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Hi Macon, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: First baby of 2026, a winemaking studio grand opening, Bob Dylan concert, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Milestones for young scholars: On December 18 in Macon, Georgia DJJ celebrated with six high school diplomas and 21 GED diplomas, plus technical certificates. Student leaders represented centers in Chatham, Macon, and Atlanta — read the full story.
Facility upgrades and leadership changes: Bibb County Sheriff David Davis says a jail expansion will start in 2026, possibly visible by spring. A new commander is expected as reforms continue and 64 people were released — learn what’s changing and when.
A headline-making birth story: Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center in Macon welcomed its first baby of 2026 at 12:50 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Baby Bryant’s arrival drew mixed reactions online — read the full story.
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 its 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.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Highlights and what’s ahead: Macon’s arts scene is buzzing. Today, A Taste of Ireland hits the Piedmont Grand Opera House. Acute Inflections brings a Harlem Renaissance vibe January 25 at Anderson Conference Center. Bob Dylan plays the City Auditorium April 22. The Macon Film Guild keeps films rolling at the Douglass Theatre all year Get dates and event highlights.
Stretch your legs, Macon-style: Wander quiet river trails and a wetlands boardwalk at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, then climb the Great Temple Mound for a downtown glimpse. Step into the Earth Lodge, a 1,000-year-old meeting room, and feel nature and history living side by side.
Fresh cut, zero fuss: When your mop sends mixed signals, Olde World Barber Shoppe delivers no-drama trims, sharp skin fades, and classic hot-towel, straight-razor shaves. Settle into that easygoing barbershop vibe, go quick with an express cut, or choose the works and walk out sharper.
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).
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎶 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.
🎶 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.
🎉 Grand Opening – The Winemaking Studio @ The Winemaking Studio | Saturday (1/17) at 3:00 PM – Nothing says Macon hospitality like raising a glass at the grand opening of The Winemaking Studio. Expect pours, a peek at the craft, and plenty of neighborly chatter. Swirl, sniff, pretend you taste blackberry jam, and actually enjoy yourself.
🤠 The Country & Western Fest @ Grant’s Lounge | Saturday (1/17) at 5:00 PM – Grant’s is hosting a proper Country & Western fest, all Georgia-grown grit and charm. Expect an acoustic guitar pool, high-energy bands, a vendor market of local goods, and the rare twenty-dollar night out your boots, and your knees, will actually enjoy.
🏒 Lilo & Stitch Night – Mayhem vs. Bulls @ Macon Coliseum | Saturday (1/17) at 6:00 PM – Take a break from your winter rut and watch the Mayhem host the Bulls for Lilo & Stitch Night. Expect island vibes, intergalactic antics, and specialty jerseys that will look great at the jersey auction, plus a postgame skate to prove you have balance.
🛍 Community Treasures Market @ Agape Hall | Sunday (1/18) at 1:00 PM – Ready to shop small without scrolling? Swing by Community Treasures Market for local vendors, unique finds, and the hum of neighbors catching up. Bring a tote, some small bills, and patience for “just one more booth,” your future favorite thing awaits.
🍷 Wine Glass Painting Event @ Switch | Sunday (1/18) at 1:00 PM – Ready to trade scrolling for something you can actually hold? Switch Macon is hosting a cozy wine glass painting session, Snowman Love theme, with step-by-step guidance, zero pressure, and plenty of festive vibes. Bring a friend, leave with usable art, and smug holiday cheer.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Macon report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 43°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 21. West wind 0 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 53°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 37. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
This house is wild
Two homes on one parcel, a 1964 classic reborn in 2024 and a brand new 2025 companion. The main home pairs a rocking chair front porch with granite counters, stainless appliances, LVP floors, and a second level walkout deck. Inside, 2 beds and 1 bath sit on the main level, with 3 beds, a loft, and 2 baths up. A fenced backyard adds privacy. The one story second home echoes the finishes with a front porch, 2 beds, and 1 bath.
Leased at $1,850 per month, the main home adds immediate income. Near Mercer University, Mercer Village, and Downtown Macon.
Take a peek inside →
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