Gov. Cooper goes to D.C. after General Assembly fails to deliver on storm relief

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.

Beliefs about Biden/Harris just aren’t true

After reading David Lawson’s letter, “Maybe Trump’s Win Was about Policy,” I sympathize with Dr. Lawson’s desire to focus on policy. However, some of Dr. Lawson’s claims about the Biden/Harris administration’s policies are puzzling. 

Choose wisely with your vote

To the Editor:

 This upcoming election is going to be a close call. According to many of the polls being taken, the number one issue for many voters is the economy. A Gallup poll on late 2023 showed 53% of Americans thought the Republicans are better at running the economy compared to 39% for Democrats.

Latest flood relief bill leaves businesses underwater

The Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly took its second step in flood recovery on Oct. 24, designating from the state’s $4.4 billion Rainy Day Fund an additional $604 million in funding and resources for disaster recovery in response to Hurricane Helene — far less than the $3.9 billion the state’s Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper wanted, and with little real help to businesses that can’t afford to take out more loans. 

Inflation, deflation and the presidency

To the Editor:

The economy of this great nation, and indeed, the world, is a huge thing that, like those supertankers and container ships that help keep it all running, does not change direction very fast or easily short of some major shock to the system. 

Tillis, Cooper spar over military response to Helene

Despite criticizing ridiculous conspiracy theories that came in the wake of Hurricane Helene — and supporting state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) for calling them out — North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis made clear today that in his opinion, not everything has gone smoothly during the state’s recovery from the storm. Gov. Roy Cooper pushed back on at least one aspect of Tillis’ claim.

Four days: Kamala Harris' unlikely journey, via Chicago, plays a huge role in Biden's legacy

Editor’s note: This story is a compilation of Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatches, “Via Chicago,” originally published online from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago the week of Aug. 19. 

Via Chicago: Day 4, ‘For our future’

Editor’s note: This is the final installment of “Via Chicago,” Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatch from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Via Chicago: Day 3, ‘A fight for our freedoms’

Editor’s note: “Via Chicago” is Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatch from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Look for a new installment each day this week, through Friday.

Via Chicago: Day 1, 'For the people'

Editor’s note: “Via Chicago” is Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatch from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Look for a new installment each day this week, through Friday.

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