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

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

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Coverage of the meetings of the Macon County School Board.

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Sunday, August 23, 2026

Weekend Weather Briefing for Sunday, August 23, 2026

8/23/2026 04:42:00 AM , 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS


• 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 weather with more comfortable humidity returns to the region today and continues through Tuesday. Daily shower and thunderstorm chances return Wednesday and continue through the rest of the week.

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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....Patchy fog this morning. Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

.TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.MONDAY....Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Highs in the upper 70s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.MONDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. North winds around 5 mph.

.TUESDAY....Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Light and variable winds, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

.TUESDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Other than patchy dense fog near bodies of water this morning, hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be n the medium-high (9.0 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium-high range (8.7 out of 12.0)

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MACON CALENDAR


(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)
IMAGE

CULLASAJA GORGE FIRE AND RESCUE
New Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593295280100

All are welcome for an Open House on Aug 29th.
Hotdog dinner for donations only.
Come out to see the Firehouse with kid-friendly activities
and a state-of-the-art smoke trailer.

9 AM – 7 PM on 29th of August

3 PM VEHICLE TRAINING DEMO
HOTDOG DINNER ALL DAY

(828) 369-5010
104 River Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to our Christmas in July sale, July 22-25, 9-2 each day. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the Gift Shop. On Saturday, July 25th, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy great music from 11-1. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St, Franklin.
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



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

↑ Back to Top
WEATHER ALMANAC


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

Highest Temperature 97°F in Franklin in 1983
Lowest Temperature 42°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1969
Greatest Rainfall 4.02 inches in Highlands in 1967

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

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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 Sunday, August 23, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
font-size: medium;

Read More

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Weekend Weather Briefing for Saturday, August 22, 2026

8/22/2026 05:15:00 AM , 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS


• 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. Isolated thunderstorms possible this afternoon through early evening, mainly near the Blue Ridge Escarpment and in the mountains near the Tennessee border later this evening. A few storms may become severe, with damaging wind gusts being the main threat.

2. Drier weather returns Sunday through early next week, with afternoon shower and thunderstorm chances returning by the middle of the week.

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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....Areas of fog this morning. Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.TONIGHT....Mostly clear. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.SUNDAY....Areas of fog in the morning. Sunny. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. Highs in the upper 70s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.MONDAY....Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.MONDAY NIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Other than patchy dense fog near bodies of water this morning, hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be n the medium-high (8.2 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium-high range (7.9 out of 12.0)

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MACON CALENDAR


(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)
IMAGE

CULLASAJA GORGE FIRE AND RESCUE
New Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593295280100

All are welcome for an Open House on Aug 29th.
Hotdog dinner for donations only.
Come out to see the Firehouse with kid-friendly activities
and a state-of-the-art smoke trailer.

9 AM – 7 PM on 29th of August

3 PM VEHICLE TRAINING DEMO
HOTDOG DINNER ALL DAY

(828) 369-5010
104 River Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to our Christmas in July sale, July 22-25, 9-2 each day. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the Gift Shop. On Saturday, July 25th, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy great music from 11-1. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St, Franklin.
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



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

↑ Back to Top
WEATHER ALMANAC


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

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin in 1983
Lowest Temperature 42°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1943
Greatest Rainfall 3.58 inches in Highlands in 1935

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

↑ Back to Top
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, August 22, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
font-size: medium;

Read More

Thursday, August 20, 2026

News and Weather Briefing for Thursday, August 20, 2026

8/20/2026 04:29:00 AM , 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS


• 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 return this evening, with some potential for isolated strong to severe storms. At least scattered convection persists each afternoon through Saturday, before dry weather returns Sunday and beyond.

2. Hot and muggy weather persists through Friday. Over the weekend, a cold front will usher in a cooler air mass, and more seasonable temperatures will persist into next week.

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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....Partly sunny this morning, then mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

.TONIGHT....Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

.FRIDAY....Partly sunny. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Light and variable winds, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 60 percent.

.FRIDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.SATURDAY....Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. .SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs around 80.

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


HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Slight chance of strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be n the medium-high (8.0 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium-high range (7.6 out of 12.0)

↑ Back to Top
MACON CALENDAR


(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)
IMAGE

CULLASAJA GORGE FIRE AND RESCUE
New Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593295280100

All are welcome for an Open House on Aug 29th.
Hotdog dinner for donations only.
Come out to see the Firehouse with kid-friendly activities
and a state-of-the-art smoke trailer.

9 AM – 7 PM on 29th of August

3 PM VEHICLE TRAINING DEMO
HOTDOG DINNER ALL DAY

(828) 369-5010
104 River Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to our Christmas in July sale, July 22-25, 9-2 each day. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the Gift Shop. On Saturday, July 25th, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy great music from 11-1. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St, Franklin.
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



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

↑ Back to Top
WEATHER ALMANAC


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

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin in 1983
Lowest Temperature 48°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1943
Greatest Rainfall 2.41 inches in Highlands in 1935

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

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WNC News


WNC competition for 92 new hospital beds | WLOS-TV (Asheville), NC


• Asheville mayor calls to end city's Flock contract, remove cameras after backlash [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Council approves incentive grants for businesses [The Franklin Press]
• Data center moratoriums and nonprofit funding dominate commissioner meeting [Macon Sense]
• Trump admin moves to end protections for 'pristine' national forest land [Asheville Citizen-Times]
• Macon County moves to restrict data centers [Smoky Mountain News]
• 92 new hospital beds up for grabs amid anger at HCA, distrust of state regulators [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News


COVID-19 activity rising as students head back to school, experts say | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• After a 20-year moratorium, NC inches closer to resuming executions [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Raleigh to shut entrance to downtown bus station in name of public safety [Raleigh News & Observer]
• As Meta faces trial for hooking kids on social media, NC’s attorney general offers parents advice [NC Local]

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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 Thursday, August 20, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
font-size: medium;

Read More

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

News and Weather Briefing for Wednesday, August 19, 2026

8/19/2026 04:26:00 AM , 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS


• 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. Hot and muggy conditions persist through the end of the week. Some relief arrives this weekend.

2. Diurnal showers and storms return Thursday, and persist through the end of the week. Drier conditions arrive again by Sunday.

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SPONSORSHIPS
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.

↑ Back to Top
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. Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. North winds around 5 mph.

.TONIGHT....Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable.

.THURSDAY....Mostly sunny with a chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

.THURSDAY NIGHT....A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Partly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. .FRIDAY....Showers likely. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 70 percent.



.FRIDAY NIGHT....Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be n the medium-high (8.8 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium-high range (8.1 out of 12.0)

↑ Back to Top
MACON CALENDAR


(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)
IMAGE

CULLASAJA GORGE FIRE AND RESCUE
New Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593295280100

All are welcome for an Open House on Aug 29th.
Hotdog dinner for donations only.
Come out to see the Firehouse with kid-friendly activities
and a state-of-the-art smoke trailer.

9 AM – 7 PM on 29th of August

3 PM VEHICLE TRAINING DEMO
HOTDOG DINNER ALL DAY

(828) 369-5010
104 River Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to our Christmas in July sale, July 22-25, 9-2 each day. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the Gift Shop. On Saturday, July 25th, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy great music from 11-1. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St, Franklin.
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



654:25 AM 7/28/2026 To find out more about the Greenway and our organization, our website is: littletennessee.org.

↑ Back to Top
WEATHER ALMANAC


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

Highest Temperature 95°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1999
Lowest Temperature 48°F in Highlands in 1919
Greatest Rainfall 2.19 inches in Highlands in 1935

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

↑ Back to Top
WNC News


Lightning caught on camera during severe storms (VIEWER VIDEO) | WLOS-TV (Asheville), NC


• State board to weigh Jackson County early voting plans amid new documents presented [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• County debates nonprofit funding [The Franklin Press]
• Data center moratoriums and nonprofit funding dominate commissioner meeting [Macon Sense]
• Stein vetoes controversial changes to North Carolina court system [Asheville Citizen-Times]
• Highlands Nature center temporarily closes [Smoky Mountain News]
• Global finance leaders to descend on Asheville for G20 summit [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News


Parents weigh in on Raleigh teen curfew proposal | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• Stein vetoes election bill that would cut early voting, ramp up voter purges [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• NC violated duty to protect fish populations from collapse, judge rules [Raleigh News & Observer]
• Egg-static: NC food bank receives first delivery from 3 million egg antitrust settlement [NC Local]

↑ Back to Top
National News


Police report in Panettiere's death: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - Aug. 18, 2026 | ABC News



NBC Nightly News Full Episode - August 18 | NBC News




Washington Today (8-18-26): Spkr. Johnson campaigns in MI, MN sues TX to force ICE agent extradition | C-SPAN



• Democratic socialist notches surprise win in Florida Senate primary: 5 takeaways [The Hill]
• Preservation group urges Supreme Court to suspend Trump’s White House ballroom project [AP News]
• USS Benfold went days without power in the South China Sea [Yahoo News]

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World News


Russia has threatened the UK again. This is Why | Sky News


Moscow’s drone nightmare gets worse | Military Mind | TVP World


• N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' measures despite Trump's order to reduce drills with S. Korea [Yonhap News Agency]
• Iran reportedly weighs attacks on U.S. targets in Europe as UAE severs trade with Tehran [CNBC]
• Middle East live: Iran army chief warns Gulf countries not to help US military [France 24]
• Top US commander visits aircraft carrier, Gaza talks in Egypt and other Mideast news [AP News]

↑ Back to Top
Financial News



The Market is Wrong About the US Dollar | Benjamin Cowen


Unitree Shares Jump After $904M Shanghai IPO | The China Show | 8/19/2026 | Bloomberg Television


• 50% tariffs on Canadian goods paused as Trump and Canada reach last-minute deal [Yahoo Finance]
• Goldman studied where AI is squeezing labor markets. Here’s what it found [CNBC]

↑ Back to Top
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 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
font-size: medium;

Read More

Monday, August 17, 2026

News and Weather Briefing for Monday, August 17, 2026

8/17/2026 05:47:00 AM , 0 comments

ANNOUNCEMENTS


• 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. Hot and humid conditions persist most of this week, with little relief until next weekend.

2. There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms starting in the mid-to-late afternoon and a Slight Risk for Severe Weather across western North Carolina this evening. More seasonally-typical diurnal convection continues for most of the week.

↑ Back to Top
SPONSORSHIPS
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.

↑ Back to Top
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. A chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

..TONIGHT....Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

..TUESDAY....Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..TUESDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. North winds around 5 mph.

..WEDNESDAY....Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.

..WEDNESDAY NIGHT....Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Slight chance of severe storms, mainly in the mid-to-late afternoon.

A few strong to severe storms will still be possible into Sunday.



POLLEN REPORT

Pollen levels are expected to be n the medium-high (3.4 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the medium-high range (8.0 out of 12.0)

↑ Back to Top
MACON CALENDAR


(send your event to editor@maconmedia.com)
IMAGE

CULLASAJA GORGE FIRE AND RESCUE
New Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593295280100

All are welcome for an Open House on Aug 29th.
Hotdog dinner for donations only.
Come out to see the Firehouse with kid-friendly activities
and a state-of-the-art smoke trailer.

9 AM – 7 PM on 29th of August

3 PM VEHICLE TRAINING DEMO
HOTDOG DINNER ALL DAY

(828) 369-5010
104 River Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
Friends of the Greenway would like to invite you to our Christmas in July sale, July 22-25, 9-2 each day. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the Gift Shop. On Saturday, July 25th, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy great music from 11-1. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St, Franklin.
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



654:25 AM 7/28/2026 To find out more about the Greenway and our organization, our website is: littletennessee.org.

↑ Back to Top
WEATHER ALMANAC


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

Highest Temperature 94°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 48°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1979
Greatest Rainfall 2.25 inches in Highlands in 1982

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of August

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County Aug 21, 1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County Aug 23, 1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.43 in Morehead City, Carteret County Aug 12, 1955

↑ Back to Top
WNC News


Apple growers optimistic as crops recover from recent challenges | WLOS-TV (Asheville), NC


• 'Strategy is still the same': Jamie Ager campaigns in Asheville after GOP opponent change [WLOS-TV Asheville, NC ]
• Candidates meet for Nantahala forum [The Franklin Press]
• Data center moratoriums and nonprofit funding dominate commissioner meeting [Macon Sense]
• Same knee surgery, twice the price: Hospital monopolies push up healthcare costs [Asheville Citizen-Times]
• Highlands Nature center temporarily closes [Smoky Mountain News]
• Opinion: Where do all the apartment dwellers come from around here? [Asheville Watchdog ]

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NC News


Parents weigh in on Raleigh teen curfew proposal | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)


• Safety and affordability: Why NC’s U.S. Senate candidates keep hitting the same themes [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• NC governor’s latest approval rating + Stein’s record on Cabinet confirmations [Raleigh News & Observer]
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National News


At least 7 killed after historic flooding: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - August 16, 2026 | ABC News



NBC Nightly News Full Episode - August | NBC News




Lectures in History Podcast: The American Revolution Era and the Rest of the World | C-SPAN



• Trump directs Hegseth to reduce US joint exercises in South Korea [The Hill]
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World News


Taliban celebrate as women kept 'out of sight' | Sky News


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• Trump orders Pentagon to 'substantially' reduce S. Korea-U.S. military exercises [Yonhap News Agency]
• North Korea conducts second ballistic missile test in less than a week [France 24]
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Iran War News


US aircraft carrier on way to relieve USS Lincoln after issues reported on board | BBC News


• Iran Update Special Report, August 14, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• Iran war live: Tehran warns of shift to offensive posture as US MoU expires [AL Jazeera]
• Live Updates: Trump praises Mecca defense agreement, Iraqi PM pledges to monopolize arms [Jerusalem Post]

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Russo-Ukraine War


The Warehouse War - The "Wildberries" Strikes, Economics & Russian Response | Perun


Ballistic missiles hammer Kyiv as Ukrainian drones strike Russia | Morning Report | TVP World


• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 16, 2026 [Institute for the Study of War]
• At least six people killed in Ukrainian missile attack on Russia’s Belgorod [Al Jazeera]
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Financial News



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Science News


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Technology News


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Interesting Videos


Sad News for Europa Exploration // Watching Pluto’s Atmosphere Fade Away // Auroras on Mars | Fraser Cain



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CRYPTO & AI NEWS


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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:
cc:
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):

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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).
  4. Any usage statistics, reports, or summaries on camera performance, alerts generated, cases assisted, or data shared (redacted as necessary for law enforcement sensitivity).
  5. Location list or map of all deployed Flock cameras in Macon County.
  6. 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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Published at 6:00am on Monday, August 17, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
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