Cory Vaillancourt
@coryvaillancourt.bsky.social
Politics Editor, The Smoky Mountain News. Seen/heard WaPo/NPR/CNN & elsewhere. Views=mine. Disclaimers=weird. #ncpol #ncga #helene #AVL #NC11 #election2024
Western Carolina University students just turned early voting into a 1.53-mile protest. After the on-campus polling site was closed, they marched a busy four-lane highway to cast ballots — saying if access gets harder, their resolve gets stronger. #ncpol
WCU students march miles to vote after on-campus polling site closure
They left campus on foot — with signs raised, chants echoing across the valley under clear blue winter skies — turning a routine civic act into a noisy, high-visibility public rebuke. On Feb. 13, roug...
smokymountainnews.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Western Carolina University students just turned early voting into a 1.53-mile protest. After the on-campus polling site was closed, they marched a busy four-lane highway to cast ballots — saying if access gets harder, their resolve gets stronger. #ncpol
Big Data sought a foothold in Canton. Canton said, "Not so fast."
A hard no to high-tech: Canton passes data center moratorium
As the sun set over Canton on Feb. 11, the scene at the town’s makeshift municipal building more closely resembled that of a trendy big-city nightclub. More than 100 people had lined up outside, hoping to join the other 49 people who’d pushed the modular double-wide’s fire code to its absolute limit...
smokymountainnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Big Data sought a foothold in Canton. Canton said, "Not so fast."
BREAKING: The Town of Canton has unanimously passed a moratorium on data centers. More to come on this soon.
February 12, 2026 at 1:22 AM
BREAKING: The Town of Canton has unanimously passed a moratorium on data centers. More to come on this soon.
Threats and extortion will not change the truth or our reporting about it.
Local media won’t bow to threats, lies
The Sylva Herald and The Smoky Mountain News last Friday received anonymous emails threatening both publications if the papers, specifically The Herald, do not report on the Fontana Regional Library k...
smokymountainnews.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Threats and extortion will not change the truth or our reporting about it.
Alex Drueke, who helped train and fought alongside Ukrainian forces in 2022 and became a Russian POW, will speak in Waynesville tomorrow. I spoke with him today.
Former POW Alex Drueke speaks ahead of Waynesville appearance tomorrow
On Saturday, Jan. 17, Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville will host a daylong series of worship services, presentations and artistic offerings focused on peace, education and action in respon...
smokymountainnews.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Alex Drueke, who helped train and fought alongside Ukrainian forces in 2022 and became a Russian POW, will speak in Waynesville tomorrow. I spoke with him today.
“It’s a war on students,” board member Siobhan O’Duffy Millen, a retired attorney from Raleigh, said shortly after the board voted Jan. 13 to strip early voting sites from historically Black NCA&T University and UNC-Greensboro in Guilford County and shortly before doing the same thing to WCU.
State board rubber-stamps Jackson early voting plan
The Republican-led North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines to allow the closure of a Democrat-leaning early voting site at Western Carolina University, against overwhelming...
smokymountainnews.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:17 PM
“It’s a war on students,” board member Siobhan O’Duffy Millen, a retired attorney from Raleigh, said shortly after the board voted Jan. 13 to strip early voting sites from historically Black NCA&T University and UNC-Greensboro in Guilford County and shortly before doing the same thing to WCU.
Here's the full story out of Jackson County, where Republican-led Board of Elections has voted to close a busy early voting site at Western Carolina University.
Jackson Board of Elections votes to close Western Carolina University early voting site
The seemingly indiscriminate closure of an early voting site at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee prior to the March 3, 2026, Primary Election by the Republican-majority Jackson County Board of...
smokymountainnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Here's the full story out of Jackson County, where Republican-led Board of Elections has voted to close a busy early voting site at Western Carolina University.
Waynesville resident Sam Wilds is blind, cannot work, uses her entire Social Security disability check for household bills, has approximately $50 left on her SNAP card for the month of October, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Federal shutdown threatens food aid in WNC
Waynesville resident Sam Wilds is blind, cannot work, uses her entire Social Security disability check for household bills, has approximately $50 left on her SNAP card for the month of October, and on...
smokymountainnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Waynesville resident Sam Wilds is blind, cannot work, uses her entire Social Security disability check for household bills, has approximately $50 left on her SNAP card for the month of October, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
Another candidate has now filed w/ the FEC to run in #nc11 as a Democrat--WNC native, scientist, and current Orange County registered voter Paul Maddox.
For more, see this @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social profile: smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
#ncpol
For more, see this @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social profile: smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
#ncpol
October 27, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Another candidate has now filed w/ the FEC to run in #nc11 as a Democrat--WNC native, scientist, and current Orange County registered voter Paul Maddox.
For more, see this @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social profile: smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
#ncpol
For more, see this @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social profile: smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
#ncpol
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
@smokymountainnews.bsky.social: On Oct. 1, a #FEMA spokesperson said operations would continue largely as normal. #SocialSecurity checks will still be distributed, but field offices may have staffing limits. Visit ssa.gov/agency/emergency for more information. smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Federal shutdown brings patchwork closures across WNC
As the federal government shutdown continues, North Carolina residents may be left with a patchwork of closures, service limitations and uncertainty across the region’s parks, forests and federal agen...
smokymountainnews.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:23 PM
@smokymountainnews.bsky.social: On Oct. 1, a #FEMA spokesperson said operations would continue largely as normal. #SocialSecurity checks will still be distributed, but field offices may have staffing limits. Visit ssa.gov/agency/emergency for more information. smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
Frontline philanthropy: How Nonprofit aid stepped up in Helene's wake
Frontline philanthropy: Nonprofit aid stepped up in Helene's wake
In the wake of two devastating floods just three years apart, Western North Carolina’s resiliency didn’t come from government agencies. While FEMA and state emergency teams provided vital aid, three…
smokymountainnews.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Frontline philanthropy: How Nonprofit aid stepped up in Helene's wake
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
On the cusp of a week that marks 1 year since Helene devastated #wnc, a Republican is entering the #ncpol GOP primary against incumbent Chuck Edwards with a message centered around Helene response.
Story ⬇️ by @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Story ⬇️ by @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Former Green Beret Adam Smith to challenge Edwards in NC-11 Primary
Adam Smith says it’s time for a change and that he’s ready to stand up for Western North Carolina in ways incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards hasn’t — particularly, in Hurricane Helene recovery. “I thin...
smokymountainnews.com
September 21, 2025 at 5:51 PM
On the cusp of a week that marks 1 year since Helene devastated #wnc, a Republican is entering the #ncpol GOP primary against incumbent Chuck Edwards with a message centered around Helene response.
Story ⬇️ by @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Story ⬇️ by @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
This story, from my hometown newspaper, @smokymountainnews.bsky.social, details the dismal response from the trump admin & Michael Whatley, who is running for Tillis' senate seat. Thank you @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social for covering this important story. #NCPOL
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Helene victims still waiting for Whatley
Scenic Chimney Rock has historically been an out-of-the-way place, nestled tightly against the Broad River in a narrow valley between lush, towering peaks that peer down at nearby Lake Lure. It’s alwa...
smokymountainnews.com
August 29, 2025 at 2:28 PM
This story, from my hometown newspaper, @smokymountainnews.bsky.social, details the dismal response from the trump admin & Michael Whatley, who is running for Tillis' senate seat. Thank you @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social for covering this important story. #NCPOL
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
Grateful for the opportunity to speak with West Virginia Public Broadcasting about the work @appalachiacomics.bsky.social is doing to help rebuild from Helene and give voice to the people of the region.
wvpublic.org/wvpb-podcast...
wvpublic.org/wvpb-podcast...
The Appalachian Comics Project And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning - West Virginia Public Broadcasting
After the dark days of Hurricane Helene, an award-winning comic book writer launches the Appalachian Comics Project. And, our Song of the Week this week features “Planetarium,” by Blitzen Trapper.
wvpublic.org
August 9, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Grateful for the opportunity to speak with West Virginia Public Broadcasting about the work @appalachiacomics.bsky.social is doing to help rebuild from Helene and give voice to the people of the region.
wvpublic.org/wvpb-podcast...
wvpublic.org/wvpb-podcast...
The #NC11 Dem primary is already on fire: Four candidates blast party leaders for favoring Jamie Ager at upcoming gala, threaten boycott, raise legal/ethical questions #ncpol
Democratic candidates protest NC-11 gala exclusion, threaten boycott
A blistering letter signed by four Democratic candidates for Congress in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District is raising questions about party neutrality in primaries, calling the party’s deci...
smokymountainnews.com
August 2, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Plenty has been said about the rape and sexual assault charges against Swain County Republican Sheriff Curtis Cochran, but not much has been said about his 20-year tenure. Until now.
The rise and ruination of Swain County Sheriff Curtis A. Cochran
For nearly two decades, a self-styled reformer with no law enforcement experience who toppled a longtime sheriff and rode a rising red tide to four reelection victories enjoyed his unusual transformat...
smokymountainnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Plenty has been said about the rape and sexual assault charges against Swain County Republican Sheriff Curtis Cochran, but not much has been said about his 20-year tenure. Until now.
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/39...: Fourth-generation farmer Jamie Ager enters #NC11 race, pitching rural roots, business chops and bipartisan grit in a challenge to Chuck Edwards. #ncpol
Jamie Ager enters NC-11 race with message of rural roots, business acumen
On a fourth-generation family farm nestled in the hills just outside of Fairview, Jamie Ager spent his childhood watching the seasons change, the animals grow and the land evolve with the rhythms of l...
smokymountainnews.com
July 29, 2025 at 7:41 PM
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/39...: Fourth-generation farmer Jamie Ager enters #NC11 race, pitching rural roots, business chops and bipartisan grit in a challenge to Chuck Edwards. #ncpol
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
You still have time to pledge my friend @andrewaydin.bsky.social #comics anthology, featuring stories of Appalachian survivors of Hurricane Helene. Supporting contributors include @natepowell.bsky.social @gregpak.net @lauramartin.bsky.social @alexsegura.bsky.social and @thiendog.bsky.social!
Islands in the Sky
A Comic Anthology - Uniting Stories, Art, and Survival in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
www.kickstarter.com
July 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
You still have time to pledge my friend @andrewaydin.bsky.social #comics anthology, featuring stories of Appalachian survivors of Hurricane Helene. Supporting contributors include @natepowell.bsky.social @gregpak.net @lauramartin.bsky.social @alexsegura.bsky.social and @thiendog.bsky.social!
BREAKING: After 81 years, Jackson County has voted to leave the Fontana Regional Library system over LGBTQ+ content. Critics warn of higher costs, legal risks and diminished service.
Jackson County votes to leave Fontana Regional Library system
In a historic decision that will reshape the future of public library services in Jackson County, commissioners voted Tuesday night to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system after months of...
smokymountainnews.com
June 24, 2025 at 10:42 PM
BREAKING: After 81 years, Jackson County has voted to leave the Fontana Regional Library system over LGBTQ+ content. Critics warn of higher costs, legal risks and diminished service.
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
Helpful longread by @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social about the Jackson County commission's flirtation w/ leaving the Fontana Regional Library.
Easy to discount it as too local if you're outside the #828, but doing so would be a mistake; a similar story is being repeated across #ncpol & the US.
Easy to discount it as too local if you're outside the #828, but doing so would be a mistake; a similar story is being repeated across #ncpol & the US.
June 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Helpful longread by @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social about the Jackson County commission's flirtation w/ leaving the Fontana Regional Library.
Easy to discount it as too local if you're outside the #828, but doing so would be a mistake; a similar story is being repeated across #ncpol & the US.
Easy to discount it as too local if you're outside the #828, but doing so would be a mistake; a similar story is being repeated across #ncpol & the US.
A perfect lazy Sunday read — the most comprehensive look yet at Jackson County’s library fight. Commissioners vote Tues. on leaving the Fontana system over LGBTQ+ content, a move that could cost $500K more each year
Face to face: Jackson County meets Fontana board amid library controversy
Finally face to face amid a simmering standoff over library governance and subjectively inappropriate material in a regional library system that’s served locals for more than 80 years, Jackson County ...
smokymountainnews.com
June 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
A perfect lazy Sunday read — the most comprehensive look yet at Jackson County’s library fight. Commissioners vote Tues. on leaving the Fontana system over LGBTQ+ content, a move that could cost $500K more each year
Come on out this Friday!
June 2, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Come on out this Friday!