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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.

Entrance glass doors to a brick building, decorated with a bold black-red-white animal graphic and large lettering above.
Community
1 month ago
Buncombe County shifts location of Fourth of July celebration

While past celebrations were held at Lake Julian Park, Buncombe County residents are invited to watch Fourth of July fireworks this year at North Buncombe Fields in Weaverville, N.C.

Exterior of a textured beige pebble-dash building with red brick window trim and a Cultural Center sign, with leafy branches on the right.
On The Town
1 month ago
The Block to receive custom bench made from tree felled by Tropical Storm Helene

This Juneteenth, The Block, the historic Black business sector of downtown Asheville, will receive a new, custom-designed bench from Echoes of the Forest, a nonprofit creating functional artwork from trees felled by Tropical Storm Helene.

Storefront window with a large 'Starting July 1st' sign and colorful kids' posters visible through the glass.
Arts & Culture
1 month ago
Brevard bookstore to hold Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt at 30+ local businesses

Where’s Brevaldo? Highland Books will launch its annual Find Waldo Local event this July, inviting Brevard locals and visitors alike to track down Waldo at over 30 businesses. Participants who find Waldo at least 20 times will receive a special prize.

Brown road sign reading 'Grandfather Mountain State Park' with arrows and 'Profile Trail Access' in a wooded roadside area, beside a guardrail and power lines.
Outdoors
1 month ago
Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail reopens for first time since Helene

One of the most iconic hiking trails in Western North Carolina has reached a major restoration milestone since Tropical Storm Helene swept through the region in September 2024. The Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail, a 3.6-mile, 1,775-feet climb up the paternal peak, has partially reopened.

Person in a pink shirt holds a crate filled with fresh leafy greens and colorful vegetables in a parking lot market.
Food & Drink
1 month ago
Bounty & Soul expands free food distribution after 300% increase in need

With taxes on the rise, budgets tightening and the local economy still recovering after Tropical Storm Helene, access to fresh food can feel like a luxury. Bounty & Soul sees it as a human right.

Red brick church with a large arched window, partially obscured by trees on a grassy lawn.
Community
1 month ago
Asheville nonprofit turns guns into art as city recognizes National Gun Violence Awareness Month

RAWtools, an Asheville gun disposal nonprofit, will hold an event later this month for residents who wish to anonymously recycle firearms.

Education
1 month ago
Documentary honoring horror icon raises over $1,400 for Hendersonville schools

Horror legend Vincent Price would have been 115 years old on May 27, 2026. A Flat Rock screening of a documentary about the actor raised over $1,400 for the Arts Council of Henderson County.

Two men in ornate historical costumes stand outdoors, looking upward toward the sky; one wears a white embroidered tunic with gold buttons and a red and green turban, the other a beige brocade outfit with a brown cloak and hat.
Arts & Culture
1 month ago
Montford Park Players: Iago, Desdemona, Emilia shine in uneven ‘Othello’

“Othello,” one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, is now being performed by the Montford Park Players. Read our review for more.

Wooden-framed sign under a blue sky with a white horse illustration and the words 'White Horse Black Mountain' and a 'Pay What You Can' panel nearby.
Music
1 month ago
Black Mountain Blues Experience to bring award-winning artists to town in September

This fall, the Black Mountain Blues Society will collaborate with newly-remodeled music venue White Horse Black Mountain to bring three days of blues music to downtown Black Mountain, N.C.

Tall brick building with a decorative tiered rooftop rising above green trees against a blue sky.
Housing
1 month ago
New Asheville budget brings tax increase for ‘most’ taxpayers, city says

A 2026-27 fiscal budget was officially adopted by Asheville City Council earlier this week, creating a roadmap for what city life will look like for residents and officials alike between July 2026 and June 2027. One change will be an increase in property taxes for “most” taxpayers, the city said.

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