UPDATE: Macon-Bibb Commission approves fifth straight property tax millage rate reduction

Miller proposed a new millage rate of 9.575, a reduction of 0.325 from last year and a decline of 10.756 mills since he took office.

UPDATE (8/19/25): The Macon-Bibb County Commission voted Tuesday to approve Mayor Lester Miller’s recommendation to reduce the property tax millage rate for the fifth consecutive year. The new rate is 9.575, down 0.325 from last year and 10.756 since Miller took office. County officials said the reduction comes even as the overall budget has grown from $174 million in 2022…

Residents say rats, a snake and a lizard found inside Fort Valley apartments

Residents say they’ve seen rats, a snake and a lizard inside their apartments and claim calls to management often go unanswered.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Residents living at The Villas on 8 Apartments shared photos and videos with 41NBC showing a rodent, a snake and a lizard inside their units. They say calls to property management and often go unanswered. Makayla Arnold, a resident at the complex, said she recently discovered holes in her food and watched a rat run…

Isolated storms possible as temperatures stay near average

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WGMT) – Isolated storms will be possible again Wednesday afternoon and evening. This Evening It’s been another pretty hot day around Middle Georgia however the temperatures have again been near or even below average for this time of year. However rain chances seem to be higher today than yesterday as isolated showers could become a bit more widespread…

Middle Georgia experiencing CNA shortage

This shortage is impacting long-term care facilities in Georgia and across the U.S.

CNA shortage(Photo:41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The University of Georgia recently conducted a study showing a shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) in Middle Georgia. This shortage is impacting long-term care facilities in Georgia and across the U.S. Aicia Whisnant, the owner of Warner Robins Health Tech, says CNAs provide the majority of direct care in nursing homes, but they are leaving…

Temporary lane closures on Watson Boulevard at Peacock Drive in Warner Robins

For more information and real-time updates, visit the City of Warner Robins website or official social media channels.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Drivers in Warner Robins should prepare for delays as the city temporarily closes two eastbound lanes of Watson Boulevard at Peacock Drive for repair work, city officials said. The two eastbound lanes at the intersection will be closed while crews complete the work. Officials said the center turn lane will be used to accommodate eastbound…

UPDATE: Man dead after fatal Washington County crash with tractor trailer

The crash remains under investigation by Washington County authorities.

UPDATE (8/19/2025 at 3:09 p.m.) A man has died after a fatal vehicle collision on Monday afternoon, according to Georgia State Patrol. The man has been identified as 70-year-old William McCoy of Wrightsville. ORIGINAL 8/19/2025 at 12:32 p.m.) WASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Washington County driver was airlifted with life-threatening injuries after crashing into a tractor trailer Monday afternoon when…

GDOT to reopen Bass Road bridge

Information on traffic conditions and work status is available by calling 511, visiting 511ga.org or using the Georgia 511 mobile app.

Courtesy: Georgia Department of TransportationMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bass Road bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railway is set to reopen to traffic this weekend, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. GDOT officials said contractors will reopen the bridge and its approaches on County Route 742 on August 23, allowing motorists to resume travel across the route after months…

Tech Report: AI could add $16 trillion to S&P 500, Starlink outage, satellite launch

Morgan Stanley says the S&P 500 could see as much as $16 trillion in added value as artificial intelligence boosts productivity.

(LILAMAX)- Morgan Stanley says the S&P 500 could see as much as $16 trillion in added value as artificial intelligence boosts productivity. Strategists said agentic AI and humanoid robots could deliver major benefits for companies, while also impacting up to 90 percent of existing jobs. That could force many workers to upskill or shift careers. Still, AI is not taking…

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….