Sam Perez

1 day ago | wbir.com | Sam Perez

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Tourism is a major economic engine in Asheville, North Carolina, generating hundreds of millions of dollars each year and serving as the area’s second-largest driver of growth, according to the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Spring typically marks the beginning of a busy season, drawing visitors as the weather improves.

1 week ago | wbir.com | Sam Perez

SWANNANOA, N.C. — Fred Forester has lived in Swannanoa, N.C. for nearly 25 years. The small community right outside of Asheville was devastated when Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina in September. 10News sent a crew to the area immediately following the flood to tell the stories of people impacted. That's when we first met Forester. “It’s going to be a lot of work,” Forester said, three days after the storm hit. Now, seven months later, his home looks completely different.

1 week ago | wbir.com | Sam Perez

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As you plan out your week, here are a few construction projects that might affect your commute the week of May 5. First up, there is an ongoing project in Knox County. Life Star Road will be closed from east of Performance Way to the entrance to the University of Tennessee Veterinary facility. Traffic is routed to Medical Center Way to access any facilities along that road for the next month, with the work set to finish on May 31.

1 week ago | wbir.com | Sam Perez

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Even after the final bow, there’s still work happening at the Tennessee Theatre. It started as a Movie Palace in 1928. Now, it hosts live performances year-round. Crew members work long hours to make that possible, setting up the stage while most of us are sleeping. The theatre uses union crews from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). “It's not for everybody,” IATSE Local 197 Business Agent Matt Cryah explained.

2 weeks ago | wbir.com | Sam Perez

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Traffic signs help guide drivers safely through intersections, neighborhoods and construction zones. But few people stop to consider where those signs come from — or who’s behind them. At the Knox County Engineering & Public Works Department, sign technician Darrell Lawson and supervisor Buddy Loy handle much of the production. "It's a phenomenal amount of traffic signs are out there," Loy said.