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 […]
Man on a mission: In NC-11, former Green Beret confronts GOP incumbent he says fell short
February 15, 2026 by
The Great Outhouse Race brings bittersweet win to the slopes
February 10, 2026 by
This story was co-produced with Ryan Creel. The annual Great Sapphire Outhouse race returned to Sapphire Valley Ski Resort on Feb. 7, drawing in crowds for an entertaining day on the slopes. The event included a $5 parking fee and an admission fee of $5, with the proceeds used to raise funds for the Rotary […]
Students help students vote the primary elections
February 8, 2026 by
With on-campus polling locations no longer available, the Student Democracy Coalition at Western Carolina University is organizing efforts to help students access the polls and stay informed ahead of the upcoming primary election. The coalition addressed these concerns during its first meeting of the spring semester on Tuesday, Feb 3. It also held elections to restructure its executive cabinet […]
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, […]
Campus early voting sites pitch gets day in court. Judge seems reluctant.
February 7, 2026 by
Students seeking campus early voting sites for the primaries at three NC universities face an uphill battle in court with the clock ticking. Story by Sarah Michels. Carolina Public Press published Feb. 6. Republished. Students at three North Carolina colleges who want early voting sites on campus this primary election took the issue to federal […]
