To the Editor:

It has been hard to keep up with the news cycles during the first week of President Trump’s administration, but a few things deserve public ridicule. In his infinite wisdom, Trump pardoned and released about 1,500 January 6 criminal defendants into our communities to do violence and organize their militias.

After two major floods in three years, BearWaters Brewing Company is adapting its business to ensure a future in downtown Canton. During a Feb. 13 town meeting, brewery representatives detailed their struggles and their vision for a new chapter, which includes shifting away from brewing on-site while expanding into a whole new line of business.

To the Editor:

When it comes to picking leaders, you’d think the minimum qualifications would include experience, integrity and a commitment to the public good. But here we are, staring down the barrel of Donald Trump’s nomination for FBI Director: Kash Patel.

This isn’t just another bad idea — it’s a threat to families across North Carolina and beyond. Sen. Thom Tillis has a choice to make: stand with the people of North Carolina or enable Trump’s dangerous agenda.

Let’s talk about Patel’s “qualifications.” Spoiler: there aren’t any. He’s never worked in law enforcement and has no experience managing an agency as large and critical as the FBI. What Patel does have is a track record of loyalty to Trump. That’s the real reason he’s in the running — not because he’s ready to lead but because he could weaponize the FBI against Trump’s so-called “enemies.” In fact, Patel authored a literal “enemies list.” If confirmed, he could use the power of the FBI to carry out Trump’s personal vendettas, not protect North Carolinians.

This isn’t just politics — it’s personal for working families in North Carolina. The FBI plays a critical role here, from tackling drug trafficking that devastates communities in Asheville to addressing cybersecurity threats in the Research Triangle. As someone who has had first-hand experience with cyber-attacks, I know firsthand how critical it is to have a competent FBI director who’ll focus on the real issues affecting North Carolinians.

I also think about how law enforcement impacts our communities every day. As a council member in the Village of Forest Hills and also as a parent, I worry about the safety of my community amid the increase in fentanyl and other drug trafficking. Do we really want someone in charge who thinks the FBI headquarters should be turned into a “Museum of the Deep State?” 

Patel’s nomination isn’t just unqualified — it’s dangerous. Under his leadership, the FBI could target progressive organizations and activists, leaving vulnerable communities in the crosshairs. North Carolina’s history shows the need for fair and impartial law enforcement, not a political henchman who could turn our democracy into a playground for MAGA extremism.

Sen. Tillis has often talked about the importance of the rule of law. Here’s his chance to prove he means it. North Carolinians deserve an FBI director who’ll prioritize our safety and security — not someone who’ll spend their time pursuing Trump’s paranoid fantasies. Sen. Tillis, it’s time to take a stand. Vote no on confirming Kash Patel to protect one of our nation’s most important institutions.

Nilofer Couture

Cullowhee

Officials at all levels of government, including new U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, visited the construction area along I-40 near the Tennessee border to take a look at progress and renew the pledge to get the necessary repairs done as quickly and safely as possible. 

There’s no such thing as a self-made dictator. It takes more than a village to make one. Lawmakers and judges must cooperate or get out of his way. Citizens must accept that it’s all for the good or will soon pass by. That’s what happened not so long ago to new democracies in Italy, Germany and Russia. 

After over a century since receiving recognition from the state of North Carolina as an Indian Tribe, the Lumbee appear to be on the cusp of full federal recognition. 

We hate to belabor one topic, but we have more than one marijuana-related award to hand out this year.  

The steamroller award goes to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who launched their cannabis venture despite no shortage of opposition from outside the Qualla Boundary.

The bitter battle between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Lumbee as the Lumbee seek federal recognition has grown even more contentious over the last few months. And now, following the announcement from Attorney General and Governor-elect Josh Stein that EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks — who has long called into question the Lumbees’ identification as a tribe — will be appointed to Stein’s transition team, a state representative from Lumbee country is sounding the alarm. 

With North Carolina’s Republican-dominated General Assembly still dead-set on refusing to provide meaningful relief for mountain communities hit hard by Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper traveled to Washington, D.C., with a delegation of western leaders, appealing to higher authority for help.

Western North Carolina’s small businesses, even those that suffered no damage, now occupy an unenviable position — struggling to rebuild and retain employees amid disruption to the transportation infrastructure that drives the tourist trade while still paying off COVID-era loans. Canton’s mayor is calling for help to avert a larger economic catastrophe. North Carolina’s governor and senior senator appear to be listening.