Weather Briefing for Wednesday, February 11, 2026

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• ...Hazardous Weather is not Expected Today or Tonight...

• [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 cold front brings morning rain and gusty winds before dry conditions return this afternoon into Friday. Well above normal temperatures stick around today before cooler temperatures and lighter winds return behind the front Thursday into Friday.

2. Widespread rain still looks likely over the weekend, with precipitation most likely Saturday night and Sunday. This generally should be beneficial rain for most of the area. Localized heavier rainfall is possible, which could lead to nuisance flooding of poorly drained areas, and/or isolated bankfull conditions on area streams.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

Macon Media Weather is being sponsored by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook.

It is time for new leadership in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. I have the education and experience to successfully lead and represent the Office into the future. I will listen and respond to concerns of every citizen. I will ensure the employees have equal opportunities for promotion and transfer. Please trust me with your vote. If you have any questions, you can contact me at 828-371-4475, Facebook: Bob Cook for Sheriff. Early voting begins February 12, 2026, and the primary is March 3, 2026.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook Sheriff.

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DAY SPONSOR


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. Mostly cloudy with rain this morning, then sunny this afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.

..TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Much cooler with lows in the upper 20s. North winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

..THURSDAY....Sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning.

..THURSDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Lows around 30. North winds around 5 mph.

..FRIDAY....Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Highs in the lower 50s. North winds around 5 mph, becoming west in the afternoon.

..FRIDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.

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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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• Executive Summary (and video) of the February 2026 Franklin Town Council Meeting [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

Data centers, crypto mining concerns | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• Wildfire in Nantahala National Forest at 256 acres, 50% containment [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• AG Jeff Jackson touts North Carolina crime lab milestone [NC Newsline]

• Stein, Republican NC lawmakers square off in court over control of elections [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• NC senator’s Bad Bunny Super Bowl post goes viral, crosses party lines [Raleigh News and Observer]

• Mission Health monitor to hold community meetings in March. How to attend [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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Other News

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At least ten killed and 25 injured in Canada school shooting | Sky News



Person detained for questioning in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance | NBC News



• US grand jury rejects bid to indict Democrats over illegal orders video [Yahoo News]

• Grand jury rejects DOJ effort to indict Democratic lawmakers who urged military to defy illegal orders [Fox News]

• As ICE expands, an AP review of crimes committed by agents shows how their powers can be abused [AP News]

Why China Believes Trump Will Chicken Out on Taiwan | Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl



Ro Khanna reveals 6 redacted names in the Epstein files on the House floor | Rep. Ro Khanna



• Congressman Says Redacted Part of Epstein File Suggests Trump Never Banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago [People Magazine]

ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Feb. 10, 2026 | ABC News



Russian losses in Ukraine bigger than ever | World News Tonight | TVP WORLD



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 10, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Netanyahu to meet Trump as Iran nuclear talks reach critical stage [BBC News]

• GOP rebels rebuke Trump tariffs, blocking ban on snap repeal votes [The Hill]

Are Russia and China actually doing anything to support Cuba? | DW News



• World’s Dumbest People Think They Can Solve the Nancy Guthrie Ransom Case With Grok [Gizmodo]

• The AI threat wrecked software stocks. Now financial stocks look next with LPL closing 8% lower [CNBC]

• A city on the moon: Why SpaceX shifted its focus away from Mars [Space.com]

Source of the Mysterious 21-Minute Pulse Finally Identified | Anton Petrov‬



The Level1 Links with Friends Show February 11 2026: Delicious Cables, Yes-Yes



• OpenAI Adds Custom ChatGPT to Pentagon Platform as Expert Warns of Risks [Decrypt]

• Did a Hong Kong fund kill Bitcoin? Bithumb’s ‘phantom’ BTC: Asia Express [Coin Telegraph]

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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.

Become a Patron!


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


Published at 6.00am on Wednesday, February 10, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Executive Summary of the February 2026 Franklin Town Council Meeting

The Franklin Town Council met on Monday, February 09, 2026, for its regular meeting for February 2026. Here is an Executive Summary of the meeting. Bear in mind that I (Bobby) have no formal training as a journalist; I was trained as an engineer and wanted to be a scientist.

The video has been published early for subscribers on Facebook and Patreon. It will be added here on Wednesday Morning.

Franklin Town Council | Macon County  




Media and Candidate Attendance

• Macon Media (Bobby)
• The Franklin Press (Mia)

• Don Willis, candidate for District One County Commissioner
• Nick Lofthouse, candidate for District Two County Commissioner

Key Highlights

Mayor Stacy Guffey took a few minutes at the start of the meeting to make some comments and recognitions

• He celebrated the town's 171st incorporation anniversary (Feb 10).
• Recognized Tourism Development Authority (TDA) members.
• Congratulated Town Manager Amy Owens on receiving the Duke Citizenship Award.
• Special thanks and a gift presented to staff member Justin for heroic work during a recent cybersecurity crisis (served as IT Director, Planning Director, and Interim Fire Chief).
• Appreciation was also extended to the NC Joint Cybersecurity Task Force and Macon County IT for assistance.

Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Marketing Update (Stewart Communications)

• Extensive research confirmed visitors come primarily for mountains, waterfalls, hiking, and authentic experiences; 50% from Florida.
• Strong emphasis on partnerships (Visit Smokies / Smoky Mountain Host), new billboards, video series post-Helene, updated website, and high-quality visual content.
• Results: ~5.7 million social media reach, website traffic exceeding 15,000 clicks/month, two new billboards (~4.8 million annual views), second-highest occupancy tax year on record, regional increases of 25% in key months.
• 2026 goals: print visitor guide, double Facebook followers & email list, promote "affordable, authentic, approachable" brand, enhance website trip curation.
• Discussion on future beautification (murals, sculptures), events, cultural tourism (Women's History statue, Nikwasi Mound return to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), and TDA–TDC collaboration.

Announcements & Updates

• Town received a $4.32 million EPA resiliency grant for a Clearwell project at water treatment plant (major capacity & drought resilience improvement).
• Historic downtown designation hearing scheduled for Thursday.
• Nikwasi Mound deed signing expected soon.
• Positive comments on improving TDA / TDC / Chamber relationships and downtown merchants association activity.

Public Hearing & Votes

The council took the following formal actions (all passed unanimously 6-0 unless noted):

• Adoption of the meeting agenda → Approved.
• Approval of consent agenda → Approved.
• Waiver of all utility late fees for January and February 2026 bills due to prolonged cybersecurity/system outage → Approved. 

• Quarterly street closure approvals (6 events, including farmers market parking, Picking on the Square, Law Enforcement Memorial, 9/11 Remembrance, Constitution Day, Firefighters Memorial) → Approved as a block.
• Lease of town property at 95 East Main Street (15 ft × 40 ft area for outdoor dining – mirrored lease to previous one, $300 annual escalator, for Junior Chop House) → Public hearing held (no speakers); approved.

Other Business & Departmental Reports

Public Works, Water Treatment, Wastewater, and Streets supervisors gave updates:

• Snow/ice response success (priority: emergency access).
• Ongoing capital projects (water main replacements, generators on natural gas, Sunnyside Park bathroom & playground improvements, fire hydrant upgrades).
• High winter water usage (faucet dripping by residents to prevent freezing).
• Water loss tracking for state plan due April 1.

Next meetings: Council retreat (Feb 20–21 at Fontana Village), regular meeting (March 2).

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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.

Become a Patron!


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


Published at 5.30am on Tuesday, February 10 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Weather Briefing for Tuesday, February 10, 2026

---

• ...Hazardous Weather is not Expected Today or Tonight...

• [Public Safety Notifications]

• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]

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

---

NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

Confidence remains relatively low on the details of precipitation types this weekend, though it still appears most areas will see only rain, and wintry precip would be confined to colder spots in the mountains and northern foothills if it develops at all.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

Macon Media Weather is being sponsored by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook.

It is time for new leadership in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. I have the education and experience to successfully lead and represent the Office into the future. I will listen and respond to concerns of every citizen. I will ensure the employees have equal opportunities for promotion and transfer. Please trust me with your vote. If you have any questions, you can contact me at 828-371-4475, Facebook: Bob Cook for Sheriff. Early voting begins February 12, 2026, and the primary is March 3, 2026.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook Sheriff.

---

DAY SPONSOR


This space available

---

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 mid 60s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon.

..TONIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Rain likely after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the upper 40s. West winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

..WEDNESDAY....Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain in the morning, then sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Much cooler with lows in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

..THURSDAY....Sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..THURSDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER


Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

---

---

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

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State and Local News

---

2026 County Commissioner Forum (Republican Primary - 02-07-2026) | Macon Media



• Franklin Town Council (February 2026) [Macon Media]

Billy Strings returns to perform in Asheville | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



•Crews respond to 80-acre wildfire in Nantahala National Forest [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• NC lawmaker proposes bill easing snow, ice removal after storms [NC Newsline]

• North Carolina sports betting in January tops $600 million for record fifth straight month [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Why NC lawmakers keep bringing local leaders to Raleigh for grilling sessions [Raleigh News and Observer]

• Will it be a warm spring in NC? See Old Farmer's Almanac 2026 outlook [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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Other News

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King Charles ready to ‘support’ police over Andrew | Sky News



Epstein abuse survivor speaks out on Maxwell's calls for clemency | NBC News



• Trump is threatening to block a new bridge between Detroit and Canada from opening [AP News]

Why China Believes Trump Will Chicken Out on Taiwan | Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl



Thomas Massie And Ro Khanna Hold A Press Briefing After Viewing Unredacted Epstein Files | Forbes Breaking News



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Feb. 9, 2026 | ABC News



Crisis of confidence and credibility. Inside Munich Security Conference | World News Tonight | TVP WORLD



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 9, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Trump's world order hangs over Europe on eve of key defence conference [BBC News]

• Conservatives battle over Trump’s criticism of Bad Bunny [The Hill]

Will this scandal end Sir Kier Starmer as British prime minister? | DW News



• Deja Vu at the SLS Launchpad: Why Can’t NASA Shake Its Hydrogen Leak Curse? [Gizmodo]

• U.S. urges ships to stay ‘as far as possible’ from Iran’s waters in Strait of Hormuz after boarding attempts [CNBC]

• A city on the moon: Why SpaceX shifted its focus away from Mars [Space.com]

How JWST Created the Highest Resolution Dark Matter Map Yet | Anton Petrov‬



How Everyday Technology Is Used In Spaceflight | Scott Manley



• Vitalik Buterin Calls for Ethereum-Led Alternative to the 'Race for AGI' [Decrypt]

• BTC traders wait for $50K bottom: Five things to know in Bitcoin this week [Coin Telegraph]

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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 6.00am on Tuesday, February 09 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Franklin Town Council February 2026 Regular Meeting

The Franklin Town Council met Monday Night at 6pm in the lower level of the Town Hall for its February 2026 regular meeting.

Executive Summary of votes held during the meeting:

Waiver of all utility late fees for January and February 2026 bills due to prolonged cybersecurity/system outage → Approved (6-0).

Quarterly street closure approvals (6 events, including farmers market parking, Picking on the Square, Law Enforcement Memorial, 9/11 Remembrance, Constitution Day, Firefighters Memorial) → Approved as a block (6-0).

Lease of town property at 95 East Main Street (15 ft × 40 ft area for outdoor dining – mirrored lease to previous one, $300 annual escalator, for Junior Chop House) → Public hearing held (no speakers); approved (6-0).

 

Franklin Town Council | Macon County  




The Public Agenda and the Agenda Packet are added below in the interest of promoting transparency in government, as well as allowing residents time to prepare for the meeting.

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PUBLIC AGENDA


1. Call to Order - Mayor Stacy Guffey

2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice-Mayor Mike Lewis

3. Adoption of the February 9, 2026 Town Council Agenda - Town Council

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda for February 9, 2026 - Town Council
A.) Approval of Minutes of January 5, 2026 regular meeting
B.) Budget Amendments
C.) Request Right to Advertise Delinquent Taxes for 2025

5. Presentations
A.) Main Street Visioning Plan - Allison Smith, NC Department of Commerce
B.) Marketing Update from Tourism Development Authority - Morgan Stewart and Devon Dupuis, Stewart Communications and TDA Chair Tim Crabtree.

6. Public Session

7. Items from Council

8. Public Hearing
A.) Public Hearing beginning at 6:05 p.m. or as closely thereafter to receive public input on a proposed lease of Town-owned property located at 95 E. Main Street for the purpose of an outdoor dining area - Amie Owens, Town Manager

9. New Business
A.) Request formal approval of Town Council to waive all late fees for January 2026 utility billing due to system failure - Ali Stamey, Deputy Finance Director
B.) Request approval of Street Closures - Amie Owens, Town Manager
1. Use of the Town Hall Parking Lot for the Macon County Farmers Market from May 1 through November 30 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. - excluding days when there are town events scheduled in the same area
2. Iotla Street on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays f rom 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. of each month May through October 10 to hold Pickin' on the Square
3. lotla Street on Friday, May 15 from 11 :30 a.m. until 1 :00 p.m. for Law Enforcement Memorial Day Observance
4. Iotla Street on Friday, September 11 from 8:30 am until 9:00 a.m. for 9/11 Remembrance
5. Iotla Street on Thursday, September 17 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for Constitution Day Celebration
6. Iotla Street on Tuesday, October 13 from 11 :30 a.m. until I :00 p.m. for Fire Fighters Memorial Observation

10. Departmental Updates - Public Works
A.) Public Works - Bill Deal, Public Works Director
B.) Wastewater Treatment Plant - Jason Hopkins, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor/ORC
C.) Water Treatment Plant - Kyle Pocquette, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor/ORC
D.) Streets - Chris Waldroop, Streets Supervisor

11. Announcements
A.) Next Town Council Meeting is Monday, March 2, 2026
B.) Rescheduled Special Called Meeting - Town Council Retreat - Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21 at Fontana Village Resort - special meeting notice will be posted.

12. Adjourn

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AGENDA PACKET (Download 43 page PDF) 

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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.

Become a Patron!


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


Published at 11.59am on Monday, February 09 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Commissioners February 2026 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday Night at 6pm in the Commissioners Boardroom February 2026, regular meeting.

Macon County Board of Commissioners | Macon County




The Public Agenda and the Agenda Packet are added below in the interest of promoting transparency in government, as well as allowing residents time to prepare for the meeting.

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PUBLIC AGENDA

1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Announcements

3. Moment of Silence

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Public Hearing(s)
A. Revising the Structure of the Macon County Board of County Commissioners
B. Revising the Structure of the Macon County Planning Board Following the close of each the public hearings, the board may take action.

6. Additions to agenda

7. Public Comment Period

8. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9. Reports/Presentations
(A) Mid-Year Budget Review – County Manager Warren Cabe and Finance Director Lindsay Leopard

10. Old Business
(A) Update on the Hiring and Selection Process for Department of Social Services (DSS) Director – Social Services Board Member and Selection Committee Chair Julie Adams
(B) Update from the One-Quarter Cent Sales Tax Committee – Commissioner Shields
(C) Continued Discussion and Follow-up Concerning Detention Officer Salaries. – Mr. Cabe

11. New Business
(A) Approval of Resolution Exempting Professional Services for Design and Construction of the New Carson Convenience Center – Mr. Cabe
(B) Approval of Proposal from NCDOT for Improvements to the Intersection at Porter Street and Panther Drive – Mr. Cabe

12. Consent Agenda – Attachment #12
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
(A) Minutes of the January 13, 2026, Regular Meeting
(B) Budget Amendments #185-186
(C) Grant Project Ordinance Amendment – Duke Energy Weatherization Grant
(D) Appointment of CHSA Director Kimberly Dills to the VAYA Regional One Board to Replace Patrick Betancourt
(E) Tax releases for the month of January 2026 in the amount of $8,869.35
(F) Monthly ad valorem tax collection report – no action necessary

13. Appointments
(A) Consolidated Human Services Agency (CHSA) Board (1 seat)
(B) Board of Equalization and Review (5 seats)
(C) Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees (1 seat)

14. Closed session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11

15. Adjourn/Recess

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AGENDA PACKET (Download 86 page PDF) 

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Support Macon Media


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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.

Become a Patron!


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


Published at 6.00am onMonday, February 08 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Weather Briefing for Monday, February 09, 2026

---

• ...Hazardous Weather is not Expected Today or Tonight...

• [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. Dry weather and a warming trend continues through Tuesday.

2. Above normal temperatures continue with rain chances returning late Tuesday before brief drying develops Wednesday night into Thursday.

3. Below normal high temperatures and precipitation chances return Friday into the weekend ahead of a low pressure system. Depending on how much cold air builds into the region ahead of this system, wintry precipitation may return across portions of the forecast area, but confidence remains very low at this time.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

Macon Media Weather is being sponsored by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook.

It is time for new leadership in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. I have the education and experience to successfully lead and represent the Office into the future. I will listen and respond to concerns of every citizen. I will ensure the employees have equal opportunities for promotion and transfer. Please trust me with your vote. If you have any questions, you can contact me at 828-371-4475, Facebook: Bob Cook for Sheriff. Early voting begins February 12, 2026, and the primary is March 3, 2026.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bob Cook Sheriff.

---

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 lower 50s. South winds around 5 mph.

..TONIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. Southwest winds around 5 mph.

..TUESDAY...Mostly sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon.

..TUESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s. West winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

..WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming mostly sunny. A 50 percent chance of rain. Highs in the mid 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

..WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s.

---

HAZARDOUS WEATHER


Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

---

---

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

---

---

State and Local News

---

2026 County Commissioner Forum (Republican Primary - 02-07-2026) | Macon Media



What's next for WNC amid rise in manufacturing layoffs? Expert warns of ripple effect | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• State auditor announces new commission to help modernize NC's election management system [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• North Carolina congressmen lead bipartisan push for FEMA reforms as Helene recovery lags [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Live updates: NC House committee holds hearing on Charlotte crime, public transit [Raleigh News and Observer]

• UNC fined for court storming after Jon Scheyer said staff members were 'punched in the face' [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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Other News

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'A death sentence': Jimmy Lai's son reacts to news of father's prison term | Sky News



Full interview: Tom Llamas exclusive with President Trump | NBC News



• Seahawks ride their ‘Dark Side’ defense to a Super Bowl title, pounding the Patriots 29-13 [AP News]

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Superbowl LX Halftime Show and Reactions


Bad Bunny's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show | NFL



TPUSA Presents: The ALL-AMERICAN HALFTIME SHOW | Turning Point USA



• 5 takeaways from Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance [The Hill]

Trump lashes out over Bad Bunny halftime show | DW News

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ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Feb. 8, 2026 | ABC News



Russia’s “$12 Trillion Offer” has Kyiv on edge | World News Tonight | TVP WORLD



• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 8, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Liveblog: Hong Kong court jails media tycoon and British citizen Jimmy Lai for 20 years [BBC News]

• What’s the Difference Between SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon Leo, and Blue Origin’s TeraWave? [Gizmodo]

• Epstein files: Congressional lawmakers call for Trump Commerce chief Lutnick to resign, or be fired [CNBC]

• Venus may have an underground tunnel carved by volcano eruptions [Space.com]

Atlas Airborne | Boston Dynamics and ‪@rai-inst‬



Welcome Back Home, Ethereum! | Benjamin Cowen



• FDIC Agrees to Pay Fees, Drop FOIA Fight Over Crypto 'Pause Letters' [Decrypt]

• Crypto PACs secure massive war chests ahead of US midterms [Coin Telegraph]

---

---

---

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 6.00am onMonday, February 08 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More