Notice

I am working on the template of this blog today in order to chase down some problems that have developed with my template and widgets.

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.

Photoblog

Photos from my photoblog.

Slideshow

.

nullspace for future use

nullspace for future use

About

Friday, April 17, 2026

Weather Briefing for Friday, April 17, 2026

4/17/2026 04:03:00 AM , 0 comments






• ...OUTDOOR BURN BAN IN EFFECT...

• [Public Safety Notifications]

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




NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

1. Mostly dry through Saturday with fire weather concerns sticking around. Hot conditions will return each afternoon with highs east of the mountains flirting with records on Saturday.

2. A cold front will bring only spotty beneficial rainfall to the mountains Saturday night into Sunday, with significantly cooler temperatures to follow early next week. Some frost is possible over the mountains Sunday and Monday night, so precautions might be needed to protect sensitive vegetation. Fire Weather concerns will otherwise continue, as very low afternoon RH returns.

3. Hot and dry conditions will return during the latter half of next week, with no relief in site for drought or fire weather conditions.

WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available



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



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 around 80. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s. Northwest winds around 5 mph, becoming south after midnight.

..SATURDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

..SATURDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s. West winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

..SUNDAY....Mostly cloudy with showers likely in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Much cooler with highs in the upper 50s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

..SUNDAY NIGHT....Clear. Lows in the upper 30s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER



A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.

...INCREASED FIRE DANGER THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA...

Relative humidity values will fall below 30 percent again this afternoon across the region. With low fuel moisture, the ongoing drought, and favorable meteorological conditions, fires will be able to catch and spread rapidly.

A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.





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




State and Local News


Hundreds attend public hearing on national forest 'Roadless Rule' rollback | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• April 2026 Meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners [Macon Media]

• Is NC catching enough Medicaid fraud? Lawmakers question state officials [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Some NC schools will close May 1 due to NCAE mass teacher protest in Raleigh [SMoky Mountain News]

• Shigella bacteria poses public health threat, CDC says: What we know [Asheville Citizen-Times]


Iran War News


Can the U.S. Load All the Empty Super Tankers | Why Is an American Carrier Beating Around the BUSH? | What's Going on With Shipping?



• Iran Update Special Report, April 16, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• AP News Liveblog [AP News]

• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]

• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]

• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]

• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]


World News


Are we seeing the end of LIV Golf? | Sky News



• Trump Turns Against Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Broadening Clash With Europe [HIndustan Times]

• Can Africa’s informal economy become the continent’s next investment frontier? {Business Africa} [Africa News]

• Macron, Starmer chair meeting to mull European post-war mission in Strait of Hormuz [France 24]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 16, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

New defense deals strengthen Ukraine’s military ties | World News Tonight | TVP World




National News


ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 16, 2026 | ABC News



• County prosecutor charges ICE agent with assault for pointing gun at people on Minneapolis highway [AP News]

• RFK Jr. grilled over vaccines, MAHA in back-to-back hearings: Key takeaways [The Hill]

• Hegseth shares air rescue group’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ prayer at Pentagon service [Reuters]

• Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons submits resignation letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin [Fox News]


Financial News


Stock Rally Stalls as Markets Await Iran Ceasefire | The Asia Trade 4/17/2026 | Bloomberg Television



• Oil Drops as War Nears 50-Day Mark and Trump Strikes Upbeat Tone [Yahoo Finance]

• Trump says gas prices ‘not very high’ as most U.S. voters blame him for price spike [CNBC]

• Chinese carmaker patents voice-controlled 'in-vehicle toilet' [BBC News]


Science and Technology


Earth’s Core Should Be Impossible. A New State of Matter Explains It. | PBS Space Time



• New undersea cable cutter risks Internet’s backbone [Ars Technica]

• Pentagon Reportedly Asks Detroit to Use More Car Factories as Arms Factories [Gizmodo]

• Can sparkling water boost metabolism and help with weight loss? [Science Daily]

• TWiV 1313: Maybe they’re all dementia vaccines [Microbe TV]


Crypto News


NFA Live! Bitcoin in 2026 | Benjamin Cowen



• UK Sets Path to Crypto Regulation With FCA Consultation [Decrypt]

• Ex-Treasury chief warns of US bond crash, calls for contingency plan [Coin Telegraph]

• MiCA Decoded: Your Crypto White Paper Can’t Just Be a Gitbook or PDF [Bitcoin.com]
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 Friday, April 17, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins


Read More

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Weather Briefing for Thursday, April 16, 2026

4/16/2026 04:43:00 AM , 0 comments






• ...OUTDOOR BURN BAN IN EFFECT...

• [Public Safety Notifications]

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




NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

1. Fire weather concerns continue amid a dry and stagnant weather pattern. A Fire Danger Statement has been issued for this afternoon for all of western North Carolina and northeast Georgia. Critically low relative humidity and breezy conditions are likely to occur each of the next several afternoons through the weekend.

2. Hot and dry through Saturday with high temperatures near daily records in some locations outside of the mountains. A cold front may bring some rainfall to our area on Sunday, but any accumulations will likely be too small to improve drought conditions. Significantly cooler temperatures are expected early next week.

WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available



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....Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

..TONIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

..FRIDAY....Sunny. Highs around 80. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..FRIDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s. Northwest winds around 5 mph, becoming northeast after midnight.

..SATURDAY....Mostly sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon.

..SATURDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid 40s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

..SUNDAY....Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Much cooler with highs in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

..SUNDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER



A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.

...INCREASED FIRE DANGER THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA...

Relative humidity values will fall into the 20 to 30 percent range again Thursday afternoon, with winds increasing to around 10 to 15 mph with gusts of 15 to 25 mph. With vegetation remaining dry, the ongoing drought, and favorable meteorological conditions, fires will be able to catch and spread rapidly.

A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.





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




State and Local News


How one climate cycle plays a key role in droughts | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• April 2026 Meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners [Macon Media]

• Jury finds that Ticketmaster and Live Nation had an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Fitzmaurice wins American Library Association Award [SMoky Mountain News]

• Though WNC doesn't have Amtrak, excursion rail generates $191M impact [Asheville Citizen-Times]


Iran War News


Can the U.S. Load All the Empty Super Tankers | Why Is an American Carrier Beating Around the BUSH? | What's Going on With Shipping?



• Iran Update Special Report, April 15, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• AP News Liveblog [AP News]

• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]

• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]

• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]

• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]


World News


Has the United States become a rogue state? | DW News



• Special counsel seeks 2-yr sentence for ex-President Yoon over perjury [Yonhap News Agency]

• Pope Leo XIV visits Cameroon as Biya faces unrest and separatist war [Africa News]

• Turkey orders mass arrests over online praise for recent school shootings [France 24]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 15, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

Trump isolates himself? Backlash grows in Europe | World News Tonight | TVP World




National News


ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 15, 2026 | ABC News



• Dozens arrested as protesters demand Schumer and Gillibrand block sale of bombs to Israel [AP News]

• Leavitt says Interior will submit plans to begin construction of 250ft Trump arch [The Hill]

• Trump posts image of himself with Jesus as administration's pope criticism continues [Reuters]

• Police flood Orange Crush island hot spot, warn of teen takeovers as beach bash madness returns [Fox News]


Financial News


Why Stocks Are Gaining Despite Iran War Risks | Insight with Haslinda Amin 04/16/2026 | Bloomberg Television



• Iran war brings US close to net crude exporter for first time since World War Two [Yahoo Finance]

• Here are all the ways the Iran war has affected the U.S. economy so far [CNBC]

• Trump threatens to fire Fed chair Powell if he doesn't leave in May [BBC News]


Science and Technology


What's Behind the Sudden Increase In Meteorite Reports in Early 2026? | Anton Petrov



• FCC exempts Netgear from ban on foreign routers, doesn’t explain why [Ars Technica]

• First Statewide Data Center Ban Passed by Maine Legislature [Gizmodo]

• AI identifies early risk patterns for skin cancer [Science Daily]


Crypto News


Stocks Rally Back Near The Highs | Benjamin Cowen



• World Liberty Wants WLFI Locked Beyond Trump's Second Term—Investors Aren't Thrilled [Decrypt]

• Bitcoin should prepare now, even if quantum is 'lab experiment,’ Adam Back says [Coin Telegraph]

• Scarcity Pump or Monetary Suicide? The Radical Argument Against BIP-361 [Bitcoin.com]
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 Thursday, April 16, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins


Read More

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

April 2026 Meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners

4/15/2026 04:25:00 PM , , 0 comments



The Macon County Board of Commissioners met at 6pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the Commissioners Board room in the Macon County Courthouse. Macon Media was not able to be present at the meeting, but Bobby did observe via online video that was streamed by the county.

April 2026 Regular Meeting | Macon County County Commissioners



Executive Summary

The Macon County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on April 14, 2026. The session opened with recognitions for the U.S. 250th anniversary (essay and logo contest winners from local students) and announcements on county operations, including the 2027 property reappraisal (projected ~30% average county-wide tax base increase) and a strong Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) outlook with significant grant funding and healthy reserves.

Public comments addressed a local investment scandal impacting seniors, thanks for recent fire response, and the relaunch of Macon Sense newspaper as digital-only. Old business focused on Cowee Fire & Rescue’s post-merger challenges; the board approved $75,000 from fund balance for critical equipment repairs. New business included deferring Recreation Commission bylaw updates, approving a recreation facility roof replacement, and greenlighting a fire substation map update. The consent agenda, EDC appointments, and a closed session rounded out the meeting. 

Agenda Packet | Download 93-Page PDF



List of All Votes

All votes were unanimous (5-0) with no opposition or abstentions recorded.

• Agenda approval (as amended to add March 10, 2026 minutes and March 2026 tax collection report; remove item 11C):
• Motion by Commissioner Breeden, second by Commissioner Shields. Passed 5-0.
• $75,000 budget amendment (from fund balance) for Cowee Fire & Rescue equipment repairs and related needs following the Burningtown/Iola merger:
• Motion by Commissioner Shields, second by Commissioner Breeding/Breeden. Passed 5-0.
• Recreation facility roof replacement ($195,292 to Alcon Roofing, from fund balance; includes membrane replacement, 14 skylights, and walk pad):
• Motion by Commissioner Shields, second by Commissioner Breeding/Breeden. Passed 5-0.
• Cullasaja Gorge Fire & Rescue substation map approval (for insurance rating/protection class updates):
• Motion by Commissioner Breeden, second by Commissioner Antoine. Passed 5-0.
• Consent agenda (routine items including the added tax collection report):
• Motion by Commissioner Breeden, second by Commissioner Antoine. Passed 5-0.
• EDC Commission appointments (two seats: Jim Breedlove and Steve Grissom):
• Motion by Commissioner Breeden, second by Commissioner Shields. Passed 5-0.

Enter closed session:
• Motion by Commissioner Shields, second by Commissioner Breeden. Passed 5-0.

(No vote was taken on Recreation Commission bylaws/appointments; the item was deferred to the May meeting.)


More In-Depth Report

Opening & Recognitions

Chairman Young called the meeting to order. Special guests from the Town of Franklin (Amie Owens, Town Manager) presented 250th anniversary awards:

• Essay contest winners (1st place: Madison Clouse, who read her winning essay on growth, freedom, and America’s future).
• Logo contest winner was Kenna Keyworth, whose design will appear on flags, T-shirts, etc. Others recognized were Dominik, Victoria and Jacob Lightner, Sadie Hicks, and Natalie Orr (not present).

Details were shared on the July 3–4, 2026, two-day celebration (athletic events, concerts, fireworks, reenactors, sponsorship opportunities).

Announcements & Reports

Manager’s announcements: Passing of educator Diane Cotton; Volunteer Appreciation reception (April 23); Greenway repaving delays; new contractor portal for permits; proposed May 21 work session; successful $2.75M DEQ recycling grant (full funding for Carson convenience center, recovery building, equipment).

Commissioner announcements: Sweet Carolina Music Festival (May 2, benefiting pregnancy care center).
Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Shields.

No public hearings.

Public Comment Period

• Marianne Ingram: Requested restoration of the courthouse diagram display.
• Matt Jackson: Updated on a local investment partnership under federal investigation (tens of millions allegedly missing, especially affecting seniors); urged victims to contact authorities or his group and commended local law enforcement.
• Heather Johnson (Otto): Thanked Otto Volunteer Fire Department and Forest Service for rapid response to the High Cotton fire (March 28).
• Morgan Stewart: Announced relaunch of Macon’s newspaper as MaconSense.com (digital-only, daily publishing, Christian-informed, expanded features, government alerts).

Presentations

2027 Reappraisal (Tax Administrator Abby Braswell): Mandatory every four years to reset assessments to 100% fair market value. Projected +$3.75 billion (~30% average) to tax base (varies by township; Franklin relatively stable, Highlands higher). Emphasized equalization for fairness, not tax increases; revenue-neutral rate will be calculated. Timeline: July update, September public hearing on schedules of value, October adoption. Q&A on sales analysis, outliers, golf courses, tear-downs.

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2027–2031 (Mitch, Davenport & Company, with County staff): County maintains strong AA2/AA credit rating and structurally balanced budget with solid fund balance (~$48M unassigned at FY25 end, including $20 million earmarked for capital).

FY27: ~$47 million total projects ($23 million net county share after grants); includes community college match, armory renovation, parks/rec, and $10 million county facility relocation (debt-funded).

Full 5-year CIP: $120 million total (~$66 million grants/other sources); recurring capital funded at $2.75 million/year.

Financial modeling shows ability to cash-flow near-term needs; minor gap in later years addressable via surpluses or ~1.69¢ tax-rate equivalent (or quarter-cent sales tax if dedicated to capital). Strong reserves and debt capacity noted. Q&A on sales tax option, investment income, and modeling flexibility.

Old Business

Cowee Fire & Rescue update (Dustin Pendergrass & Larry Pickens): Post-merger with Burningtown/Iola (Sept 2025). Positive: 76 members, increased staffing, community engagement, ISO rating maintained/improving. Challenges: Inherited significant deferred maintenance ($109K total needs identified; $52K already spent). Requested $75K from fund balance for pump repairs, roof leaks, extrication tools, tires, etc. Board discussion praised the merger’s community benefit and volunteer fire service overall; one commissioner suggested a potential forensic audit of prior Burningtown/Iola finances (to be explored).

New Business

Recreation Commission bylaws: Deferred to May meeting for further drafting (proposed structure: representatives from Franklin, Nantahala, Highlands, schools, seniors; term limits alignment).

Recreation facility roof: Approved low bid as noted above.

Fire substation map: Approved as noted above.

Consent Agenda, Appointments & Closing

Routine items approved. Two EDC seats filled. The meeting entered closed session. No decision was taken after the closed session.

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 Friday, April 10, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins


Read More

Franklin Debuts New Website

4/15/2026 12:32:00 PM , 0 comments

PREESS RELEASE 

TOWN OF FRANKLIN 

04-15-2026


The Town of Franklin has an updated website [LINK]. A recent initiative of the Town Council was to modernize the way the Town communicates to residents and visitors. We are excited to launch the next chapter of our modernization efforts with our redesigned website. The Town partnered with Revize, LLC, who specializes in municipal websites.


New features include:


• Responsive design that looks great on any device (mobile, tablet or PC)

• The entire site can be translated into 80 different languages

• Advanced accessibility features as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act

• Fully searchable document center

• Homepage alert feature and direct posting to social media

• Ability for users to directly call phone numbers when viewing on mobile devices


“The goal was to visually modernize the site, ensure that user interactions were easy and did not require multiple clicks, that all necessary requirements under ADA were met, and to have the ability to update the site within minutes to ensure information is conveyed quickly and transparently,” explained Town Manager Amie Owens.


The site address remains the same – www.franklinnc.com – and all functions, including bill payments remain the same. The new site went live on April 15, 2026.


Owens noted that the Town encourage citizens and visitors to explore the website to ensure that there are no broken links, that information is showing correctly and to familiarize themselves with the site. 

Read More

Monday, April 13, 2026

Weather Briefing for Monday, April 13, 2026

4/13/2026 07:11:00 AM , 0 comments






• ...OUTDOOR BURN BAN IN EFFECT...

• [Public Safety Notifications]

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




NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

1. Well-above normal temperatures continue with slightly higher humidity expected today.

2. Dry and hot into early next weekend with no drought relief in sight. Daily record highs could be in jeopardy Tuesday through Saturday, which may be dangerous for vulnerable populations. A cold front may finally bring some drought relief Sunday, but that is more uncertain.

WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available



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....Partly sunny this morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon.

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

..TUESDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

..TUESDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. West winds around 5 mph.

..WEDNESDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. West winds around 5 mph.

..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER



Local and state-wide burn bans are in place until further notice.

...INCREASED FIRE DANGER...

Unseasonably warm temperatures, relative humidity between 25-35 percent, and wind gusts between 15 to 25 mph will promote heightened fire weather concerns once again this afternoon.

Continued dry, warm, and breezy conditions will maintain heightened fire weather concerns and worsening drought through much of the work week.





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




State and Local News


Officials urge safety as warm weather poses serious danger | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• Political possibility or ‘hallucination’? NC Democrats aim to flip Republican congressional seats [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• NC has given data centers tax breaks for 20 years. It doesn’t know exactly how much [Raleigh News & Observer]

• When and how to watch in Western NC: Lyrid meteor shower 2026 [Asheville Citizen-Times]


Iran War News


Strait of Hormuz Week 6 Recap | Pres Trump Orders Blockade | CENTCOM To Blockade Iranian Ports | What's Going on With Shipping?



• Iran Update Special Report, April 12, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• AP News Liveblog [AP News]

• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]

• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]

• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]

• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]

US Destroyers Enter Persian Gulf - Strait Still Open? | Plus, Empty Supertankers Heading to the US | What's Going on With Shipping?



• Iran war’s global energy crisis sharpens China’s advantage in clean tech [AP News]

• Iran war: What is happening on day 45 of the US-Iran conflict? [Al Jazeera]

• Erdogan threatens military action against Israel, MK calls him a 'megalomaniacal dictator' [Jerusalem Post]


Video Essays on the oil Problem


Why America's Oil Problem is WORSE Than You Think | Two Bit da Vinci



• (video) Will more Americans embrace renewable energy after the latest oil price surge? [PBS NewsHour ]

(video) No, the US Isn't “Energy Independent” [TLDR News Global]

(video) The Oil War (2020) [The FSC Channel]


World News


Hungary's PM Viktor Orbán concedes election to challenger Péter Magyar | BBC News



• Yonhap News Summary [Yonhap News Agency]

• Hungary: Peter Magyar's election win heralds thaw in EU ties [DW News]

• Pope Leo XIV begins landmark Algeria visit with call for 'forgiveness' [France 24]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 12, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]


National News


ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 12, 2026 | ABC News



• Swalwell exits California governor’s race after assault allegations as rivals seek his supporters [AP News]

• Lawmakers set to return to Washington as TSA paycheck uncertainty looms over partial shutdown negotiations [The Hill]

• What does a US naval blockade of Iran mean for oil flows? [Reuters]


Financial News


Iran War: Tehran Threatens Gulf Ports and Calls US Blockade Illegal | The Opening Trade 4/13/2026 | Bloomberg Television



• Treasuries Edge Lower as Investors Weigh Up Trump Iran Warnings [Yahoo Finance]

• Oil prices surge above $100 as U.S. Navy to blockade Iran’s ports after peace talks fail [CNBC]

• The Stock Market Doesn’t Care About Trump’s Blockade - Here’s Why [Forbes Magazine]


Science and Technology


How We Make Antimatter | Veritasium



• Shock from Iran war has Trump’s vision for US energy dominance flailing [Ars Technica]

• ICE Reportedly Acknowledges Its Use of Notorious Graphite Spyware [Gizmodo]

• Stanford scientists discover “natural Ozempic” without side effects [Science Daily]


Crypto News


Bitcoin: Realist Vs. Doomer | Benjamin Cowen



• Want Claude Opus AI on Your Potato PC? This Is Your Next-Best Bet [Decrypt]

• Oil price surges 8% on Iran tensions: Five things to know in Bitcoin this week [Coin Telegraph]

• RAVE Token Rockets Past $9, Weekly Gains Top 3,400% [Bitcoin.com]
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 Monday, April 13, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins


Read More

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Weather Briefing for Sunday, April 12, 2026

4/12/2026 06:55:00 AM , 0 comments






• ...OUTDOOR BURN BAN IN EFFECT...

• [Public Safety Notifications]

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




NWS GENERAL OUTLOOK

1. Well-above normal temperatures continue with slightly higher humidity expected today and Monday.

2. Dry and hot most of next week with no drought relief in sight. Daily record highs could be in jeopardy Tuesday through the end of next week, mainly east of the mountains.

WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available



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....Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon.

..TONIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

..MONDAY....Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

..MONDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

..TUESDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

..TUESDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER



Local and state-wide burn bans are in place until further notice.

...INCREASED FIRE DANGER...

Unseasonably warm temperatures, low afternoon relative humidity, and breezy winds gusting between 15 to 25 mph will lead to increased fire weather concerns this afternoon.

Continued dry, warm, and breezy conditions will maintain heightened fire weather concerns and worsening drought into the new work week. Monday is the most likely day of greatest concern.





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




State and Local News


Officials seek funding for wildfire detection cameras amid Helene debris challenges | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



• Political possibility or ‘hallucination’? NC Democrats aim to flip Republican congressional seats [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• NC Gov. Josh Stein warns of ‘awful’ budget cuts, questions data center tax break [Raleigh News & Observer]

• From CPP: Tug-of-war for NC mountain hospital beds takes a turn [MountainX]


Iran War News


Iran Mines Strait of Hormuz, Forces Ships Through the 'Tehran Toll Booth' in Its Waters| What's Going on With Shipping?



• Iran Update Special Report, April 11, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]

• AP News Liveblog [AP News]

• Jerusalem Post Liveblog [Jerusalem Post]

• BBC Liveblog [BBC News]

• Al Jazeera Liveblog [Al Jazeera]

• Fox News Liveblog [Fox News]

US Destroyers Enter Persian Gulf - Strait Still Open? | Plus, Empty Supertankers Heading to the US | What's Going on With Shipping?



• US and Iran end ceasefire talks without agreement and blaming each other [AP News]

• US says two naval ships ‘transited’ Strait of Hormuz for mine-clearing [Al Jazeera]

• Stalemate diplomacy: US-Iran talks fail as both sides resist major concessions - analysis [Jerusalem Post]


World News


Iran-US peace talks fail to reach deal as Washington issues 'final offer' | BBC News



• Hungary election liveblog: Orban faces tight race in pivotal vote [DW News]

• From wood to weapons: Defense surge drives change on NATO’s eastern flank [TVP World]

• Saudi Arabia agrees to prioritize oil shipments to S. Korea: minister [Yonhap News Agency]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 11, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]


National News


3 people slashed by machete-wielding man at New York’s Grand Central Station | NBC News



• Artemis II’s moon-traveling astronauts return home to cheers after a record-breaking trip [AP News]

• Trump’s ballroom saga invokes national security threats [The Hill]

• Exclusive: ICE launches new effort to uncover US ‘birth tourism schemes’ [Reuters]


Financial News


Bloomberg This Weekend 4/11/2026 | Artemis Splashdown, Vance in Pakistan, Happy in a Digital Age | Bloomberg Television



• Why reopening the Strait of Hormuz won’t be enough to solve shipping woes and high oil prices [Yahoo Finance]

• How bond market’s private credit crisis fears are playing out in fixed-income ETFs [CNBC]

• The market failure beneath the manosphere [Financial Times]


Science and Technology


The Johari Window - Smarter Every Day 314 | SmarterEveryDay



• Report: US demands Reddit unmask ICE critic, summons firm to grand jury [Ars Technica]

• How Should We Prepare for the Looming Quantum Encryption Apocalypse? [Gizmodo]

• Early weight gain is linked to lifelong health consequences [Science Daily]


Crypto News


Inflation Soars to 3.3% | Benjamin Cowen



• 'Not Going to Stop at Bitcoin': Morgan Stanley Weighs Tokenization, Tax Solutions in Crypto Push [Decrypt]

• Bitcoin price analysis sees new short squeeze as open interest nears $25B [Coin Telegraph]

• Analyst Says Federal Reserve Is Ignoring US Recession Signals in 2026 [Bitcoin.com]
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 Sunday, April 12, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins


Read More