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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Communities often backslide on measures to avoid flood damage, disaster expert says. He suggests tough standards and markers showing how high #Helene floodwaters got to reduce construction in vulnerable areas. My story: mountainx.com/disaster-exp...

mountainx.com

Disaster expert discusses the role physical markers can play in WNC’s recovery – Mountain Xpress

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

This story may help explain complaints about delivery of #Helene aid, although it does not reference the storm specifically. Gift article. #ncpol #avlnews #FEMA www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/c...

nytimes.com

Extra Scrutiny of FEMA Aid to States Has Created a $17 Billion Bottleneck

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Drew Reisinger was 27, unemployed and with little relevant experience when he defeated #Buncombe County's old guard Democrats to become register of deeds. His peers named him register of the year recently. #ncpol #avlgov #avlnews mountainx.com/news/local-g...

mountainx.com

Drew Reisinger’s innovative approach to bureaucracy – Mountain Xpress

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Reposted by Mark Barrett

Blue Ridge Public Radio @blueridgepublic.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

More than a year after Helene, hundreds of residents are still trying to figure out what to do with their damaged homes. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program offers a chance to sell or rehab those properties — but appears to be stalled. www.bpr.org/helene-recov...

bpr.org

For Helene survivors, a stalled federal buyout program could spell financial trouble

Over the last few months, state officials have raised concerns about FEMA’s response time and its commitment to moving the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program program forward. The agency has not awarded m...

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

I should have said: He'll be head of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, its largest division, not the entire agency. #FEMA #ncpol #avlnews #avlgov

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Will anything break the cycle of problems at Mission Hospital in #Asheville? Neither hospital owners nor its critics are going away. Competition may help, but for now is caught up in the Certificate of Need process. #ncpol #nchealth #avlnews Here's my in-depth look: mountainx.com/will-anythin...

mountainx.com

Will anything break the cycle of problems at Mission Hospital? – Mountain Xpress

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Local elected officials in the greater #Asheville area will discuss this afternoon whether to endorse adding toll lanes or something similar on I-40 in Haywood and western #Buncombe County as a way to get funding for widening. frenchbroadrivermpo.org/agendas-minu...

frenchbroadrivermpo.org

Agendas / Minutes

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

According to the state auditor, this state government relief effort after hurricanes Matthew and Florence was a disaster all by itself. Lots of political implications here, but even more for ordinary folks affected. #ncpol insideclimatenews.org/news/19112025/rebuildnc-was-a-disaster-auditor-says/

insideclimatenews.org

N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency So Poorly Managed That State Auditor Couldn’t Determine Full Extent of Waste - Inside Climate News

The story of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency’s disaster response efforts was itself ”a disaster.” That’s what State Auditor Dave Boliek, a Republican, concluded in a scathing 506...

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Several local organizations and the Southern Conference said today they've agreed that the Socon basketball championships will be played in #Asheville through 2035. #avlnews

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Reposted by Mark Barrett

jacob biba @jacobbiba.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

“We have learned that Asheville may be a targeted city.”

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Re: Mark Meadows. I should add that Trump's pardon won't affect charges against Meadows in state court in Georgia and, overall, probably won't have many practical effects. #WNC #avlnews #ncpol www.politico.com/news/2024/11...

politico.com

Supreme Court won’t hear Mark Meadows’ bid to sideline Georgia criminal case

Donald Trump's former White House chief of staff had tried to move the case into federal court.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

Big Falls on the Thompson River (Transylvania County, N.C.) looked good on Saturday.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Several of North Carolina's political experts say 2025 results could bode well for Democrats' chances in the state in 2026 -- but also say a lot could happen between now and then. #ncpol ncnewsline.com/2025/11/06/d...

ncnewsline.com

Do big 2025 wins for Democrats mean a blue wave in North Carolina? • NC Newsline

NC Democrats hope electoral successes in 2025 will lead to major victories in next year’s midterm elections. Political experts say it'll still be an uphill battle.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

The news story I'd like to read: Were Tuesday's results all about Trump vs. anti-Trump voters, Ds vs. Rs, conservatives vs. progressives or are there policy issues that seemed to move the needle for voters? Or, both? #ncpol

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

MANNA FoodBank & buncombecounty.bsky.social work to reduce impact of loss of SNAP food benefits caused by federal gov't shutdown, which affects 29,000 people in county and 90,000 in 16 counties MANNA serves. County libraries accepting food donations. #avlnews #WNC #ncpol www.bpr.org/politics-gov...

buncombecounty.bsky.social

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

N.C. state government says SNAP (aka food stamps) benefits for November will be delayed if the federal government shutdown continues. About 1.4 million households in the state potentially affected. Gov. Stein asks @usdagov.bsky.social to use contingency funds. #ncpol www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-r...

ncdhhs.gov

Disruption in SNAP Benefits in North Carolina as the Federal Government Shutdown Continues

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the November benefits for the 1.4 million North Carolinians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance...

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

The folks at @blueridgepublic.bsky.social Radio worked hard to serve their community when #Helene hit (and have been recognized with journalism awards as a result). Here's a story about one, Helen Chickering. #avlnews www.ourstate.com/on-air-after...

ourstate.com

On Air After Helene | Our State

Left without power, cell service, or Internet for weeks after Helene, western North Carolinians turned to a reliable source for vital information: radio.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Privacy office at @DHSgov finds 102 times over past 4 years when FEMA workers recorded info regarding politics or 2nd Amendment while canvassing disaster areas. 72 instances related to guns. Report does not specify #Helene, #WNC or aid impact: #ncpol content.govdelivery.com/attachments/...

content.govdelivery.com

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

According to this story, a developer promised to build a $15M road in Mooresville at no cost to taxpayers. #ncga then appropriated the money out of state funds instead while developer officials were raining contributions on legislators' campaigns. #ncpol www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...

charlotteobserver.com

Developer offered $15M road to Mooresville, but lawmakers picked up the bill

The money trail for a Mooresville connector road involves a political insider, undisclosed connections and dozens of campaign donations.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Nearly half of state spending on NC Promise, the program to make college more affordable at four #UNC system schools including Western Carolina U, goes to out-of-state students, Business NC reports. #WCU is the top recipient at expected $39.4M. #WNC #ncga #ncpol #nced mailchi.mp/businessnc/t...

mailchi.mp

Daily Digest: NC Chamber signs pact with Arab powerhouse

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

There was discussion at this event in #Asheville about the impact of President Trump's #BigBeautifulBill on people on #Medicaid in particular (3.1 million in NC) and low-income folks in general, plus whether it comports with Christian ethics. #avlnews #ncpol mountainx.com/news/communi...

mountainx.com

Speakers at local forum say Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will harm the most vulnerable – Mountain Xpress

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

The city of #Asheville says it and a private company are partnering to do "predevelopment" work for an arts and entertainment center larger than aging Wolfe Auditorium. Looks like the Buncombe Tourism Development Authority is on board. #avlnews #avlgov More here: www.ashevillenc.gov/news/city-of...

ashevillenc.gov

City of Asheville announces a public-private partnership for the development of an Arts & Entertainment facility - The City of Asheville

Asheville takes definitive steps toward realizing a new large-scale arts and entertainment facility.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

I-40 is still closed near the NC/TN line as of late Thursday morning. This damage does not appear to be nearly as bad as from #Helene and one hopes reopening will be a matter of days or no more than a couple of weeks. Still, the photos are wild. #avlnews #WNC #WNCwx

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Bypassing the #UNC and community college systems, the #ncga has appropriated $40 million to #Montreat College for cybersecurity education programs. The return so far has been minimal, this story says. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi... #avlnews #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

theassemblync.com

A Small, Private College Got $40 Million in State Funds for Cybersecurity Training

The legislature has invested big dollars at Montreat College, even though public schools have federally accredited cyber programs.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Elon Musk's concern over FEMA payments to house immigrants (from a separate pot of money) led to halt in #Helene grants to local, state gov'ts & nonprofits, @nytimes.com reports. In #WNC, Warren Wilson College and French Broad EMC are among those affected. #avlnews www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/u...

nytimes.com

Musk Targeted FEMA. Disaster-Stricken Communities Are Paying a Price. (Gift Article)

A FEMA funding freeze illustrates the extraordinary power of Elon Musk and DOGE, who have made claims of undue benefits for undocumented immigrants and spurred swift action by federal officials.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

The list of federal properties for sale that included an #Asheville building that houses weather and climate data workers has been taken down. However, it doesn't appear that that is the end of the effort to sell federal real estate. #avlnews #WNC www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...

nytimes.com

Trump Officials Take Down List of Federal Properties for Possible Sale (Gift Article)

The Trump administration originally identified more than 440 federal properties that could be sold, which included the headquarters of the F.B.I. and Department of Justice.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

. @ncdot.bsky.social says the Whitson Avenue bridge in #Swannanoa will reopen Wednesday after being shut down by #Helene. It's a key transportation link in that community in eastern Buncombe County that was hit hard by the storm. #WNC #avlnews

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

The 2,763 individuals and families staying in hotels at #FEMA expense as of Sunday get more time. NC officials from both parties have been pressuring #FEMA on this #Helene program and it appears to have an impact. #avlnews #ncpol #WNC

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Due to #Helene, October was awful for people in tourism-related jobs in #Asheville and #WNC. Now they worry about making it through the winter. Here's my interview on Blue Ridge Public Radio based on my Mountain Xpress story. www.bpr.org/bpr-news/202... #ncpol #avlnews #avlgov

bpr.org

Struggling to make ends meet: WNC service workers face Helene's fallout

Journalist Mark Barrett discusses his Mountain Xpress reporting, highlighting the struggles of Asheville’s service workers in Helene’s aftermath.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

. #Helene vicitims in #WNC can stay in hotels longer, #FEMA says: "Due to continued extreme winter weather, FEMA is extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotel stays until Jan. 14. If someone still needs assistance, please call 800-621-FEMA (3362)." #avlnews #ncpol #avlgov

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

ICYMI: With savings already depleted by #Helene 's impact in October, usually a big month for tourism, service workers in the #Asheville area are "moving pennies around" to pay bills and worried about a difficult winter. Some have moved away. mountainx.com/news/service... #avlnews #avlgov #ncpol

mountainx.com

Service workers ‘moving pennies around’ to pay bills

Service industry workers consider options for getting through what is likely to be a lean winter.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

With savings already depleted by #Helene 's impact in October, usually a big month for tourism, service workers in the #Asheville area are "moving pennies around" to pay bills and worried about a difficult winter. Some have already moved away. #avlnews #avlgov #ncpol mountainx.com/news/service...

mountainx.com

Service workers ‘moving pennies around’ to pay bills

Service industry workers consider options for getting through what is likely to be a lean winter.

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Reposted by Mark Barrett

Brian Gordon @skyoutbriout.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

Breaking; More than 4,000 Amazon workers in Garner, NC will have the opportunity to vote on unionization after the organizing group CAUSE collected authorization cards from at least 30% of RDU1 employees. The election will last six days in February. Union needs more than half of the votes to win.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

One of those whose death sentence was commuted is from the #Asheville area. The case got a lot attention locally when the murder happened, then more when it was discovered that there were legal problems with the way it was investigated. #avlnews #avlgov #ncpol www.citizen-times.com/story/news/l...

citizen-times.com

Biden commutes death sentence of Buncombe County man to life in prison without parole

President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row, including a Buncombe County man sent there in 2001.

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

The N.C. Department of Transportation just announced that it will not meet a goal of having two lanes of #I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge in Haywood County open by Jan. 1. DOT says a chunk of asphalt fell, raising questions about the stability of that area. Evaluation to come. #avlnews #Helene #WNC

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

I'm seeing a lot of comments from people who live on the east side of #Asheville who are happy about the reopening of the U.S. 70/Tunnel Road bridge over the #Swannanoa River. It will make many trips easier for them and should reduce congestion on I-240 in east Asheville and Oakley. #avlnews #avlgov

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Mark Barrett @markbarrettwnc.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

Impressive yarn bombing of the flatiron sculpture in downtown #Asheville. It's at the corner of Wall Street and Battery Park Avenue. There's more (smaller) down Wall Street.

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