Thursday, July 16th: Below are the top stories WTXL ABC 27 is following around the Big Bend, South Georgia, nationally, and your forecast.<\/p>\n
1) Leon County objects to annexation, but city could still move forward.<\/a> After Leon County commissioners unanimously voted<\/a> to formally object to a proposed annexation of the property, county attorneys told commissioners their vote does not veto the request.<\/p>\n Leon County votes against annexation, but the debate continues with the city<\/p>\n 2) Valdosta leaders push to revitalize Southside neighborhood.<\/a> Longtime residents want the city to clean up blighted properties, attract new businesses, and create spaces neighbors can once again take pride in.<\/p>\n Valdosta leaders push to revitalize Southside neighborhood with businesses and community spaces<\/p>\n 3) Charlie Ward’s Champions Ranch nears first major milestone in 2026.<\/a> The youth sports and community development project in Tallahassee is moving closer to completion, with a new athletic field expected to be constructed and installed by late October.<\/p>\n Charlie Ward Champions Ranch moves closer to completion with field install planned for late October<\/p>\n 4) President Trump to address nation tonight on elections and voting machines<\/a>. The speech will take place in the East Room of the White House. The 9:00 p.m. Eastern time slot is traditionally reserved by presidents for their most important addresses, including Oval Office speeches and the State of the Union.<\/p>\n Trump to give speech on ‘free and fair elections’<\/p>\n 5) Thursday Forecast:<\/a> This midday, our area is in the mid to upper 80s. We’ll climb to the low 90s for highs this late afternoon. We’re also monitoring a few disturbances in the tropics<\/a>. First to Know Meteorologist Ryan Gold<\/a> has the details below.<\/p>\n First To Know Weather – Storms can pop up today (7-16-2026)<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.<\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on\u00a0Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n