Libertarians in it to win it in 2018
For the first time in a decade, citizens in much of Western North Carolina will have the chance to vote for a Libertarian congressional candidate in the November General Election.
Several last-minute candidates added to election roster
Regional
Three-term incumbent Congressman Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, has a number of challengers this year, including one from his own party. Buncombe County Republican Chuck Archerd says he’s only running in case Meadows accepts a job in the Trump administration.
Student threats taken seriously after Parkland shooting
The latest mass shooting on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, has spurred a number of potential threats across Western North Carolina.
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• Jackson County leaders plan to prevent Jackson County leaders plan to prevent school violence
• Swain High students walk out of class
School officials and law enforcement officers are investigating several students who’ve made comments about school shootings while others have dealt with social media threats. Not all of the student comments have been found to be a credible or eminent threat, but local law enforcement agencies have made it clear such statements will be taken seriously.
UNC School of Government prepares local leaders
“First, congratulations. Second, why are you here?” he asked.
The airy hotel conference room fell silent, nearly 200 eyeballs glancing up from tablets, phones, laptops, coffee, muffins and bacon.
Public broadcasting cuts would not serve WNC well
By Peter Nieckarz • Guest Columnist
The Trump administration in mid-February unveiled its proposed federal budget for 2019. The proposal calls for the total elimination of federal appropriations for public broadcasting. The present level of funding to public broadcasting ($445 million) represents a microscopic portion of federal spending, but the impact this proposed cut will have on public broadcasting will be anything but small, particularly for public radio and the countless communities served by it. Federal budgets may seem abstract and not immediately relevant to us, but as the old saying goes, “All politics is local.” With respect to this, it is important for us in Western North Carolina consider the impact that a defunded public radio could have for our region.
Nonprofits offer support, funding to mental health
The mental health system in North Carolina can use all the help it can get as it struggles with cuts in state funding, an increase in the demand of services and a shortage of local rural providers.
Legislators respond to mental health shortfalls
As The Smoky Mountain News wraps up an ongoing series on the state of mental health in North Carolina, state lawmakers were asked to weigh in on funding cuts and their thoughts on what the General Assembly can do to improve the flailing system.
Candidates sign up to run for office
Candidates have until 5 p.m. today, Feb. 28, to sign up to run for office.
Welch seeks second term as 30th Judicial DA
Ashley Welch, the first female District Attorney for the 30th Judicial District, is seeking a second term — and is so far unopposed for the seat.
Globe-trotting evangelist Billy Graham dies at 99
By Dale Neal • Special to The Smoky Mountain News
Evangelist Billy Graham — a spiritual guide to generations of American evangelicals, a globe-trotting preacher who converted millions to Christianity, and a confidante to presidents — died today at the age of 99.
Graham personally preached the Christian gospel to more people on the planet than any other evangelist in the 2,000 years of Christianity.
