Cory Vaillancourt's Avatar

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

1,152 Followers  |  113 Following  |  64 Posts  |  Joined: 19.09.2023  |  1.9449

Latest posts by coryvaillancourt.bsky.social on Bluesky

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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.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...

03.10.2025 16:23 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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…

Frontline philanthropy: How Nonprofit aid stepped up in Helene's wake

02.10.2025 15:11 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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 β€” particularly, in Hurricane Helene recovery. β€œI thin...

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...

21.09.2025 17:51 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Schrodinger's "outsider" β€” OK when suggesting regional library disintegration, not OK when vandalizing Confederate statue

05.09.2025 11:03 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

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...

29.08.2025 14:28 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Man who shot viral video at local dump sues Haywood sheriff, dump owner A Prince George’s County, Maryland, man whose viral video of a confrontation with a group at a dump in Haywood County drew outrage and polarized viewers has said he will file a federal civil rights la...

smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...

14.08.2025 13:41 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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 β€œPlanetarium,” by Blitzen Trapper.

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...

09.08.2025 21:39 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

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

02.08.2025 16:51 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

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.

30.07.2025 13:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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/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

29.07.2025 19:40 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
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Islands in the Sky A Comic Anthology - Uniting Stories, Art, and Survival in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

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!

05.07.2025 17:00 β€” πŸ‘ 35    πŸ” 27    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 2
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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...

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.

24.06.2025 22:42 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

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.

24.06.2025 14:10 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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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 ...

A perfect lazy Sunday read β€” 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

22.06.2025 16:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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TONIGHT!

06.06.2025 20:19 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Come on out this Friday!

02.06.2025 12:52 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

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.

20.05.2025 18:11 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

Thank you @smokymountainnews.bsky.social for letting me tell my storyπŸ³οΈβ€βš§οΈ

smokymountainnews.com/news/item/39...

19.05.2025 00:48 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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 ...

More than a year after the incident, Paige LeBlanc is finally ready to talk about being filmed in a Western Carolina University bathroom.

15.05.2025 21:23 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Coming soon: Islands in the Sky Uniting Stories, Art, and Survival in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

Sign up for updates and launch notifications for our upcoming Kickstarter, the first volume of β€˜Islands in the Sky’ the story of Helene and what came after, as told by the survivors themselves.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/878...

10.05.2025 14:24 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Moe Davis enters NC-11 congressional race Retired Air Force Col. Moe Davis is stepping back into familiar turf β€” running for Congress in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. β€œI just keep looking at what Chuck Edwards is not doing for...

North Carolina's 11th Congressional District Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards now has his first real opponent. #ncpol #nc11

05.05.2025 15:01 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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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...

Tonight, catch me on NC Capital Tonight w/ Tim Boyum, talking more about recent developments in the "Sylva Sam" Confederate monument saga.

29.04.2025 17:29 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

Here's more from @charlotteobserver.com (using my previous reporting) on #FEMA's failure to pay WNC for Hurricane Helene damage, seven months later.

22.04.2025 18:46 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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 β€” literally and figuratively β€” at the Historic Haywood Courthouse April 14 ...

β€œIf 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.”

14.04.2025 20:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Information for Voters Challenged in Election Protest | NCSBE The State Board of Elections is providing the following information, in response to messages received from voters asking about a mailing they received concerning an election protest.

Have questions about challenged ballots in the Griffin/Riggs case? The State Board of Elections has the answers.

10.04.2025 13:59 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Inked: Hurricane Helene's legacy lives on, through comics When Hurricane Helene tore through Southern Appalachia last year, it left behind more than just downed trees and flooded homes. Helene carved enduring, indelible stories into the lives of those who li...

Thanks to our friend @andrewaydin.bsky.social, some folks will be telling the stories of Hurricane Helene survivors β€” and, they want to hear from you.

09.04.2025 21:06 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Waynesville repairs, reopens damaged bridge despite lack of FEMA funding More than six months after Hurricane Helene dealt millions in damage to government infrastructure across the region, the Town of Waynesville reopened a newly repaired bridge β€” despite the complete abs...

β€œI challenge FEMA to reimburse us,” Sutton said. β€˜We have received zero funds from FEMA as has been reported, and I challenge FEMA to reimburse us this quickly so that we can get it back in our general fund.”

04.04.2025 14:13 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Losing ground: Six months after Helene, local governments still haven’t been paid Most days, Brandon Rogers has dirt under his fingernails β€” a badge of honest labor. Owner of a small auto repair shop on the outskirts of Canton, Rogers usually wakes up, puts on some sturdy workwear ...

The real story of flood recovery in WNC is that almost nobody's getting paid, six months later.

02.04.2025 13:54 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Silenced: 307 words, phrases and acronyms Trump doesn’t want you to use Whether you’re Black, Hispanic, Indigenous or White β€” LGBTQ+ or cisgender β€” if you’re thinking about promoting equity and inclusion in historically marginalized communities by combating institutionali...

Read all about it β€” while you still can.

27.03.2025 13:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Out of the Lion’s Den Cliff Graham, a Christian author with a long list of unpaid creditors found a new home for his work at Kavod Family Ministries.

@kyleperrotti.bsky.social writes about Cliff Graham, a Christian author who is finding a new home for his work despite a history of abandoned business deals and unpaid creditors: Out of the Lion’s Den www.theassemblync.com/culture/reli...

23.03.2025 17:44 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@coryvaillancourt is following 20 prominent accounts