HCA Healthcare is challenging whether the North Carolina attorney general has the authority to enforce provisions of the agreement that governed its acquisition of Mission Health in 2019. The argument appears in an October 15 motion asking a court to dismiss a lawsuit over hospital services, a case filed by the state in December 2023.

Buncombe County reported substantially higher early-voting participation than comparable periods in 2018 and 2022. Early voting is scheduled to end October 31 at 3 p.m.

Yancey County has sued to recover an 84.5-acre Burnsville industrial site transferred to a company that proposed a large manufacturing investment. The case remains pending.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center has earned its sixth accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, marking another milestone for Asheville's wildlife education facility. The City of Asheville announced the result in October following a comprehensive review of the center's operations.

Buncombe County has stopped pursuing the Enka Heritage Trail, ending a vision first developed in 2014 for a roughly 2.5-mile walking and biking route along Hominy Creek near the Bob Lewis Ballpark. The plan aimed to connect recreational spaces and make it easier for Enka-Candler residents to reach parks and other destinations without driving.

Western North Carolina's river cleanup effort faces an uncertain future as MountainTrue seeks renewed state funding for crews removing debris left by Hurricane Helene. In an October 21 appeal, the Asheville-based environmental nonprofit said existing financial support is running out even though substantial work remains along mountain waterways.

Western North Carolina has a lively lineup for Halloween weekend, from family-friendly outdoor traditions to storytelling, live music and seasonal celebrations. Here are several confirmed highlights for Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1.

In downtown Asheville, a familiar name from the era of five-and-dime stores has become a home for local creativity. Woolworth Walk occupies the historic former F. W. Woolworth building on Haywood Street, blending an art gallery with the nostalgic appeal of a soda fountain.

Highland Brewing is preparing to open Oscar's Pizza at its East Asheville brewery, giving visitors another food option on the 40-acre campus at 12 Old Charlotte Highway. The new pizzeria is named for Highland Brewing founder Oscar Wong, who helped establish Asheville's craft beer culture and died in 2025.

A mix of restaurant comebacks, upcoming debuts and a healthcare-business acquisition is reshaping parts of Asheville's local business landscape. These updates reflect reported plans and changes as of October 28; businesses described as preparing to open are not necessarily serving customers yet.

Ole's Guacamoles is working toward an Asheville return, renovating space at 4 Sweeten Creek Road in Biltmore Village after Hurricane Helene damaged its former South Tunnel Road location. The family-owned Mexican restaurant is moving into the former Moe's Original BBQ building. Renovations are underway, but the business has not announced an opening date.

Western North Carolina's retirement industry supported 13,865 jobs in 2025 as an aging population increases demand for housing, transportation, caregivers and healthcare.

A free October 30 Medicare workshop at UNC Asheville offers practical guidance for older adults and families.

A free Medicare class is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2:30–4:30 p.m. at UNC Asheville's OLLI Lifelong Learning Center. The Council on Aging of Buncombe County and SHIIP will explain Medicare enrollment, penalties and potential savings.

Surfers and kayakers have a new place to test their skills in Woodfin, where Taylor’s Wave opened for public use in October 2026 after years of planning and delays associated with Tropical Storm Helene. The approximately $4.8 million engineered feature creates a standing wave on the French Broad River near Riverside Park, allowing appropriately equipped and experienced paddlers to ride in place rather than follow the river downstream.

Richmond Hill Park in northwest Asheville has partially reopened after extensive storm-related damage, bringing hiking opportunities and disc golf back to an important neighborhood green space. According to the City of Asheville’s park information reviewed October 16, 2026, some hiking trails are open during normal park hours, and the 18-hole disc golf course has fully reopened.