Food banks prepare for increased need as SNAP requirements change

Stricter eligibility rules and purchase limits are expected to impact households across the region.

New snap requirements (PHOTO: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield) MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As of February 1, new requirements for SNAP recipients are ni effect, including changes tied to age, work hours and food purchase restrictions. With those changes in place, local food banks expect an increase in demand. Part of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act signed into law in July 2025…

UPDATE: Bibb deputies say 21-year-old wanted in deadly August hit-and-run is now in custody

Deputies say the suspect is wanted on vehicular homicide and hit-and-run charges.

Carmelo Aamir Johnson (Credit: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office)UPDATE (2/3/26): Bibb County deputies say they’ve made an arrest in connection with the death of Ronni Nykole Abbott in August 2025. According to a news release, just after 12 p.m. Tuesday, U.S. Marshals and Bibb County deputies took 21-year-old Carmelo Aamir Johnson of Macon into custody. Deputies say he’s charged with hit…

William S Hutchings students explore STEM careers through Navy VR program

Students at W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy stepped into the world of cutting-edge technology this week as the U.S. Navy brought its “Strike Group” mixed-reality experience to Macon.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The mobile, high-tech program allows students to participate in immersive virtual missions that mirror real Navy operations, from launching fighter jets aboard an aircraft carrier to navigating a submarine beneath Arctic ice. The goal is to introduce students to the wide range of STEM-based careers available in the Navy while emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. Military…

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan outlines vision for families in democratic governor run

Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan is officially entering the 2026 race for governor, this time as a Democrat after years as a Republican leader who became nationally known for standing up to former President Donald Trump.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan is officially entering the 2026 race for governor, this time as a Democrat after years as a Republican leader who became nationally known for standing up to former President Donald Trump. Duncan says his campaign is centered on what he calls Georgia’s biggest challenges: affordability, healthcare access, and political extremism….

Atrium Health Navicent surgeon discusses weight management and healthy living

A local surgeon is stressing the importance of healthy weight management and the long-term risks tied to poor diet and inactivity.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A local surgeon is stressing the importance of healthy weight management and the long-term risks tied to poor diet and inactivity. Danny Vaughn, a surgeon with Atrium Health Navicent, joined 41NBC News to discuss why so many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Vaughn said unhealthy diets — particularly the overconsumption of processed foods — are…

Hollywood Minute: Michael Jackson biopic trailer

The first official trailer has been released for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic chronicling the life and career of music legend Michael Jackson.

(CNN)- The first official trailer has been released for Michael, the highly anticipated biopic chronicling the life and career of music legend Michael Jackson. Two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo stars as Joe Jackson, while Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, takes on the title role. The film is set to arrive in theaters on April 24. Meanwhile, Jessica Chastain is stepping into…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores January 26-30

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, January 26 and Friday, January 30.

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, January 26 and Friday, January 30. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

House moves to end partial shutdown as immigration reforms fuel debate

The push is on in Washington to pull the federal government out of a partial shutdown, with some federal workers furloughed once again.

(NBC)- The push is on in Washington to pull the federal government out of a partial shutdown, with some federal workers furloughed once again. House lawmakers are set to vote today on a Senate-passed funding package as leaders race to prevent a prolonged standoff. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he is confident he has the votes needed to pass the…

Morning Business Report: jobs data delayed, markets rally, and Seahawks sale talk

The January jobs report will not be released as scheduled this week due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, marking the second delay of a major labor report in the past five months.

(LILAMAX)- The January jobs report will not be released as scheduled this week due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, marking the second delay of a major labor report in the past five months. While data collection has already been completed, the shutdown has disrupted the final stages of the process. The Bureau of Labor Statistics typically spends the days…

U.S. and Iran agree to rare face-to-face talks as warships arrive in region

As American warships move into the region, the White House and Iran have agreed to hold rare, face-to-face talks aimed at avoiding a wider conflict, according to diplomatic sources.

(NBC)- As American warships move into the region, the White House and Iran have agreed to hold rare, face-to-face talks aimed at avoiding a wider conflict, according to diplomatic sources. Officials say Iran appears to be searching for a path to de-escalation as it confronts the threat of possible U.S. and Israeli military action, alongside mounting domestic unrest. The country…

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…