the agency.

(LILAMAX)- About 34,000 IRS employees are being furloughed, according to the agency. Another 40,000 workers, or roughly 53.6% of its workforce, will remain on the job. The furloughs come as the tax agency was already facing staffing shortages following mass layoffs that reduced its workforce by about 25%, from around 100,000 to about 75,000. Work on preparing for next year’s…

Hollywood Minute: Saoirse Ronan joins Beatles biopic lineup

Saoirse Ronan is the latest star to join the ambitious new Beatles biopic project.

(CNN)- Saoirse Ronan is the latest star to join the ambitious new Beatles biopic project. According to multiple reports, the four-time Oscar nominee will play Linda Eastman McCartney, the late wife and eventual bandmate of Paul McCartney. Oscar nominee Paul Mescal will portray Paul himself — marking a reunion for the two actors, who previously played husband and wife in…

Florida man charged with setting deadly Palisades Fire

Nearly nine months after one of California’s most destructive wildfires, federal authorities say they’ve found the man responsible.

(NBC)- Nearly nine months after one of California’s most destructive wildfires, federal authorities say they’ve found the man responsible. Investigators arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of Florida, charging him with arson for allegedly setting the blaze that became known as the Palisades Fire — a catastrophe that killed 12 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes and businesses. “We will prove beyond…

Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of ceasefire plan

After months of conflict, there are signs of hope in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan.

(CNN)- After months of conflict, there are signs of hope in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan — a move many are calling the beginning of the end of the war. Former White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk said, “This really is the end…

FPD Aims for Consecutive Region Championship Hopes on Senior Night Against John Milledge Academy

The FPD Vikings (6-2, 2-0) look to stay perfect at home on Senior Night against the John Milledge Academy Trojans (6-1, 1-0)

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The End Zone’s Week Nine Game of the Week features another GIAA region clash with major postseason implications, this time back at First Presbyterian Day School. The Vikings, now 6-2, are riding high after their third straight win, a rivalry victory over Stratford Academy in last week’s Game of the Week. Under third-year head coach…

Nearly 200 employees losing jobs as Nichiha USA closes Macon Plant One

The company says closing Plant One will help strengthen its long-term competitiveness, while Plant Two will remain open in Macon.

Nichiha USA closes plant one (Photo: 41NBC/ Fiona King) MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Nearly 200 employees at Nichiha USA’s Macon facility are losing their jobs after the company announced it will close Plant One, which manufactures residential products. The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority says workforce development partners are prepared to support those impacted by the layoffs. Nichiha USA says the…

Gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan hosts healthcare roundtable in Warner Robins

The discussion was part of Duncan's statewide "Protect Georgians' Healthcare" Tour.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Lindsey Smith says her six-year-old son Oliver was born with Down Syndrome and a heart condition that has required him to have 10 surgeries, many of which were lifesaving. Smith says her family has relied heavily on Georgia’s Katie Beckett Medicaid program to get Oliver the proper care. “Medicaid has also helped…

Pirate-themed comedy show brings laughs to Georgia National Fair

One group of performers is bringing laughs and excitement with a pirate twist.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Swashchucklers Comedy Pirate Show is entertaining fairgoers with sword fights, stunts, and plenty of humor. The family-friendly performance blends action and comedy, keeping crowds engaged from start to finish. These pirates may not be sailing the high seas, but they’re keeping fair-goers entertained with plenty of stunts, sword fights and lots of laughs. The show…

City of Warner Robins prepares for upcoming trunk-or-treat

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the event is open to the community.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The City of Warner Robins is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat and Food Truck Roundup on Perkins Field. The Halloween-themed event will take place October 16 and will feature decorated vehicles, food trucks and family-friendly activities. Trunk or Treat will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and the Food Truck Roundup will be held…

Government shutdown hits home as travel delays, food aid cuts, and worker strain grow

More than a week into the federal government shutdown, the real-world effects are deepening across the country.

(NBC)- More than a week into the federal government shutdown, the real-world effects are deepening across the country — from family dinner tables to airport runways. In Georgia, the Forsyth Farmers Market has lost access to a key federal program that doubled SNAP food benefits for low-income families. Co-founder Kristin Russell says the program helped parents “stretch their budgets to…

Morning Business Report: Gold prices soar past $4,000 as markets face new uncertainty

Gold has officially entered record territory — topping $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever.

(LILAMAX)- Gold has officially entered record territory — topping $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever. The precious metal is up 51 percent this year, following a 27 percent gain in 2024. That surge has helped gold-mining stocks outperform even the biggest names in artificial intelligence — with one miner rising more than 100 percent, doubling the gains of…

Comey faces felony charges as Trump critics call case political payback

It’s arraignment day for former F-B-I Director James Comey.

(CNN)- It’s arraignment day for former F-B-I Director James Comey — a man long at odds with President Donald Trump. Comey faces charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The Justice Department accuses him of lying to lawmakers about whether he authorized an F-B-I media leak. Trump, who has repeatedly condemned Comey for investigating his…

Hollywood Minute: Taylor Swift’s new album breaks records as classic hits return to the spotlight

Taylor Swift’s latest album “The Life of a Showgirl” has already sold more than three million copies in just two days, according to music sales tracker Luminate.

(CNN)- Taylor Swift’s latest album “The Life of a Showgirl” has already sold more than three million copies in just two days, according to music sales tracker Luminate. That makes it the second-biggest sales week of the modern era—trailing only Adele’s “25” from nearly a decade ago. With five more days to go in its debut week, Swift could soon…