Weather Briefing for Memorial Day, May 26, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

A stationary front draped across the Deep South will keep the weather unsettled across the area through today with several rounds of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms expected. Unseasonably cool temperatures and widespread showers will occur on Tuesday as a wedge pattern briefly develops over the western Carolinas. A cold front approaches our area by midweek, resulting in shower and thunderstorm chances through the end of the week.

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WEATHER 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.

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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)

.MEMORIAL DAY...Cloudy, cool, and increased chance of rain
..TONIGHT...A chance of thunderstorms. Showers. Patchy fog. Lows in the mid 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..TUESDAY...Showers in the morning, then showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 60s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..TUESDAY NIGHT...A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Showers. Lows in the upper 50s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..WEDNESDAY...Showers likely. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Showers likely, mainly in the evening. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 70 percent.

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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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• Man crashes vehicle, calls 911 before breaking into gas station, police say [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• North Carolina's high court says elections board shift can continue while appeals carry on [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• NC Gov. Josh Stein praises House GOP’s budget that gained Democratic votes [Raleigh News and Observer]

• Walmart price hikes, layoffs announced, boycott ongoing: What NC shoppers should know [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• King's invitation to Canada sends a message to Trump - and the world [BBC News]

• China is building a constellation of AI supercomputers in space — and just launched the first pieces [Live Science]

Golden Dome & U.S. Missile Defence - What is it, Can it Work, and the Economics of Missile Defence | Perun



Shashi Tharoor Jolts USA Amid Trump's India-Pakistan Claims; Explains Pahalgam, Sindoor | Hindustan Times



• Can Pope Leo remain a U.S. citizen now that he’s a foreign head of state? [AP News]

• Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU to July 9 [CNBC]

Using Cheap Power to Fuel the Growth of AI | Qatar Economic Forum | Bloomberg Television



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 25, 2025 | ABC News



• Trump the central planner [AXIOS]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 25, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Ukraine updates: Trump says Putin is 'crazy' after strikes [DW News]

• An Archaeologist Sailed the Seas Using Only Viking Tech. Here’s What He Learned [Gizmodo]

• 200 mph for 500 miles: How IndyCar drivers prepare for the big race [Ars Technica]

• Bitcoin Rebounds as Trump Extends EU Tariff Deadline, US Futures Tick Higher [Decrypt]

• As Trumps Monetize Presidency, Profits Outstrip Protests [New York Times]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

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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.



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Published at 5.00am on Monday, May 26, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Sunday, May 25, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

A stationary front draped across the Deep South will keep weather unsettled and mild across the area through Monday, with several rounds of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms expected. Unseasonably cool temperatures and widespread showers will occur on Tuesday, as a warm front approaches the area. Later next week, a cold front approaches the region, resulting in shower and thunderstorm chances Wednesday through Friday.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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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...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
.TONIGHT...A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Cloudy with a chance of showers. Patchy fog. Lows in the upper 50s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
..MEMORIAL DAY...Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the southwest around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..MONDAY NIGHT...Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TUESDAY...Showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 90 percent.
..TUESDAY NIGHT...Showers. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 90 percent.

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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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• Data breach at Asheville medical provider prompts class action lawsuit [BPR]

• Blue Ridge Parkway welcomes visitors despite Helene damage, encourages checking closures [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 22 [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• NC governor blasts FEMA’s refusal to reimburse the state for Helene debris removal [Raleigh News and Observer]

• Walmart price hikes, layoffs announced, boycott ongoing: What NC shoppers should know [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• Putin is building new force to take on NATO [Telegraph (UK)]

• Trump’s bizarre ‘trophy wives’ rant during life ‘tips’ ramble stuns West Point grads [Irish Star]

WATCH: Trump delivers commencement speech to West Point graduating class of 2025 | PBS NewsHour



• The US has world-class scientific talent. The rest of the world is hoping to lure that away [AP News]

• How the U.S. clean energy boom could go bust if Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ becomes law [CNBC]

What Comes Next for Bitcoin, Crypto and Digital Assets? | Bloomberg Television



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 24, 2025 | ABC News



• Trump administration withdraws request to pause order preventing government from reducing federal workforce [SCOTUSblog]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 24, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

• Can Germany withstand massive cyberattacks? [DW News]

• Elon’s DOGE Is Reportedly Using Grok AI With Government Data [Gizmodo]

• Feds charge 16 Russians allegedly tied to botnets used in cyberattacks and spying [Ars Technica]

• Public Keys: Coinbase Hack Fallout, MSTR Legal Strife and Stable-Curious Wall Street [Decrypt]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

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Support Macon Media

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 5.00am on Sunday, May 25, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Saturday, May 24, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

High pressure lingers over the area thru today keeping conditions mostly dry. A warm front lifts north Sunday and into early next week, increasing the chances for widespread showers. The pattern remains active thru the middle of next week, with thunderstorm chances increasing by mid-week. Cool temperatures expected through Tuesday, with a warming trend beginning thereafter.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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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...Mostly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph.
..TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph, becoming south after midnight. Chance of rain 60 percent.
..SUNDAY...Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the south around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..SUNDAY NIGHT...A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Showers likely. Lows in the upper 50s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..MEMORIAL DAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..MONDAY NIGHT...Showers. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 90 percent.

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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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• Settlement reached in Cherokee County police involved shooting case [Smoky Mountain News]

• As Army Corps and debris contractors near crucial deadlines, some worry rivers are damaged [BPR]

• FEMA denies N.C. Governor's appeal for full reimbursement of Helene debris removal costs [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• 'RPD's problem': Bodycam video shows troopers decide to lie about crash that killed Tyrone Mason [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• NC faces potential $600 million bill from Congress to feed hungry children [Raleigh News and Observer]

• House passes 'Big Beautiful Bill': No taxes on tips, overtime? NC bill would end OT, tip taxes [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• Trump announces U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel 'planned partnership' [UPI]

Couple describes plane crash that destroyed their San Diego home | AP News



• Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU and 25% penalties on smart phones as his trade war intensifies [AP News]

• Why Trump’s iPhone tariff threat might not be enough to bring production to the U.S. [CNBC]

What Trump's Executive Signing Means for Nuclear Power | Bloomberg Television



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 23, 2025 | ABC News



• Split Supreme Court blocks first religious charter school in Oklahoma [SCOTUSblog]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 23, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

• US updates: Hegseth restricts Pentagon reporting [DW News]

• Jaw-Dropping Video Shows Concept for Fusion Rocket That Might Halve Mars Travel Time [Gizmodo]

• US solar keeps surging, generating more power than hydro in 2025 [Ars Technica]

• Most Trump Crypto Dinner VIPs Have Moved or Dumped Their Coins [Decrypt]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

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Support Macon Media

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 5.00am on Saturday, May 24, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Friday, May 23, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

High pressure lingers over the area through Saturday keeping mostly dry conditions around. A warm front lifts north Sunday and beyond, producing steadily increasing shower and thunderstorm chances through next week. Below normal temperatures will remain through Saturday, before beginning to warm next week.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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DAY SPONSOR



Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Office Supply. Visit their store at 161 Highlands Road in Franklin or check out their website at https://franklinofficesupply.com/

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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...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
..TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.
..SATURDAY...Partly sunny. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
..SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the lower 50s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
..SUNDAY...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs around 70. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..SUNDAY NIGHT...Showers likely. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..MEMORIAL DAY...Showers likely in the morning, then showers with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 80 percent.
..MONDAY NIGHT...A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Showers. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 90 percent.

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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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• North Carolina House Unanimously Passes $464 Million Helene Relief Package [Macon Media]

• North Carolina House advances more Hurricane Helene aid in $465M package [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• State lawmakers question Helene relief leaders about political donations, alleging cronyism [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• Democrats split, but most vote for NC House GOP budget. What got their support. [Raleigh News and Observer]

• NOAA predicts above-normal hurricane season, 3-5 major hurricanes: What we know [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• NOAA predicts above-normal hurricane season this year [UPI]

Netanyahu responds to fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers | AP News



• Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students [AP News]

• U.S., China hold first call since Geneva meeting, signaling progress in trade talks [CNBC]

The Cohen Group's Allen on Harvard Student Ban | Bloomberg Television



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 22, 2025 | ABC News



• Supreme Court allows Trump to remove agency heads without cause for now [SCOTUSblog]

• Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 22, 2025 [Institute for the Study of War]

• South Africa's land law in the spotlight amid Trump row [DW News]

• RFK Jr.’s MAHA Commission Releases First Report to Donald Trump [Gizmodo]

• FAA: Airplanes should stay far away from SpaceX’s next Starship launch [Ars Technica]

• Trump's Meme Coin Dinner Draws Protests Calling For End to 'Crypto Corruption' [Decrypt]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

---

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Support Macon Media

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 5.00am on Friday, May 23, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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North Carolina House Unanimously Passes $464 Million Helene Relief Package

PRESS RELEASE (05-22-2025)

REPRESENTATIVE KARL GILLESPIE 

Raleigh, NC —Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II, marking the fifth round of Helene relief funding. The legislation delivers over $464 million to bolster ongoing recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.

The funding package includes substantial investments in critical infrastructure restoration, public facility repairs, and direct relief for small businesses affected by the disaster. The legislation was developed in close collaboration with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies to ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed.

“We listened to a lot of folks in developing this bill,” stated Rep. Karl E. Gillespie. “We listened to the agencies, we listened to our local governments, the towns and counties and the non-profits. We listened to the folks on the ground. But most importantly, we listened to our constituents. This bill has over $464 million to help the citizens of Western North Carolina. To the people of Western North Carolina, your voice has been heard.”

With unanimous support, this latest round of recovery funding represents a continued and unified commitment by the General Assembly to support communities rebuilding from the storm’s devastation. This legislation is the culmination of several months of work by the NC House Western delegation. The NC House has previously allocated over $1.4 billion in relief before this bill, which would bring the total to $1.85 billion. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Macon County Board of Commissioners Budget Work Session (05-22-2025)

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting today, (Thursday, May 22, 2025) at 9am for a budget work session for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Budget for Macon County. Due to illness, Bobby cannot be at the meeting. A live stream from the county is embedded below so you can observe what takes place. A copy of the proposed budget is below the public agenda.

(video) Macon County Commissioners (05-22-2025)

 PUBLIC AGENDA

1. Reconvene and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget work session to include the following topics of discussion:

(a) Macon County Schools

(b) Southwestern Community College

(c) Solid Waste Capital Improvement Plan (C.I.P) – Mitch Brigulio,

Davenport & Company, LLC

(d) Fire Departments

• Otto Fire and Rescue

• Cullasaja Gorge Fire and Rescue

• Burningtown-Iotla Fire and Rescue

(e) Emergency Medical Services

3. Other items of discussion

4. Recess/Adjourn

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Proposed FY2025-2026 BUDGET FOR MACON COUNTY 
(Download 100-page PDF)

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Support Macon Media

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 7.25am on Thursday, May 22, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Thursday, May 22, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

High pressure lingers over the area through Saturday keeping mostly dry conditions around. A warm front lifts north late this weekend into early next week bringing shower and thunderstorms chances back to the area. Below normal high temperatures return today and stick around through early next week.

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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 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
..TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
..FRIDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
..FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
..SATURDAY...Mostly sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.
..SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy in the evening, then partly cloudy with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the lower 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Other than a period of high winds in the afternoon and early evening, 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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• Debate intensifies over Jackson County Library's split from regional system [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• NC House votes to approve spending plan, setting up showdown with Senate [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• Democrats cross aisle to back NC budget, setting up battle over taxes within GOP [Raleigh News and Observer]

• Big Lots reopenings final wave: See all North Carolina openings, including 5 in Western NC [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• The Inside Story of Trump’s Search for a New Air Force One [New York Times]

Why NATO "Freeloading" is a Dangerous Myth | Paul Warburg



• Lights, video, confrontation — Trump’s meeting with South African leader takes dramatic turn [AP News]

• Trump tax bill heads to the House floor for a vote after last-minute changes [CNBC]

Trump Tax Bill Raises US Deficit Fears, OpenAI Makes Biggest Purchase | Daybreak Europe 05/22/2025 | Bloomberg Television



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - May 21, 2025 | ABC News

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

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Support Macon Media

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 5.00am on Thursday, May 22, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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