Morning Business Report: Ticketmaster monopoly ruling, Fed tensions and AI pivot shake business landscape

A major legal decision is shaking up the live entertainment industry after a jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as a monopoly.

(LILAMAX)- The verdict came after a lengthy trial in New York federal court, which included testimony from top music and entertainment executives. While fans have long complained about high ticket prices and fees, immediate relief is unlikely. A second trial will determine next steps, which could include breaking up the company. In Washington, tensions are rising between Donald Trump and…

Deadly school shootings in Turkey leave 9 dead, dozens injured in two days

A wave of deadly violence has shaken Turkey, where two school shootings in just two days have left communities reeling.

(NBC)- A wave of deadly violence has shaken Turkey, where two school shootings in just two days have left communities reeling and raised urgent questions about safety. Authorities say at least eight children and one teacher were killed after a 14-year-old student opened fire inside a middle school. The attack is being described as the deadliest school shooting in the…

Child injured in random knife attack at Omaha Walmart, suspect shot by police

Authorities in Omaha are investigating a random attack inside a local Walmart that left a young child injured and the suspect dead.

(NBC)- Authorities in Omaha are investigating a random attack inside a local Walmart that left a young child injured and the suspect dead. Police say 31-year-old Noemi Guzman entered a Walmart Tuesday morning, where she allegedly shoplifted a large knife before targeting a child inside the store. Investigators say Guzman approached the child, pulled him away from his caretaker and…

Hail, tornadoes and flooding hit central U.S., causing damage and evacuations

Severe weather is slamming parts of the central United States, bringing destructive hail, tornadoes and widespread flooding to multiple states.

(CNN)- In Ohio, residents captured dramatic video of golf-ball-sized hail pounding the ground as powerful storms moved through the region Wednesday. The storms are part of a larger system that has produced more than two dozen reported tornadoes across the U.S. heartland since Monday night. One tornado struck Clinton Wednesday evening, causing significant damage.  Despite no reported injuries, officials say…

Pedestrian killed in collision on Pio Nono Avenue in Macon

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian on Pio Nono Avenue.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian on Pio Nono Avenue. According to a news release, the crash happened at the intersection of Pio Nono Avenue and Ell Street. The call came into the Macon-Bibb Emergency 911 Center at 10:01 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Investigators say the…

BS Report: Braves Haven’t Lost a Series

The Atlanta Braves are back in action tonight at Truist Park in the rubber match of a three game set with the Miami Marlins. Atlanta won last nine after the Marlins won game one on Monday. Tonight, Bryce Taylor will be on the mound for Atlanta. Braves have not lost a series all year long. They split the four game…

CGTC launches $100 million healthcare training program for high school students

New partnership between Central Georgia Technical College and Houston County Schools aims to fast track students into healthcare careers

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A $100 million investment is helping launch a new pathway for Middle Georgia students interested in healthcare. Central Georgia Technical College is partnering with Houston County School District and major hospital systems to train the next generation workforce through a new initiative tied to the STEM and Allied Health Academy. Students will have the opportunity…

Atrium Health Navicent shares tips for navigating seasonal allergies

Dr. Leslie David with Atrium Health Navicent said medications such as Zyrtec or Allegra can help with allergies.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent is sharing tips for navigating seasonal allergies. Dr. Leslie David with Atrium Health Navicent said allergies can come from different types of triggers, such as pollen from grass or different types of trees. “If you have a runny nose, if you have congestion, if you have watery eyes or puffy eyes that seem…

Two sentenced after 2022 fast-food robberies in Bibb County

The district attorney’s office said the group of teens targeted seven fast-food establishments in 2022.

Keion Freeman Jr. and Derrick Berry III (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two people were sentenced after pleading guilty to a 2022 string of armed robberies targeting fast-food restaurants in Bibb County, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. According to the news release from the DA’s office, Keion Freeman Jr. and Derrick Berry Jr….

GEORGIA BUSINESS FOCUS: Major companies announcing new investments, leadership hires, and job opportunities

Executive appointments, major investments, new development projects, and nationwide hiring drive economic growth across Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This week’s Georgia Business Focus: Blue Bird Corporation Appoints New SVP of Engineering Blue Bird Corporation, a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has named Lyndon Lie as Senior Vice President of Engineering. Lie will oversee product development, platform engineering, innovation and execution for the company. Blue Bird’s CEO, John Wyskiel, says Lie’s leadership will…

Rep. Austin Scott rebukes Trump over controversial Easter post

Middle Georgia congressman publicly criticizes social media image as inappropriate

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- U.S. Rep. Austin Scott is speaking out after President Donald Trump posted an image on Easter Sunday that drew criticism online. Scott, who represents parts of Middle Georgia, addressed the post during a congressional committee meeting on Tuesday, calling it inappropriate. Scott: ‘Not okay’ “The Easter Sunday post about annihilating a civilization is not okay,” Scott said….

Monroe County school bus driver charged with DUI after “driving erratically”

The sheriff’s office says there were no students on the bus at the time.

Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s OfficeFORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Monroe County school bus driver was charged with DUI (drugs) Wednesday after deputies reported he was driving erratically, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies received a report that a Monroe County school bus was driving erratically in the area of Shi Road and Maynards Mill Road at 6:55 a.m….

Dickey Farms to host 2026 Strawberry Festival

The festival will be April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dickey Farms is hosting its annual Strawberry Festival this weekend. The festival will be April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dickey Farms, located at 3440 Musella Road in Musella. Lee Dickey with Dickey Farms said the event will feature local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities and strawberry picking. Live music will be from…

Former Rep. Eric Swalwell investigated over assault allegations, resigns

A new push for accountability is underway as Eric Swalwell faces a criminal investigation following his resignation from Congress.

(NBC)- A new push for accountability is underway as Eric Swalwell faces a criminal investigation following his resignation from Congress. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirms it is looking into allegations made by Lonna Drewes, who claims Swalwell drugged her drink, raped and choked her in a California hotel room in 2018. “I lost consciousness, and I thought I…

Morning Business Report: Housing costs rise as markets gain, study warns Iran war could cost $1 trillion

According to the report, regulatory hurdles can add more than $100,000 to the cost of a home while also slowing down construction.

(LILAMAX)- A new report from the Council of Economic Advisers suggests that increasing housing supply and cutting bureaucratic red tape could significantly improve affordability across the country. According to the report, regulatory hurdles can add more than $100,000 to the cost of a home while also slowing down construction. While federal policies play a role, officials say state and local…

Husband released but still suspect in Lynette Hooker disappearance in Bahamas

In an interview, Hooker denied any involvement in her disappearance.

(NBC)- A man at the center of a growing international search is speaking out after being released from custody in the Bahamas. Brian Hooker was freed by authorities and is not facing charges, but investigators say he remains a suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, who vanished more than a week ago. In an interview, Hooker denied…

Oklahoma principal stops armed suspect at high school

Principal Kirk Moore is seen emerging from a nearby doorway and tackling the suspect in an effort to stop the threat.

(NBC)- Newly released video shows the dramatic and dangerous moments an armed suspect entered a high school in Pauls Valley—before being stopped by a quick-thinking principal. Authorities say a man, identified as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former student, walked into Pauls Valley High School carrying a pistol. Moments later, Principal Kirk Moore is seen emerging from a nearby doorway and…

Tornadoes, flooding and snowstorms hit multiple states, causing damage and rescues

Severe weather is wreaking havoc across the central United States, with tornadoes, flooding and dangerous winter conditions impacting several states.

(CNN)- Severe weather is wreaking havoc across the central United States, with tornadoes, flooding and dangerous winter conditions impacting several states. Residents in Ottawa described a terrifying tornado that tore through their community Monday, leaving behind significant damage and injuries. “Then we were going to leave and we thought we had time… the sky just changed very suddenly,” said Eileen…

Macon man, identified as youth pastor, arrested in child porn case

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says the investigation began in Pennsylvania and led to a suspect in Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Macon man identified as a youth pastor at a Monroe County church has been arrested in connection with a child pornography investigation out of Pennsylvania, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. In an email Tuesday, sheriff’s office spokesperson Anna Watkins said Pennsylvania State Police contacted the sheriff’s office after tracing downloads of suspected child…

Inclusive playground breaks ground at Magnolia Point Park in Perry

Haseya Women’s Club and City of Perry partner on playground designed for children of all abilities

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A new inclusive playground is coming to Perry after a groundbreaking ceremony at Magnolia Point Park. The project is led by the Haseya Women’s Club and is funded by more than $1 million in community donations. Avoly Wainwright, one of the co-chairs of the Haseya Women’s Club, said the playground is designed to serve children of all…

Macon man sentenced after admitting role in 2021 death

Prosecutors say the case involved a shooting and efforts to conceal the victim’s body.

Jerome Dewayne Beasley (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man has been sentenced to 50 years, with 20 to serve in prison, after pleading guilty in connection with a 2021 killing, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. 33-year-old Jerome Dewayne Beasley pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and concealing the death of…

Macon could get new Hyatt Studios hotel under proposed development plans

Plans call for a 7-story, 128-room hotel with a streamlined design

A rendering shows the proposed Hyatt Studios hotel planned for Bass Road in Macon. The project calls for a seven-story, 128-room development. (CREDIT: MACON-BIBB COUNTY P&Z)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new hotel development could expand lodging options in Macon, as Hyatt Studios has submitted plans to build a seven-story, 128-room hotel at 1512 Bass Road. New hotel proposed for growing…

Bibb County sheriff appoints new jail administrator to oversee nearly 100 deputies

Samuel Jines named Bibb County jail administrator by Sheriff David Davis

Bibb County has a new jail administrator. Samuel Jines, a veteran corrections leader, will oversee operations impacting public safety and jail conditions.MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has named a new leader for its jail operations. Samuel Jines, a veteran corrections official with national-level credentials, will serve as jail administrator, overseeing nearly 100 deputies, staff and vendors, Sheriff…

Republican Ted Metz outlines election overhaul plan in secretary of state race

Ted Metz, who has spent more than a decade advocating for election reform, is campaigning on eliminating electronic voting systems and replacing them with hand-marked paper ballots.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia’s race for Secretary of State is drawing renewed attention as Republican candidate Ted Metz lays out a platform centered on sweeping changes to the state’s election system. He argues that a physical paper trail is essential to ensuring election transparency and restoring voter confidence. A key focus of his campaign is opposition to Georgia’s current…