Morning Business Report: Airfares rise as airlines cut flights and renters stay longer in homes

Plane ticket prices are climbing as airlines cut back on flights in response to weakening demand.

(LILAMAX)- Plane ticket prices are climbing as airlines cut back on flights in response to weakening demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, airfares rose 4% in July, the first monthly increase since January. Industry data from Cirium shows U.S. carriers reduced domestic capacity by 6% in August. Meanwhile, a new study finds renters are staying put longer. On…

UPDATE: Deputies identify pedestrian who died after being struck Monday night on Hawkinsville Road

According to a sheriff’s office news release, the crash was called into the Macon-Bibb E-911 Center at 9:41 p.m. near the intersection of McMillian Drive.

UPDATE (8/19 – 10:30 a.m.): The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has identified the woman struck and killed Monday night as Cynthia Pruitt of Macon. ORIGINAL STORY (8/19 – 1 a.m.): MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian on Hawkinsville Road Monday night. According to a sheriff’s office news release, the crash…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores August 11-15

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, August 11 and Friday, August 15.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — This week’s Restaurant Report Card provides food service inspection scores across Middle Georgia, as released by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, August 11 and Friday, August 15. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Trump hosts Zelenskyy at White House amid Ukraine peace talks

President Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House this week.

(NBC)- President Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House this week, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. “It’s an honor to have the president of Ukraine with us,” Trump said as the two leaders met in Washington. Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his “personal efforts to stop killings and stop this…

Texas Democrats return to Capitol as GOP redistricting fight intensifies

Chants of “This is what democracy looks like” rang through the Texas State Capitol as several House Democrats returned Monday after a weeks-long standoff.

ChatGPT said: (CNN)- Chants of “This is what democracy looks like” rang through the Texas State Capitol as several House Democrats returned Monday after a weeks-long standoff. Supporters lined the halls, cheering and waving signs as lawmakers made their way back into the chamber. With their arrival, House Speaker Dustin Burrows declared, “A quorum is present,” ending the legislative standstill….

Hollywood Minute: Breakfast Club returns to theaters, Dirty Dancing concert tour announced

Two 1980s films are making a comeback, while a new horror movie introduces an unusual four-legged star

(CNN)- The teen classic The Breakfast Club is returning to theaters for its 40th anniversary. Fans can catch the Brat Pack favorite on the big screen September 7 and 10 at select theaters nationwide. Dirty Dancing is taking on a new life as a touring stage experience. Dirty Dancing in Concert pairs the original film with a live band and vocalists…

Hurricane Erin triggers Outer Banks evacuations

Hurricane Erin is stirring off the East Coast, and officials warn its impact could be felt along several states despite forecasts keeping the storm offshore.

(CNN)- Hurricane Erin is stirring off the East Coast, and officials warn its impact could be felt along several states despite forecasts keeping the storm offshore. In North Carolina, evacuations are underway in parts of the Outer Banks as towering waves and local flooding are expected to begin today. Dare County has declared a state of emergency, with officials cautioning…

Mercer looking to build on momentum from historic 2024 season

The Mercer Bears and second year Head Coach Mike Jacobs are coming into the 2025 season strong

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer football made history in 2024 with one of its best seasons ever. Under first-year head coach Mike Jacobs, the Bears finished 11-3 overall and 7-1 in Southern Conference play, clinching their first-ever SoCon championship. The Bears climbed into the top 10 of the national FCS polls for the first time, earning a spot as…

UPDATE: Arrest made in connection with graduation party shooting that left 1 dead, 2 injured

Deputies say 30-year-old Ataraus Marrell Rouse faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the shooting that killed 25-year-old Jaurice Markel Haywood.

Rouse (Photo: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (8/18/25): A man is in custody after U.S. Marshals arrested him in connection to a homicide investigation, according to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators identified 30-year-old Ataraus Marrell Rouse as a suspect in the killing of 25-year-old Jaurice Markel Haywood of Macon, as well as the aggravated assault of…

Monroe County teachers find success using A.I. assistant Brisk Teaching

The Monroe County School District was the first in Georgia to partner with Brisk Teaching. The A.I.-powered assistant helps teachers with tasks like grading assignments, writing curriculum and making quizzes.

(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Whitney Baggarly is teaching tenth grade literature and composition this semester at Mary Persons High School. She admits to previously feeling anxious about working alongside A.I. on the job but more than a year and a half later, she says it’s paid dividends. “Brisk is helping without taking over my profession, which is…

UPDATE: Jury convicts two men of felony murder in 2021 Macon church parking lot shooting

Prosecutors say the victim, 18-year-old Montaveous Raines Jr., was shot multiple times during a drug-related dispute.

UPDATE (8/18/25): A Bibb County jury convicted Jaylen Smith and Jordan Mullis of felony murder Saturday afternoon in the November 19, 2021, shooting death of 18-year-old Montaveous Raines Jr., according to a news release from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. The jury returned its verdict after about two hours of deliberation. The trial began Monday, August 11. Prosecutors…

Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails closes permanently after five years in Macon

Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails opened in 2019 and was located in downtown Macon.

Courtesy: Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails via FacebookMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails has permanently closed its doors after five years in business, the restaurant announced on social media. Owners originally planned to remain open until August 23 and then reopen under a new concept. However, the business said “circumstances have changed” and it will instead close immediately. “This…

Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan seeks third term in Milledgeville’s mayoral race

Copelan pointed to "unfinished business" and said she is eager to compete.

Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan Seeks 3rd TermMILLEDGEVILLE,  Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Monday marked the beginning of qualifying week for the mayoral race in Milledgeville, with current Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan throwing her hat in the ring for a third term.  “I eat with you, I shop with you, I live with you,” she said. “I work here, so I know the things that you…

Rain chances down to begin the new work week

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Ample sunshine and limited rain odds are expected as the new week gets rolling. This Evening It’s been a sunny Monday with no rain to this point. Most locations around Middle Georgia shouldn’t see any rain today, however an isolated shower or storm will be possible through the evening and into tonight. Expect low temperatures to…

McDonough man accused of shootings arrested after Monroe County chase

Deputies say the man rammed two patrol cars before being taken into custody.

Devours Sherten (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A McDonough man accused of shooting his wife and stepdaughter in Henry County was arrested Sunday night after a vehicle pursuit that ended in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the chase began in Butts County and moved into Monroe County around 11:35 p.m….

Albany man convicted of terroristic threats, child cruelty in Houston County

Cobey was sentenced to 10 years, with five years to be served in prison and the remaining five on probation.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 52-year-old Albany man has been sentenced to 10 years following his conviction on multiple felony charges stemming from a 2021 domestic dispute in Houston County, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. Keith Breon Cobey was found guilty August 15 of one count of terroristic threats, two counts of family violence battery, two…

Georgia Power offers tips to help customers save on summer power bills

Georgia Power spokesperson Amanda Sowells said simple adjustments can make a difference.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Power says its electric rates will remain frozen for the next three years, providing stability and predictability even during times of high usage. Georgia Power spokesperson Amanda Sowells said simple adjustments can make a difference. “Ensure that you have proper airflow by making sure you are changing your air filters regularly and making sure there…

Woman arrested after 140-mph police chase in Jones County

According to a news release, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Demetric Bazi of Ellenwood after learning she had multiple active warrants.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A woman was arrested after leading Jones County deputies on a high-speed chase that reached 140 mph and briefly ran into the woods before being tased, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. The incident happened August 12 just before 8 p.m. According to a news release, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on…

Tech report: AI risks, Samsung foldables gain market share, Sorkin directs Social Network follow-up

Corporate executives are encouraging employees to embrace artificial intelligence.

(LILAMAX)- Corporate executives are encouraging employees to embrace artificial intelligence, but many leaders aren’t using the tools themselves. The New York Times reports that decision-making and meeting oversight, common executive tasks, often don’t align with AI’s strengths. Meanwhile, Samsung is gaining ground on Apple in the smartphone market as consumers show growing interest in folding phones. Last month, Samsung unveiled…

Mass protests in Israel call for ceasefire with Hamas and return of hostages

More than a million Israelis took to the streets over the weekend, demanding their government reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages.

(CNN)-  More than a million Israelis took to the streets over the weekend, demanding their government reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages. Organizers said the demonstrations spanned multiple cities and included a nationwide strike, culminating in a massive rally at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. Among those voicing support was Israeli actress Gal…

Hollywood Minute: Anna Faris and Regina Hall reunite for Scary Movie 6, Kristen Wiig joins Masters of the Universe

Two familiar faces are returning to one of Hollywood’s best-known horror spoofs.

(CNN)- Two familiar faces are returning to one of Hollywood’s best-known horror spoofs. Anna Faris and Regina Hall are set to reunite in the upcoming installment of the Scary Movie franchise. Writer and star Marlon Wayans announced on Instagram that the sixth film will hit theaters next summer. Meanwhile, Kristen Wiig is lending her voice to a different kind of…

THE END ZONE HIGHLIGHTS: Warner Robins hosts Lee County

The Demons averaged 33 points per game in 2024 but went just 7-4, including a 45-28 loss to Lee County. The Trojans finished 3rd in 5A last season, losing in the state semifinals to Milton.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Warner Robins Demons welcomed the Lee County Trojans to McConnell-Talbert Stadium on Friday night. The Demons averaged 33 points per game in 2024 but went just 7-4, including a 45-28 loss to Lee County. The Trojans finished 3rd in 5A last season, losing in the state semifinals to Milton. Bill Shanks has the highlights….

THE END ZONE HIGHLIGHTS: Northeast visits Peach County in our Game of the Week

The Raiders went 12-3 last season and made it all the way to the A Division 1 state championship game before coming up short to Toombs County. The Trojans made a huge leap in season two under Marquis Westbrook, going 11-2 and making it to the AAA quarterfinals. 

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High school football is back, and so is another season of The End Zone. Our first Game of the Week in 2025 features the Northeast Raiders and the Peach County Trojans. The Raiders went 12-3 last season and made it all the way to the A Division 1 state championship game before coming up short…