Trump, Zelenskyy report progress in peace talks but no deal reached

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy say progress was made during a nearly three-hour meeting Sunday, though a final peace agreement has yet to be reached.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy say progress was made during a nearly three-hour meeting Sunday, though a final peace agreement has yet to be reached. Following the talks, President Trump described the meeting as productive, saying discussions covered a wide range of issues — including a recent phone call he held with Russian President Vladimir Putin….

New lab-made butter aims to transform the future of food

Inside a suburban Chicago facility, food startup Savor is creating a butter alternative using carbon dioxide, methane, and water.

(NBC)- Inside a suburban Chicago facility, food startup Savor is creating a butter alternative using carbon dioxide, methane, and water. The company says it can turn those elements into fats and oils that function just like traditional butter — without using a single cow or acre of farmland. “It’s really about sustainability and transforming the food system we have today,”…

Morning Business Report: Businesses brace for slower hiring as retailers raise return fees

Companies across the U.S. are preparing for a leaner year ahead, with many planning to slow hiring or hold steady on staffing levels in 2026.

(LILAMAX)- Companies across the U.S. are preparing for a leaner year ahead, with many planning to slow hiring or hold steady on staffing levels in 2026. According to new projections from job site Indeed, hiring growth is expected to remain modest. At a recent gathering of business leaders hosted by the Yale School of Management in Midtown Manhattan, 66 percent…

Search resumes for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in Indian Ocean

Nearly eleven years after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished, a new search effort is set to begin in the southern Indian Ocean.

(NBC)- Nearly eleven years after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished, a new search effort is set to begin in the southern Indian Ocean. The renewed mission will focus on a 5,800-square-mile area off the coast of western Australia — a region believed to offer the highest likelihood of locating wreckage from the aircraft. The search will be led by Ocean…

Paper checks could disappear as Federal Reserve considers ending processing

The Federal Reserve says it is considering overhauling or possibly winding down its check processing services, citing a sharp decline in usage and a rise in check fraud.

(NBC)- Paper checks have long been a part of everyday life — from paying bills to cashing a paycheck — but that familiar form of payment may soon be on its way out. The Federal Reserve says it is considering overhauling or possibly winding down its check processing services, citing a sharp decline in usage and a rise in check…

Small plane crashes between homes in DeKalb County

A small plane crash in DeKalb County narrowly avoided homes after experiencing engine trouble just miles from the runway.

(CNN)- A small plane crash in DeKalb County narrowly avoided  after experiencing engine trouble just miles from the runway. The call came in shortly after 9:30 a.m. along Sudbury Road, where neighbors reported hearing loud, unusual noises before the crash. Roxy Barlow says she was still in bed when she heard what sounded like a failing engine.“I woke up to…

Colder temperatures start the new week in Middle Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Cloudy conditions continue to hold temperatures steady in the mid to upper 60s. Expect a line of showers to move across thearea Monday morning andslowly fall apart. Total rain accumulation will mostly be less than 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches is possible in the mountains or isolated locations.  Conditions cool and dry rapidly behind the…

Santa makes early Christmas Eve stop in Macon to deliver gifts to family in need

Santa Claus partnered with Kids Yule Love to bring toys, bikes and holiday cheer to children in Macon ahead of Christmas Day

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Santa Claus made an early stop in Macon on Christmas Eve, delivering gifts and holiday cheer to children from a local family in need. The visit included the distribution of presents such as remote-control cars, stuffed animals and bicycles. Santa made a special effort to ensure two sisters received exactly what they had hoped for this Christmas….

A Christmas Eve wish list for Georgia sports: Bulldogs, Falcons, Hawks and Braves

BS Report: December 24th - Bill's Wish List-- From a national title hope for the Bulldogs to roster wishes for Atlanta’s pro teams, one fan’s holiday wish list covers Georgia sports.

On this Christmas Eve, I want wish you and your families a very merry Christmas. I hope you’re looking forward to a great day on Thursday with your families.  I want to share with you my Christmas List, my wish list for Santa Claus that I hope will he bring down the chimney for me later on tonight. Georgia Bulldogs:…

Last-minute Christmas shoppers crowd Dillard’s in Macon on Christmas Eve

Shoppers rush for final gifts, popular items, and stocking stuffers before stores close at 6PM

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- For some shoppers, one final purchase marked the end of their Christmas lists, and while the rush may look hectic, store managers say this final push is expected every year. Christmas Eve shopping brought packed walkways and fast-moving crowds to Dillard’s at the Shoppes at River Crossing in Macon. Managers say shoppers are grabbing everything from popular…

Tech Report: Apple fined in Italy as tech giants face growing legal and market pressure

Apple has been fined more than 116 million dollars by Italy’s antitrust regulator over what officials call excessively burdensome privacy rules imposed on third-party app developers.

(LILAMAX)- Apple has been fined more than 116 million dollars by Italy’s antitrust regulator over what officials call excessively burdensome privacy rules imposed on third-party app developers. Italy’s Competition Authority says Apple abused its dominant position in the App Store market by forcing developers to comply with disproportionate data collection requirements that go beyond existing privacy laws. The fine follows…

Supreme Court blocks Trump effort to deploy National Guard in Illinois crime crackdown

The Trump administration is weighing its next steps after the Supreme Court blocked an effort to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois as part of a crime crackdown.

(NBC)- The Trump administration is weighing its next steps after the Supreme Court blocked an effort to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois as part of a crime crackdown. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the ruling a win for democracy and said it represents an important step in curbing what he described as the Trump administration’s abuse of power. The…

Morning Business Report: Gift cards, subscriptions drive last-minute holiday spending as markets hit record highs

Gift cards remain one of the most popular last-minute holiday gifts, with spending expected to reach 29 billion dollars this year.

(LILAMAX)- Gift cards remain one of the most popular last-minute holiday gifts, with spending expected to reach 29 billion dollars this year. Subscription services are also seeing strong interest. From digital experiences to meal kit deliveries scheduled for January, experts say non-shipping gifts are fast, thoughtful and arrive instantly in inboxes — making them an attractive option for procrastinating shoppers….

California mother accused of killing 9-year-old daughter after multi-state road trip

A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy.

(NBC)- A California mother is behind bars, accused of killing her own daughter after a months-long search that ended in tragedy. Investigators say nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard died from gunshot wounds to the head. Her body was discovered earlier this month in a remote area of Wayne County, Utah. The child’s mother, 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, was arrested at her home in…

Publix dessert, So Delicious ice cream and Blue Wave pools among new recalls

Allergy risks, contamination concerns and child safety hazards prompt multiple recalls across consumer products

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Families across Middle Georgia, it’s time for your weekly recall watch list, where we look inside those pantries, freezers, and medicine cabinets to ensure you’re not being affected by popular consumer goods. Publix coffee cake recalled over labeling error Publix has recalled a batch of its Maple Walnut Coffee Cake after discovering a labeling error that…

Extremely warm conditions likely Christmas Eve

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – . This Evening It’s been a pretty warm day for Middle Georgia as temperatures have again exceeded expectations for highs. Almost everywhere around the region got to or over 70 this afternoon. It will be a mild night under clear skies as the wind will generally flow from the west-southwest around 5 mph. Expect lows to…

Holiday travel surge brings heavy traffic through Georgia, local sheriff urges drivers to slow down

With more than 122 million Americans expected to travel, Monroe County ramps up patrols and warns drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- AAA says more than 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday season. Heavy traffic is expected nationwide — including through Monroe County. Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman said this could be one of the busiest travel periods yet. “Pretty heavy,” Freeman said. “From what I understand, it’s going to be one…

UPDATE: Another candidate enters race for Georgia State Senate District 18

The special election will be held January 20, with early voting beginning December 29.

MGNUPDATE (12/23) – In a news release sent to 41NBC, lifelong Thomaston resident Eugene Allison has officially announced his candidacy for the Georgia State Senate, District 18. “I would be greatly honored to earn your support in the 2026 Republican Primary. I am committed to fighting for justice, safety, families, and the constitutional freedoms that protect us all,” said Allsion. According…

Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops in Macon with free photos and family fun

Santa Claus is back in Macon, and with him comes a beloved holiday tradition for families across Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bass Pro Shops has officially opened Santa’s Wonderland, a free in-store Christmas experience that includes studio-quality photos with Santa, festive crafts, games, and holiday giveaways. The event runs through Christmas Eve and is open to families of all ages. Michael O’Brien, General Manager of Bass Pro Shops in Macon, says the event has become a multigenerational…

Hollywood Minute: Final episodes of Stranger Things revealed as film release dates shift

Fans preparing to say goodbye to Stranger Things now know exactly how much time to set aside for the show’s final chapters.

(CNN)- Fans preparing to say goodbye to Stranger Things now know exactly how much time to set aside for the show’s final chapters. Show co-creator Ross Duffer revealed on Instagram that episodes five, six, and seven — debuting Thursday, December 25 — will each run between just over an hour and roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. The series finale,…

U.S. launches new strike as Trump ramps up pressure on Venezuela

The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

(NBC)- The United States carried out another lethal strike overnight, targeting what officials described as a “low-profile vessel” in the eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Southern Command said the operation was conducted at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and involved a vessel “operated by designated terrorist organizations.” Officials say one suspected narco-terrorist engaged in drug trafficking was killed in…

Restaurant Report Card: Middle Georgia food service inspection scores December 15-19

The scores cover inspections conducted between Monday, December 15 and Friday, December 19.

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, December 15 and Friday, December 19. Understanding the scores Scores 69 and below (unsatisfactory): Highlighted in red. Scores 70-99 (satisfactory): Displayed in black. Scores of 100 (perfect):…

Morning Business Report: Economic reports, Paramount deal, and holiday spending trends drive business news

A slate of key economic reports is being released today, offering a fresh snapshot of the strength of the U.S. economy.

(LILAMAX)- A slate of key economic reports is being released today, offering a fresh snapshot of the strength of the U.S. economy. The reports include updated figures on consumer confidence, durable goods orders, and gross domestic product — all closely watched indicators of economic momentum. Meanwhile, a major media merger is gaining new traction. Paramount–Skydance has added a significant assurance…

Video shows California mother ramming burglars’ getaway car to protect children

Newly released video shows a California mother taking extreme action to stop burglars after learning her three young children were inside the home during a break-in.

(NBC)- Newly released video shows a California mother taking extreme action to stop burglars after learning her three young children were inside the home during a break-in. The incident unfolded as the woman was away getting coffee while her mother was inside the house watching the children. While on the phone, she realized suspects were breaking in. “I see the…