Morning Business Report: Inflation rises as Iran war costs climb to $29 billion

The estimated cost of the war involving Iran has now climbed to approximately $29 billion, according to a senior Pentagon official.

(LILAMAX) – The estimated cost of the war involving Iran has now climbed to approximately $29 billion, according to a senior Pentagon official. The updated figure is roughly $4 billion higher than estimates provided less than two weeks ago. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth repeatedly declined to tell lawmakers how much emergency funding the administration may request from Congress to continue…

Woman, dog killed in Baldwin County house fire

Firefighters say a 63-year-old woman and a dog were found dead inside the home.

MGNBALDWIN COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A woman and a dog died in a house fire Tuesday in Baldwin County, according to Baldwin County Fire Rescue. In a social media post, the agency said crews responded to a residential fire in the 100 block of Old Colony Farm Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions at a single-story home, according…

Making a splash: Baldwin County water park opens this month

The new aquatic center in Milledgeville will feature water slides, a lazy river and a beach-entry pool.

splashbaldwin.com/Baldwin CountyMILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — After years of planning and construction, Baldwin County’s new water park, Splash Baldwin, is set to open later this month. According to the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners, Splash Baldwin will officially open Friday, May 29 at Walter B. Williams Park in Milledgeville. County leaders say the aquatic center was modeled after Southern Pines Water…

Keisha Lance Bottoms visits Macon as part of voting rights tour

Gubernatorial candidate highlights early voting, affordability, and election concerns

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Keisha Lance Bottoms made a stop in Macon Tuesday as part of her “Our Rights, Our Future” tour. Bottoms is traveling across Georgia this week, encouraging voters to head to the polls while outlining her priorities if elected governor. During her stop in Macon, Bottoms spoke about the importance of early voting and protecting voting rights…

Macon students get sneak peek of UniverSoul Circus

Performers visited James H. Porter Elementary School to showcase acts ahead of the circus’ Atlanta run.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The UniverSoul Circus made a stop in Macon Tuesday, bringing a sneak peek performance to after-school students at James H. Porter Elementary School. The circus, founded in 1994, features performers from around the world with acts ranging from dancing to roller skating. Ringmaster Zakita Edinborough said the visit was about giving back to the community and…

Macon businesses benefiting from Glen Powell movie filming

Local leaders say the production is helping businesses while exposing students and residents to the filmmaking process.

“Comeback King” filming impact on downtown Macon (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Filming for the movie “The Comeback King,” starring Glen Powell, is bringing economic activity and national attention to Macon as production continues across the city. Visit Macon Senior Vice President Aaron Buzza says the filming has had a positive impact on locals and businesses. Buzza says Macon…

Partly cloudy and seasonal Wednesday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Partly cloudy skies and near average temperatures are expected Wednesday afternoon with a slim chance for a few showers. This Evening It’s been a cloudy day across Middle Georgia with the southern third of the region seeing light rain as expected. A few small showers have reached the middle third of the region. Rain odds will…

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger responds to Burt Jones campaign criticism over Georgia election TV ad

During a stop in Macon as part of his statewide gubernatorial campaign tour, Raffensperger defended his record overseeing Georgia elections after the Jones campaign sent legal takedown letters to television stations airing Raffensperger’s ad titled “Mud.”

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger responded Tuesday to criticism from the campaign of Lt. Governor Burt Jones over a campaign advertisement focused on election security in Georgia. The Jones campaign argued the advertisement falsely claims Raffensperger stopped President Joe Biden and Stacey Abrams from “rigging Georgia’s elections” and demanded television stations remove the ad from…

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger brings his gubernatorial campaign tour to Macon

Brad Raffensperger visited HighNote Aviation at Middle Georgia Regional Airport to meet with local voters and members of the media while discussing his campaign priorities in the race for governor.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger made a campaign stop in Macon Tuesday morning as part of his statewide “Standing for Georgia” fly-around tour. The Republican candidate said affordability and public safety remain key concerns he is hearing from Georgians across the state. “I’m a Christian Conservative businessman. I’m running for governor to make Georgia affordable…

Five new homes coming to Villa Esta Avenue in south Macon

Leaders say the development aims to replace blight and give families more affordable housing options

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Five new homes are rising along Villa Esta Avenue right across from Bruce Elementary School in south Macon. According to Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller, the development is part of the county’s ongoing effort to remove blight and bring more affordable housing to the area. He says the project is about more than just building homes it…

Houston County detention officer arrested during investigation into jail-directed drug operation

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office said one detention officer was arrested and another was terminated during a narcotics investigation tied to a drug operation investigators say was directed from inside the jail.

Daisha Odaine (Credit: Houston County Sheriff’s Office)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A Houston County detention officer has been arrested, and another has been terminated during a narcotics investigation tied to what the Houston County Sheriff’s Office says was a drug trafficking operation directed from inside the county jail. According to the sheriff’s office, detention officer Daisha O’Daine was arrested May 5…

Warner Robins Independence Day celebration to feature Kool & the Gang, Phillip Phillips

The City of Warner Robins announced the entertainment lineup for its 43rd Annual Independence Day Celebration scheduled for July 4, 2026.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The City of Warner Robins has announced the entertainment lineup for its 43rd Annual Independence Day Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the McConnell-Talbert Stadium parking lot. Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick said this year’s event will celebrate America 250 with live music, community activities, and fireworks. Headlining the event will be Kool & the…

Trump heads to China summit

President Donald Trump is heading to China for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is heading to China for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions surrounding trade, technology and the ongoing conflict with Iran continue shaping global markets. “I have a great relationship with President Xi,” Trump said before departing. “We’re doing a lot of business, but it’s smart business.” While tariff tensions between the world’s…

Chaos erupts after gunfire reported in Cambridge

Chaos broke out on the streets of Cambridge after reports of gunfire sent people running for safety in the college town.

(NBC)- Chaos broke out on the streets of Cambridge after reports of gunfire sent people running for safety in the college town. Emergency radio traffic captured the tense moments as dispatchers reported gunshots and possible fires in the area. Witnesses described seeing a man carrying a long gun while walking down a major street and firing shots. “We heard some…

Crews battle massive wildfire burning in Florida Everglades

The fire, known as the “Max Road Fire,” broke out on Sunday.

(CNN)- Firefighters continue battling a massive wildfire burning in the Florida Everglades as drought conditions across the state fuel concerns about the blaze spreading. The fire, known as the “Max Road Fire,” broke out Sunday and has prompted nearby residents to remain on alert as crews work to contain the flames. “Pretty much, yes,” resident Audrey Gonzalez said when asked…

Morning Business Report: Trump gas tax holiday proposal moves forward amid rising costs

President Donald Trump’s proposed gas tax holiday could cost the federal government an estimated $3.5 billion per month.

(LILAMAX)- President Donald Trump’s proposed gas tax holiday could cost the federal government an estimated $3.5 billion per month as lawmakers begin pushing legislation aimed at lowering fuel prices for Americans. The proposal would suspend the federal gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and would require approval from Congress before taking effect. Senator Josh Hawley said Monday he plans…

UPDATE: Suspicious object found at Middle Georgia Regional Airport during Raffensperger campaign stop

According to the sheriff’s office, the Macon-Bibb Emergency 911 Center was notified about the incident at 8:21 a.m.

Photo: Tyrik Wynn/41NBCUPDATE (11:29 A.M.) The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says a suspicious object was found Tuesday morning inside a secure area of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport during a sweep of the evacuated airport. According to the sheriff’s office, the Macon-Bibb Emergency 911 Center was notified about the incident at 8:21 a.m. Patrol deputies and the E.O.D. Bomb Unit…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspections May 4-8

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, May 4 and Friday, May 8.

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, May 4 and Friday, May 8. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Bibb deputies investigating after body found in wooded area on Houston Road

According to a news release, the call came in around 10:45 p.m. Deputies responded to a wooded area in the 5200 block of Houston Road and observed the body.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says it’s investigating after a body was found Sunday night at a homeless encampment on Houston Road. According to a news release, the call came in around 10:45 p.m. Deputies responded to a wooded area in the 5200 block of Houston Road. They say the body was under a shed, which…

UPDATE: Laurens County deputy fired after domestic violence investigation

Sheriff Larry Dean says the deputy was fired after an internal affairs investigation into the case was completed.

UPDATE (5/11/26): Sheriff Larry Dean says former Laurens County deputy Justin Padgett has been terminated following an internal affairs investigation into the domestic violence case. In a Facebook post Monday, Dean said Padgett had initially been placed on administrative leave because of what he described as “discrepancies” in the case. Dean said the investigation has since been completed and Padgett…

‘It’s not about me being a chief; that’s just a title’ | Fort Valley police chief shares goals

According to Chief Wilson, Fort Valley has seen a drop in shootings and crime this year. He says he wants to keep those numbers low, but to help with that, he needs more officers. 

Fort Valley New police Chief (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley police chief David Wilson, who was sworn in last month, is sharing some of his plans for his his new job. In an interview with 41NBC, Wilson said serving in Fort Valley feels just right. “I’m a motorcycle officer and I came down here to do…

Crime Stoppers seeks woman wanted for burglary in Houston 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 Crime Stoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies across Middle Georgia as part of its ongoing effort to encourage community involvement in locating fugitives. Crime Stoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement agencies in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals…

Trump heads to China as Iran tensions continue

President Donald Trump is preparing for a high-stakes trip to China this week, where he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is preparing for a high-stakes trip to China this week, where he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions surrounding the war with Iran continue to impact global markets and international diplomacy. Ahead of the visit, Trump rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, calling it “totally unacceptable,” though he did not publicly provide…

Texas murder suspect captured in Italy after allegedly fleeing U.S.

A Texas man accused of killing his pregnant wife is now in custody in Italy after authorities say he fled the United States while awaiting trial.

(NBC)- A Texas man accused of killing his pregnant wife is now in custody in Italy after authorities say he fled the United States while awaiting trial. According to court filings, Lee Gilley allegedly cut off his court-ordered ankle monitor on May 1 before leaving the country. Investigators say Gilley, who is charged in the 2024 death of his wife…