Thunder Pig

Macon County Commissioners

Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County Board of County Commissioners.

Franklin Town Board of Aldermen

Coverage of the meetings of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen.

Macon County School Board

Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County School Board.

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Weekend Weather Briefing for Saturday, October 03, 2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Back to School Safety Tips for the 2026-2027 School Year [Macon Media]

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

• Nine N.C. counties in exceptional drought as statewide drought continues [Macon Media]

WEATHER OUTLOOK

1. Showers and thunderstorms will become numerous this afternoon and evening along and ahead of a front dropping down from the north, followed by widespread rain overnight and again Sunday afternoon and evening. The combination of events will raise the threat for excessive rainfall that could result in some localized flooding through Sunday night.

2. Dry from Monday afternoon onward. Cool temperatures return for the middle of next week, followed by a steady warmup late in the week.

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SPONSORSHIPS

WEATHER SPONSOR

The weather is being sponsored by the Caleb for NC Campaign. Caleb is running for the NC House in District 120. Read more about his campaign at https://calebbrownfornc120.com.

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Bourbon & Bacon. (Formerly Franklin Office Supply)
Visit their store at 161 Highlands Road in Franklin or check out their website at bourbonandbaconfs.com

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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. Mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. A chance of showers this morning, then showers likely this afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 70 percent.

.TONIGHT....Cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Light and variable winds, becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 70 percent.

.SUNDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT....Cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows around 60. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 70 percent.

.MONDAY....Mostly cloudy in the morning, then clearing. Highs in the mid 70s. North winds around 5 mph.

.MONDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight. Enjoy this briefing preview of fall weather!!!

POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the medium range (5.8 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium range (5.3 out of 12.0)

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MACON CALENDAR

(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

Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to FROG FAIR, our Fall arts & crafts show and music festival on September 19, 2026 from 10-4 at the Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E. Main St, Franklin (at the Town bridge). We are providing an outlet for 45 area artists and crafters to showcase their wonderful items for your shopping pleasure! As a fund raiser event for FROG, we collect a vendor registration fee and sell breakfast and lunch items. Area musicians will donate their time and talent throughout the day. Mark your calendar and come enjoy the day. Hope to see you on Sept. 19.

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

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WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 89°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2019
Lowest Temperature 24°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1974
Greatest Rainfall 7.03 inches in Highlands in 1898

Record weather events for October in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Franklin on Oct 5, 1954
Lowest Temperature 12°F in Highlands on Oct 30, 1910
Greatest Rainfall 1.0 inches in Highlands on Oct 4, 1964
Greatest Snowfall 1.0 inches in Highlands on Oct 20, 1913

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of October

Highest Temperature 103°F in Wadesboro, Anson County on Oct 3, 2019
Lowest Temperature 8°F in Banner Elk, Avery County on Oct 21, 1952
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.53 in Lumberton, Robeson County on Oct 8, 2016
Greatest Snowfall 11.0 inches in Mount Mitchell, Yancey County on Oct 25, 1990

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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 6:00am on Saturday, October 03, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins font-size: medium;

Weather Briefing for Friday, October 02, 2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Back to School Safety Tips for the 2026-2027 School Year [Macon Media]

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

• Nine N.C. counties in exceptional drought as statewide drought continues [Macon Media]

WEATHER OUTLOOK

1. Dry with above normal temperatures today. An isolated thunderstorm is possible over the Smokies this evening and overnight.

2. At least a A Marginal Risk of excessive rain on Saturday and Sunday, which could lead to increased potential for localized flooding. However, signals are mixed yielding low confidence.

3. Cool and dry starting Tuesday, with a warm up back to normal by the end of the week. There will be a small chance of frost in some mountain locations early Wednesday morning.

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SPONSORSHIPS

WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

The weather is being sponsored by the Caleb for NC Campaign. Caleb is running for the NC House in District 120. Read more about his campaign at https://calebbrownfornc120.com.

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Bourbon & Bacon. (Formerly Franklin Office Supply)
Visit their store at 161 Highlands Road in Franklin or check out their website at bourbonandbaconfs.com

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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 in the morning. Partly sunny in the morning, then mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.TONIGHT....Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. A chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.SATURDAY....Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 90 percent.

.SATURDAY NIGHT....Showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Lows around 60. Chance of rain 90 percent.

.SUNDAY....Showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 90 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 80 percent.

MACON CALENDAR

(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 90°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2019
Lowest Temperature 27°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1946
Greatest Rainfall 2.97 inches in Highlands in 1988

Record weather events for October in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Franklin on Oct 5, 1954
Lowest Temperature 12°F in Highlands on Oct 30, 1910
Greatest Rainfall 1.0 inches in Highlands on Oct 4, 1964
Greatest Snowfall 1.0 inches in Highlands on Oct 20, 1913

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of October

Highest Temperature 103°F in Wadesboro, Anson County on Oct 3, 2019
Lowest Temperature 8°F in Banner Elk, Avery County on Oct 21, 1952
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.53 in Lumberton, Robeson County on Oct 8, 2016
Greatest Snowfall 11.0 inches in Mount Mitchell, Yancey County on Oct 25, 1990

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WNC News

Fact-checking political ads in North Carolina | WLOS-TV (Asheville), NC

• Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former NC First Lady Dottie Martin [Macon Media]
• Federal SNAP funding shift leaves NC counties with millions in added costs [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Tropical Storm Helene devastated Asheville 2 years ago. See our most harrowing images [Asheville Citizen-Times]
• Woman rescued from apartment fire [The Franklin Press]
• NC has a list of nearly 1600 people flagged as noncitizens on its voter rolls. How will it be used? [Macon Sense]
• Push to make Craggy Mountains a national scenic area could get boost [Asheville Watchdog ]

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Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former NC First Lady Dottie Martin

10/01/2026 10:52:00 PM Flag Alert 0 comments

Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff beginning immediately until sunset Monday, October 5, in honor of former NC First Lady Dottie Martin, who served from 1985 to 1993 alongside her husband, former Governor James G. Martin. Mrs. Martin passed on September 28 at age 89.

Statement from Governor Stein

“Dottie Martin used her platform as North Carolina’s First Lady to protect young people from sexual violence and alcohol and drug misuse and to beautify our state. If you’ve ever admired the wildflowers along North Carolina’s roadways, say a word of thanks to Dottie for championing this work. Anna and I are keeping Governor Martin and their children in our prayers as they mourn. May Dottie’s memory be a blessing.”

Statement from First Lady Stein

“I distinctly remember as a teenager when the wildflower program was started by First Lady Dottie Martin to beautify our highways. I remember thinking what a lovely person our First Lady must be, and, of course, I was correct in my assumption. As a North Carolinian and as First Lady, I am so grateful for the life of Dottie Martin and for the impact she made across our state.”

As First Lady, she supported protections for children and championed efforts to prevent substance abuse. She also was instrumental in starting the roadside wildflower program under the NC Department of Transportation. Dottie attended Queens University of Charlotte and was a Life Member of the Board of Trustees there. She was also Trustee of Barium Springs Orphanage.

Services will be held at Davidson College Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 3, at two o’clock, followed by a reception nearby at the E. Craig Wall, Jr. Academic Center. Visitation will be at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville from six until eight on Friday evening.

Join us

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated

Weather Briefing for Thursday, October 01, 2026

10/01/2026 04:30:00 AM 2026 Weather , Daily Weather Briefing 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Back to School Safety Tips for the 2026-2027 School Year [Macon Media]

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

• Nine N.C. counties in exceptional drought as statewide drought continues [Macon Media]

WEATHER OUTLOOK

1. Temperatures remain well above normal with dry conditions expected for most locations through today, outside of the potential for a few showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, mainly in the mountains.

2. Cold air damming will set up over the area, bringing cooler temperatures and widespread rain chances over the weekend, especially Saturday night into Sunday. Locally heavy rainfall is possible.

3. Drier early next week with a brief warm up expected Monday before below normal temperatures return by Tuesday.

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SPONSORSHIPS

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....Areas of fog this morning. Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming south around 5 mph this afternoon.

.TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s. South winds around 5 mph.

.FRIDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny in the morning, then mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. A chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 40 percent.

.SATURDAY....Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 90 percent.

.SATURDAY NIGHT....Showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Lows around 60. Chance of rain 90 percent.

.SUNDAY....Showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 90 percent.

.SUNDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 80 percent.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight. Enjoy this briefing preview of fall weather!!!

POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the medium range (6.3 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium range (5.5 out of 12.0)

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MACON CALENDAR

(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 88°F in Franklin in 2019
Lowest Temperature 26°F in Highlands in 1895
Greatest Rainfall 6.12 inches in Highlands in 1965

Record weather events for October in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Franklin on Oct 5, 1954
Lowest Temperature 12°F in Highlands on Oct 30, 1910
Greatest Rainfall 1.0 inches in Highlands on Oct 4, 1964
Greatest Snowfall 1.0 inches in Highlands on Oct 20, 1913

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of October

Highest Temperature 103°F in Wadesboro, Anson County on Oct 3, 2019
Lowest Temperature 8°F in Banner Elk, Avery County on Oct 21, 1952
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.53 in Lumberton, Robeson County on Oct 8, 2016
Greatest Snowfall 11.0 inches in Mount Mitchell, Yancey County on Oct 25, 1990

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One Person Rescued From Harrison Garden Apartments Fire

9/28/2026 11:17:00 AM fire , Franklin VFD , structure fire 0 comments

PRESS RELEASE (09-28-2026)

FRANKLIN FIRE-RESCUE

FRANKLIN, N.C. Firefighters rescued one person from a burning apartment at Harrison Garden Apartments, 364 Harrison Avenue, on Friday, September 25. Franklin Fire & Rescue responded to the fire just after 1 p.m.

The person suffered burns and was transported to the hospital by Macon County Emergency Medical Services. One firefighter also suffered minor burns during the rescue and was treated at the scene. Franklin Fire & Rescue, West Macon and Clarks Chapel responded on the initial alarm. As the fire spread into the building’s shared attic, additional alarms were requested for Cowee, Cullasaja and Mountain Valley. Crews stopped further spread through the attic, limiting additional fire damage. Otto provided standby coverage at Franklin Fire & Rescue’s station.

The building had seven occupied apartments. Two sustained fire damage, and two others sustained water damage. Residents are unable to return to the building at this time. The building requires roof repairs. The American Red Cross was called to assist residents of all seven apartments. The cause remains under investigation by the Franklin Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Macon County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Franklin Fire & Rescue thanks all departments and agencies that assisted with the response and provided station coverage.

-30- (End Release)

Following are some photos and video clips taken by Bobby Coggins for Macon Media in the order they were taken.

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 11.16am on Monday, September 28, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

News and Weather Briefing for Monday, September 28, 2026

9/28/2026 04:22:00 AM 2026 Weather , Daily Weather Briefing 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPONSORSHIPS

WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

DAY SPONSOR

This space available

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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. North winds around 5 mph.

.TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. Northeast winds around 5 mph.

.TUESDAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Light and variable winds.

.TUESDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. Light and variable winds, becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.

.WEDNESDAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Light and variable winds, becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

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

HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight. Enjoy this briefing preview of fall weather!!!

POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be in the medium range (7.1 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium range (6.0 out of 12.0)

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MACON CALENDAR

(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)

WEATHER ALMANAC

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

Highest Temperature 89°F in Franklin in 1986
Lowest Temperature 29°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1947
Greatest Rainfall 3.90 inches in Franklin in 1881

Record weather events for September in Macon County

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin on Sep 4, 1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on Sep 30, 1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on Sep 29, 1964
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 108°F Belhaven, Beaufort County Sep 25, 1921
Lowest Temperature 23°F Marion, McDowell County Sep 28, 2000
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 21.04 in Elizabethtown, Bladen County Sep 30, 2018

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WNC News

Daughter remembers her mother who disappeared 2 years ago during Helene | WLOS-TV (Asheville), NC

• Gov. Josh Stein tours Chimney Rock recovery, cites $5.5M grant for businesses [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Tropical Storm Helene devastated Asheville 2 years ago. See our most harrowing images [Asheville Citizen-Times]
• Meet Sports Editor Dylan Branscome [The Franklin Press]
• Companies, local leaders clarify landline phase-out. What you need to know [Macon Sense]
• Tropical Storm Helene, two years later [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News

Inflation weighs on families as former Gov. Roy Cooper campaigns in Raleigh | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)

• NC 12: Repair or rebuild? NC 12’s future could carry a $1 billion price tag [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Cooper urges scrutiny of tax amendments and calls for tariffs rollback, end to Iran war [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Purple Primer: Your Guide to the 2026 Elections in North Carolina [NC Local]

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National News

ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - Sept. 27, 2026 | ABC News

NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas Full Episode - Sept. 27 | NBC News

"A Pox on Fools" The History of Vaccine Skepticism | C-SPAN

• Cook Political Report founder: House is a ‘done deal’ for Democrats, reclaiming Senate ‘very realistic’ [The Hill]
• Trump asked China’s president if he wants to buy US arms, ambassador says [AP News]
• DHS announces nationwide surge in ‘sanctuary’ cities Yahoo News]

rc="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UuYUAddHPvs" title="YouTube video player" width="560">
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World News

Inside the 2026 Tanker War: Hormuz Strikes, Soaring Rates & Diesel Shortages | What's Going on With Shipping?

Examining ‘white genocide’ claims in South Africa | BBC News

• Defense minister vows 'corresponding measures' if DMZ blast confirmed caused by N.K. mines [Yonhap News Agency]
• Pope Leo to speak on EU integration from French border town of Metz [France 24]
• US troops must prepare to fight around the moon, Trump’s top military adviser says [AP News]

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Iran War News

What's behind anti-terror arrests near UK airbase? | DW News

• Iran Update, September 27, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Iran war live: Tehran open to ‘real diplomacy’, ready for ‘apocalyptic war’ [AL Jazeera]
• Live Updates: US denies Iranian reports of captured submarine, explosions reportedly heard in Jordan, Iraq [Jerusalem Post]

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Russo-Ukraine War

Germany and Russia hold first high-level talks since full-scale Ukraine invasion | DW News

Deadly barrage hits Ukraine as Moscow keeps up attacks | World News Tonight | TVP World

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 27, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Russian strikes kill eight, injure dozens across Ukraine [Al Jazeera]
• Russian and Ukrainian strikes leave 10 dead as Trump calls on Zelenskyy to ‘settle with Putin’ [AP News]

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Financial News

Inside China’s Race To Build The World’s Data Centers | CNBC

Bond Slide Resumes As Middle East Tensions Boost Oil | The Asia Trade 9/28/2026 | Bloomberg Television

• Here’s the List of Goods the US, China Agreed on for Tariff Cuts [Yahoo Finance]
• Brent gains 2.7% as Trump rejects Iranian proposal to reopen Hormuz Strait [CNBC]

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Science News

Quantum Immortality Explained | Kyle Hill

• Scientists spot a new crater on the Moon [Astronomy Magazine]
• TWiV 1360: Clinical Update with Dr. Daniel Griffin [Microbe TV]
• TWiV 1361: Ancient Viral Sword and Shield [Microbe TV]
• Astronomers Couldn't Explain This Ancient Star's Chemistry. A Lab Experiment Just Did. [Universe Today]
• Is the universe infinite? The answer gets weird fast [ScienceDaily]
• This Week's Sky at a Glance, September 25 – October 2 [Sky & Telescope Magazine]

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Technology News

The pros and cons of using a digital wallet | Engadget

• Trump admin using AI to deny medical care for seniors in disastrous experiment [Ars Technica]
• Bill Gates Suggests He’s the Man to Convince Donald Trump to Regulate AI [Gizmodo]
• Nintendo Wins $4.5 Million Judgment Against r/SwitchPirates Mod ‘Archbox’ [Torrent Freaks]

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Interesting Videos

Skanderbeg’s 25-Year War Against the Ottomans - All Battles EXPLAINED | Kings and Generals

The Closest Thing We Have to Alien Technology | Veritasium

This Explosion Formed One of the Strongest Magnets in the Universe | Astrum

How One Man Destroyed America | Volksgeist

Turns Out, Superflares Are Quite Possible for Our Sun | Fraser Cain

How Early America (almost) Became a Dictatorship | Repeating History

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CRYPTO & AI NEWS

Bitcoin: A Critical Moment | Benjamin Cowen

Passive Investing Is BREAKING The Market (Here’s What Happens Next) | Coin Bureau

• AI Agents Keep Escaping Their Creators' Control—Here's What We Know [Decrypt]
• Saylor outlines ‘bill of digital rights’ to help build prosperity in future economy [Coin Telegraph]
• Discover How 20 Million Russians Tap Into Over $43B in Cryptocurrency [Bitcoin.com]

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Flock Cameras and Constitutional Rights

Flock Cameras Are Not Even the Worst Part of the System | TREX LABS

• Brickbat: Unlicensed Search [Reason Magazine]
• Police say Flock cameras help solve crimes, but critics call them an invasion of privacy [PBS News]

• Schmidt v. Norfolk [ACLU]

• Chatrie v. United States [SCOTUSblog]

• Under Surveillance: Constitutional Concerns Surrounding Flock Cameras [North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology]

• Research Report on Automatic License Plate Readers: Legal Status and Policy Recommendations for Law Enforcement Use [Brennan Cebnter for Justice]

This Flock Camera Leak is like Netflix For Stalkers | Benn Jordan and 404 Media

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Public Records Request for Macon County Flock Safety Cameras

As an independent citizen journalist covering local government in Macon County for over 16 years, I have submitted a public records request to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office for documents related to the Flock Safety automated license plate reader system. This request seeks contracts, board approvals, usage policies, camera locations, performance data, and related correspondence to promote full transparency and public accountability in how this surveillance technology is funded, deployed, and operated with taxpayer resources. By making these records available, we can separate facts from myths, address community concerns about privacy and effectiveness, and ensure informed civic dialogue about tools that impact public safety and individual rights in our rural mountain community.

from:		Bobby Coggins robertcogginsjr@gmail.com
to:		"mcsopio@maconnc.org" <mcsopio@maconnc.org>, rlofthouse@maconnc.org
cc:		wcabe@maconnc.org
date:		Jul 11, 2026, 2:13 AM
subject:		Public Records Request – Flock Safety Cameras / ALPR / License Plate Reader Contract & Related Documents – Macon County Sheriff’s Office
mailed-by:		gmail.com

Sheriff’s Office Public Records Custodian,

Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132), I request the following records related to Flock Safety (or any automated license plate reader/ALPR system):

All contracts, agreements, amendments, proposals, invoices, payment records, and correspondence between Macon County Sheriff’s Office (or County) and Flock Safety (or Flock Group, Inc.), including any subscription, installation, maintenance, or data access terms.
Board of Commissioners agendas, minutes, resolutions, motions, or approvals authorizing the purchase, funding, or use of Flock cameras (including budget line items from FY 2023–2024 onward).
Policies, procedures, manuals, training materials, or guidelines for use of the Flock system by Sheriff’s Office personnel (including access controls, data retention, audit logs, and privacy protections).
Any usage statistics, reports, or summaries on camera performance, alerts generated, cases assisted, or data shared (redacted as necessary for law enforcement sensitivity).
Location list or map of all deployed Flock cameras in Macon County.
Any privacy impact assessments, legal opinions, or correspondence regarding compliance with NC law or data sharing.

Preferred format: Electronic copies (PDF/email) where possible. I am willing to pay reasonable costs; please notify me in advance if fees will exceed $50.

Please provide these records as soon as practicable. If any portion is denied, please provide a written explanation with the specific legal basis and contact information for appeal.

Thank you for your assistance. I can be reached at robertciogginsjr@gmail.com.

Sincerely, Bobby Coggins, Publisher Macon Media [robertciogginsjr@gmail.com]

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