Watch student produce news magazine on the 2026 primary elections in Jackson County. Find out who is running for local and state offices, issues, students concerns, values and problems with the closing of the voting place on campus. The production is joint project of The Western Carolina Journalist with Whee TV and students in three […]
Whee Life new season starts with voting
February 27, 2026 by
This week we are talking about the primary elections – early voting and the upcoming election day on March 3rd. Listen to hear more about key voter information, resources, early voting and dates. We have political science professor Dr. Chris Cooper on why primaries matter and can you buy the elections. The director of the […]
Democrats sense opportunity in storm-ravaged NC-11
February 17, 2026 by
Story written by Written by Cory Vaillancourt, published at Smoky Mountain News, Feb. 10. Republished Voters in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District have endured years of disaster and instability, just as national trends are shifting hard against Republicans. Democrats believe this is their best chance in years to flip the gerrymandered seat currently held by Rep. […]
Man on a mission: In NC-11, former Green Beret confronts GOP incumbent he says fell short
February 15, 2026 by
Story written by Cory Vaillancourt. Published at Smoky Mountain News. Republished Over the past decade or more, Western North Carolina Republicans have proven that the only candidates that can beat incumbent Republican congressmen are other Republicans. Adam Smith talks like someone who has already settled on that outcome and is now working backward to make it […]
Republican Primary tests identity and power in 119th District
February 7, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt published in the Smoky Mountain News Feb. 4 ed. Republished The Republican primary in House District 119 — Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties — now unfolds against a backdrop of unresolved disaster recovery and rising voter frustration with a legislature that has struggled to deliver a state budget but still found time to strip powers from incoming […]
High taxes, social turmoil frame Jackson chair race
February 7, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt published in the Smoky Mountain News Feb. 4 ed. Republished As Jackson County heads toward the March 3 primary election, voters are being asked to assess a governing record shaped by rising costs, cultural conflict, a steady expansion of county government and mounting public concern. Over the last four budget cycles, […]
