Brendan Banfield convicted of aggravated murder in double homicide case

A jury found Brendan Banfield guilty on all counts, convicting him of aggravated murder in the stabbing death of his wife, Christine Banfield, and the shooting death of Joseph Ryan.

(NBC)- A jury found Brendan Banfield guilty on all counts, convicting him of aggravated murder in the stabbing death of his wife, Christine Banfield, and the shooting death of Joseph Ryan. Banfield remained impassive as the verdict was read aloud in court. Prosecutors said Banfield orchestrated the killings by luring Ryan to the couple’s home through a fetish website, then…

Fort Valley names interim police chief amid city leadership changes

City leaders have not clarified the status of the police chief or city administrator ahead of Tuesday’s meeting.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Fort Valley Police Department says Alger Raines is serving as interim police chief. The leadership changes come as the Fort Valley City Council prepares to accept the resignation of City Administrator Gary Lee during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday night. The meeting was originally scheduled for Monday evening. It is not clear what Chief…

Perry to add 35 new downtown apartments

City leaders say the project supports walkability, housing diversity and increased foot traffic for downtown businesses.

35 new downtown Perry apartments (PHOTO: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna Sheffield)PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Perry will soon be making room for more residents downtown.  Starting in March, the city will begin the first phase of 35 new apartments on Northside Drive.  The city will soon be transforming an empty dirt lot, beside The Chalet Lofts, into 35 new apartments for Perry residents….

17-year-old hospitalized after Macon shooting, investigation underway

Macon-Bibb County E911 received a call about a person shot in the 3700 block of Flamingo Drive.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/ WMGT) – A 17-year-old was shot Monday in Macon, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Macon-Bibb County E911 received a call about a person shot in the 3700 block of Flamingo Drive. Deputies responded to the call and found a 17-year-old boy with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local medical facility…

Hollywood Minute: Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar lead star-studded Grammys marked by music and messages

An emotional Bad Bunny kicked off Grammy night by accepting three awards, including album of the year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

(CNN)- An emotional Bad Bunny kicked off Grammy night by accepting three awards, including album of the year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, warming up for Super Bowl weekend with a dominant showing and heartfelt remarks that drew loud cheers from the crowd. Social issues also took center stage throughout the ceremony. Immigration themes surfaced during several acceptance speeches, including…

Crimestoppers seeking woman wanted for identity fraud in Houston County

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME (1-877-682-7463).

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon Regional Crime Stoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies across Middle Georgia as part of its ongoing effort to encourage community involvement in locating fugitives. Crime Stoppers partners with media outlets and law enforcement agencies in eight Middle Georgia counties, offering anonymous rewards for tips that lead to arrests. The following individuals…

Kenneth Yasger discusses eliminating Georgia income tax, raising teacher pay in 2026 Governor race

Yasger is a U.S. Army and Georgia Army National Guard veteran who is campaigning as a political outsider, saying his focus is on putting Georgians first rather than partisan politics

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – He is highlighting his years of service in the military and in the service industry as experiences that shaped his leadership approach. Among his top policy proposals, Yasger supports eliminating Georgia’s state income tax and suspending the gas tax to provide financial relief for families. He also outlined plans to raise teacher salaries by capping education…

Multiple consumer product recalls issued for baby items, supplements, and supplies

Federal safety agencies have announced several product recalls affecting children's items, dietary supplements, and household products.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Federal safety agencies have announced several product recalls affecting children’s items, dietary supplements, and household products. They’re urging consumers to check their homes and take immediate action.   Gerber recalls baby snacks over contamination risk Baby food manufacturer Gerber has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its arrowroot biscuits due to possible contamination with soft plastic…

House returns to Washington seeking deal to reopen government amid shutdown and immigration debate

House lawmakers returned to an icy Washington on Monday as negotiations continue to unfreeze funding for large portions of the federal government, now in a partial shutdown.

(NBC)- House lawmakers returned to an icy Washington on Monday as negotiations continue to unfreeze funding for large portions of the federal government, now in a partial shutdown. The focus is on advancing a Senate-passed funding package that would fully fund most government agencies while temporarily splitting off the Department of Homeland Security. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he expects…

Morning Business Report: Strong profits, rising food costs, and market volatility

Despite ongoing tariffs and trade uncertainty, U.S. company profits remain strong as earnings season continues.

(LILAMAX)- Despite ongoing tariffs and trade uncertainty, U.S. company profits remain strong as earnings season continues. With roughly one-third of companies in the S&P 500 having reported quarterly results so far, the average net profit margin stands at 13.2%, according to FactSet. Senior earnings analyst John Butters says that figure would mark the highest profit margin on record dating back…

DOJ releases new Epstein files revealing draft indictment, redacted allegations

The U.S. Department of Justice released a new batch of records  tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

(NBC)- The U.S. Department of Justice released a new batch of records  tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, shedding additional light on potential connections to powerful figures and previously unseen government documents. Among the newly posted materials is what appears to be a 32-count draft indictment prepared against Epstein before the controversial 2007 non-prosecution agreement. According to…

Edward Foster announces run for Macon-Bibb County Commission District 5

Candidate says his campaign will focus on crime, housing and illegal dumping

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Edward Foster has officially announced his campaign for the District 5 seat on the Macon-Bibb County Commission. Foster, a longtime Macon resident, said his campaign will focus on lowering crime, improving housing conditions, and addressing illegal dumping within the district. Speaking at his official campaign announcement, Foster emphasized a community-by-community approach to tackling local issues. “So,…

Fort Valley State president reflects on tenure ahead of retirement

Jones says his career in higher education spanned four decades and focused on strengthening the university.

FVSU President retiring after 10 years (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield) FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After a decade of leadership at Fort Valley State University, President Dr. Paul Jones announced his retirement earlier this month. President Jones tells 41NBC Fort Valley State University has been a journey of growth, learning, and pure joy.   He was appointed to serve as the…

UPDATE: Incident report outlines forced entry, weapon used in Ingleside Avenue assault

The reprot describes forced entry damage, injuries and a prior encounter that deputies say may have escalated tensions.

Malik Porter, Shondria Phelts, Tasha Fuller (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (1/30/26): An incident report released Friday by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office provides additional details about what deputies called a home invasion on Ingleside Avenue, including how investigators say the suspects forced their way into an apartment while the victim was on the phone with 911. According to the…

Students help present academic progress at Bibb Schools’ State of the District

District leaders say graduation rates continue to climb, but chronic absenteeism remains a key focus.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Students helped lead Bibb County School’s  annual State of the District Friday, walking the audience through academic progress and school achievements. From elementary schools to high schools, students highlighted gains in areas like content mastery, student growth and readiness. Graduation rates were one of the biggest takeaways. The district’s overall graduation rate reached 88.97 percent, which…

Gov. Kemp declares new statewide state of emergency ahead of winter storm

Emergency order runs through Feb. 6 as winter storm and extreme cold are forecast across Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency today ahead of a winter storm expected to impact Georgia this weekend. The declaration is a separate executive order from the one issued Jan. 22 ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center beginning…

GDOT treats Middle Georgia roads ahead of weekend winter storm

Georgia Department of Transportation crews are working around the clock in Middle Georgia to prepare major highways and state routes ahead of this weekend’s winter storm.

Photo: Georgia Department of TransportationMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – GDOT says brine operations began early Friday morning across multiple counties in the west central district, including Crawford, Peach, the northern half of Houston County, Coweta, Meriwether, Upson Counties. The treatment includes major roadways such as I-75, I-475, I-16, and several state routes. GDOT spokesperson Juanita Birmingham say crews will continue applying…

Community forum aims to raise awareness on human and sex trafficking in Macon

Macon residents will have the opportunity to learn more about human and sex trafficking during a community forum focused on prevention, awareness, and action.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC) – The Human & Sex Trafficking Forum, presented by Priscilla Stanley and The Edify House, will take place Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, located at 1539 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Macon. January is recognized nationally as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and organizers say the forum is designed to educate the…

Morning Business Report: Budget deal eases shutdown fears as markets slide

Senate Democrats have reached a deal with Republicans and the White House to pass five spending bills, funding a large portion of the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year.

(LILAMAX)- Senate Democrats have reached a deal with Republicans and the White House to pass five spending bills, funding a large portion of the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year. The agreement helps avert another potential government shutdown—an outcome that has been weighing on Wall Street amid concerns it could curb spending and slow an economy that…

UPDATE: GBI says 21-year-old Warner Robins man charged in shooting of officer and woman

Officials say the suspect surrendered after a barricaded standoff, and the investigation remains active.

(Photo Credit: Bre’Anna Sheffield/41NBC)UPDATE (8 p.m.): The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says it has arrested and charged 21-year-old Rashawn Williams of Warner Robins with aggravated assault on a peace officer and aggravated assault. In a news release Thursday night, the GBI said the original 911 call came in just after 8:30 a.m., and Williams was taken into custody just after…

Border Patrol agents placed on leave after fatal Minneapolis shooting as tensions rise

The two U.S. Border Patrol agents who fired their weapons in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis are on administrative leave, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

(NBC)- The two U.S. Border Patrol agents who fired their weapons in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis are on administrative leave, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The announcement comes as tensions remain high in the city, with President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan expected to speak in Minneapolis in an effort to ease public…

Morning Business Report: Federal Reserve holds interest rates as markets and consumers watch next moves

The Federal Reserve has entered a new holding pattern on interest rates, signaling it is in no rush to begin cutting borrowing costs anytime soon.

(LILAMAX) – The Federal Reserve has entered a new holding pattern on interest rates, signaling it is in no rush to begin cutting borrowing costs anytime soon. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said recent economic data has painted a somewhat brighter picture than at the central bank’s previous meeting. Powell pointed to stronger economic growth and early signs that the…

Weekend Watch: Middle Georgia events include concerts, races and workshops

Middle Georgia residents looking for weekend activities have plenty of options, from live music and fitness events to creative workshops and wellness gatherings

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Middle Georgia residents looking for weekend activities have plenty of options, from live music and fitness events to creative workshops and wellness gatherings. Music Lineup The weekend kicks off Friday night at Grants Lounge in Macon with Eddie 9V and Nether Hour taking the stage at 9 p.m. The Georgia-born bandleader has gained recognition for his distinctive blend…

Arctic blast brings record-breaking cold to Washington, D.C. and eastern U.S.

Officials in the nation’s capital are warning residents that the brutal winter weather gripping the region is far from over, with dangerously cold temperatures expected to linger for days.

(CNN)- Officials in the nation’s capital are warning residents that the brutal winter weather gripping the region is far from over, with dangerously cold temperatures expected to linger for days. Clint Osborn, director of the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, said overnight lows could plunge into the negatives, with temperatures falling as low as minus three…