Barry Yeoman
@barryyeoman.com
Freelance journalist in North Carolina who writes longform stories about political, social, and environmental issues. Web site: http://barryyeoman.com. Newsletter: http://barry-yeoman.beehiiv.com. Teaching: Duke, Wake Forest.
Pinned
Barry Yeoman
@barryyeoman.com
· Jan 21
#intropost Hi Bluesky. I'm a freelance journalist who tries to put human faces on complex issues. I also teach at Duke and Wake Forest. I'll be posting my favorite longform narrative in all media, plus my own work and my students' too. Here's me as a baby journalist in 1990. Photo: Sadie Bridger.
Since 2024's Hurricane Helene, 800+ storm victims in western North Carolina have applied for buyouts under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. State officials vetted applications and sent nearly 600 requests to Washington. So far, not a single approval has come through. @bradydennis.bsky.social
Hundreds of residents signed up for FEMA buyouts after Helene. Not one has been approved.
More than a year after applying for a federal buyout, many North Carolina homeowners have heard almost nothing definitive.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Since 2024's Hurricane Helene, 800+ storm victims in western North Carolina have applied for buyouts under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. State officials vetted applications and sent nearly 600 requests to Washington. So far, not a single approval has come through. @bradydennis.bsky.social
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
This is your must read this week.
Read this.
It is about leukemia and the powers and limits of science and the terrifying dangers of the turn against it. It is human and excoriating and beautiful. www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
Read this.
It is about leukemia and the powers and limits of science and the terrifying dangers of the turn against it. It is human and excoriating and beautiful. www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
A Battle with My Blood
When I was diagnosed with leukemia, my first thought was that this couldn’t be happening to me, to my family.
www.newyorker.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:15 AM
This is your must read this week.
Read this.
It is about leukemia and the powers and limits of science and the terrifying dangers of the turn against it. It is human and excoriating and beautiful. www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
Read this.
It is about leukemia and the powers and limits of science and the terrifying dangers of the turn against it. It is human and excoriating and beautiful. www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
David Gauvey Herbert does some great shoe leather reporting to track down a series of men who played Santa Claus at Macy's famous Santaland in New York. Their stories are even more amazing than you could imagine. @jacobfeldman.bsky.social's top pick www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a6...
Playing Santa Does Strange Things to a Man. What It Did to Bob Rutan Was Even Stranger.
Bob Rutan is legendary among the tight-knit fraternity of Macy’s Santa Clauses. Like many of these men, playing Santa changed Bob. Profoundly. His story is one of struggle and failure, heartbreak and ...
www.esquire.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:27 PM
David Gauvey Herbert does some great shoe leather reporting to track down a series of men who played Santa Claus at Macy's famous Santaland in New York. Their stories are even more amazing than you could imagine. @jacobfeldman.bsky.social's top pick www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a6...
Photographer John Noltner has launched a new multimedia series called "The Troubles." It follows his recent visit to Northern Ireland and features people who are leaning into creative solutions to heal old wounds and imagine a different future. The first interview is with @jonnyrclark.bsky.social.
Healing Divides: Jonny Clark's Journey in Northern Ireland
Explore Jonny Clark's insights as he navigates peace-building in Northern Ireland and shares transformative stories of reconciliation.
apeaceofmymind.org
December 23, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Photographer John Noltner has launched a new multimedia series called "The Troubles." It follows his recent visit to Northern Ireland and features people who are leaning into creative solutions to heal old wounds and imagine a different future. The first interview is with @jonnyrclark.bsky.social.
The Internet Archive now has three video recordings of the "Inside CECOT" story that 60 Minutes pulled off the air at the last minute. They can be viewed and downloaded.
archive.org/details/insi...
archive.org/details/insi...
December 23, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The Internet Archive now has three video recordings of the "Inside CECOT" story that 60 Minutes pulled off the air at the last minute. They can be viewed and downloaded.
archive.org/details/insi...
archive.org/details/insi...
🧵 (including a surge in assaults on journalists by police and others)
From LA to Chicago, press arrests were used to silence protest coverage across the country in 2025.
Each arrest signaled a shift in how authorities police information and those who gather it.
Read @pressfreedomtracker.us's new report by @stephaniesugars.bsky.social:
Each arrest signaled a shift in how authorities police information and those who gather it.
Read @pressfreedomtracker.us's new report by @stephaniesugars.bsky.social:
Press arrests used to silence protest coverage in 2025
More than 30 journalists detained, nearly all released without charges or with them quickly dropped
pressfreedomtracker.us
December 23, 2025 at 3:04 PM
🧵 (including a surge in assaults on journalists by police and others)
MY LATEST: Dollar General will pay at least $15 million to settle claims that it overcharged shoppers at many of its 20,000 stores. Earlier, @jocelynzuck.bsky.social and I reported that the chain failed 4,300+ price-accuracy inspections over four years. @theguardian.com @michaelwhudson.bsky.social
Dollar General agrees to pay $15m to settle price-gouging claims
Company settles allegations it failed to honor shelf prices in multiple states, and customers anywhere in US may be eligible for repayments
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:24 PM
MY LATEST: Dollar General will pay at least $15 million to settle claims that it overcharged shoppers at many of its 20,000 stores. Earlier, @jocelynzuck.bsky.social and I reported that the chain failed 4,300+ price-accuracy inspections over four years. @theguardian.com @michaelwhudson.bsky.social
A recent Guardian report EXPOSED dollar stores for quietly overcharging customers. Lowering costs is my top priority – which is why I just sent a Congressional oversight letter to hold them accountable and demand better for working people.
December 19, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Our @us.theguardian.com investigation of widespread overcharging by Dollar General and Family Dollar has caught the attention of 30 members of Congress, who have written to the CEOs requesting documents and demanding answers. @jocelynzuck.bsky.social @michaelwhudson.bsky.social @budzinski.house.gov
Congress members demand answers on price disparities at dollar-store chains
A letter from 30 lawmakers criticizes recurring overcharges at Dollar General and Family Dollar stores – questioning ‘how seriously’ the companies prioritize ethics and affordability
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Our @us.theguardian.com investigation of widespread overcharging by Dollar General and Family Dollar has caught the attention of 30 members of Congress, who have written to the CEOs requesting documents and demanding answers. @jocelynzuck.bsky.social @michaelwhudson.bsky.social @budzinski.house.gov
One way to revitalize a downtown? Let people walk around with beer. Janine Latus reports for @theassemblync.bsky.social on North Carolina's "social districts." #ncpol
Raising a Glass to Downtown
With fewer patrons downtown post-pandemic, city leaders say social districts have provided a critical shot in the arm for business.
www.theassemblync.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:24 AM
One way to revitalize a downtown? Let people walk around with beer. Janine Latus reports for @theassemblync.bsky.social on North Carolina's "social districts." #ncpol
I spent months in Siler City just as the first generation of immigrants was making their home there. "The new residents have brought values that mirror those of their new community," I wrote in 2000. "They are agrarian, hard-working, religious, family-oriented." Plus they were fueling a boom. #ncpol
Amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, residents of this majority-Latino town are afraid, beloved cultural events are being canceled, and the community is at risk of becoming more isolated.
www.theassemblync.com/place/siler-...
www.theassemblync.com/place/siler-...
In Siler City, Fear of ICE Hangs Over Latino Community
Residents are afraid, beloved cultural events are being canceled, and the Latino community is at risk of becoming more isolated.
www.theassemblync.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM
I spent months in Siler City just as the first generation of immigrants was making their home there. "The new residents have brought values that mirror those of their new community," I wrote in 2000. "They are agrarian, hard-working, religious, family-oriented." Plus they were fueling a boom. #ncpol
We will be dissecting this article by @whipplc.bsky.social in my interviewing classes for years to come.
Throughout the first year of Donald Trump’s second administration, Vanity Fair writer Chris Whipple has interviewed Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, amid each moment of crisis. His insider’s account of Trump 2.0 joins the photography of Christopher Anderson for a portrait of power—and peril.
Susie Wiles Talks About The First Year of Trump’s Second Term (Part 1 of 2)
In the first half of ‘Vanity Fair’’s interview with Susie Wiles, the chief of staff discusses Elon Musk’s DOGE disaster, the FBI’s “incredible job” investigating January 6, and how Trump once berated ...
www.vanityfair.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:35 AM
We will be dissecting this article by @whipplc.bsky.social in my interviewing classes for years to come.
"Durham and the south have always been home to so much courage and noncompliance and resiliency in the face of historic oppressions. It’s not building a model of charity. It’s building a model of intentional care for each other.” By Victoria Bouloubasis in @theguardian.com. #ncpol
In Durham, North Carolina, neighbors are protecting neighbors from ICE: ‘We care for each other’
Community members have stepped up with carpools, food deliveries, school patrols and policy advocacy
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:13 PM
"Durham and the south have always been home to so much courage and noncompliance and resiliency in the face of historic oppressions. It’s not building a model of charity. It’s building a model of intentional care for each other.” By Victoria Bouloubasis in @theguardian.com. #ncpol
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
Here's a jaw-dropping story from @barryyeoman.com and @jocelynzuck.bsky.social on how dollar-stores are quietly overcharging customers who can ill-afford it. Not on just occasional items, either: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
December 8, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Here's a jaw-dropping story from @barryyeoman.com and @jocelynzuck.bsky.social on how dollar-stores are quietly overcharging customers who can ill-afford it. Not on just occasional items, either: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
NEW — I put together a list of independent journalism subscriptions that would make great holiday gifts. From music to politics, astronomy to alcohol, tech to social justice, there’s something for [almost] everyone. Support indie media *and* surprise and delight your loved ones!
My guide:
My guide:
Giving the gift of independent journalism: a guide
The Handbasket has subscription suggestions for almost everyone on your list.
www.thehandbasket.co
December 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
NEW — I put together a list of independent journalism subscriptions that would make great holiday gifts. From music to politics, astronomy to alcohol, tech to social justice, there’s something for [almost] everyone. Support indie media *and* surprise and delight your loved ones!
My guide:
My guide:
Thanks to The Sunday Long Read for including our investigation of the dollar-store industry in today's newsletter. @thesundaylongread.bsky.social has long been my go-to nonfiction curation source, so I feel honored by the mention. @theguardian.com @jocelynzuck.bsky.social @michaelwhudson.bsky.social
☀️ The Sunday Long Read: 100 Best TV Episodes, No Filter, Playing Santa
The week's best journalism. Every Sunday.
mailchi.mp
December 7, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Thanks to The Sunday Long Read for including our investigation of the dollar-store industry in today's newsletter. @thesundaylongread.bsky.social has long been my go-to nonfiction curation source, so I feel honored by the mention. @theguardian.com @jocelynzuck.bsky.social @michaelwhudson.bsky.social
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
"Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices."
Nice investigation by @barryyeoman.com & @jocelynzuck.bsky.social!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Nice investigation by @barryyeoman.com & @jocelynzuck.bsky.social!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices
A Guardian investigation reveals Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices – charging more at checkout for everything from frying pans to Frosted Flakes
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:08 PM
"Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices."
Nice investigation by @barryyeoman.com & @jocelynzuck.bsky.social!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Nice investigation by @barryyeoman.com & @jocelynzuck.bsky.social!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Elliott Woods has written and photographed a searing account of the deadliest immigration-related disaster in U.S. history: the deaths of 53 migrants who were stuffed inside an overheated truck trailer. A tenacious two-year, three-country research effort. @thefern.org @texasmonthly.bsky.social
He Refused to Let His Brother Go to America Alone. Only One of Them Survived the Journey.
Inside the deadliest immigration-related disaster in American history.
www.texasmonthly.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Elliott Woods has written and photographed a searing account of the deadliest immigration-related disaster in U.S. history: the deaths of 53 migrants who were stuffed inside an overheated truck trailer. A tenacious two-year, three-country research effort. @thefern.org @texasmonthly.bsky.social
My latest Unabridged newsletter features the dollar-store investigation that @jocelynzuck.bsky.social and I did for @theguardian.com. Plus, writing on the Southern immigration busts; podcasts by @shirletteammons.bsky.social, @thislynne.bsky.social and @ilyamarritz.bsky.social; and shipwreck music.
My latest: The Price We Pay
Dollar stores promise low prices to customers who desperately need the savings—and then, we found, overcharge them. Plus, good writing about the Southern immigration busts and some shipwreck music.
barry-yeoman.beehiiv.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:42 AM
My latest Unabridged newsletter features the dollar-store investigation that @jocelynzuck.bsky.social and I did for @theguardian.com. Plus, writing on the Southern immigration busts; podcasts by @shirletteammons.bsky.social, @thislynne.bsky.social and @ilyamarritz.bsky.social; and shipwreck music.
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
Meat loaf. Frosted Flakes. Frozen pizza.
As the cost of living soars, people who can least afford it are regularly being overcharged on basic food items by dollar stores that fail to honor their sticker prices
Great work by @barryyeoman.com @jocelynzuck.bsky.social
As the cost of living soars, people who can least afford it are regularly being overcharged on basic food items by dollar stores that fail to honor their sticker prices
Great work by @barryyeoman.com @jocelynzuck.bsky.social
How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices
A Guardian investigation reveals Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices – charging more at checkout for everything from frying pans to Frosted Flakes
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Meat loaf. Frosted Flakes. Frozen pizza.
As the cost of living soars, people who can least afford it are regularly being overcharged on basic food items by dollar stores that fail to honor their sticker prices
Great work by @barryyeoman.com @jocelynzuck.bsky.social
As the cost of living soars, people who can least afford it are regularly being overcharged on basic food items by dollar stores that fail to honor their sticker prices
Great work by @barryyeoman.com @jocelynzuck.bsky.social
Thanks, everyone, for the overwhelming response to our Guardian investigation of how dollar-store industry overcharges vulnerable customers. I'm proud to say that, all day yesterday, we ran neck-and-neck with a drunk raccoon. (1/2)
December 4, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Thanks, everyone, for the overwhelming response to our Guardian investigation of how dollar-store industry overcharges vulnerable customers. I'm proud to say that, all day yesterday, we ran neck-and-neck with a drunk raccoon. (1/2)
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
Great Guardian piece on some shocking dollar store shenanigans (co-written by Durham journo legend Barry Yeoman)
How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices
A Guardian investigation reveals Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices – charging more at checkout for everything from frying pans to Frosted Flakes
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Great Guardian piece on some shocking dollar store shenanigans (co-written by Durham journo legend Barry Yeoman)
Reposted by Barry Yeoman
Had the pleasure of working with investigative pro @barryyeoman.com on this story about chain dollar stores and the way they rip off their customers for @theguardian1.bsky.social. Hope you'll check it out.
MY LATEST: Chain dollar stores promise big savings—but the low prices listed on the shelves often don’t materialize at checkout. As the cost of living soars, the customers bearing the burden are those who can least afford it. An investigation for @theguardian.com with @jocelynzuck.bsky.social.
How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices
A Guardian investigation reveals Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices – charging more at checkout for everything from frying pans to Frosted Flakes
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Had the pleasure of working with investigative pro @barryyeoman.com on this story about chain dollar stores and the way they rip off their customers for @theguardian1.bsky.social. Hope you'll check it out.
MY LATEST: Chain dollar stores promise big savings—but the low prices listed on the shelves often don’t materialize at checkout. As the cost of living soars, the customers bearing the burden are those who can least afford it. An investigation for @theguardian.com with @jocelynzuck.bsky.social.
How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices
A Guardian investigation reveals Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices – charging more at checkout for everything from frying pans to Frosted Flakes
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM
MY LATEST: Chain dollar stores promise big savings—but the low prices listed on the shelves often don’t materialize at checkout. As the cost of living soars, the customers bearing the burden are those who can least afford it. An investigation for @theguardian.com with @jocelynzuck.bsky.social.
Today is the first #WorldAIDSDay not to be recognized by the US government since 1988. In honor, I recommend this episode of Death, Sex & Money, about how Metropolitan Community Church became a refuge for people who were sick and those who were mourning. @thislynne.bsky.social @annasale.bsky.social
“The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I’m Gay”
Where being gay and being Christian was not a contradiction.
slate.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Today is the first #WorldAIDSDay not to be recognized by the US government since 1988. In honor, I recommend this episode of Death, Sex & Money, about how Metropolitan Community Church became a refuge for people who were sick and those who were mourning. @thislynne.bsky.social @annasale.bsky.social