Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

Morning Business Report: Banks, tech deals, and market moves

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is warning that President Donald Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% could significantly change the bank’s business and harm both lenders and customers.
Keenan Gibson,

(LILAMAX)- JPMorgan Chase & Co. is warning that President Donald Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% could significantly change the bank’s business and harm both lenders and customers. Bank executives say all options are on the table as they push back against the proposed rate cap. The Federal Reserve reports Americans now owe about $1.25 trillion…
Around the World, Featured

Deadly train derailment in Thailand kills at least 22

A deadly train derailment in northeastern Thailand has killed at least 22 people and injured around 63 others after a construction crane collapsed onto three passenger cars.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- A deadly train derailment in northeastern Thailand has killed at least 22 people and injured around 63 others after a construction crane collapsed onto three passenger cars. The crash happened Wednesday morning in the Sikhio District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The train was traveling from the capital when the crane fell onto the tracks, causing the train to derail…
Across the Nation, Featured

Prosecutors lay out case in Banfield double murder trial

Prosecutors in Virginia are laying out their case against Brendan Banfield, the man accused of plotting with his family’s au pair to murder his wife and frame another man.
Keenan Gibson,

(CNN)- Prosecutors in Virginia are laying out their case against Brendan Banfield, the man accused of plotting with his family’s au pair to murder his wife and frame another man. “Brendan Banfield killed his wife, Christine Banfield, and another man named Joseph Ryan,” prosecutor Jenna Sands told the jury. According to prosecutors, Banfield was having an affair with the family’s…

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Featured, Jones County, Local News

Jones County planning board sends data center amendment to commissioners

The proposal includes acreage, height and buffer requirements but faces criticism over process and protections.
Gena Tripp,

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Jones County Planning and Zoning Board voted 2-1 Monday night to forward a proposed text amendment regulating data centers to the county’s board of commissioners. The amendment sets parameters for data centers, including a 100-acre minimum lot size, 200-foot setbacks, 100-foot buffers, a 75-foot building height limit, noise restrictions, environmental and traffic studies and…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Andrea Cooke becomes first candidate to announce for District 5 commission seat

Cooke says housing stability and mental health will be her top priorities if elected.
Gena Tripp,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Andrea Cooke officially announced her candidacy Tuesday for the vacant District 5 Macon-Bibb County Commission seat, following Seth Clarke’s resignation to run for lieutenant governor. A longtime District 5 resident, Cooke says her decision comes from a lifelong commitment to service and community. During her announcement, she highlighted years of experience working with families, small businesses,…

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Bibb County, Featured, Local News

New I-16 westbound on-ramp at Spring Street set to open overnight in Macon

Traffic will shift overnight as part of the long-term I-16/I-75 interchange reconstruction.
Tucker Sargent,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A newly constructed westbound I-16 on-ramp at Spring Street is set to open overnight Tuesday as part of the ongoing I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project in Macon. According to a Georgia Department of Transportation news release, the traffic shift will begin at 9 p.m. and is expected to be completed by 5 a.m. Wednesday, weather and on-site…

Clothes
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

Boutique Warehouse Sale returning to Macon with luxury clothing up to 90% off

Eleven local boutiques will sell brand-new clothing at steep discounts during the one-day event.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

Macon’s annual boutique warehouse sale (Photo: 41NBC/ Bre’Anna Sheffield)MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Shoppers looking for luxury clothing at discounted prices can find major deals in Macon later this month during the 17th annual Boutique Warehouse Sale. The sale, happening Saturday, January 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature more than 10 local boutiques offering luxury clothing at reduced…

Jones County Chase Arrest Gfx 2
Featured, Jones County, Local News

Deputies: Jones County bank fraud attempt ends in vehicle chase, three arrests

Investigators say suspects used fraudulent identification before fleeing from deputies.
Tucker Sargent,

Credit: Jones County Sheriff’s OfficeJONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Three people were arrested after a suspected fraud attempt at a Jones County bank led to a vehicle chase Friday afternoon. According to a Facebook post from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were contacted by Morris Bank staff, who reported a suspect inside the bank trying to complete a transaction…

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Featured, Houston County, Local News

UPDATE: Warner Robins woman sentenced for $5.4M Georgia Medicaid fraud

Prosecutors say fraudulent medical equipment claims drained more than $5.4 million from the program.
Tucker Sargent,

MGNUPDATE (1/13/26): Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Tuesday that 63-year-old Elizabeth Sue Ivester of Warner Robins has been sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to Carr’s office, Ivester was sentenced January 8 to 11 years, with the first seven years to be served…

Piedmont Macon Accepting Nominations For Community Hero Award
41 Today, 41 Today Community, Bibb County, Featured, Health, Lifestyle, Medical

Piedmont Macon accepting nominations for Community Hero Award

Piedmont Macon Medical Center is once again asking the community to help recognize the people making a difference across Middle Georgia.
Tyrik Wynn,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – During an interview Tuesday, Piedmont Macon CEO Steve Daugherty encouraged viewers to nominate someone for the hospital’s Community Hero Award, a quarterly honor recognizing individuals who go above and beyond to serve others. Daugherty said the program was created to shine a spotlight on everyday heroes whose compassion and service often happen quietly behind the scenes….
Across the Nation, Featured

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.
Keenan Gibson,

(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….
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

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.
Keenan Gibson,

(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…
Across the Nation, Featured

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.
Keenan Gibson,

(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…

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Baldwin County, Featured, Jones County, Local News

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

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

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…

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Featured, Local News, Peach County

Fort Valley State opens new Legacy Hall student apartments

University leaders say the new apartments will support enrollment growth and student needs.
Bre'Anna Sheffield,

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…

George Thomas Gfx 2
Bibb County, Featured, Local News

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.
Tucker Sargent,

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…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Sunny and seasonal Tuesday

Aaron Lowery,

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…

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Featured, Recall Watch List

Evenflo car seats, Volvo cars and pajamas among new recalls

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

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
41 Today, Bibb County, Featured, Health, Health & Fitness

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.
Tyrik Wynn,

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
Crime, Featured, Local News

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).
Keenan Gibson,

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…
Across the Nation, Featured, Morning Business Report

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.
Keenan Gibson,

(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….
Across the Nation, Around the World, Featured

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
Keenan Gibson,

(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…
Across the Nation, Featured

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.
Keenan Gibson,

(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…