Good morning, Macon.

Since new SNAP rules took effect on Feb.

1, Middle Georgia food banks are preparing for increased demand as stricter eligibility and purchase limits kick in; officials noted rising food insecurity and that community partners & donors are boosting support.

A Macon woman died after rushing back into her burning home to rescue her family dog, leaving friends and loved ones in shock today.

A building fire occurred yesterday morning at Graphic Packaging at 905 Perry Parkway, triggering an evacuation and prompting fire crews to respond at 12:03 p.m.—they quickly extinguished the flames with no reported injuries as an investigation into a baling machine spark continues.

Continental Tire of America will close its Barnesville plant by the end of 2026 — a move that will lay off 235 employees starting March 31 — and will offer career counseling at its 160 Aldora Street facility.

Students at Hutchings College and Career Academy experienced the Navy’s Strike Group interactive simulation today (8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), which let them explore STEM careers through virtual missions that mimic real Navy operations.

School officials say the program offers insight into both military roles and scholarship opportunities.

The Georgia Department of Public Health released a Restaurant Report Card with food service inspection scores from Monday, Jan.

26 to Friday, Jan. 30 for restaurants in Middle Georgia, including outlets in Macon & Milledgeville. Scores range from unsatisfactory to perfect.

Atrium Health Navicent surgeon Danny Vaughn urged proper nutrition and exercise in order to manage weight in Macon and warned that poor diet and inactivity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues; the hospital provides surgical and non-surgical options (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and GLP-1 medications).

River Edge Behavioral Health opened its new Adult Peer Support and Community Integration Center at 2016 Ingleside Avenue in the historic Pleasant Hill neighborhood on Jan.

28, offering peer-led recovery groups, life skills classes and mental health check-ins with support from local partners.

Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele finished a $19 million, two-year expansion that added a 15,000 sqft surgical wing—improving care access for rural residents nearby.

Hospital officials said the updated facility now has five operating rooms to better serve local health needs.

Volunteer Fair

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Middle Georgia State University - Macon Campus — Free entry — Explore volunteer opportunities and connect with local organizations at this two-day fair.

Northway Women's Conference 2026

6-9 p.m. — 5915 Zebulon Rd — $50 — Engage in worship, teaching, and community at this empowering women’s event themed around John 15.

Little Mr. and Miss Cherry Blossom Pageant 2026

10 a.m. — The Douglass Theatre — Kids under 10 free — Celebrate local youth and witness the crowning of young ambassadors for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Ashes Concert with Stone Spiral

9-11 p.m. — Grant's Lounge — Cost info unavailable — Experience the melodic tunes of Ashes with Stone Spiral live in Macon.

Heirs Property & Estate Planning Workshop

10 AM – 12:30 PM — Buck Melton Community Center — Free entry — Discover options to protect family property and plan for the future.

Birmingham Bulls at Macon Mayhem

7-9 p.m. — Macon Coliseum — $5 parking — Cheer on the Birmingham Bulls as they face the Mayhem in an exciting hockey showdown.