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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.

Food & Drink
4 weeks ago
3 Asheville breweries score medals in international beer competition

The World Beer Cup, a prestigious beer competition between brewers from all over the globe, held its 2026 ceremony on Wednesday, April 22. Three Asheville competitors claimed medals, including Wicked Weed Brewing, Diatribe Brewing Company and Hi-Wire Brewing Company.

Cartoon hot dog on an orange banner with teal script lettering, part of a retro brand logo.
Music
4 weeks ago
New music venue Hellbender unveils logo, Geese, LCD Soundsystem shows

Hellbender by the Orange Peel, an outdoor venue opening this July along the Swannanoa River, has unveiled its new logo, designed by local tattoo artist Danny Reed of Hot Stuff Tattoo.

Two men in work shirts stand on a forest gravel path, smiling, with cut branches and tools nearby on the right side.
Outdoors
1 month ago
Pisgah Area SORBA is protecting WNC trails, one volunteer at a time

After Tropical Storm Helene, many Western North Carolina hiking and biking trails were destroyed, suffering from flooding, felled trees and other damages. They may have stayed that way without Pisgah Area SORBA and its mighty team of volunteers.

Living room with a gallery wall on a mustard-yellow wall, featuring many framed artworks around a cursive text design, a beige sofa, and two lamps.
Business
1 month ago
Local coffee shop, arts nonprofit C.A.M.P. to close this May

Just over one year after opening, Coffee, Art, Music type Place, a coffee shop and arts nonprofit located off of Tunnel Road, has announced that it will shut its doors at the end of May.

Children jump into a pool from the edge as a lifeguard and another adult supervise nearby indoors.
Health & Wellness
1 month ago
YMCA offers swim lessons, safety tips for National Water Safety Month

As Asheville prepares for water hole adventures, public pool days and beach trips, the YMCA of Western North Carolina offering expanded swim education programming for all ages. May is National Water Safety Month.

Outdoors
1 month ago
Hikes of WNC: Devil’s Courthouse

Don’t let the name fool you. Devil’s Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway boasts some truly angelic views, even if the hike up is hellish on the calves. Read more in our hiking guide.

Hendersonville Theatre sign on a stone building with an events board listing April shows and dates outdoors under a blue sky
Arts & Culture
1 month ago
‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at Hendersonville Theatre is a pop-punk pleasure

Hendersonville Theatre concludes their very funny take on William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” this weekend, with performances scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 24 and 3 p.m. on April 25-26.

Woman in a blue blouse speaks into a microphone at a wooden podium with a university seal, outdoors.
Community
1 month ago
UNC Asheville dedicates Oscar Wong Memorial Garden to late Highland Brewing founder

Oscar Wong, the late founder of Highland Brewing Company renowned as the “Godfather of Asheville craft beer,” was memorialized with a garden at the University of North Carolina Asheville this week.

Brick building façade with an arched red sign reading 'Biltmore Crossing Gemelli Italian' and smaller tenant plaques below.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
Italian restaurant Gemelli brings new life to historic Biltmore Village building

Gemelli Italian restaurant is serving up community and recovery in Biltmore Village. As the historic Asheville business sector rebuilds from damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene, Gemelli has brought new life to one of its oldest buildings.

Exterior view of Buncombe County Schools building with a circular logo and white lettering on red brick under a clear blue sky
Education
1 month ago
May 1 rally shifts Buncombe County Schools to teacher workday

Buncombe County Schools has announced that schools will close for a teacher workday on Friday, May 1, the date of a statewide educator rally in Raleigh, N.C., citing safety concerns.