• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]
• ...INCREASED FIRE DANGER ACROSS MUCH OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING...
• [Public Safety Notifications]
• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]
NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK
1. Very warm conditions, with very low-to-critical relative humidity is forecast each afternoon through Friday, keeping the fire danger elevated. Any fire that develops has the potential to spread quickly. No outdoor burning!
2. Trending towards a wetter pattern this weekend into early next week. However, drier conditions may return briefly Sunday into Monday behind the first cold front and ahead of the second cold front (which is expected on Tuesday). Temperatures remain above normal through the period, with the exception of Monday.
WEATHER SPONSOR
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DAY SPONSOR
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GENERAL FORECAST
(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)
..TODAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds around 5 mph.
..TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.
..FRIDAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds around 5 mph.
..FRIDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.
..SATURDAY....Showers likely in the morning, then showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. West winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..SATURDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Lows around 50. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..SUNDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
..SUNDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
...INCREASED FIRE DANGER FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...
Relative humidity is forecast to fall to 20 to 30 percent across much of region this afternoon, while temperatures are forecast to be 2 to 3 degrees warmer than Wednesday. Winds are expected to be lighter at around 5 mph, but the low humidity combined with very dry vegetation and warm temperatures will result in an elevated threat for the rapid spread of wildfire across the area, especially this afternoon.
NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)
State and Local News
Bear encounters rise in Smokies... Wildlife officials say be careful! | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)
• USDA Designates Macon County a Natural Disaster Area Due to Drought [Macon Media]
• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]
• Four prominent NC lobbyists indicted over bourbon-tasting junket [NC Newsline]
• No voter ID? Proposal could make it easier for NC election officials to reject your ballot [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Tribal Council session exposes rift between community, leaseholder interests [Smoky Mountain News]
• NC lawmakers want to cap local property tax increases. Could the plan backfire? [Raleigh News & Observer]
Iran War News
Boarded and Diverted | Three MSC Containerships Fired Upon By Iran | US Diverts Iranian Tankers | What's Going on With Shipping?
Kasparov: Trump's biggest mistake is separating the wars in Ukraine and Iran | On The Record | TVP World
• Iran Update Special Report, April 22, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• AP News Liveblog [AP News]
• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]
• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]
• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]
• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]
• Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving in latest departure of a top defense leader [AP News]
• Iran’s leaders debate war and peace after Trump ceasefire extension [Al Jazeera]
• Two Israel Air Force technicians charged with spying for Iran - KAN [Jerusalem Post]
• (video) War briefing day 54: US intelligence contradicts Trump on Iranian weaponry [Sky News]
Iran attacks three cargo vessels in Strait of Hormuz | BBC News
World News
Why Russia could be more dangerous after the end of the war in Ukraine | DW News
• The global network hunting predators on the internet [BBC News]
• S. Korea, U.S. aim to meet OPCON transfer conditions no later than Q1 of 2029: USFK commander [Yonhap News Agency]
• Zelensky to join European leaders in Cyprus as EU unblocks €90bn Ukraine loan [France 24]
• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 22, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
Ukraine proposes direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin | World News Tonight | TVP World
National News
ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 22, 2026 | ABC News
• Wildfires across Georgia and Florida destroy more than 50 homes and force evacuations [AP News]
• Republicans Rip Talk of Trump Spirit Airlines Deal: ‘Terrible Idea’ [Newsweek Magazine]
• Judge dismisses Patel defamation lawsuit over ‘nightclubs’ comment on MS NOW [The Hill]
• New CDC director will be allowed to make vaccine decisions, Kennedy tells US Senate panel [Reuters]
• Virginia court declares state's redistricting vote was unconstitutional in legal win for Republicans [Fox News]
Financial News
US & Iran in Hormuz Standoff, ASML's New Gear 'Too Expensive' for TSMC | Daybreak Europe 4/23/2026 | Bloomberg Television
• South Korea, Vietnam set to sign dozens of business deals as Lee visits Hanoi [Yahoo Finance]
• ‘We are facing the biggest energy security threat in history,’ IEA chief tells CNBC [CNBC]
Science and Technology
Atoms Are NOT “Mostly Empty” | Kyle Hill
• Crypto scam lures ships into Strait of Hormuz, falsely promising safe passage [Ars Technica]
• Tesla Says EV Orders Benefitted From Soaring Gas Prices [Gizmodo]
• Scientists discover hidden forces are warping Earth deep beneath the surface [Science Daily]
• TWiV 1315: Jabs for bats [Microbe TV]
Crypto News
Gold: Dubious Speculation | Benjamin Cowen
• Justin Sun Alleges Trump's World Liberty Threatened to Burn His WLFI Tokens [Decrypt]
• Phishing, deepfakes, supply chain attacks to fuel 2026's biggest crypto hacks: CertiK [Coin Telegraph]
• Brian Armstrong Says Base Is the Best Chain for Trading, Payments, and Agents [Bitcoin.com]
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If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.
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Published at 6.00am on Thursday, April 23, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
USDA Designates Macon County a Natural Disaster Area Due to Drought
PRESS RELEASE
USDA Designates 40 North Carolina Counties as Natural Disaster Areas with Seven Contiguous Counties in Tennessee
This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.
Impacted Area: North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
Triggering Disaster: S6172 Drought (Fast-Track)
Application Deadline: 12/10/2026
Primary Counties Eligible:
• North Carolina: Alamance, Alexander, Bertie, Cabarrus, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Swain, Union, Warren, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin
Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
• Tennessee: Blount, Cocke, Greene, Monroe, Polk, Sevier, Unicoi
• Georgia: Fannin, Rabun, Towns, Union
• North Carolina: Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Beaufort, Bladen, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Chowan, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Graham, Granville, Greene, Henderson, Hertford, Hoke, Jackson, Jones, Lenoir, Montgomery, Moore, Onslow, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Transylvania, Vance, Wake, Washington, Watauga, Wayne, Yancey
• South Carolina: Cherokee, Chesterfield, Lancaster, Marlboro, Oconee, York
• Virginia: Brunswick, Greensville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Southampton
On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions
Under the direction from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, as of April 14, 2026, parts of 30 North Carolina counties, including Macon County, are in Extreme Drought (D3). According to Session Law 2008-143, each local government and large community water system must report weekly water use if they are in a county that contains an area of Extreme or Exceptional drought and implement conservation efforts within their Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP). Effective April 22, 2026, the Town of Franklin is asking citizens to voluntarily restrict water usage by 5%.
PRESS RELEASE (04-21-2026) TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Voluntary Water Restrictions to begin April 22, 2026
As of April 14, 2026 there are parts of 30 North Carolina counties in Extreme Drought (D3) including Macon County. According to Session Law 2008-143, each local government and large community water system must report weekly water use if they are in a county that contains an area of Extreme or Exceptional drought and implement conservation efforts within their Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP). The Town of Franklin is asking citizens to voluntarily restrict the amount of water being used effective April 22, 2026. Due to the lack of rain, water levels in Cartoogechaye Creek at the inflow to the water treatment plant are below normal and this has triggered a Stage 1 voluntary water restriction.
In accordance with the Town of Franklin’s WSRP, a stage 1 voluntary water restriction means that all water users are being asked to reduce their normal water use by 5%. Examples of ways to voluntarily restrict water use can include eliminating of washing vehicles, waiting to wash clothes until you have a full load, checking for leaks or toilets that may be running or use of dishwashers, limiting watering or irrigating outdoor landscapes.
The Town is asking for citizen cooperation by limiting the use of water, when possible, until there is enough precipitation to raise water levels and reduce fire danger.
Any updates related to the water restrictions will be forwarded to the media and posted on the Town’s website and the Town, Police and Fire social media pages.
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If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.
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Published at 4.30am on Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
Weather Briefing for Wednesday, April 22, 2026
• ...INCREASED FIRE DANGER ACROSS MUCH OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING...
• [Public Safety Notifications]
• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]
NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK
1. Increased Fire Danger across the area this afternoon, with a Fire Danger Statement in effect for our NC and GA counties. Above normal temperatures return today and persist through at least the end of the week. Very low-to-critical relative humidity is forecast each afternoon, keeping the fire danger elevated through Friday. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. No outdoor burning!
2. Trending towards a wetter pattern this weekend into early next week. However, there may be a brief lull in precipitation Sunday into Monday behind a departing cold front and ahead of the next system. A cooling trend develops this weekend into Monday before warmer temperatures return Tuesday.
WEATHER SPONSOR
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DAY SPONSOR
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GENERAL FORECAST
(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)
..TODAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds around 5 mph.
..TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.
..THURSDAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 5 mph, becoming southwest in the afternoon.
..THURSDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. West winds around 5 mph.
..FRIDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds around 5 mph.
..FRIDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
...INCREASED FIRE DANGER FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...
Relative humidity is forecast to fall into the 20 to 25 percent range across much of western North Carolina this afternoon. Winds are expected to be somewhat elevated in the afternoon, with gusts between 15 and 20 mph. The low humidity combined with gusty winds and very dry vegetation will result in an elevated threat for the rapid spread of wildfires across the area.
NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)
State and Local News
Camping experiences see impact as drought increases fire risks | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)
• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions | [Macon Media]
• NC lawmakers will fill Medicaid funding gap, but larger state budget issues remain unresolved [NC Newsline]
• North Carolina’s Berger optimistic about budget, blames Democrats for primary loss [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• The 2026 Great Smoky Mountains synchronous firefly lottery is coming. How to enter [Asheville Citizen-Times]
• NC Senate leader Phil Berger, after years at top of GOP power, starts last sessionhttps://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article315487498.html [Raleigh News & Observer]
Iran War News
Schrödinger's Strait: Is It Open or Closed | Week 7 Strait of Hormuz Recap (April 12 to 19) | What's Going on With Shipping?
• Iran Update Special Report, April 21, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• AP News Liveblog [AP News]
• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]
• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]
• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]
• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]
• Iran attacks ship in Strait of Hormuz, complicating diplomatic efforts to resume talks [AP News]
• Iran war: What’s happening on day 54 as Trump extends ceasefire? [Al Jazeera]
• US potentially facing 'near-term risk' of running out of key ammunition after Iran war - report [Jerusalem Post]
Iran yet to decide on sending delegation to Islamabad for US talks, official says | BBC News
World News
Palantir’s manifesto: How tech is trying to redefine war and power | DW News
• Taiwan president cancels trip after African countries close airspace [BBC News]
• Japan scraps a ban on lethal weapons exports in a change of its postwar pacifist policy [Yonhap News Agency]
• Russia's Sergei Shoigu says safety of Russians in Transnistria under threat, TASS reports [France 24]
• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 21, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
Magyar moves to form government after Orbán era ends | World News Tonight | TVP World
National News
ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 21, 2026 | ABC News
• Trump media company replaces CEO, ex-congressman Nunes after stock plunge that wiped out billions [AP News]
• What the Passage of the Virginia Redistricting Plan Means for Control of Congress [Time Magazine]
• Democrats boost midterm edge with Virginia redistricting win: 5 takeaways [The Hill]
• Trump says he will 'remember' companies that don't seek tariff refunds [Reuters]
• Virginia redistricting referendum results: What changes, who benefits [Fox Business]
Financial News
Stocks Extend Drop, Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire | The Close 4/21/2026 | Bloomberg Television
• A New York Suit Called Prediction Markets 'Illegal' Gambling. That Hit These Crypto Stocks [Yahoo Finance]
• SpaceX says it can buy Cursor later this year for $60 billion or pay $10 billion for ‘our work together’ [CNBC]
Science and Technology
New Glenn's First Failure - What Do We Know? | Scott Manley
• Pentagon wants $54B for drones, more than most nations’ military budgets [Ars Technica]
• Some Unknown Group Is Reportedly Using Claude Mythos Without Permission [Gizmodo]
• Scientists just captured trees glowing with electricity during storms [Science Daily]
• TWiV 1314: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin [Microbe TV]
Crypto News
Gold: Dubious Speculation | Benjamin Cowen
• Tether Asserts Stablecoin Dominance Over Circle's USDC Amid Major Crypto Hacks [Decrypt]
• Bitcoin risks losing $70K as Strategy's STRC slips below $100 [Coin Telegraph]
• FTX Sold Cursor Stake for $200K. SpaceX Now Has a $60 Billion Option to Buy It [Bitcoin.com]
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If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia
Published at 6.00am on Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
Monday, April 20, 2026
Weather Briefing for Monday, April 20, 2026
• ...INCREASED FIRE DANGER ACROSS MUCH OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING...
• [Public Safety Notifications]
• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]
NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK
1. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from Noon to 8 PM for northeast Georgia and a Special Weather Statement is in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM for most of western North Carolina (outside the northern mountains). Burn bans remain in effect until further notice across the Carolinas. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
2. A Freeze Warning is in effect for the Northern North Carolina mountains and a Frost Advisory in effect for the majority of the North Carolina mountains (outside the Freeze Warning), the northern North Carolina Foothills, and the northern North Carolina Piedmont from midnight tonight through 9 AM Tuesday. Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
3. Temperatures return to above normal during the latter half of the week, while very dry conditions continue. Very low-to- critical afternoon RH will enhance the fire danger through the end of the work week. A frontal system will bring rain chances next weekend.
WEATHER SPONSOR
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DAY SPONSOR
Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media for today.
They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.
GENERAL FORECAST
(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)
..TODAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
..TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Patchy frost after midnight. Lows in the upper 30s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.
..TUESDAY....Areas of frost in the morning. Sunny. Highs around 70. West winds around 5 mph.
..TUESDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. West winds around 5 mph.
..WEDNESDAY....Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
...INCREASED FIRE DANGER ACROSS MUCH OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING...
Brush and leaf litter are very dry in all but the northern mountains of North Carolina, where fuel moisture values are higher due to recent rainfall. Relative humidity will fall to around 30 percent in the mountains and below 25 percent in the foothills and Piedmont this afternoon. Wind gusts up to 35 mph can be expected across the mountains, with wind gusts up to 25 mph across the foothills and Piedmont. Given these conditions, outdoor fires will be able to spread quickly once started, increasing the danger of wildfires.
NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)
State and Local News
Wildlife intake increases as drought causes animals to search for water | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)
• Extreme Drought Expands in North Carolina [Mountain Xpress]
• NC lawmakers return to session this week. What top insiders are pushing for [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• NC legislators call on attorney general to step up Medicaid fraud probes [WFAE-FM (Charlotte, NC)]
• For the first time since Helene, a train passes through NC’s Old Fort Loops [Raleigh News & Observer]
Iran War News
US Opens Fire, Disables & Seizes an Iranian Ship Attempting to Break the Blockade | 19 April 2026 | What's Going on With Shipping?
• Iran Update Special Report, April 19, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• AP News Liveblog [AP News]
• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]
• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]
• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]
• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]
World News
Police suspect possible use of 'Iranian proxies' in London | Sky News
• Bulgaria: Pro-Russian Radev takes lead in early vote count [DW News]
• Tanker with 2 million barrels of crude clears Strait of Hormuz on way to Taiwan [Yonhap News Agency]
• French prosecutors summon Elon Musk over sexualised AI deepfakes on X [France 24]
• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 19, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
Lavrov downplays peace talks as Ukraine faces fresh attacks | World News Tonight | TVP World
National News
ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 19, 2026 | ABC News
• Man kills 8 children and shoots his wife and another woman in Shreveport, Louisiana [AP News]
• The FBI Director Is MIA [The Atlantic]
• Patel says he’ll sue Atlantic for defamation over report on heavy drinking [The Hill]
• Michigan refuses Trump administration demand for 2024 election ballots [Reuters]
• Distress call captures tanker under fire, Iran shuts Hormuz trapping thousands of sailors [Fox Business]
Financial News
Iran War: US Seize Iranian Ship & Peace Talks Uncertain | Daybreak Europe 4/20/2026 | Bloomberg Television
• Stock market records, Iran updates, and Tesla earnings: What to watch this week [Yahoo Finance]
• European stocks open lower Gulf tanker attacks threaten ceasefire [CNBC]
Science and Technology
NASA’s New Nuclear Moon Plans | Anton Petrov
• Blue Origin’s rocket reuse achievement marred by upper stage failure [Ars Technica]
• Palantir Posts Very Long X Post Denouncing ‘Vacant and Hollow Pluralism’ [Gizmodo]
• Hundreds of millions at risk as river deltas sink faster than rising seas [Science Daily]
• Beyond the Noise #103: RFK Jr.’s Latest Disservice to Children with Autism [Microbe TV]
Crypto News
Bitcoin Rallies to the Bear Market Resistance Band | Benjamin Cowen
• Sam Altman's World Teams With Zoom, Tinder to Better Verify Humans in the AI Age [Decrypt]
• Bitcoin price drops to $75K as new Hormuz closure puts focus on oil [Coin Telegraph]
• Oil Prices Bounce as Middle East Conflict Reignites [Bitcoin.com]
Support Macon Media
• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]
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If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia
Published at 6.00am on Monday, April 19, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Weather Briefing for Saturday, April 18, 2026
• ...OUTDOOR BURN BAN IN EFFECT...
• [Public Safety Notifications]
• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]
NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK
1. Breezy, mostly dry, and hot again today with afternoon temperatures flirting with record highs east of the mountains. A cold front brings cooler temperatures, gusty winds, and beneficial rain tonight into Sunday. However, with only light rainfall amounts expected, there will be very little (if any) relief from the drought and fire weather concerns will stick around.
2. Normal to slightly-below-normal temperatures are forecast early next week, with Fire Weather concerns continuing. Some frost is possible over the mountains Sunday and especially Monday night, so precautions might be needed to protect sensitive vegetation.
3. Very warm and dry conditions return late next week, exacerbating Fire Weather concerns and drought conditions.
WEATHER SPONSOR
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DAY SPONSOR
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GENERAL FORECAST
(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)
..TODAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon.
..TONIGHT....Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Lows in the lower 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..SUNDAY....Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Breezy and much cooler with highs in the upper 50s. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
..SUNDAY NIGHT....Clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.
..MONDAY....Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
..MONDAY NIGHT....Clear. Lows in the upper 30s.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
...INCREASED FIRE DANGER THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA...
Relative humidity values will fall below 35 percent this afternoon across the region. Breezy wind gusts from 15 to 20 mph can also be expected this afternoon. Low relative humidity, breezy winds, very low fuel moisture, and ongoing drought will allow any fires that develop to spread quickly.
Showers and storms will move into the area through this evening with some strong to marginally severe storms possible. Damaging winds and hail are the main concerns, especially along and north of Interstate 40.
A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)
State and Local News
Outdoor adventure companies see strong bookings amid drought worries | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)
• What happens if I am identified as a ‘potential noncitizen’ on the voting rolls? [NC Local]
• NC voters could be questioned about citizenship under new elections rule [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Judge halts local TV giant Nexstar's takeover of rival Tegna until trial [WUNC-FM (CHapel Hill, NC)]
• Thousands of teachers are expected to march in Raleigh on May 1. Is it a strike? [Raleigh News & Observer]
Iran War News
US Executes Blockade Against Iran | Turns Ships Around and Threatens to Board Iranian Ships Globally | What's Going on With Shipping?
• Iran Update Special Report, April 17, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• AP News Liveblog [AP News]
• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]
• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]
• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]
• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]
World News
Calls grow for PM to quit over Mandelson - as allies of 'scapegoat' civil servant hit back | Sky News
• Europe looks to secure shipping in Strait of Hormuz [DW News]
• Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz; Trump says blockade will remain until deal is signed [Yonhap News Agency]
• Jeffrey Epstein and the French connection [France 24]
• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 17, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
Orbán era ends, Iran tensions rise | Press Talks | TVP World
National News
ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 17, 2026 | ABC News
• Stories of Black and Indigenous patriots come into focus as US remembers the American Revolution [AP News]
• Senate GOP losing patience with Speaker Johnson as DHS faces crisis [The Hill]
• Trump, IRS in talks to settle US president's $10 billion lawsuit [Reuters]
• Oil prices plunge after Iran says Strait of Hormuz open for commercial shipping traffic [Fox Business]
Financial News
Wall Street Week | Paulson on Iran War, Energy Market Disruptions, Copper Supply Strain, Tax Debate | Bloomberg Television
• Oil prices plunge after Iran foreign minister says Strait of Hormuz is 'completely open,' Trump says regime has agreed to indefinitely suspend nuclear program [Yahoo Finance]
• Fed Governor Waller says Iran war and labor market risks are keeping central bank on hold [CNBC]
• Judge blocks Nexstar-TEGNA merger over antitrust concerns [Google News]
Science and Technology
Incredible Scientific Discoveries About Planet Earth (2026 Compilation) | Anton Petrov
• US-sanctioned currency exchange says $15 million heist done by “unfriendly states” [Ars Technica]
• NASA Plans to Start a Fire on the Moon in First-of-Its-Kind Experiment [Gizmodo]
• Total solar eclipse led to seismic quiet for cities within its path [Science Daily]
• TWhat is Mythos, Anthropic’s unreleased AI model, and how worried should we be? [Scientific American]
Crypto News
Bitcoin: Dubious Speculation | Benjamin Cowen
• Sam Altman's World Teams With Zoom, Tinder to Better Verify Humans in the AI Age [Decrypt]
• Crypto market liquidations hit $820M as Bitcoin price taps $78K [Coin Telegraph]
• EU's Highest Court Backs German Player's Right to Reclaim Gambling Losses From Malta-Licensed Operator [Bitcoin.com]
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Published at 6.00am on Saturday, April 18, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
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