Good morning, Macon.

Central Georgia food banks are preparing for increased demand as a new federal law that expands work requirements is set to cut SNAP benefits.

Local agencies are coordinating efforts—upgrading supplies to support residents who may face food shortages.

The family of Macon teacher Cheryl Rawls filed a $60 million lawsuit after a fatal railroad crossing accident—alleging that negligence caused the tragedy.

Bibb County recorded 14 homicides as of July 1 with a 36% drop from the same period in 2024, and county coroner Leon Jones credited the Macon Violence Prevention program—launched in 2021 by Mayor Lester Miller and now led by Jeremy Grissom—for the improvement.

Houston County law enforcement agencies partnered with Macon Regional Crimestoppers to launch an anonymous tip line that helps family violence victims get quicker responses—this step comes as nine people have died from family violence in 2025 and local shelters report a surge in calls for protection and legal aid.

Drivers in Macon are warned to slow down this week as Georgia and neighboring states kick off Operation Southern Slow Down — a weeklong effort to enforce speed limits — with police active from Monday to Sunday.

Officials said that last year Georgia issued 12,544 tickets and warnings while the region handed out 49,558 to combat speeding that was linked to 349 deaths.

GDOT said the traffic on I-75 and I-16 in Macon-Bibb will change this week as workers work on the I-16/I-75 Interchange project.

The Spring Street ramp is closed from July 17 9:00 a.m. to July 18 5:00 a.m. — drivers will follow detours and new lane instructions for about six months while pedestrian bridges go up over the Ocmulgee River.

Local Middle Georgia baseball talent was recognized in the 2025 MLB draft when former Houston County High and Macon Bacon player Gage Harrelson was picked in the 16th round by the Los Angeles Angels—other local stars include Eric Snow, a Mary Persons High graduate selected by the Toronto Blue Jays, Mercer alum Ely Brown chosen by the Chicago White Sox and Tate Southisene from Basic High selected by the Atlanta Braves.

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.

Hank Williams Jr. Live Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Atrium Health Amphitheater — Tickets required — Experience the legendary Hank Williams Jr. in an evening of live music with special guest Mark Chesnutt.

Bragg Jam Concert Crawl 2025: Shy Company Performance

6-7 p.m. — JBA — Check event page for costs — Enjoy an electrifying live performance from Shy Company at a major music festival in downtown Macon.

Second Annual Bragg Brunch

12-5 p.m. — Emerson at Plum — $50 — Enjoy bottomless mimosas, a brunch buffet, and live local music at the vibrant Bragg Brunch.

Cody Matlock Live Performance

9-11 p.m. — Grant's Lounge — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of soulful music from Grammy-nominated artist Cody Matlock in a vibrant local venue.

Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo Concert

8-11 p.m. — Society Garden — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of acoustic bluegrass music from two of the finest flatpicking guitarists.

The Second Annual Little Miss 478 Pageant

1-4 p.m. — The Douglass Theatre — $20 admission — Celebrate young talent and empowerment at the fun-filled Little Miss 478 Pageant.