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
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!
Now that it’s been presented to the House Finance Committee, a bill filed by Haywood Republican Rep. Mark Pless that would have essentially abolished the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority looks much different.
Pless makes dramatic change to controversial TDA bill
Now that it’s been presented to the House Finance Committee, a bill filed by Haywood Republican Rep. Mark Pless that would have essentially abolished the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority l...
smokymountainnews.com
May 20, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Now that it’s been presented to the House Finance Committee, a bill filed by Haywood Republican Rep. Mark Pless that would have essentially abolished the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority looks much different.
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
Thank you @smokymountainnews.bsky.social for letting me tell my story🏳️⚧️
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/39...
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/39...
EXCLUSIVE: Payton McNabb’s victim speaks out
On May 2, 2024, a brief, awkward moment inside a women’s restroom at Western Carolina University was recorded, uploaded to social media and sparked a flashpoint in America’s ongoing culture wars. At t...
smokymountainnews.com
May 19, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Thank you @smokymountainnews.bsky.social for letting me tell my story🏳️⚧️
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/39...
smokymountainnews.com/news/item/39...
More than a year after the incident, Paige LeBlanc is finally ready to talk about being filmed in a Western Carolina University bathroom.
EXCLUSIVE: Payton McNabb’s victim speaks out
On May 2, 2024, a brief, awkward moment inside a women’s restroom at Western Carolina University was recorded, uploaded to social media, and sparked a flashpoint in America’s ongoing culture wars. At ...
smokymountainnews.com
May 15, 2025 at 9:23 PM
More than a year after the incident, Paige LeBlanc is finally ready to talk about being filmed in a Western Carolina University bathroom.
Reposted by Cory Vaillancourt
Sign up for updates and launch notifications for our upcoming Kickstarter, the first volume of ‘Islands in the Sky’ the story of Helene and what came after, as told by the survivors themselves.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/878...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/878...
Coming soon: Islands in the Sky
Uniting Stories, Art, and Survival in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
www.kickstarter.com
May 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Sign up for updates and launch notifications for our upcoming Kickstarter, the first volume of ‘Islands in the Sky’ the story of Helene and what came after, as told by the survivors themselves.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/878...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/878...
North Carolina's 11th Congressional District Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards now has his first real opponent. #ncpol #nc11
Moe Davis enters NC-11 congressional race
Retired Air Force Col. Moe Davis is stepping back into familiar turf — running for Congress in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. “I just keep looking at what Chuck Edwards is not doing for...
smokymountainnews.com
May 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Tonight, catch me on NC Capital Tonight w/ Tim Boyum, talking more about recent developments in the "Sylva Sam" Confederate monument saga.
Jackson commissioners likely violated law by removing plaque
In response to a public records request made by The Smoky Mountain News, Jackson County Manager Kevin King revealed that commissioners not only failed to discuss in any official meeting removing plaqu...
smokymountainnews.com
April 29, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Tonight, catch me on NC Capital Tonight w/ Tim Boyum, talking more about recent developments in the "Sylva Sam" Confederate monument saga.
Here's more from @charlotteobserver.com (using my previous reporting) on #FEMA's failure to pay WNC for Hurricane Helene damage, seven months later.
Where’s the money? Nearly seven months after Helene, NC towns wait on federal checks
Several local governments in Helene-battered towns in Western North Carolina are waiting on reimbursements from FEMA for much needed repairs.
www.charlotteobserver.com
April 22, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Here's more from @charlotteobserver.com (using my previous reporting) on #FEMA's failure to pay WNC for Hurricane Helene damage, seven months later.
“If you're a contractor, your work is needed here, and we're glad that you're interested, but here's the thing, you better treat people fairly. You better be honest. You better do what you say you're going to do. We are not going to tolerate contracting fraud.”
Attorney General, regional LEOs band together to fight fraud
Nearly two dozen law enforcement professionals from across Western North Carolina stood behind Attorney General Jeff Jackson — literally and figuratively — at the Historic Haywood Courthouse April 14 ...
smokymountainnews.com
April 14, 2025 at 8:14 PM
“If you're a contractor, your work is needed here, and we're glad that you're interested, but here's the thing, you better treat people fairly. You better be honest. You better do what you say you're going to do. We are not going to tolerate contracting fraud.”