Republicans question DOJ probe into Fed Chair Powell

Political pushback is growing over the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, with several Republican lawmakers voicing concerns.

(NBC)- Political pushback is growing over the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, with several Republican lawmakers voicing concerns. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana defended Powell, saying he would be “stunned” if the Fed chair had done anything wrong. Powell confirmed that the Federal Reserve has been subpoenaed in connection with his congressional testimony in June….

Morning Business Report: Trump tariffs, media merger fight, market rebound, and Valentine’s plans

President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of 25 percent tariffs on countries that trade with Iran, including China.

(LILAMAX)- President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of 25 percent tariffs on countries that trade with Iran, including China. According to the United Nations, Iran’s top export trading partners are Iraq, China, and Turkey. In addition to the tariffs, President Trump is also threatening possible military action involving Iran. In media business news, Paramount Skydance is continuing its…

Antisemitic arson destroys Jackson synagogue, suspect charged

Jackson, Mississippi’s only Jewish house of worship has been largely reduced to rubble after an antisemitic arson attack over the weekend.

(NBC)- Jackson, Mississippi’s only Jewish house of worship has been largely reduced to rubble after an antisemitic arson attack over the weekend. Surveillance video from Beth Israel Synagogue shows a hooded suspect pouring gasoline inside the building before setting it on fire. Authorities say the blaze was deliberately set. Nineteen-year-old Stephen Spencer Pittman is now charged with arson after allegedly…

Tri-County EMC warns of scam calls offering fake energy audits

Officials say callers pose as utility partners and offer in-home energy audits.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Tri-County EMC says it is receiving reports from concerned members about callers posing as the utility or companies claiming to work with it. According to the utility, members have reported getting phone calls from people who claim there are issues with high power bills in their area. The callers then offer to come to their…

Fort Valley State opens new Legacy Hall student apartments

University leaders say the new apartments will support enrollment growth and student needs.

FVSU apartments opened (Photo: 41NBC/Bre’Anna Sheffield)FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University marked the opening of its new Legacy Hall apartment building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, expanding on-campus housing options for students. President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Timothy Hatchett says the new Legacy Hall apartments are a 32-bedroom building, bringing more room and accessibility…

Macon resident George Thomas enters Georgia House District 142 race

Thomas says rising costs, health care access and education funding drove his decision to run.

George Thomas (George Thomas For GA House District 142 /Facebook)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon resident George Thomas announced Monday he is running for the Georgia House of Representatives District 142 seat, which covers Macon-Bibb County. In an email sent to the 41NBC newsroom, Thomas said he decided to run after reflecting on his family, his community and the challenges facing…

Sunny and seasonal Tuesday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High temperatures will be near average on Tuesday under mostly sunny skies. This Evening The new week is off to a cool start thanks to this past weekend’s cold front. Another frigid night is expected with temperatures dropping into the mid to upper 20s. Middle Georgians should bring in any pets or plants they normally keep…

Evenflo car seats, Volvo cars and pajamas among new recalls

Safety concerns range from crash risks and suffocation hazards to undeclared ingredients.

CREDIT: EvenfloMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Several major recalls have been announced this week, affecting car seats, vehicles, bed rails, dietary supplements and children’s pajamas. Here’s a roundup of the most important details every consumer should know. Evenflo car seats recalled for safety risk Thousands of Evenflo “All4One” car seats are being recalled. The manufacturer found that, when used in rear-facing…

New year, new goals: How to get started on your fitness journey

As the New Year begins, many people are setting resolutions focused on improving their health, but taking the first step can feel intimidating.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Elijah Swaine with Planet Fitness says one of the biggest challenges people face is knowing where to start and how to stay consistent. For beginners, Swaine recommends starting slow and setting realistic goals rather than trying to do too much at once. Building a routine, even with short workouts, can help create long-term habits. New gym…

Crimestoppers seeking man wanted for battery in Peach 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 Crimestoppers is spotlighting five individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies across Middle Georgia as part of its weekly effort to encourage community involvement in locating fugitives. Crimestoppers 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 are wanted: Norman…

Morning Business Report: Federal prosecutors open criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

(LILAMAX)- Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over the central bank’s renovation of its Washington, D.C., headquarters, according to The New York Times. The report says the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia is investigating whether Powell misled Congress about the scope of the renovation project. Powell has confirmed the investigation….

Trump weighs U.S. action as deadly crackdown continues in Iran

President Donald Trump says he is weighing options for possible U.S. intervention in Iran

(NBC)- Amid a deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters in Iran that human rights groups say has killed more than 500 people, President Donald Trump says he is weighing options for possible U.S. intervention — and that Iranian leaders have reached out to negotiate. “We may meet with them. I mean, a meeting is being set up, but we may have…

Ex-husband charged in murder of Ohio dentist, wife

Authorities say the man charged in the murder of Monique Tepe and her husband, Spencer Tepe, is Monique’s ex-husband — a Chicago-area vascular surgeon.

(NBC)- Authorities say the man charged in the murder of Monique Tepe and her husband, Spencer Tepe, is Monique’s ex-husband — a Chicago-area vascular surgeon. Michael David McKee was arrested without incident on Saturday, ten days after the Tepes were found shot to death inside their Columbus, Ohio, home. Police were first alerted through a 911 call reporting a possible…

FPD takes care of Rival Region Opponent Stratford 59-37

GIAA Division Six Action

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The FPD Vikings took down the Stratford Eagles 59-37 in GIAA Divsion 6 Rivalry matchup. FPD improves to 11-4 and will take on Southland Saturday. Stratford falls to 6-7 overall and will head to Piedmont January 13th. Categories: Across Georgia Sports, Bibb County, Local Sports, Sports Tags: First Presbyterian Day School, FPD, FPD Boys Basketball,…

Jones County residents raise concerns as data center moratorium nears end, launch GoFundMe for legal support

County leaders are expected to vote next week as some residents call for more time and transparency.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jones County’s 90-day moratorium on data centers is set to end later this month, as county leaders prepare to consider changes that could shape future development. Before the moratorium expires, the Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to review a proposed text amendment on Monday, January 12. A final vote by the Jones County Board…

Monroe County opens new $3.1 million recreation gym Saturday

County leaders say the new facility will allow more games and reduce long tournament days.

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Monroe County is opening a new gym Saturday morning. The $3.1 million project was paid for using a 2020 bond dedicated to new buildings. The 18,000-square-foot building includes two full courts, expanded concession space and new offices for recreation staff. “The hopes are that we are able to get more games in in a shorter…

Warner Robins teen sentenced to 10 years in prison without parole for armed robbery

Prosecutors say the teen pointed a firearm at a clerk during a late-night robbery.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Warner Robins teenager charged as an adult was sentenced to 10 years in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to armed robbery. According to a news release from the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, 17-year-old Kemonte Jorquez Jordan pleaded guilty January 5 in Houston County Superior Court to armed robbery and…

22-year-old Perry man sentenced to 50 years for trafficking fentanyl

Prosecutors say the case involved large amounts of fentanyl and multiple firearms.

Peyton Thompson (Credit: Houston County Sheriff’s Office)HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Perry man received a 50-year sentence after pleading guilty to trafficking fentanyl in two separate cases. According to a news release from the Houston County District Attorney’s office, 22-year-old Peyton Kyle Thompson entered guilty pleas January 5 in Houston County Superior Court. In one case, Thompson pleaded guilty to…

Bibb County School District to amend budget after $5.5M personnel cost error

District leaders say offsets and new revenue would still increase the projected fund balance.

FileMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County School District will present a formal budget amendment to the Board of Education on January 15 after identifying a $5.5 million discrepancy in the FY 2026 budget caused by miscalculated personnel costs. Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims disclosed the error in a four-page memo in December, obtained Friday via an open records request. In…

Deputies recover ‘manufactured cutting tools’ after Bibb County Jail fight sends 3 to hospital

Deputies say three inmates were taken to the hospital and another was treated at the jail.

FileMACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Four inmates were injured during a fight inside the Bibb County Jail Friday morning. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, just before 10 a.m., deputies responded to a physical fight involving multiple inmates and brought the situation under control. According to the sheriff’s office, four male inmates were treated for injuries. Three inmates, ages 17, 18,…

Adrian Consonery Jr.’s 2020 voting experience inspired his run for Georgia Secretary of State

Democratic candidate Adrian Consonery Jr. is running for Georgia Secretary of State, saying his campaign is rooted in expanding voter access and restoring confidence in the state’s election system.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Consonery says his interest in the office was sparked during the 2020 presidential election while he was a student at Grambling State University. He says his absentee ballot was challenged, an experience that he describes as frustrating and formative. If elected, Consonery says he would focus on fair and transparent election practices, while also working to…

Middle Georgia RESA hosting regional education job fair in Macon

Job seekers interested in working in education will have the opportunity to connect with multiple Middle Georgia school districts during a regional job fair this weekend.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Middle Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) will host the job fair on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Westside High School, located at 2851 Heath Road in Macon. School districts represented include Bibb, Twiggs, Crawford, Monroe, Jones, Peach, Jasper and Houston counties. Representatives from each district will be on site…

Federal agent shoots two people during Portland immigration operation

Another American city is grappling with unrest following a shooting during a federal immigration operation — this time in Portland, Oregon.

(NBC)- Another American city is grappling with unrest following a shooting during a federal immigration operation — this time in Portland, Oregon. Authorities say a Border Patrol agent shot and injured two people during a targeted traffic stop. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson says the vehicle’s passenger was an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who was allegedly involved in a…

Morning Business Report: House passes ACA tax credit extension as tax season begins

The U.S. House has passed a three-year extension of Affordable Care Act health care tax credits.

(LILAMAX)- The U.S. House has passed a three-year extension of Affordable Care Act health care tax credits, aimed at helping Americans manage rising insurance premiums. However, the proposal is expected to face challenges in the Senate. Lawmakers say they are working on a compromise to address higher costs after the credits expired at the end of last year, causing many…