Pruett Norris

Pruett Norris is a staff reporter and film critic for 828newsNOW. He is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) and graduated from Appalachian State University with degrees in English and Electronic Media/Broadcasting. He enjoys vampire movies, Scrabble and hanging out with his cat, Tommy Chainsaw. Contact him at pruett@828newsNOW.com.

Asheville History
1 week ago
Strangeville: Before Enka, Candler or Enka-Candler, there was Scratch Ankle

The land around Enka Commerce Park, home to the famed Enka Clock Tower, used to be known as Scratch Ankle, N.C.

Outdoors
1 week ago
Hikes of WNC: Bakers Mountain Loop

Bakers Mountain Loop is a 2.2 mile looping trail located inside of Bakers Mountain Park outside of Hickory, N.C. Well-maintained, clearly marked and lovingly detailed, the hike is a fun, moderate climb to a great mountain view.

Entertainment
2 weeks ago
‘People We Meet on Vacation’ is more jet lag than romcom – 828reviewsNOW

The first big romantic comedy of 2026 has arrived. “People We Meet on Vacation,” adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name by Emily Henry and starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, will begin streaming on Netflix on Friday, Jan. 9. Read our review.

On The Town
2 weeks ago
Things to do in Asheville & WNC: Jan. 9-11

Hunting for weekend plans? Look no further. We’ve got you covered with our Asheville activity guide, featuring music, movies and Christmas tree burn parties.

Music
2 weeks ago
‘Caverns of Gold’ organizers to play Orange Peel benefit for ABCCM

“Caverns of Gold: A Benefit for WNC Hurricane Relief” was one of the biggest benefit albums to come out of Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts. This weekend, four “Caverns of Gold” bands will play a benefit show in the spirit of the album.

Business
2 weeks ago
‘Fancy’ Biltmore Village McDonald’s celebrates grand reopening

The “fancy” Biltmore Village McDonald’s, beloved for its Biltmore-style design and flourishes like a self-playing piano, celebrated its grand reopening after Tropical Storm Helene with community leaders, Asheville High School pep and even an appearance from Grimace, the fast food franchise’s purple mascot.

Food & Drink
2 weeks ago
Enka eateries: 2 new dining spots open in Enka-Candler

Two new eateries, Ocha Thai and Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station, have opened within one month and a half-mile of each other on Smokey Park Highway in Enka-Candler, N.C.

Arts & Culture
2 weeks ago
Flat Rock Playhouse announces 12 shows for 2026 season

Flat Rock Playhouse, a professional theatre located in the village of Flat Rock, N.C., has announced its 2026 season of plays, musicals and tribute concert experiences. The 12 show season will feature popular titles like “Footloose,” “Rent” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

Entertainment
2 weeks ago
FAT plans David Lynch movies for 1st anniversary of director’s death

To commemorate the one year anniversary of the passing of revered film director David Lynch, the Fine Arts Theatre, Asheville’s downtown arthouse movie theater, will show “Eraserhead” and “Mulholland Drive” in special screenings later this month.

Crime & Safety
2 weeks ago
APD detective uncovers massive apartment fraud network

Three days after Masieuh Dewayne Morgan, 19, was arrested on 25 felony counts, Asheville Police Department detective Aaron Buyanovsky spoke with 828newsNOW to shed light on the web of fraud that led to Morgan’s apprehension.