Mark Barrett

Freelance journalist based near Asheville, N.C. Interests include #ncpol, #ncga, #avlgov, #avlnews, outdoors and #WNC history. Also at @markbarrettwnc.bsky.soc

[Congressman Chuck Edwards @RepChuckEdwards]

Heather Kell is an incredible single mom and a server at one of my favorite restaurants in Hendersonville.

I shared the story of how the OBBB helped Heather and her son this tax season with @POTUS and today she was invited to the White House.

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

Mission Hospital in #Asheville again placed in immediate jeopardy by state regulators, CEO tells employees. #avlnews #ncpol #nchealth https://t.co/HiE9zL6fYS via @AVLWatchdog

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

Communities often backslide on measures to avoid flood damage, expert says. He suggests tough standards and markers showing how high #Helene floodwaters got to reduce construction in vulnerable areas. My story: #avlnews #ncpol #WNC https://t.co/Rq31ADP5r5

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

This story may help explain complaints about delivery of #Helene aid, although it does not reference the storm specifically. Gift article. #ncpol #avlnews #FEMA https://t.co/QhACxDtBHA

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

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 https://t.co/Y3zROoe5d2

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

For Helene survivors, a stalled federal buyout program could spell financial trouble. #avlnews #avlgov #ncpol #FEMA https://t.co/uyFxkVlP8y

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

This story was broken by @DanielWWalton. It also includes info on Mosley voting in both North Carolina and Georgia. #avlnews #ncpol #avlgov https://t.co/PUZZTdsnhL

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

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

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

President Trump has reportedly chosen a new #FEMA head. #ncpol #avlnews #avlgov https://t.co/si8cbFkZyv

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

President Trump has reportedly chosen a new #FEMA head. #ncpol #avlnews #avlgov https://t.co/si8cbFkZyv

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

A Buncombe County official will be the next #Asheville city manager. https://t.co/yuA9ZFTMYL #avlnews #ncpol

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

Books to add to your reading list if you're interested in #WNC

[The Citizen Times @asheville]

Asheville Museum of History names 5 finalists for Thomas Wolfe award https://t.co/qqTwni8zMK

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

Here's more #FEMA news. #avlnews #ncpol https://t.co/HEEfHj9k0z

[Blue Ridge Public Radio @BlueRidgePublic]

Asheville’s Mission Hospital says it is no longer in immediate jeopardy, the most serious sanction a hospital can face.

The move comes after state inspectors visited the hospital to investigate patient safety complaints earlier this month.

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

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 is caught up in the CON process. #nchealth #ncpol #avlnews https://t.co/4jbGHHuNyA

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

Local elected officials in the #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. #avlnews https://t.co/FpY55agPnY

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

According to the state auditor's office, 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
https://t.co/UbGkkEZLFH

[North Carolina Office of the State Auditor @NCStateAuditor]

NCORR’s Homeowner Recovery Program was created to help families rebuild after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence—but a new report reveals major challenges:

• Applicants waited years: It took applicants an average of 936 days to get through grant determination, just one of eight steps required to be completed to receive aid. Some families remained in temporary housing for more than 1,400 days.
• Project completions: Out of 11,654 applications, 3,522 projects were finished as of April 2025.
• $784 million paid to vendors: Yet there was no systematic monitoring of vendor performance. Only one out of six program administration contracts (17%) included any Key Performance Indicators.
• $297 million budget shortfall: Poor budgeting and unreconciled reporting forced the state to provide emergency funding to keep recovery projects moving.

The report highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight, better data, and a focus on real results for North Carolina families.

Read the full report (link in bio) to learn more about the findings and recommendations for future disaster recovery efforts.

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

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

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

Here's a strange story that may get little notice amid all the understandable crush of news about immigration raids: #ncpol https://t.co/pKjwK82g5J

[Mark Barrett @MarkBarrettACT]

FEMA head resigns. Richardson had been hard to reach during Texas floods. We'll have to wait to see what this may mean for #Helene response in #WNC. #ncpol #asheville https://t.co/1keRN0fRca