News and Weather Briefing for Thursday, June 25, 2026

• Announcements
• Sponsorships
• Forecast
• Macon Calendar
• Weather Almanac
• WNC News
• NC News
• National News
• World News
• Iran War News
• Russo-Ukraine War
• Financial News
• Science News
• Technology News
• Interesting Videos
• Crypto News
• History & Culture

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]

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SPONSORSHIPS

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This space available

This space available

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FORECAST

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(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. Partly sunny this morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Patchy fog this morning. Highs around 80. Light and variable winds, becoming southwest around 5 mph this afternoon.

.TONIGHT. Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable.

.FRIDAY. Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 80. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT. Mostly cloudy with showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

.SATURDAY. Mostly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. West winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.SATURDAY NIGHT. Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.SUNDAY. Mostly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT. Mostly clear. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday and Saturday. A few of these storms may become strong to severe and produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

Very hot temperatures are expected next week, with the potential for the heat index to exceed 100 degrees on several days.

POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the low-medium range (4.0 out of 12) today with Plantain and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the low-medium range (3.5 out of 12.0).

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MACON CALENDAR

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(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

The many ways you can connect to Mountain Findings to arrange donation pick-ups, drop-off location, shopping hours, volunteering, and to learn more on our community grants programs and graduating seniors scholarships.
Facebook: @MountainFindings
Phone: 828-526-9929
Email: MountainFindings1@gmail.com
Webpage: MountainFindings.org
Location: 452 Spruce St, Highlands, NC

LIVE SATURDAY MIDDAY MUSIC CALENDAR FOR JUNE/JULY 2026

11a to 1p at Friends of the Greenway, Inc.
573 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
contact: frog28734@gmail.com; 828-369-8488

6-27-26---Ben and Marce--Ben Brookes Belcher and Marce Lacouture, an acoustic duo made in the mountains of North Carolina makes their debut at Friends of the Greenway’s Visitor Center.

7-4-2026—It’s Dudes Day on the Fourth! Come have a great get-together with friends old and new as 4 Singer/Songwriters “sing us some songs and tell us some tales”.

7-11-2026—Join us for Bluegrass fun….as Tommy Nelson and the Burningtown Bluegrass Gospel Band bring us their pickin’ and grinnin’ songs.

7-18-26—Two Troubadours...George James and Gary Gibson.

7-25-2026---Bill Petersen will be singing the blues along with maybe some originals. Then, up from Florida, hear John Bois and the Emotional Support Band.

To find out more about the Greenway and our organization, our website is: littletennessee.org.

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WEATHER ALMANAC

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Record Weather Events for this date in Macon County (1872-2025)

Highest Temperature 93°F in Franklin in 1952
Lowest Temperature 39°F in Highlands in 1922
Greatest Rainfall 4.05 inches in Highlands in 1912

Record weather events for June in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Jun 30, 2012
Lowest Temperature 32°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Jun 2, 1966
Greatest Rainfall 7.63 inches in Highlands on Jun 16, 1949
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of September
Highest Temperature 107°F Carthage, Moore County Jun 23, 1981
Lowest Temperature 24°F Jefferson, Ashe County Jun 2, 1932
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.41 in Belhaven, Beaufort County Jun 30, 1962

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WNC News

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Fontana Regional Library Board (06-22-2026) | Macon Media


• JCPL board meets, Jackson commissioners consider room utilization room policy [Smoky Mountain News]
• 'Years to come': Armadillo population in western NC expected to increase [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]
• Mainspring completes largest conservation project in organization’s history [Macon Sense]

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NC News

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Lumbee tribe leader vows not to pursue casino after special election | WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)


• NC legislators override Stein vetoes that eliminate DEI in education, require state’s ICE cooperation [Queen City News]
• Trump administration settles with Chemours over PFAS polluting in Fayetteville [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Amtrak train carrying 60 passengers collides with tractor-trailer in Greensboro [Greensboro News & Record]

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National News

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“Horrifying” midair emergency: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - June 24, 2026 | ABC News


• Postmaster General Confirms Plan to Hold Back Mail Ballots in States that won’t Share Voter Data [The Hill]
• White House Seeks $87.6B Iran War Package: How Farmers Could Benefit [Newsweek Magazine]
• 5.6 earthquake reported in Northern California, triggers alert across Bay Area [San Fransisco Chronicle]

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World News

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How China’s rise is shaping Trump’s strategy in Asia | DW News


• Venezuela declares state of emergency after back-to-back earthquakes leave dozens dead [France 24]
• M7.2 Earthquake Hits Japan’s Aomori Prefecture; No Tsunami Warning Issued (Update1) [Japan News]
• France, UK and Spain see record temperatures as heatwave grips western Europe [BBC News]

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Iran War News

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Why No One Truly "Owns" the Strait of Hormuz | What's Going on With Shipping?


• Iran Update Special Report, June 24, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Live Updates: Iran condemns new shipping routes in Strait of Hormuz, Trump praises Erdogan for staying out of war [Jerusalem Post]
• Iran war live: US vows to defend Gulf interests; Israel kills 2 in Lebanon [Al Jazeera]

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Russo-Ukraine War

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Crimea blackout signals new phase of drone war | Ukraine Brief | TVP World


• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 24, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• What Keir Starmers' resignation means for European security [DW News]
• Russian opposition leader jailed over anti-war social media posts [The Moscow Times]

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Financial News

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Oval Office Meeting | Balance of Power 06/24/2026 | Bloomberg Television


• AI's brutal toll on the job market is on the way: Cloudflare CEO [Yahoo Finance]
• Inside India newsletter: Meet the humans teaching robots to perform routine tasks... [CNBC]
• Inside The Global 2000: AI Has Rewritten The World’s Corporate Scoreboard [Forbes Magazine]

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Science News

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JWST Discovers a Rare Galactic Fossil Fragment Hiding in the Milky Way | Anton Petrov


• Finding Organics on Mars Isn't Enough. ExoMars Will Look for Their "Handedness." [Universe Today]
• Osteopenia is silently weakening bones in millions of people [ScienceDaily]
• We've just found the Universe's darkest galaxy – and it could solve one of the last, great mysteries in science [BBC Science Focus]

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Technology News

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The World's Most Important Machine | Veritasium


• Underpromise, overdeliver? Hands-on with the $24,950 Slate auto. [Ars Technica]
• Betting on People’s Worst Instincts Has Kind of Always Been Mark Zuckerberg’s Thing [Gizmodo]
• Major Brand Ads on Pirate Sites Surged 80% in a Year, EUIPO Finds [Torrent Freaks]

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Interesting Videos

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How the Electrical Grid Is Being Rebuilt for AI | Bloomberg Primer | Bloomberg Originals



How the Public Library Became an American Civic Institution | Independent Lens | PBS



John Bolton: The Real Reason Why Trump's Iran War Became Such a Disaster | Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl



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CRYPTO NEWS

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Bitcoin: A Path to the Bottom | Benjamin Cowen


• Bitcoin Hasn't Broken the 4-Year Cycle Yet, Says 21Shares as BTC Dives Below $60K [Decrypt]
• US arbitration giant rolls out ‘legal layer’ for agentic commerce [Coin Telegraph]
• Curaçao Orders Its Crypto Casinos to Screen Wallets and Ban Mixers, With Full Compliance Due in 2027 [Bitcoin.com]

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HISTORY AND CULTURE

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How Russia Prepared for Napoleon's Invasion - Fatal Trap | Kings and Generals



The Public and Private Lives of FDR (1933-1945) | American Experience PBS



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Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 9:00am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]

• [Public Safety Notifications]

• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]

 
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]

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NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

1. Slightly cooler and drier conditions are expected today.

2. Diurnal shower and thunderstorm chances return by the end of the week and continue thru the weekend. High temperatures outside the mountains are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s this weekend.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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This space available

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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 70s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..TONIGHT....Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

..THURSDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

..THURSDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

..FRIDAY....Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly sunny with showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

..FRIDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 60 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER



Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday and Saturday. A few of these storms may become strong and lead to gusty winds.

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

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State and Local News

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(video) How One Vanderbilt Mansion Built and Bankrupted an Entire City: Asheville | Grand Manors



(video) Lawmakers weigh bill that could exempt Buncombe County from new home valuation freeze | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• NC Homeless Union: Proposed ‘unauthorized camping’ ban cruel, dangerous [NC Newsline]

• NC lawmakers balk at teen social media bill, looser ‘granny flat’ laws [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• NC Forest Service says DuPont waterfall drowning victim was teen girl [Asheville Citizen-Times]

• How NC’s 11th Congressional District could help shape a national Democratic wave [Raleigh News & Observer]

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Support Macon Media


• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]

 
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at https://www.facebook.com/MaconMediaNews/posts/pfbid0sraDv94aqwTXUA5KqivnmL3U4H5bhjgkZkYdmknBUx5fedENQXAWuQZqndTyNhUel?comment_id=1161740932841534

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.

Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 9.00am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Fontana Regional Library Board Navigates Transition: CDP Shelved, Interim Budget and Director Approved

Meeting Video | Macon Media



New Outlets Present

Macon Media (Bobby) 

Smoky Mountain News (Kyle)

Macon Sense (Stewart) 
the franklin Press (Shelby)

Candidates for Macon County Commissioner Present 

Terry Bell (D2) 
Dylan Castle (D2)

Executive Summary

The Fontana Regional Library (FRL) Board of Trustees held a special meeting on June 22, 2026, this is the regional consortium board serving Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties. The meeting took place amid major transition: Jackson County withdraws effective July 1, 2026, and Macon County Commissioners have signaled intent to withdraw later. The board addressed governance and operational continuity for the remaining structure while navigating public controversy over a proposed Collection Development Policy (CDP) draft.

Key outcomes:

• Removed the CDP from the agenda (motion passed without opposition after public pushback and one trustee’s motion citing respect for the two remaining counties’ wishes).
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• Approved an interim FY 2026-27 budget (6-2) that uses ~$316k in fund balance because Macon has not yet funded requested FRL services; removed a planned vehicle purchase and trimmed the book line.
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• Approved updated bylaws (effective July 1) incorporating attorney-reviewed improvements for indemnity, conflict of interest, neutrality, financial controls, open-meetings compliance, and trustee accountability.
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• Appointed Bill McGaha as interim director (7-1), retroactively ratifying his actions since March 1, 2026 (state librarian confirmed no MLS/certification requirement for interim; only a contact person is needed).
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• Took no action on the net surplus refund (under active temporary restraining order/TRO; court decision pending).
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• Allowed extensive public comment on the CDP even though it was removed from the agenda.

Public comment (mostly Macon County residents, plus some from Jackson and Swain) was heated. Many urged the board to defer all new policies and bylaws changes until after the July 1 transition and until a “fair, neutral, and unbiased” board structure is in place (citing Macon Commissioners’ June 9 actions and Barry Breeden’s recommendation). Speakers raised First Amendment concerns, questioned the rush and process (committee excluded staff and some board members; late release of drafts), cited potential litigation costs seen in other states, and argued the draft weakened prior viewpoint-neutrality protections while introducing subjective standards for minors’ materials. A few speakers supported the board’s push for neutrality and accountability versus perceived past DEI-driven imbalances. One speaker noted that, under the proposed standards, the Holy Bible could face a formal challenge for explicit content.

The meeting reflected the stresses of a dissolving regional partnership, differing philosophies on library collections for minors, and the practical need to keep operations running with reduced membership and uncertain funding.

Summary of Motions, Seconds, and Vote Tally

1. Motion to remove the Collection Development Policy (CDP) from the agenda Moved by Deborah Smith; seconded by Kathy Smith. Vote: Passed (no opponents noted; appeared unanimous or near-unanimous by voice/hand vote).
2. Motion to remove the proposed bylaws from the agenda Moved by Tony Monnat; seconded by Cynthia Womble. Vote: Failed (~3 in favor of removal; majority opposed; motion to remove failed, so bylaws remained on the agenda).
3. Motion to remove the net surplus refund item from the agenda (made by a board member). Outcome: Rescinded by the maker before any vote (no formal action taken; item already stayed due to TRO).
4. Motion to approve the agenda as amended (CDP removed; bylaws retained). Vote: Passed (aye votes by hand raise).
5. Motion to approve the Interim FY 2026-27 Budget (as presented by Finance Officer Kim Fisher). Vote: Passed 6-2.
6. Motion to approve the updated Bylaws of Fontana Regional Library (revised June 22, 2026), to go into effect July 1, 2026 (two versions prepared: 3-county and post-Jackson 2-county). Moved by Chair Bill McGaha; seconded by Cheryl Taylor. Vote: Passed (majority in favor; final count referenced in context of ~6 aye with no strong final opposition recorded).
7. Motion to designate Bill McGaha as Interim Director effective immediately and to ratify/approve/confirm his service and actions taken in that capacity since March 1, 2026 (to the extent lawful). Moved by Deborah Smith; seconded by Cheryl Taylor. Vote: Passed 7-1.
8. Motion to adjourn. Moved by Cynthia Womble; passed.

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]

• [Public Safety Notifications]

• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]

 
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]

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NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

1. A slow-moving cold front will bring scattered showers and possibly a few embedded thunderstorms to our area this morning. A few more showers and storms may develop over the I-77 Corridor this afternoon, but any coverage should be minimal.

2. Drying high pressure spreads over the area Wednesday into Thursday. Diurnal shower and thunderstorm chances return by the end of the week and continue thru the weekend. High temperatures outside the mountains are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s this weekend.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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This space available

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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....Patchy fog this morning. Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers this morning, then mostly sunny this afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

..TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

..WEDNESDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. North winds around 5 mph, becoming west in the afternoon.

..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Southwest winds around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable.

..THURSDAY....Sunny. Highs around 80. South winds around 5 mph.

..THURSDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER



Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

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State and Local News

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(video) Church hosts fundraiser supporting ongoing Helene recovery efforts | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• Key NC Senate budget writer offers glimpse at Helene relief numbers in state budget [NC Newsline]

• Stein signs sweeping North Carolina agriculture bill into law [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Asheville named 'best wellness town' in U.S. for 2026 by EatingWell [Asheville Citizen-Times]

• Top NC GOP budget writer from Helene-ravaged area says more funding is on the way [Raleigh News & Observer]

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Iran War News

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Don't forget the Caspian sea | Iran War Briefing with Professor Michael Clarke | Sky News



The Strait of Hormuz Ship Show: Week 16 Update | What's Going on With Shipping?



• Trump hits Starmer with parting shot over Iran [UK Telegraph]

• Iran Update Special Report, June 22, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]

• France24 Liveblog [France 24]

• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]

• TRUST OR BUST: US-Iran deal faces BIGGEST test yet as Netanyahu says mission isn't over [Fox News]

• Pentagon seeks $80 billion from Congress for Iran war [AP News]

• Iran war day 115: Lebanon truce appears to hold as Switzerland talks end [Al Jazeera]

• Rubio heads to Gulf to sell Iran deal amid regional concerns [Jerusalem Post]

• Israel, Lebanon to hold new round of US-hosted talks [DW News]

• Iran attacking its neighbors was a ‘strategic mistake,’ Amb Mike Waltz says [Fox News]

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World News

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New Russian reality: Cancelled flights & fuel shortages | World News Tonight | TVP World



Turnover at 10 Downing Street raises questions about 'whether Britain is indeed governable' | FRANCE 24 English



• Kenyan court finds minister in contempt over US Ebola site [Al Jazeera]

• Parliamentary committee questions election watchdog officials over ballot shortages [Yonhap News Agency]

• 10 years after Brexit vote: What do young Britons want now? [DW News]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 22, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

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National News

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• Alan Greenspan obituary [UK Guardian]

Guthrie case: The major details withheld from the public—until now | CNN



Severe storms hit 60 million+: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - June 22, 2026 | ABC News



Meet the Press Full Episode — June 22 | NBC News



• Heat, wind and drought conditions spark wildfires in US West [AP News]

• Post Investigation Ties Gabbard's Career to Guru's Memos [Ground News]

• Senate overwhelmingly passes sweeping bipartisan housing affordability bill [The Hill]

• Judge rules DOJ subpoenas of Walz, others are unconstitutional [UPI]

• 6 dead, 39 shot in Chicago bloodbath as Trump touts DC-style cleanup where National Guard stepped in [Fox News]

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Financial News

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Iran Oil Waiver; SpaceX Falls for Third Day | Horizons Middle East & Africa 6/23/2026 | Bloomberg Television



• The future of oil prices may depend on China [Yahoo Finance]

• U.S. issues sweeping Iran oil sanctions waivers, unlocking billions in revenue for Tehran [CNBC]

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Science and Technology

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Amazing Stonehenge discovery | Time Team podcast



• AI-Generated ‘FIFA World Cup’ DMCA Notices Ask Google to Delist Pirate Sites [Torrent Freak]

• Meshyface: A Browser Based Chat and Network Dashboard for Meshtastic [RTL-SDR]

• GM installs robots at flagship EV factory after laying off 1,300 workers [Ars Technica]

• Elon Musk and NASA’s Chief Are Dreaming of Antimatter Propulsion [Gizmodo]

• Scientists say most people need more protein than current guidelines suggest [Science Daily]

• TWiV 1331: A drug for cervical cancer [Microbe TV]

The Level1 Links with Friends Show June 23: Binance BTFO | Anton Petrov

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AI and Crypto News

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Bitcoin: Bear Market Resistance Band | Benjamin Cowen



• Comparing Bitcoin Giant Strategy to Terra Luna Is a STRC, Benchmark Says [Decrypt]

• US Senate passes housing bill with CBDC ban until 2030 [Coin Telegraph]

• Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to Face Congress July 14 in First Testimony as Inflation Fight Heats Up [Bitcoin.com]

Why Bitcoin Needs The Dollar To Die – Brent Johnson | The Wolf of All Streets

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Support Macon Media


• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]

 
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at https://www.facebook.com/MaconMediaNews/posts/pfbid0sraDv94aqwTXUA5KqivnmL3U4H5bhjgkZkYdmknBUx5fedENQXAWuQZqndTyNhUel?comment_id=1161740932841534

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.

Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 9.00am on Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Monday, June 22, 2026

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• Town of Franklin Asks Residents to Observe Voluntary Water Restrictions [Macon Media]

• [Public Safety Notifications]

• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]

 
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at [LINK]

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NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

1. An approaching cold front will increase shower and thunderstorm chances across the area today through early Tuesday. Severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon and evening, with damaging winds being the main hazard.

2. Brief drying develops Wednesday before diurnal shower and thunderstorm chances return for the rest of the week and the weekend. High temperatures outside the mountains are expected to climb into the low to mid 90s over the weekend.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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This space available

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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 this morning, then showers with thunderstorms likely this afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

..TONIGHT....Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Showers likely. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows around 60. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

..TUESDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny with a chance of showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Highs around 70. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

..TUESDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

..WEDNESDAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Northwest winds around 5 mph, becoming southwest in the afternoon.

..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER



Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected today. There is a chance that some storms could be strong to severe, with damaging winds being the primary threat.

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Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.

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POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the low range (2.2 out of 12) today with Plaintain and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the low-medium range (3.0 out of 12.0).
WEATHER EXTREMES

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Record Weather Events for June 22nd

Record weather events for this date in Macon County
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature 96°F in Franklin in 1964
Lowest Temperature 40°F in Highlands in 1992
Greatest Rainfall 3.65 inches in Highlands in 1962

Highest Temperature 99°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Jun 30, 2012
Lowest Temperature 32°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Jun 2, 1966
Greatest Rainfall 7.63 inches in Highlands on Jun 16, 1949
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of September Data available from 1870 to 2025

Highest Temperature 107°F Carthage, Moore County Jun 23, 1981
Lowest Temperature 24°F Jefferson, Ashe County Jun 2, 1932
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.41 in Belhaven, Beaufort County Jun 30, 1962

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NEWS UPDATES
(Links aggregated to show what various news outlets are reporting)

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State and Local News

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• Swain County Wins TRO Blocking Fontana Regional Library’s Planned Surplus Fund Distribution [ Macon Media ]

The 400-year-old trees of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest | Sci NC



(video) N.C. ranks 8th-worst state for debt delinquency: WalletHub | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• NC science panel urges caution in use of hardened structures to protect coastline [NC Newsline]

• NC House speaker skeptical about public financing for MLB bid, setting up possible budget battle [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Asheville considers yearlong data center ban, will research impacts [Asheville Citizen-Times]

• Josh Stein has been more involved in GOP-written budget than past NC governors [Raleigh News & Observer]

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Iran War News

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‘Great progress' at US-Iran talks says US Vice-President JD Vance | BBC News



The Strait of Hormuz Ship Show: Week 16 Update | What's Going on With Shipping?



• How Trump’s ‘Operation Epic Disaster’ turned the world against America [UK Telegraph]

• Iran Update Special Report, June 21, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]

• France24 Liveblog [France 24]

• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]

• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]

• Explosion as Qatar restarts gas export terminal hurts 54 and leaves 18 missing [AP News]

• Iran war day 115: Lebanon truce appears to hold as Switzerland talks end [Al Jazeera]

• First day of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland concludes amicably after rocky start [Jerusalem Post]

• US-Iran talks end in Switzerland, mediators say [DW News]

• Major dispute to threaten Trump's Iran deal over billions in frozen Tehran funds: expert [Fox News]

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World News

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Peace talks commence as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate | World News Tonight | TVP World



The last hours of Keir Starmer? | FRANCE 24 English



• Far-right lawyer De La Espriella wins Colombia’s tight presidential race [Al Jazeera]

• Ex-justice minister given 25-yr prison sentence for martial law role [Yonhap News Agency]

• Czechia: Thousands march in support of public media funding [DW News]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 21, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

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National News

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America's Book Club: Kara Swisher | C-SPAN



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - June 21, 2026 | ABC News



Meet the Press Full Episode — June 21 | NBC News



• Heat, wind and drought conditions spark wildfires in US West [AP News]

• Judge in Charlie Kirk killing case to decide if prosecutors could be punished for comments in media [Ground News]

• Pirro vows to prosecute Reflection Pool vandals [The Hill]

• Pilot: Unruly passenger bites fellow flyer on American Airlines flight [UPI]

• Georgia pair charged with murder after bartender's dismembered remains found in lake outside Atlanta [Fox News]

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Financial News

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Expected to Set Resignation Timetable | Daybreak Europe 6/22/2026 | Bloomberg Television



• How are stocks impacted when the Fed doesn't change interest rates? [Yahoo Finance]

• China imposes trade curbs on dozens of U.S. firms in retaliation for Pentagon blacklist [CNBC]

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Science and Technology

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The Oxygen Solution to the Fermi Paradox | John Michael Godier



• WIPO Alert Pay Aims to Cut Off Piracy Profits with Help from Payment Providers [Torrent Freak]

• Trump admin’s coal investments assist plants with repeated violations [Ars Technica]

• Federal Regulators Want Stablecoins to Keep Working Without ID Checks [Gizmodo]

• Ebola and hantavirus can start like the flu but turn deadly fast [Science Daily]

• Beyond the Noise #108: President Trump’s childhood vaccine schedule [Microbe TV]

"Godzilla" El Niño May Have Begun, Here's What This Means for Earth | Anton Petrov

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AI and Crypto News

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Bitcoin: Bear Market Resistance Band | Benjamin Cowen



• Inception Labs' Mercury 2 AI Beats Google's DiffusionGemma at Its Own Game [Decrypt]

• Bitcoin tipped for Q3 'macro bottom' near $50K as major liquidity grab looms [Coin Telegraph]

• Why Lummis Says the CLARITY Act Will End the 'Absurdity' Facing US Software Developers [Bitcoin.com]

Bitcoin Just Hit Its $28 Trillion Tipping Point - Ex-CFTC Insider Caroline Pham | The Wolf of All Streets

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Published at 9.00am on Monday, June 22, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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