Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Builder struggles, Netflix momentum, potential rail merger

Builder confidence has remained in negative territory for 15 straight months, prompting more aggressive sales strategies.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- It’s a challenging season for the U.S. housing market, as homebuilders continue to face headwinds. Builder confidence has remained in negative territory for 15 straight months, prompting more aggressive sales strategies. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 38% of builders reported cutting home prices in July — the highest level since the group began tracking the metric…
Across the Nation, Featured

White House confirms Trump has chronic vein condition, doctors say it’s not serious

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is living with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN) – The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is living with a condition called chronic venous insufficiency — a vein disorder that causes periodic swelling in the lower legs, especially around the ankles. Officials and medical experts stress the condition is not alarming. “It’s basically not alarming information, and it’s not surprising,” said Dr. Jeremy Faust, Assistant…

Macon Nike Rbi 15u Team Returns To Southeastern Tournament After Breakout Year
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Featured, Local Sports, Sports

Macon Nike RBI 15U Team Returns to Southeastern Tournament After Breakout Year

This year's squad returns only one player, but may be heading back to Jacksonville with a better team than last season
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – One year after a breakout run to the RBI World Series, the Macon Nike RBI 15U baseball team has returned to the Southeastern Regional Tournament with high hopes and even higher expectations. The program, representing one of the smallest markets in the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) initiative, made waves last season after capturing…
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Monroe County Investigators arrest 15 in identity theft operation

Monroe County Investigators say the operation began in March, geared toward stopping individuals they say were stealing from businesses and residents.
Clayton Poulnott,

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Multiple suspects are in custody after the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrests 15 in ‘Operation Fall Guy’. Investigators say the operation began in March, geared toward stopping individuals they say were stealing from businesses and residents. According to the Sheriff’s Office, there were 14 identified victims in this case with a total of 272 checks…

Tommy Thomason Gfx
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Man accused of $35K fake land sale arrested in Monroe County undercover operation

Tommy Thomason was arrested during an undercover operation after deputies say he sold a $35,000 plot of land he didn’t own.
Tucker Sargent,

Tommy Thomason (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A man accused of scamming someone out of $35,000 in a fake land sale was arrested on Monday during an undercover operation in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say they began investigating after being notified of a possible land scam earlier that day. After…

Roxie Watson Gfx
Crawford County, Featured, Local News, Monroe County

UPDATE: 73-year-old Monroe County woman wanted for identity fraud now in custody

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a 73-year-old woman wanted in connection with an identity fraud case in Monroe County.
Tucker Sargent,

Roxie Elaine Watson (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (7/17/25): Roxie Elaine Watson has been arrested, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say she is being held in the Monroe County Jail without bond. Online jail records show she is charged with identity theft fraud. ORIGINAL STORY (4/10/25): FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking…

Samuel Mccoy Wrightsville Gfx
Featured, Johnson County, Local News

UPDATE: Wrightsville man pleads guilty to child sex abuse charge

According to a Friday, February 28 news release, 23-year-old Samuel McCoy was taken into custody on Friday, one day after an investigation was started into an alleged relationship between McCoy and a 14-year-old.
Tucker Sargent,

Samuel McCoy (Photo: Johnson County Sheriff’s Office)ORIGINAL STORY (7/17/25): A Wrightsville man has pleaded guilty to sexual battery involving a minor. 23-year-old Samuel McCoy entered the plea on Thursday in Superior Court, according to the sheriff’s office. The case stems from his arrest in February after investigators say he had illegal contact with a 14-year-old victim. A judge sentenced McCoy…
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Local News

Bibb County Board of Education proposes 4.65% property tax increase

Bibb school board members propose a 4.65% property tax increase in 2025, raising the millage rate to 14.674. Public hearings set for July 31 and August 14.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Board of Education has tentatively approved a millage rate for Calendar Year 2025/Fiscal Year 2026 that would raise property taxes by 4.65 percent. According to a news release from the school district, the proposed increase would bring the millage rate to 14.674 mills, which is .652 mills higher than the roll-back rate of…
Featured, Local News, Monroe County

Deputies: 1 found dead after house fire in Monroe County

Monroe County deputies say a male body was found inside a home after a house fire on Thursday. The cause remains under investigation.
Tucker Sargent,

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Authorities are investigating after first responders found a man’s body following a house fire Thursday afternoon in Monroe County. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the fire broke out around 3:39 p.m. “in the area of” Lakeside Drive. The exact address was not provided. Monroe County deputies, the Monroe County Fire Department and the City…

Sparta Police Bolo
Featured, Hancock County, Local News

Sparta Police searching for man accused of firing gun near apartments

Police say 33-year-old Courtney Fredrick Dixon is wanted on firearm charges after firing a weapon at Heritage Manor Apartments. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Tucker Sargent,

Sparta PoliceSPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Sparta Police Department is asking for the public’s help finding a man accused of firing a gun near an apartment complex over the weekend. According to a bulletin from the Sparta Police Department, officers are looking for 33-year-old Courtney Fredrick Dixon in connection to the incident that happened Saturday, July 12, at Heritage Manor…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Spirit Airlines coming to Middle Georgia Regional Airport this October, providing nonstop passenger service to Fort Lauderdale

The flight to Fort Lauderdale will connect passengers with other destinations like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas via flight, and the Caribbean by cruise. Faour says those who book now will save big.
Taylor Gilchrist,

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Planning vacation getaways just got a little bit easier for Middle Georgians. Spirit Airlines will provide nonstop flights from Middle Georgia Regional Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International in Florida, taking off beginning on October 16. Doug Faour, Macon-Bibb County Aviation Director, says these services will benefit thousands in the region each year. “Our data…

Pic For Web
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Georgia News, Laurens County, Local News

The return of cursive in Georgia: New standards for elementary students

Georgia's updated English Language Arts standards now require cursive writing for 3rd through 5th graders, with school leaders highlighting its academic and developmental benefits.
Fiona King,

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Elementary students across Georgia will soon be required to learn cursive writing, as part of new English Language Arts standards taking effect this school year. The Georgia Department of Education has updated its ELA standards to require cursive writing for students in 3rd through 5th grade. School leaders in Middle Georgia point…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Temperatures and storm chances climb Friday

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With Invest93L’s influence leaving the Peach State temperatures will climb more and afternoon pop-up storms will return. This Evening A partly sunny afternoon will give way to mostly clear skies overnight on this warm Thursday. A few spotty storms remain possible in the southwestern counties of the region as the outer bands of Invest93L finally clear…
Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

UPDATE: Warner Robins man sentenced to life for murdering wife

57-year-old Brian McManus was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

UPDATE: (7/17) – Houston County District Attorney says 57-year-old Brian McManus was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Wednesday. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man convicted of killing his wife in Warner Robins in 2023 is scheduled to be sentenced July 16, according to the Houston County District Attorney. 57-year-old Brian McManus was found…

Warner Robins Opens Food & Toy Pantry
Featured, Georgia News, Happening Now, Houston County, Local News

Impact Therapy opens food pantry and toy drive to support Warner Robins families

Referral Coordinator Sarah Walker says the pantry is open to anyone in the community who’s in need  
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new resource is now available for families in need. The Impact Therapy Community Pantry and “Play It Forward” toy drive is officially open in Warner Robins, offering both food assistance and support services. The community pantry provides food to families and individuals in need of staple items, while also offering counseling services for children….
Tech Report

Tech Report: Netflix earnings, Starbucks menu shake-up

Netflix is set to report its second-quarter earnings after markets close on Thursday.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Netflix is set to report its second-quarter earnings after markets close on Thursday — and Wall Street is largely optimistic. Although the streaming giant no longer shares subscriber numbers, analysts are eyeing three key areas: the impact of recent price hikes, the performance of its advertising-supported tiers, and growth in international markets. Starbucks is officially lifting the curtain on…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump clashes with supporters over Epstein case as pressure mounts for transparency

A rare divide is emerging within the MAGA movement as President Trump faces growing frustration from some of his own supporters over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC)-A rare divide is emerging within the MAGA movement as President Trump faces growing frustration from some of his own supporters over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. In a fiery social media post, Trump disowned a faction of his base he labeled “weaklings” for buying into what he called “B.S.” conspiracy theories. “It’s all been a big hoax,”…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Travel, tariffs, shifting consumer habits

United Airlines is lowering its profit expectations for the year, citing reduced consumer spending due to rising living costs.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – United Airlines is lowering its profit expectations for the year, citing reduced consumer spending due to rising living costs. Still, the airline notes a more stable global outlook compared to earlier this year. Meanwhile, aluminum producer Alcoa reports that tariffs imposed by President Trump have added $115 million in costs—six times higher than in the first quarter. The…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Final season of “Stranger Things,” Totoro’s return, a super-boost for dog adoptions

Netflix has released the first teaser for the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things. 
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Netflix has released the first teaser for the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things. The show’s final chapter sees the heroes reunited, but their hometown is now under military quarantine. “Eleven” is in hiding, and the stakes are higher than ever as the ultimate battle looms. “Volume One” premieres November 26th, “Volume Two” follows on Christmas…

Republicans Race Toward Budget Deadline
Across the Nation, Featured

Republicans race toward budget deadline

Republicans are scrambling to meet a key budget deadline set for tomorrow, triggering a marathon of late-night votes and revealing fractures within the party over proposed spending cuts.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Republicans are scrambling to meet a key budget deadline set for tomorrow, triggering a marathon of late-night votes and revealing fractures within the party over proposed spending cuts. At the center of the push is a rescissions package backed by President Donald Trump — aimed at codifying cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting. The proposal, made possible under…

Houston County Grad Gage Harrelson Reflects On Being Selected In 2025 Mlb Draft
Across Georgia Sports, Featured, Houston County, Local Sports, Sports

Houston County Grad Gage Harrelson Reflects on Being Selected in 2025 MLB Draft

The Florida State Outfielder was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 16th Round with the 469th overall pick
Justin Dierkes,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Over the past few days, a few Middle Georgia baseball standouts have heard their names called in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft. Among them is 2022 Houston County High School graduate and former Florida State outfielder Gage Harrelson, who was selected in the 16th round with the 469th overall pick by the Los…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News, WMGT

Inmate stabbed at Bibb County jail during altercation

The incident is under investigation.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An inmate at the Bibb County jail is in the hospital after being stabbed Wednesday, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The stabbing happened just after 6 a.m. July 16. According to the sheriff’s office, two inmates were involved in a physical altercation that led to one of them receiving non-life-threatening injuries. The injured inmate…