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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.

Informational map kiosk on a city sidewalk, surrounded by trees and parked cars in downtown Asheville.
Crime & Safety
4 weeks ago
Underground equipment malfunction causes outage for 100s in downtown Asheville

A power outage hit downtown Asheville around 4:08 p.m. this afternoon. Duke Energy reports that power will be restored within the next two hours, but some could be without power overnight.

Bright sunlit river scene with a clear blue sky, trees along the banks, and a calm water surface below.
Outdoors
4 weeks ago
Asheville Parks & Rec unveils new design for French Broad River parks

In the coming days, Asheville residents will be able to take a look at the design concept for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Project near the river itself. The design will be displayed on riverfront banners, at community centers and online.

People skate on an outdoor rink surrounded by trees and pedestrians, with a city bus and buildings in the background.
On The Town
4 weeks ago
Temporary skating rink to be built in downtown Asheville for $682,000

During the Asheville City Council meeting tonight, a temporary skating rink was approved for construction in a $682,157 contract with B. Allen Construction, Inc. The temporary rink will be built on Asheland Avenue in downtown Asheville.

Crime & Safety
4 weeks ago
Asheville police, fire headquarters to remain open during downtown restoration

This summer, construction crews will begin a year-long restoration of the Asheville Police Department and Fire Station 1 headquarters in downtown Asheville. City officials stated that both services will remain active during the renovation.

Sign near a river warning of Riverside Park wave construction ahead with logos and safety icons, trees in the background
Crime & Safety
4 weeks ago
Woodfin police stopping Taylor’s Wave paddlers for safety talks

The $4.8 million Taylor’s Wave project is an eagerly anticipated installation for French Broad River kayakers, surfers and paddlers. However, until the river wave officially opens later this year, Woodfin police urge the community to stay safe and keep out.

Two elderly women sit on a white quilt in a showroom, with blue paneled wall, angel wing art and a cross between them, flanked by Posh+ Lavish signs and lamps on both sides
Community
4 weeks ago
Local mattress shop to host benefit for ‘Mattress Sisters’ flood survivors

Two Fairview women, Jackie Fenstermacher and her older sister, Cynthia Dunn, will be the focus of a community benefit this weekend, over a year and a half after they survived Tropical Storm Helene flooding by holding onto a mattress.

Blue-painted panel set into a brick wall, featuring a row of cute red miniature houses along the bottom and a small sun emblem in the center.
Politics
4 weeks ago
Buncombe County officials address local impact of new state property tax bills

Since North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 889, a moratorium on 2026 property tax reappraisal, local officials have been uncertain about the future of property tax changes implemented in recently adopted fiscal budgets.

Exterior rendering of Asheville Oakley Fire Station 9 in Asheville, NC, showing brick building with red bay doors and American flag on a clear day
Crime & Safety
4 weeks ago
Asheville officials reveal new design for Oakley fire station

City officials have unveiled the latest design concept for a new Fire Station 9, the center of the first phase in plans to modernize public safety facilities in the Oakley community of east Asheville.

Theater stage with a blue-lit backdrop displaying 'Footloose' and silhouettes; audience seated in the foreground.
Arts & Culture
1 month ago
‘Footloose’ at Flat Rock Playhouse can boogie

You better cut loose, “Footloose,” and head down to Flat Rock Playhouse, home of the dance-heavy musical from June 12–July 5. Read our review for more.

Two people stand smiling in front of a mural with a purple globe and inspirational text on the wall behind them.
Community
1 month ago
‘It’s tough’: Local nonprofit reports countywide spike in youth need after Helene

Following Tropical Storm Helene and regional youth programming budget cuts, KL Training Solutions, a local youth enrichment nonprofit, has reported a massive increase in need among young people in Buncombe County.