Morning Business Report: Americans save more, markets climb, and a bold prediction on lifespan

Americans are contributing a higher percentage of their earnings to retirement accounts than ever before.

(LILAMAX)- Americans are contributing a higher percentage of their earnings to retirement accounts than ever before. According to Fidelity, the average savings rate has climbed to a record 14.3%, up from 13.5% in 2020. This rise is being driven in part by more employers using automatic enrollment and starting contribution rates at 5% instead of the traditional 3%. A key…

Hollywood Minute: Cynthia Erivo releases new album, Will Ferrell brings Eurovision to Broadway

While fans wait for Cynthia Erivo to soar on screen as Elphaba in the upcoming  Wicked sequel, they won’t have to wait long to hear new music from the Grammy-winning actress.

(CNN)- While fans wait for Cynthia Erivo to soar on screen as Elphaba in the upcoming  Wicked sequel, they won’t have to wait long to hear new music from the Grammy-winning actress. Erivo’s second studio album, I Forgive You, drops this Friday. Not only does she lend her voice to every track, she also co-wrote the entire album, pouring her…

Former Mercer Pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long Earns Win in MLB Return

The former Bears pitcher improved to 1-0 on the year in his return back to the MLB mound

CHICAGO, Illinois – (41NBC/WMGT) – Former Mercer University standout Sawyer Gipson-Long made his return to the Major Leagues on Wednesday night, taking the mound for the Detroit Tigers for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024. Pitching against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, Gipson-Long struck out three batters while allowing five hits and…

FPD’s Keon Johnson Named Georgia Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year

FPD Rising Senior Shortstop Keon Johnson Won Gatorade High School Baseball Player of the Year in the state of Georgia for all classifications

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – With the 2025 high school baseball season officially in the books, award season is in full swing. For First Presbyterian Day School’s Keon Johnson, the accolades continue to pile up. On Wednesday, Johnson, a rising senior shortstop, was named the 2025 Gatorade Georgia Baseball Player of the Year, an honor that spans all classifications across…

High-speed chase in Jones County ends with arrest of man hiding in crawl space

Deputies say Warrick Wayne McElroy reached speeds of 115 mph during a chase through Jones County before running and hiding under a house.

Warrick Wayne McElroy (Photo: Jones County Sheriff’s Office)GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A high-speed chase that reached 115 miles per hour ended in a Jones County neighborhood Monday, where deputies arrested a man found hiding in a crawl space, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. While patrolling Highway 49 near Pioneer Road, a deputy saw a red Mercedes with a…

Bibb County Schools providing summer meal access for kids

Free meals are available at select Bibb County schools this summer as nutrition leaders navigate supply chain disruptions, tariff hikes and the loss of a key grant.

(Photo Credit: Fiona King /41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With summer break in full swing, the Bibb County School District is stepping in to make sure children don’t go hungry while school is out. Families often find that food tends to go quickly around the house during the summer months. Condus Shuman, the Executive Director of the Nutrition Department at Bibb…

Joint Regeneration Health and Wellness shares tips for knee pain relief without surgery

Michael Bannister, owner of Joint Regeneration Group, says there are ways to prevent knee surgery.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Joint Regeneration Health and Wellness offers non-surgical treatments for knee pain, aiming to help patients avoid surgery through advanced therapies, according to owner Michael Bannister. Bannister, who owns Joint Regeneration Group, said the practice has treated more than 4,000 patients over the past four years. The primary treatment offered is viscosupplementation, a procedure that involves injecting…

Piedmont Macon celebrates National Cancer Survivors Month with music and purple ribbons to honor Cancer Survivors

“Having events like these, we can connect with other survivors. We can share our stories,” said Rhonda Miller, a Breast Cancer Survivor.

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s National Cancer Survivors Month and today survivors celebrated at Piedmont Macon to the rhythm of music. Building C was jamming to the sound of various percussion instruments with some people even dancing as Cancer Survivors and Piedmont Macon staff participated in a drum circle led by Dr. Gloria Cisse and Rodney Mason…

Isolated showers likely Thursday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia will see sporadic showers Thursday afternoon thanks to tropical moisture. Today Another mostly cloudy day is expected that will feature some rain chances through the afternoon and evening. Highs will climb into the mid to upper 80s as there should be a bit more sun than Wednesday. Most of the rain should be showers…

Sheriff: Driver seriously injured after car splits ‘in half’ during crash in Washington County

The driver was airlifted to Augusta after crashing on Georgia Highway 24 in Washington County. The car hit a culvert and split in half, authorities say.

Photos: Washington County Sheriff’s OfficeWASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A driver was seriously injured late Tuesday night when their car split in half during a crash on Georgia Highway 24, according to the Georgia State Patrol and Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran. The crash happened along Hwy 24 East at Williamson Swamp, according to a post from Sheriff Joel Cochran…

Three people arrested in Treutlen County kidnapping, assault investigation

30-year-old Dean Tanner of Tarrytown, 43-year-old Lauren Bailey of Vidalia, and 51-year-old Jeff Sconyers of Vidalia were arrested and charged by the GBI.

TREUTLEN COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Three people have been arrested in connection with a kidnapping and aggravated assault investigation in Treutlen County, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. 30-year-old Dean Tanner of Tarrytown, 43-year-old Lauren Bailey of Vidalia, and 51-year-old Jeff Sconyers of Vidalia were arrested and charged by the GBI. On May 28, the Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office…

Traffic stop in Twiggs County uncovers assault warrant, contraband

The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office said deputies stopped a 2015 Chevrolet Impala for an equipment violation.

TWIGGS COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A woman was arrested in Twiggs County after deputies stopped her for an equipment violation and discovered she was wanted for assault, according to a news release. The arrest happened at 4:10 p.m. on May 28. The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office said deputies stopped a 2015 Chevrolet Impala for an equipment violation. The driver, identified…

EMA: Fire destroys old school building in Dooly County

Fire crews from every department in Dooly County responded to the former Jenkins Elementary building Tuesday, according to the Dooly County EMA.

DOOLY COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A fire broke out Tuesday at the old Christian school building in Dooly County, which previously served as Jenkins Elementary, according to the Dooly County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). In a Facebook post Wednesday, the agency thanked community members and surrounding fire departments for their support during the response to the fire. “I want to…

Kroger baggers compete in Macon for shot at state championship

Judges graded baggers' skills in areas such as speed, friendliness, how well they distributed the bags' weight, overall style and the appearance of the bag.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’ve never seen a Kroger Bag-Off Competition, we’ll you’ve definitely missing out. Kroger employees from across Middle Georgia faced off in a fast-paced showdown Wednesday during the district Bag-Off competition at the Bridge Pointe Kroger in Macon. The Ready, Set, Bag event brought together grocery baggers from stores as far as Griffin and McDonough. Judges…

Morning Business Report: Student loan relief for seniors, job market improves

  Job openings, hirings, and layoffs all increased, with involuntary separations hitting their highest level since October.

(LILAMAX)- The U.S. labor market showed more movement in April.  Job openings, hirings, and layoffs all increased, with involuntary separations hitting their highest level since October. At the same time, the number of people quitting their jobs dropped — a sign that workers may be having a harder time securing new positions. Stocks closed higher for the second straight day,…

Piedmont doctor shares advice for Men’s Health Awareness Month

Piedmont Primary Care physician Dr. Syed Rizvi says it's important for men to talk to their doctors.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, and a Piedmont doctor is encouraging men to prioritize their health. Dr. Syed Rizvi, a primary care physician with Piedmont, says it’s important for men to talk to their doctors. Rizvi cited a recent study that found at least 55% of men do not get screenings or visit their doctor…

Tariffs double as Elon Musk slams President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”

Billionaire Elon Musk, who previously served as a temporary government advisor focused on budget efficiency, blasted the president’s self-proclaimed “Big Beautiful Bill.”

(NBC)- As U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel doubled overnight for most of the country’s trade partners, fresh dissent is emerging among President Donald Trump’s own allies — this time over his sweeping new spending proposal. Billionaire Elon Musk, who previously served as a temporary government advisor focused on budget efficiency, blasted the president’s self-proclaimed “Big Beautiful Bill” as a…

Hollywood Minute: Gibson launches search for Marty McFly’s lost guitar, Margot Robbie returns to the big screen

The search is part of a new documentary Gibson is producing to mark the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future this year.

(CNN)- “We need your help.” That’s the message from Gibson Guitars as they launch a search for one of the most iconic instruments in movie history — the guitar played by “Marty McFly” in Back to the Future. The legendary six-string hasn’t been seen since 1985, and Gibson says it’s time to bring it back. The company, which originally manufactured…

White House pushes for trade deals as tariff deadline nears

The White House is urging countries to submit their best offers for trade deals by the end of the day, as the 90-day pause on so-called “reciprocal” tariffs is set to expire on July 9.

(CNN)- The White House is urging countries to submit their best offers for trade deals by the end of the day, as the 90-day pause on so-called “reciprocal” tariffs is set to expire on July 9. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The president expects good deals, and we are on track for that.” However, economic experts are expressing…

GMC Prep Groundbreaking on New Athletic Facility

Georgia Military College Prep School held a groundbreaking event Tuesday morning for their brand new athletic facility set to open in 2026

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Tuesday morning, Georgia Military College Prep School broke ground on its new 9,180 square-foot Athletic Complex. The ceremony, held at 330 S Warren Street, welcomed GMC leadership, coaches, student-athletes, and supporters to celebrate this bold step forward in athletic excellence. Unveiled during GMC’s annual Casino Night Auction in March, the complex represents a significant…

Atlanta Motor Speedway Renamed to EchoPark Speedway

The 66-year old 850-acre track has been completely revamped due to a multi-million dollar, seven year naming rights partnership

HAMPTON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On Tuesday morning, Atlanta Motor Speedway held a press conference to announce a huge change to the 66-year old course. The Georgia NASCAR super speedway will now be named EchoPark Speedway in a multi-million dollar, seven year naming rights partnership with the pre-owned automotive dealer. EchoPark Speedway’s entire 850-acre facility has undergone a massive facelift…

Shurling Library kicks off Summer Reading Season

“We're having parties at all of our library branches during this week just to get kids and families encouraged to come out to the library," said Andrew Willis, Marketing Coordinator for Middle Georgia Regional Library (MGRL).

(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Shurling Library kicked off the Summer Reading Season on Tuesday evening as a ton of kids and parents showed up to enjoy a certain surprise. Spider-Girl (Gwen Stacy) and Spider-Man (Miles Morales) transversed the Spider-Verse to make a surprise visit as they read Splatter, written and illustrated by Diane Alber, while asking and…

Mercer University to host LAFC practices ahead of FIFA Club World Cup in Atlanta

County leaders say Macon will gain international exposure and economic impact as LAFC trains at Mercer University before the FIFA Club World Cup match in Atlanta.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer University has been selected as a training site for the Los Angeles Football Club ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in Atlanta this summer. Mercer University, Visit Macon, and Macon-Bibb County held a news conference on Tuesday to make the announcement. Mercer has been approved as a practice site for the 2025 FIFA Club…

State Sen. John F. Kennedy talks bid for lieutenant governor

Kennedy has served in the General Assembly since 2015 and as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate since January 2023.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — On Monday, Georgia State Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon) threw his hat into the ring to be next lieutenant governor of Georgia. Kennedy, 59, is a native of Adrian, Georgia. He has served in the General Assembly since 2015 and as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate since January 2023. Kennedy’s announcement…