Good morning, Macon.

Deputy Sergeant DeAndre Hall from Bibb County works on violent crimes and also shares his cooking recipes online, attracting more than 67,000 TikTok followers with videos that sometimes get millions of views.

He teaches monthly Cooking and Counseling classes through Macon Mental Health Matters—giving local residents a new way to relax and connect while he continues his police work.

Officials at Bibb County Law Enforcement Center found 62-year-old inmate George Oliver Crafter dead early Wednesday morning while he was held on aggravated sodomy and sexual battery charges from Upson County+ Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said he was pronounced dead at 6:51 a.m. and that an autopsy will be performed per protocol as internal affairs investigate his in-custody death.

An inmate was found dead at the Bibb County LEC around 5 a.m. on Wednesday—Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said the cause is undetermined and officials are planning an autopsy while notifying the family and launching an internal investigation.

Mercer University will confer an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree on Zelma Redding, a Macon civic leader who founded the Otis Redding Foundation and opened the Otis Redding Center for the Arts.

She thanked the university and looks forward to furthering her community work through upcoming programs.

Students took the Georgia Milestones exam on April 18 to measure what they learned and to decide if they could move to the next grade—Bibb County schools used a strategic waiver to adjust rules and saw some progress in language arts and math, though proficiency rates still trailed state averages.

Bibb County Schools has used a Strategic Waiver School System contract since 2016 to flex state rules for class size, expenditure, certification requirements & salary schedules in order to support students and staff.

The one-year waiver, offered due to low-performing schools, will expire on June 30 while the district plans to seek an extension at the school year's end.

Today, the Warner Robins Fire Department reminded residents that the Summer Burn Ban is in effect until September 30 to help lessen unhealthy ozone levels and fire risks caused by burning yard debris.

Deputy Chief Ned Dixon advises using alternatives—hauling, chipping, or mulching debris—to protect air quality and reduce wildfire danger.

Mothers Finest Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Society Garden — VIP Reserved seating available — Experience the high-energy funk-rock sounds of Mothers Finest, a true musical powerhouse.

Cherry Blossom Derby Party

6-9 p.m. — Wesleyan College — Ticketed event — Experience the Pinkest Party with Bowties, Big Hats, and Bidding in a Derby-style celebration.

Macon Home Expo

12-6 p.m. — Macon Marriott City Center — Free admission — Discover home improvement vendors and expert advice to turn your renovation visions into reality.

2025 Georgia 5K Run for Breast Cancer

8-10 a.m. — The Shoppes at River Crossing — Registration fee applies — A family-friendly run/walk event supporting breast cancer awareness for all fitness levels.

Ali Siddiq Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Atrium Health Amphitheater — Tickets from $41 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Ali Siddiq in Macon, GA.

Embracing Possibility Exhibit Opening Celebration

4-6 p.m. — Tubman Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of the 'Embracing Possibility' exhibit focused on redefining goals and purpose.

Soul Jam

3-9 p.m. — Brad Henderson Memorial Stadium — $60 Special Blitz Dates — Experience Middle Georgia's biggest Southern Soul event with top artists.

The HORDE Festival Revival

7:30-11:59 p.m. — Society Garden — Tickets available — Experience the energy of legendary 1990s HORDE Festivals with music from iconic jam bands.