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.

Outdoors
3 weeks ago
Hikes of WNC: Waterrock Knob Trail

This gorgeous hike, featuring a large parking lot, a half-mile ascent to a great lookout and ready access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sylva, N.C. 

Entertainment
4 weeks ago
‘Song Sung Blue’ is a messy melodrama, but sung sweet – 828reviewsNOW

There is something irresistible about Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” especially as performed by Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. “Song Sung Blue” understands this very well. Read our full review of the musical melodrama below.

Entertainment
4 weeks ago
Tired of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’? Try these alternative Christmas movies

Are you feeling reluctant to take “Elf” off the shelf? Is your “Home Alone” tradition in need of renovation? Is your 34th viewing of “Miracle on 34th Street” just one time too many? Like Rudolph with his nose so bright, 828reviewsNOW is here to help.

Music
4 weeks ago
WNC bluegrass band to celebrate 500th performance this weekend

Local bluegrass outfit The JackTown Ramblers are heading to Jack of the Wood for their 500th performance this weekend. The bluegrass band will take to the stage from 8:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27 at the downtown pub.

Business
4 weeks ago
Dunkin’ is comin’ to Biltmore Village, Abbott Construction confirms

Just weeks after the “fancy McDonald’s” announced its reopening in Biltmore Village, another franchise has announced its return to the historic Asheville district. Contractors from John W. Abbott Construction Company, Inc. have confirmed that Dunkin’ will be moving into the space formerly occupied by Long John Silver’s at 781 Biltmore Ave.

Entertainment
4 weeks ago
Top 5 international movies of 2025 – 828reviewsNOW

2025 was a fantastic year for global cinema. From searing docudramas to surreal celebrations of the film medium itself, we visit Brazil, China, Iran, Norway and Palestine to bring you the best international movies of 2025. Read our list.

Arts & Culture
4 weeks ago
The best books of 2025, according to WNC booksellers

Who better to tell you about the best books of 2025 than the folks at the local bookstores of Western North Carolina? From queer vampires to epistolary charmers, read on for our local booksellers’ favorite reads of the year.

Outdoors
1 month ago
Hikes of WNC: Catawba Falls River Trail

We celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, tomorrow, so here is a breezy, nearby hike to enjoy. The Catawba Falls River Trail, located just outside of Old Fort, N.C., is an easily accessible route that starts off nice and flat before climaxing with an impressive waterfall – and a massive staircase, to match.

Music
1 month ago
Trousdale, Turnstile, Tyler Childers: The best albums of 2025

828newsNOW and our friends at the Asheville Media Group, including DJs for Mix 96.5, 98.1 The River and La Pantera 97.3, are proud to present a list of our favorite albums of the year.

Arts & Culture
1 month ago
Highlights from the Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition

The annual National Gingerbread House Competition has returned to the Omni Grove Park Inn for another year of stellar sugary sculptures. The gingerbread houses are on display for free at the Grove Park Inn, where they will remain until Jan. 4, 2026.