Good morning, Macon.

Business owners on Pio Nono Avenue said that years of break-ins, vandalism, and theft have hurt their businesses and they are asking for a full-time police presence + faster response times to stop the repeated crimes.

Otis Music Camp will hold its grand finale concert on Saturday at the Piedmont Grand Opera House after a three-week music camp at the new Otis Redding Center for the Arts.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the performance is free with a recommended $10 donation—organizers advise sending an RSVP via social media.

Bibb County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers shared a series of articles with garden tips for Macon and Central Georgia—explaining how to recognize poison ivy, choose alternatives to boxwood, and support monarch butterflies while answering common spring questions.

The Georgia State Ethics Commission cleared the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority of wrongdoing after it donated $50,000 to Go BIG for Macon in mid-January for an education initiative that later registered as a campaign contribution+ the authority agreed to a new written agreement to ensure future funds support voter education only.

Today the Bibb County Board of Education approved its 2026 budget with a 7-1 vote carrying a $20.7 million deficit—board members debated adding new support positions during June public hearings but stuck with the earlier plan.

They also approved spending contracts and may consider property tax increases beginning in July.

Macon-Bibb County has asked for statements of qualification from developers to design, finance and build a new hotel—convention center and parking structure on the former abandoned hotel site at 108 First Street in Downtown Macon.

Proposals are due by July 17 and are part of the county's effort to boost tourism and economic opportunities in the area.

The Georgia Department of Public Health released a report card showing food service inspection scores for restaurants across Middle Georgia from June 9 to June 13 — scores below 70 are unsatisfactory, scores from 70 to 99 are satisfactory, and a score of 100 means perfection.

The report card covers several restaurants in the area including those in Macon, giving diners a clear view of local food safety ratings.

Real estate experts say the housing market in Macon is shifting toward a buyer’s market as buyers gain more negotiation power — low inventory in Middle Georgia makes it hard for many to find homes.

Former Mercer star Langston Hall — whose jersey is retired — returned as an assistant coach at Hawkins Arena in Macon.

He called head coach Ryan Ridder from Greece earlier this year — and now he looks forward to building a strong team.

On-Site Tour at John-Wesley Villas

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — John-Wesley Villas — Free entry — Discover the benefits of senior living at a family-owned community dedicated to exceptional care and lifestyle.

Parker McCollum Live

7-9 p.m. — Atrium Health Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Country star Parker McCollum performs live with special guests Corey Smith and Vincent Mason.

Jon Anderson Live in Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Macon City Auditorium — Mobile-only tickets — Legendary YES front man performs iconic classics with The Band Geeks.

SGA & SkillsUSA Collaboration Meeting

11 a.m. — Roy H. "Sonny" Watson Health Science Building — Free entry — Engage with peers and advisors for skills development and student governance discussions.

Whiskey Myers Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Atrium Health Amphitheater — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy an exciting evening of country rock with Whiskey Myers and special guests Josh Meloy and The Droptines.