Good morning, Macon! In today’s edition: New arena proposal, who really runs the county, Back to the Future Night, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

City’s venue future debated: Macon Mayor Lester Miller has proposed a new arena to stay competitive, hiring Barton Malow Builders for planning while costs and a site are unknown and the coliseum is outdated — get all the details.

Power beyond the ballot: A primer explains the little-known authorities shaping Macon-Bibb County, from water bills to housing, how they operate outside the spotlight, and who now controls appointments since the city council ended — read the full story.

Cake Tasting @ Pretty Lux Co. | Sunday (1/11) at 2:00 PM – Got a wedding, retirement, or Tuesday that deserves frosting? This afternoon cake tasting lets you sample a lineup of flavors, compare fillings, and pick your celebratory favorite. Save yourself from dry sheet cake regret, bring your sweet tooth, palate, and honest opinions — see the event listing.

Make your workouts stick: A Macon gym owner shared advice to keep New Year fitness goals on track, stressing realistic goals and consistency, and noting people give up by late winter when motivation fades — learn how to stick with it.

Major traffic changes coming: Part of Tucker Road in North Macon will close for about 90 days starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, for bridge construction, GDOT says. The overall project runs through January 2027. Delays are expected around I-475 and Rocky Creek during the work. Get all the details.

Multiple products under scrutiny: Middle Georgia is facing recalls and health alerts, including Choceur Holiday Bark from ALDI, Rheumacare capsules for lead, and a CDC advisory on raw oysters linked to salmonella — see the recalls and advisories.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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❤ Know Your Numbers: How to Control Your Cholesterol @ Macon Volunteer Clinic | Monday (1/12) at 5:15 PM – Grab a seat at Macon Volunteer Clinic for a free, plain-English class on what those cholesterol numbers mean. A Piedmont Macon pro will decode the mystery, share doable fixes, and keep you happily navigating barbecue, sweet tea, and The Rookery burgers. Reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/bntvhuCPR7t1Zj2s5

🥕 Poplar Street Farmers Market @ Poplar Street Farmers Market | Wednesday (1/14) at 3:00 PM – Nothing beats fresh produce with a side of blues at Poplar Street Farmers Market. The Music Side Of Town Blues Band is often just Roland E. Fall, still kicking up grit and groove, perfect with tomatoes, conversation, and a little shameless people-watching.

🍷 Corks & Canvas @ The 567 Center for Renewal | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Take a night off and swap errands for easels at Corks & Canvas with Dee, a laid-back, beginner-friendly painting hang led by a local artist. Sip, laugh, and leave with a canvas you will proudly display, or strategically gift to your mother-in-law.

☘ A Taste of Ireland @ The Piedmont Grand Opera House | Thursday (1/15) at 7:30 PM – If your idea of Irish culture is green beer, time to upgrade. Former world champs from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance deliver live music, acapella tap battles, and witty storytelling that hits Macon right where it counts. Limited run, so snag seats.

🎶 Down East Boys @ Calvary Community Chapel | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Trade the to-do list for tight harmonies and goosebumps. The Down East Boys and the South Georgia Quartet team up with special guest Becky Hattaway for a gospel night that feels like Sunday without the sermon, just soul-stirring vocals, smiles, and community.

🏒 Back to the Future Night @ Macon Coliseum | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Whether you’re more 1985 or 1885, the Mayhem are rewinding for Back to the Future Night against the Birmingham Bulls at the Centreplex. Wear your best McFly or Doc, enjoy the throwback vibes, and save the 88 mph for the movie, not Riverside.

🎶 M. Isaac Ripple @ The Townsend School of Music | Friday (1/16) at 7:30 PM – Skip the chain-restaurant piano guy and hear the real thing at Townsend’s faculty recital with oboist M. Isaac Ripple, bassoonist Jazmyn Barajas-Trujillo, and pianist Kyung-A Yoo. It’s free, open to everyone, and a lovely excuse to sit still, breathe, and listen.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Macon report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 77°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 62%

A slight chance of rain showers between noon and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm. Mostly cloudy. Low around 44, with temperatures rising to around 48 overnight. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 55°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 8%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Most popular house this week

Downtown Macon loft energy after a 2022 overhaul with top tier finishes. Soaring ceilings, original wood planks, exposed beams and ductwork, and an open great room to the kitchen set an industrial tone. Viking appliances meet white quartz. Natural light fills the space, and a private balcony with fireplace frames city views.

The loft offers two ensuite bedrooms, including a primary with double vanity, marble walk in shower, and a custom closet. A private one car garage, an extra Plum Street space, and a private elevator serve the condos. The location is a short walk to restaurants and venues, near Atrium and Mercer, and minutes to I-16 and I-75.

Take a peek inside →