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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.

Stone wall with a wooden welcome sign beside a shaded porch of a national forest visitor center, autumn trees in the background.
Outdoors
1 month ago
Local nonprofit awarded $5.6 million in funding for Pisgah trail restoration

Pisgah Area SORBA, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of over 150 miles of trails in the Pisgah Ranger District, has been awarded $5.6 million in disaster relief funding from the National Forest Foundation, a congressionally-charted nonprofit partner of the USDA Forest Service.

Exterior view of a nature center: a tall wooden sign with a circular logo and 'Nature Center' text, beside a mural-painted wall and visitors on a sunny walkway.
Community
1 month ago
WNC Nature Center announces death of red panda Phoenix

The Western North Carolina Nature Center shared sad news on social media today after Phoenix, a 14-year-old red panda, passed away after a recent decline in health.

Sports bar interior filled with football banners, flags, and jerseys hanging from the ceiling, with large TV screens showing a live match.
Sports
1 month ago
Where to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Asheville

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner. Read our list of places to watch the World Cup in Asheville this June.

Triptych collage of three men: left bearded man in yellow-lit hallway looking up, center muscular armored warrior with a sword, right man with surprised expression.
Entertainment
2 months ago
‘Backrooms,’ He-Man and ‘Scary Movie’: New movies to see or skip in June 2026

Looking for a new movie to see as summer vacation starts? Check out our reviews of three major releases: the indie horror phenomenon “Backrooms,” the silly 80s throwback “Masters of the Universe” and the sixth installment of the long-running parody series “Scary Movie.”

Mobile exhibit trailer labeled Museum of Unnatural Disasters sits on a grassy park with trees and a distant neoclassical building in the background.
Community
2 months ago
Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville featured in Washington, D.C., museum exhibit

The “Museum of Unnatural Disasters” is an exhibit cataloguing the experiences of disaster survivors from across the United States over the last three years, including Tropical Storm Helene. The pop-up will be open in Washington, D.C., through mid-June.

Education
2 months ago
Buncombe County Schools superintendent announces retirement after 34 years

After 34 years serving in North Carolina public schools, Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Rob Jackson has announced his retirement, effective Aug. 31, 2026.

Firefighters on an aerial ladder in front of a brick building, with onlookers and two red fire trucks nearby.
Crime & Safety
2 months ago
Fire at 131 Main brings emergency response to Biltmore Park

A fire broke out this evening at local restaurant 131 Main in Biltmore Park, bringing emergency response vehicles to the area.

Cartoon astronaut floating among stars on a mural, with teal and blue waves and a metal railing in the foreground.
Local
2 months ago
Asheville Tourists fans turn backpacks into care packages for veterans

Asheville is home to a large community of veterans, but many are in need of support. Yesterday, Asheville Tourists fans enacted “Operation Packs for Patriots,” a volunteer event where participants assembled care packages on behalf of local veteran nonprofits.

Community
2 months ago
Asheville I-26 Connector project: Questions answered

The I-26 Connector project is now underway across Asheville, prompting questions about scope and reach. 828newsNOW reached out to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for answers.

Three smiling women stand on a sunny street, holding a colorful parade poster saying 'Marshall's Mermaid Parade & Festival'.
On The Town
2 months ago
Marshall Mermaid Parade returns this weekend for ‘magical’ post-Helene celebration

The Mermaid Parade and Festival is Marshall’s biggest event of the year. According to the organizers, it is the mountain town’s most magical, too.

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