Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Southwest changes seating policy, “Trump Accounts” launched for babies, Wall Street sets new records

Southwest Airlines is officially putting an end to its decades-long open-seating policy.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- Southwest Airlines is officially putting an end to its decades-long open-seating policy. Starting January 27, 2025, the airline will introduce assigned seating and implement eight boarding groups. Tickets with seat assignments will go on sale July 29.This change follows earlier announcements from the airline in March, including plans to charge many customers for checked bags and introduce new fare…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 in the works

Production is officially underway for Season 4 of Ted Lasso.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Production is officially underway for Season 4 of Ted Lasso, with executive producer and star Jason Sudeikis returning alongside Jeremy Swift, Hannah Waddingham, and Juno Temple. Apple TV+ has released a first-look photo revealing that this season will follow Ted as he returns to Richmond to coach a women’s football team — a storyline teased in the Season 3…
Across the Nation, Featured

Epstein file release gains bipartisan backing

A growing bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives is pressing for the release of more unclassified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein — and appears to have enough support to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A growing bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives is pressing for the release of more unclassified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein — and appears to have enough support to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson. The effort is being led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who introduced a discharge petition that would force…

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Across the Nation, Featured

Traffic stop turns violent, video prompts internal investigation and possible legal action

A man injured during a February stop has hired civil rights attorneys; viral video questions officer conduct
41NBC Web Producer, Associated Press,

JACKSONVILLE, Florida (41NBC/WMGT/CNN) — A traffic stop that turned violent in February is now the subject of a viral video, an internal police investigation, and a potential legal battle. William McNeil Jr., 22, has retained civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels following an incident involving Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) officers. The arrest, which occurred on February 19, began…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Riverside Public Library permanently shutting doors

The closing date of the Riverside Branch Library is July 27.
Denise Turner,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Middle Georgia Regional Library is closing its Riverside branch soon after opening its doors more than 25 years ago. “The services that we offer at our library branches is a little bit different based on the community were located and of course Riverside is one where they tailor their services and they’re book collection to…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Storm odds up as major heat continues

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s and low triple digits Tuesday afternoon, however storms could help some spots cool down. This Evening A partly cloudy afternoon has already seen some decent storm activity around Middle Georgia. More isolated to scattered storms and showers will remain possible through the evening and into tonight. Nothing severe…
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Houston County, Jones County, Local News, Twiggs County, WMGT

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for failure to register as sex offender in Peach County

Today's word of the day: Purpose
Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Sgt. Greg Thomas of Macon Regional Crimestoppers appeared on 41Today to spotlight five individuals currently wanted by law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia and to share 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…
Featured, Local News, Twiggs County

UPDATE: GBI identifies man who died in shootout with law enforcement in Twiggs County

According to a sheriff's office news release, a deputy pulled over a vehicle on Highway 96 near the Highway 358 intersection just before 10:30 p.m. As the deputy got out of his patrol car, the driver sped away.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE (7/21/25): The GBI has identified 26-year-old Christopher J. Martin-Holmes of Conley as the man killed in Friday night’s shootout with a Twiggs County deputy. Investigators say Martin-Holmes fired at the deputy after crashing during a high-speed chase. The deputy returned fire. A second man, 23-year-old Phillip Ellison Jr. of Ellenwood, was arrested and faces felony charges. No officers were…

Bibb County Holds New Teacher Orientation
Bibb County, Education, Featured, Happening Now, Local News

New Bibb County teachers welcomed at orientation ahead of school year

Bibb County Schools kicked off the year by welcoming incoming educators with support, encouragement and professional training.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County Schools started the new year Monday by welcoming incoming teachers and staff with an orientation session designed to prepare them for the classroom. Teachers learned about topics ranging from curriculum and classroom management to benefits and district expectations. During a new teacher and employee orientation, Bibb County Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims welcomed the group…
Featured, Houston County, Local News, WMGT

Man hospitalized after Warner Robins assault, vehicle hijacking with box cutter

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Omari Ferguson at 478-302-5380 or Macon Regional CrimeStoppers.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man is in stable condition following an assault and vehicle hijacking Monday morning, the Warner Robins Police Department said. The incident occurred at 9:50 a.m. July 21 on Meadowdale Drive. 50-year-old Charlie Haslem was giving a ride to 25-year-old Tameisha Carter and 62-year-old Neal Speer when Carter allegedly attacked Haslem with a box cutter….
Tech Report

Tech Report: AI job replacements, TikTok sale update, crypto expansion

Companies like IBM and Klarna are among the few being transparent about artificial intelligence replacing human roles.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – Companies like IBM and Klarna are among the few being transparent about artificial intelligence replacing human roles. While AI is increasingly impacting the workforce, most companies continue to frame job cuts using terms like “restructuring,” “reorganization,” or “optimization.” Business analysts say few are willing to openly admit AI is taking over human jobs. In other tech news, Blackstone…
Featured, Houston County, Local News

Houston County drug bust tied to Atlanta raids nets $5M in seized narcotics

A massive drug bust across the Atlanta metro area has resulted in 21 arrests and the seizure of illegal narcotics worth more than $5 million.
Keenan Gibson,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A massive drug bust across the Atlanta metro area has resulted in 21 arrests and the seizure of illegal narcotics worth more than $5 million. On July 17th, officers with the Perry Police Department and Houston County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at nine homes. The coordinated operation was the result of a months-long investigation…
Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: EU eyes U.S. tariffs, Gen Z questions college, markets slide

European Union envoys are preparing to meet as early as this week to craft a response to proposed U.S. tariffs, according to Bloomberg.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – European Union envoys are preparing to meet as early as this week to craft a response to proposed U.S. tariffs, according to Bloomberg. The bloc’s leaders reportedly favor continuing negotiations with Washington in hopes of reaching a resolution before next month’s deadline. The U.S. is said to be pushing for a near-universal tariff of over 10% on European…
Entertainment

Hollywood Minute: Sony delays “Spider-Verse” sequel

Sony is pressing pause—briefly—on the highly anticipated next chapter in its hit animated franchise.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Sony is pressing pause—briefly—on the highly anticipated next chapter in its hit animated franchise. “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse”, the third installment in the Spider-Verse saga, is now scheduled to hit theaters on June 25, 2027, three weeks later than originally planned. The new date aligns with a time when more schoolchildren are on summer break, potentially boosting box office…
Across the Nation, Featured

Trump marks six months amid Epstein backlash

President Donald Trump is marking six months into his second term by spotlighting what he calls key wins.
Keenan Gibson,

(NBC) – President Donald Trump is marking six months into his second term by spotlighting what he calls key wins—while facing lingering controversy over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. “We hit a lot of home runs, and we’re going to keep hitting them,” Trump said, pointing to recent legislative victories, including the passage of a massive tax and…
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

UPDATE: Woman dies, second motorist upgraded to stable condition after head-on crash on Log Cabin Drive in Macon

According to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 4:07 a.m. near the intersection of Log Cabin Drive and Meadowbrook Drive.
Tucker Sargent,

UPDATE: The family of JaNiecea Smith has started a GoFundMe page to help provide for her four daughters, ages 5 through 8. UPDATE: The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says one of the drivers involved in a head-on crash early Saturday has died. According to an updated news release, 28-year-old JaNiecea Iman Smith died at the hospital. The second driver’s condition…

Former Fpd Coach Philip “coach Mac” Mcleroy Passes Away At 86
Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Featured, Local Sports, Sports

Former FPD Coach Philip “Coach Mac” McLeroy Passes Away at 86

McLeroy was the Head Football Coach in 1973-74 and the Head Basketball Coach for the Vikings for 20 years after until 1995-96 season
Justin Dierkes,

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Former First Presbyterian Day School coach and physical education teacher Philip McLeroy, affectionately known as “Coach Mac,” has passed away following a battle with stage four bladder cancer. He was 86. A Crawford County native, McLeroy made a lasting impact at FPD, serving as the school’s first head football coach. He led the Vikings to…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Salvation Army joins forces with Walmart for ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive

The organization, in collaboration with Walmart, hosted its annual "Stuff the Bus" school supply drive, where members of the Salvation Army and the women's auxiliary braced the heat on Friday to gather much-needed items. 
Fiona King,

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As families gear up for a new school year, local organizations like the Salvation Army of Greater Macon are helping to ease the burden of back-to-school shopping for many households. The organization, in collaboration with Walmart, hosted its annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, where members of the Salvation Army and…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Turning up the heat this weekend

Aaron Lowery,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Temperatures will climb into the upper 90s and triple digits across Middle Georgia this weekend. This Evening Partly sunny skies will give way to mostly clear conditions through the evening and into tonight. A few spotty storms are possible, however most of the region will stay dry. Expect light wind from the southwest around 5 mph…

Positive Parenting: Eco Action Empowering People
41 Today, Featured, WMGT

Positive Parenting: Eco-Action Empowering People

IDEAS For Us launches local think and do tanks, called The Hive, to help communities build customized plans where solutions start with a sharpie and end in action.
Monica Diaz-Meek,

ORLANDO, Florida – Raising environmentally responsible kids isn’t just about recycling — it’s about results. A global movement that started by two college kids is now teaching children around the world to take real eco-action, from growing food to planting trees. Sixty-three thousand trees planted. Forty-eight thousand volunteers. Sixty-eight school gardens in 33 countries. This isn’t just an environmental movement,…
Tech Report

Tech Report: Netflix revenue surges, Congress passes Crypto bill, Amazon cuts more jobs

Streaming giant Netflix reported strong growth in subscribers, helping to push its net income past $3 billion.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX) – Streaming giant Netflix reported strong growth in subscribers, helping to push its net income past $3 billion. The company also raised its 2025 revenue forecast. Analysts say much of the success comes from its lower-priced $7.99 monthly plan, which attracted viewers who may have been deterred by the $24.99 ad-free option. Netflix’s most-watched show was Adolescence, racking up…
Featured, Local News

Man injured in aggravated assault near downtown Macon bar

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred early this morning near a downtown bar.
Keenan Gibson,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred early this morning near a downtown bar. Deputies responded to the area near Daisy Tequila & Margarita Bar on Cherry Street just before 3 a.m. following reports of gunshots. When they arrived, they found a 49-year-old man suffering from a head injury. Authorities say the…
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…