State & Local News -

Campus News

Mercer assumes ownership of 129-year-old downtown theatre

By Laura Corley | February 23

Macon’s historic Capitol Theatre — built as a bank in 1897, converted into a cinema house two years after the start of World War I and most recently operated as a performance venue — has changed hands once again. Mercer University has purchased the building on Second Street from the Moonhanger Group, a local restaurant and catering company owned by Wes Griffith.

Campus News

Georgia governor and lieutenant governor candidates speak at Mercer

By Precious Clark | February 21

Michael Thurmond, who is in Georgia's gubernatorial race as a Democrat, and lieutenant governor candidate Richard Wright spoke at Mercer about navigating predominantly white institutions as Black people on Feb. 17. The panel was part of a series commemorating Black History Month and was hosted by the Mercer University National Council of Negro Women.

Local News

Homeland Village Cultural Center fills cultural and wellness void in Macon

By Kaylee Buchanan | February 20

Kirk Hodges founded Homeland Village Cultural Center to meet a need in Macon about 25 years ago. Hodges said the business offers the community a space focused on education, wellness and cultural awareness.

Local News

Refurbished Little Free Library lends literature to local readers

By Kristen Duncan | February 11

A refurbished Little Free Library was unveiled in Tattnall Square Park on Friday, Feb. 6, courtesy of Frank Broome. Schoolchildren and community leaders, including Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Stanley Stewart were in attendance and donated books.

Local News

Josh Rogers' legacy, leadership lives on in downtown Macon

By Kristen Duncan | February 4

The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved naming a block of downtown Macon after the late Mercer alum and NewTown Macon President and CEO Josh Rogers on Nov. 18, 2025 as part of their Macon Action Plan, and unveiled the block on Jan. 22, 2026.

Local News

Hundreds march on Macon to protest ICE, Trump

By Gabriel Kopp | January 29

About 500 protestors marched from Rosa Parks Square to the William Bootle Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on Mulberry Street on Wednesday evening, bringing Middle Georgia into the fray of a national movement against the Trump administration’s use of Border Patrol agents in cities.

Campus News

As US braces for winter storm, here's what may come to Mercer

By Nathaniel Jordan | January 23

Much of the East Coast and Midwest are preparing for a large winter storm that is predicted to begin this weekend and end by Monday, and some projections show that its impact may stretch down to Macon.

Local News

Bands battle it out as Bragg Jamuary enters final two weeks of contest

By Nhu Nguyen and Nathaniel Jordan | January 21

Bragg Jamuary, an annual battle of bands, comes back to JBA, a bar and music venue on Cherry Street in downtown Macon at 9 p.m. Thursday for the third of four concerts. Fans vote each week for their favorite of three bands, and the four winners move on to a final vote for a $1,500 cash prize.

Local News

Voting is open for District 18 Georgia special election. Here's what to know.

By Precious Clark | January 12

Georgia State Sen. John F. Kennedy announced his resignation from the state legislature to run for lieutenant governor of Georgia on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, launching a special election to fill his vacant District 18 seat.

Local News

'Gives people a place to be': Rosa Parks Square shines new light downtown

By Nathaniel Jordan | December 21

Macon residents caught their first glimpse of the newly renovated Rosa Parks Square during the annual Christmas Light Extravaganza after the green space officially reopened Nov. 28, 2025. While final touches are still being applied to the park, the city debuted the square early with a 40-foot-tall snowman for the extravaganza.

Local News

Christmas lights spread warm glow across downtown Macon

By Alexandria Harbin | December 4

The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza is back downtown with music, lights and crowds filling the streets each night. The event features rows of glowing walkways lined with lighted Christmas trees, giant ornaments, reindeer figures, musical instruments and a sleigh, all moving and flickering in sync ...

State News

Covington attracts big stars while retaining small-town charm

By Reagan Odom | December 3

Covington, Ga. might look like a regular small town, but it is actually one of the most-filmed places in the South. Its streets have shown up in countless movies and TV shows, making it a kind of open-air studio.

Campus News

MerServe offers relief to food-insecure individuals this holiday season

By Nathaniel Jordan | November 27

MerServe's Hunger and Homelessness Committee hosted its first “Giving Thanks and Giving Back” from Nov. 21-23, a Thanksgiving-themed event with six separate community service opportunities.

Campus News

'It tastes like Christmas': Chi Omega debuts limited edition drink with ZBeans

By Jacob Hossler | November 12

Mercer sorority Chi Omega is debuting two limited edition drinks this week with Mercer on Mission success story ZBeans. The collaboration, which organizers said will be available only until Friday, Nov. 14, features two offerings.

Campus News

‘An expensive undertaking’: Mercer Medicine moves downtown

By Casey Choung | November 9

A vacant patch of land off Riverside Drive and between Spring Second streets in Macon will be the new site of Mercer's School of Medicine.

Local News

Partially suspended SNAP benefits leave millions scrambling

By Olivia McNamara | November 5

Millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as food stamps, are facing uncertainty as the program has been partially suspended due to the federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.

Local News

Primer on the Macon Mayhem amidst their eleventh season

By Ryleigh Sandefur | November 4

In the sports world, hockey season just started, and for Macon hockey fans far from the ice rinks of Boston and New York, the city has its own team.

Local News

Alex II unveils outdoor classroom built with help from MerServe

By Geetanjali Angara | November 1

The Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School, located a block from Mercer's campus, opened a new outdoor classroom on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Local News

5 trails and parks in the Macon area to explore this fall

By Hannah Mock | October 30

All around Mercer’s campus, the leaves are changing, the breeze is starting to catch a chill and fall is coming in full swing. In spite of this beautiful change of scenery, students tend to spend more time indoors preparing for finals and completing course projects as the semester comes to a close.

Local News

Explore exhibits and produce pottery at The 567 Center

By Geetanjali Angara | October 27

The 567 Center in downtown Macon hosts exhibits, offers art classes and has a free gallery open throughout the week that has monthly themes. Open 11 a.m to 4 p.m on weekdays, the gallery offers upcoming artists the opportunity to feature their work. The 567 Center showcases their new exhibit themes on the first Friday of each month from 5-8 p.m.