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

Asheville, N.C.
Joined October 2012
Buncombe Coumnty is preparing to build sidewalks in Swannanoa's historic business district, Fairview residents worry that this year's holiday parade will be blocked and county commissioners delay a decision on funding surveillance cameras. Story: bpr.org/2026-10-07/buncombe-…
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Asheville Council cancels #Flock cameras after lengthy debate, loosens zoning rules for smaller homes and hears an update on repairs to city parks on or near Azalea Road in east #Asheville. bpr.org/politics-government/… #avlnews
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Unsurprisingly, @chriscooperwcu has the best analysis I've seen so far of the state of the 11th Congressional District race following state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom's nomination by the GOP. Short summary: Both candidates face headwinds. theassemblync.com/news/polit… #ncpol #ncga
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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.
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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 mountainx.com/disaster-exper…
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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-gov…
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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.
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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 mountainx.com/will-anything-…
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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 frenchbroadrivermpo.org/agen…
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