Asheville Faces Storms, Resilience Shines in Blood Drive, Downtown Revitalization

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, June 26.

Asheville wakes up today to another classic summer’s day in the Blue Ridge, but make sure to keep an umbrella handy. Thunderstorms are in the forecast with a high of 88 degrees, and the mountain air is thick with that pre-storm energy. The weather serves up some drama, so stay tuned to local updates if you’re planning to be outdoors, especially in the afternoon when storm chances peak. But don’t let the clouds dampen your plans, because the city is buzzing with important events and opportunities.

One of the top happenings across the region today is the 38th annual Operation Blood Drive. This beloved community effort is a cornerstone of Asheville’s spirit, now in its thirty-eighth year, and it could not come at a more vital time. Organizers from News 13, the American Red Cross, and The Blood Connection are setting up multiple donation sites across western North Carolina, making it as easy as ever to roll up your sleeve and donate. The need for blood is especially high this year after many longtime donors moved away following Hurricane Helene, so every pint donated can make a lifesaving difference for neighbors in need. Donors today will also receive special event T-shirts and other thank-you gifts. If you want to help, check out RedCrossBlood.org or thebloodconnection.org for location info and to make an appointment. Be a hero for your community.

Downtown Asheville continues to feel the lasting effects of Tropical Storm Helene, with more than 40 businesses closing over the past several months. A drop in visitors and a challenging recovery period have shaken the local economy, but business leaders remain optimistic and are working hard to revitalize the heart of Asheville. This resilience comes through in community stories, like Kim Pierce, who decided to make Asheville her home despite challenges. She recently bought a new condo in River Knoll after Helene, and her upbeat attitude is a beacon for others rebuilding alongside her.

In sports news, the UNC Asheville Bulldogs women’s tennis program is looking ahead to a bright future, having just signed Sofia Segui and Isabella Moss to their roster for the upcoming season. The community continues to support local student-athletes, showing that teamwork goes way beyond the court.

As always, there are plenty of local restaurants, art galleries, and parks to explore if you’re looking to enjoy all that Asheville’s vibrant downtown and scenic neighborhoods offer. Despite the storms—both literal and figurative—Asheville keeps moving, keeps rebuilding, and keeps welcoming anyone ready to roll up their sleeves or simply enjoy the beauty of the mountains.

This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.