I just wanted to report back about my newspaper / mulch combo for weed control experiment. I put a good layer of newspaper and then covered it up with about an inch or two of mulch and I am happy to report that it has been over a month and I think I have plucked maybe a handful of weed out of that bed. I am going to continue to do this for all of my beds.

I didn't notice any smell other than the smell of the mulch, either. So, it's all good in my opinion.