Good morning, Macon.

Officials gathered outside the Coliseum Wednesday morning to break ground for the new Macon Arena, which will replace the nearly 60-year-old venue and host over 400 events.

The arena (30,000 sqft) is set to open in late 2028.

The Boys and Girls Club closed for 90 days due to financial and operational challenges, leaving many families in search of afterschool programs.

Alternatives include school-based care and county recreation programs starting Aug. 3.

Today, Dairy Queen in Macon hosts Miracle Treat Day to support local children’s hospitals (Children’s Miracle Network) by donating $1 or more from every Blizzard treat sale.

Pediatric patients recently crafted Blizzard treats at Atrium Health Levine Children’s as part of the fundraiser preview.

On Wednesday, July 29, Operation Humane pulled 18 dogs from a Twiggs County home after a fostering situation grew unmanageable following the homeowner’s death — neighbors and local authorities raised concerns.

The dogs will receive care at the Marietta facility before they are available for adoption in Atlanta.

The Women In Truth: Abide 2026 conference will take place at the Macon Coliseum Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1.

Hosted by Living Truth Collective, the faith-based event offers $25 tickets with code HOPE and free parking.

Families celebrated National Water Park Day at Rigby’s Water World in Warner Robins yesterday, enjoying water slides and a lazy river for one last summer outing before school begins.

Lifeguards maintained safety as guests followed posted measures.

Bibb County’s new teachers, like math teacher Alexis Lundy at Howard Middle School and music teacher Leija Stevenson at Lane Elementary, are preparing for the 2026-2027 school year in classrooms starting Aug.

3. They face challenges adapting to technology (including student use of AI) while serving over 20,000 students.

Houston County recognized Brianna Walker as its 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year today; the award honors her dedication to teaching and lasting impact on local students.

Macon residents gathered on Wednesday as Georgia Equality hosted a town hall to explain the new state law that lets pharmacists dispense PrEP and PEP to boost HIV prevention access.

The meeting connected community members with healthcare experts to promote local education on the life-saving medications.

Jim Cole, who led Mercer athletics for 16 years and reintroduced football after a 72-year absence — a tenure that saw multiple NCAA postseason appearances — is stepping down following his children’s graduation, and deputy director Brian Gerrity has been promoted as the new athletics director. The university announced Wednesday that the leadership change would ensure continued program success.

Stratford head coach Paul Carroll said his returning championship team will train hard this offseason to repeat their title.

The Eagles are working with revised practices + Carroll looks forward to a season opener against Windsor that pits him against his soon-to-be son-in-law's team.

Women In Truth: Abide

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