Good morning, Macon.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia earned its second national growth award for expanding mentoring opportunities.

CEO Betsy Fitzgerald said the nonprofit will recruit more mentors and seek extra funding—hoping local residents will step up.

Forrest B. Johnson and Associates will host a free Back to School Bash on July 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at (1010 Newberg Avenue), offering kids bookbags filled with supplies, food provided by Walmart, bounce houses, and vendors to help prepare them for the school year.

GTLN acquired The Telegraph today, marking a shift in local media.

Macon airport’s new route succeeded, and a proposal to revive the old Macon Health Club offers community benefits (details pending).

Longtime Macon music manager Alan Walden, who helped boost local music by managing artists like Otis Redding and co-founding Redwal Music, died Thursday morning at 83 in hospice care due to illness; he is survived by his wife, daughters, son, and a grandson.

The Bibb County Board of Education voted Thursday to rename the baseball field at Ed DeFore Sports Complex after Eddie Ashley (a record-setting coach and athletic director at local high schools), honoring his long career in sports and education.

Bibb County school board voted Thursday night to restore staff salary step increases for the 2026-2027 school year by adding $1.5 million to the budget.

One board member warned that raising salaries might lead to higher property taxes.

The Bibb County School District held its summer graduation on Thursday, July 16 at Central High School (2155 Napier Avenue) at 2 p.m. to honor students from all its schools, with many planning to attend college, work, or join the military.

Neels Lofts has opened in downtown Macon at the former department store site, adding 95 housing units and about 150 residents.

The public can tour the building at the grand opening today at 462 Cherry Street, featuring food and drink samples + live music and bingo.

Ripple Hospitality Partners will present a redevelopment plan to transform the long-vacant Macon Health Club (389 First St.) into a boutique hotel, health club, private dinner club and restaurant/bar at a public meeting in August.

Construction may begin in 2028 or 2029.

Macon baseball players were drafted last weekend in MLB’s 2026 Draft — FPD shortstop Keon Johnson was picked 93rd overall by the Houston Astros.

Former Tattnall pitcher Benjamin Stubbs, three Mercer players and four Macon Bacon players also made the cut, showcasing local talent.

More than 500 pickleball players will compete in the PPA Challenger event in Macon, marking the state's first tournament of its kind; the competition is set to begin soon.

Lindsey Stirling & PVRIS Concert

3 PM — Macon Arts Center, LLC — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of electrifying performances with Lindsey Stirling's violin and PVRIS's modern rock vibes.

Women In Truth: Abide

All day — Macon Coliseum — Tickets available — Experience a captivating concert with Women In Truth.