☀️ Today’s Weather
Friday, April 17, 2026 — Drizzle. High 80°F, Low 57°F. 36% chance of rain.
😄 Joke of the Day
A tourist visiting Johnson City asks a local, “How do you handle all these hills?” The local squints and says, “Son, we don’t handle them — we just decide which ones are worth the parking.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City Medical Center recently expanded its oncology program with new advanced surgical capabilities. But JCMC is part of a larger regional health system that serves Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee, and parts of Kentucky and North Carolina. What is the name of that health system — and in what year was it formed through the merger of two legacy hospital networks?
Answer: Ballad Health — formed in 2018 through the merger of Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System.
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Starbucks Employees Win Union Election, Marking 7th Unionized Location in TN
Employees at a Johnson City Starbucks location have voted in favor of unionizing, joining the nationwide Starbucks Workers United movement. The win makes this location the seventh unionized Starbucks in Tennessee, part of a growing wave of labor organizing at Starbucks stores across the country.
Sponsored by
Frazier Plumbing
Got a leaky pipe, a water heater on its last legs, or a drain that’s given up? Frazier Plumbing has been solving plumbing problems for Tri-Cities homeowners since 1980 — family-owned, locally operated, and available 24/7 when things go wrong at the worst possible time. No runaround, no oversized crews. Just experienced local plumbers who show up and fix it right.
Johnson City Medical Center’s Oncology Program Adds Advanced Abdominal, Liver Cancer Surgeries
Johnson City Medical Center has announced an expansion of its oncology program with the addition of advanced abdominal and liver cancer surgical capabilities. The expansion signals a continued investment in specialized cancer care for the region, giving local patients access to complex procedures closer to home.
2026 Big South Tournament Brought Increased Economic Activity to Johnson City
The 2026 Big South Conference tournament, held in Johnson City, generated a notable increase in local economic activity compared to prior years. Organizers and local officials highlighted the event’s positive impact on area businesses, hotels, and the broader community.
Median Home Price in Northeast Tennessee Now at $282,000
The Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors has released new data showing the median price of homes in the region is currently sitting at $282,000. The figure reflects ongoing demand for housing in the area, which has seen steady population growth in recent years.
Antioch Road Rezoning Moves to Final Reading Amid Public Opposition
A proposed rezoning along Antioch Road in Johnson City has advanced to a final reading before the city commission, even as residents have voiced significant concerns about the project. The move follows an earlier vote in which commissioners signaled tentative support while awaiting additional information; the matter will now come before the full commission for a final decision.
Read more at Johnson City Press
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Vital CPR
Most people will never need to use CPR — but the ones who do will be glad they knew how. Vital CPR offers American Heart Association certified classes for Johnson City residents, healthcare providers, caregivers, workplace teams, and anyone who just wants to know what to do in an emergency. Classes are friendly, thorough, and efficient — and your AHA card is issued upon completion of the course. Can’t make it to a class? They’ll come to you. On-site training is available for groups and businesses throughout the Tri-Cities.
📅 Upcoming Events
Thirsty Orange Beer Festival — April 18, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Downtown Johnson City
Johnson City’s popular craft beer festival returns downtown for another afternoon of local and regional brews. A great chance to sample a wide variety of beers and enjoy the downtown atmosphere.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Johnson City Jazz Festival — April 18–19, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Jackson Theatre (Sunday performance confirmed at this venue)
Johnson City’s annual Jazz Festival returns for multiple nights of live jazz music. Performances are scheduled across multiple evenings at local venues. Check the festival website for the full lineup and ticketing details.
More info at johnsoncityjazzfestival.com
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party — April 24, 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
West Walnut Street, Johnson City
ETSU’s Forever Fest Week of Giving culminates with a lively block party on West Walnut Street. Come out to celebrate community, giving, and ETSU spirit with food, fun, and festivities.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Art·Struck Festival — April 25, 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Johnson City
Art·Struck is downtown Johnson City’s spring arts festival, showcasing visual artists, makers, and creatives from across the region. Browse original artwork, enjoy live entertainment, and support local artists in the heart of the city.
More info at Downtown Johnson City
Rail Jam! — May 2, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Johnson City Railroad Experience — W King St, Johnson City, TN 37604
A free outdoor concert and museum event featuring live music from Jenny and the Weazels, Bratfolk, Ryan Brenard, and John Bill & the Academics. Food truck on site. Concerts and museum admission are completely free. Made possible by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Mill Spring Makers Faire — May 16, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Johnson City area
The Mill Spring Makers Faire brings together local makers, crafters, artisans, and DIY enthusiasts for a full day of creativity and community. Visit for info on exact location and vendor details.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Art in Bloom Art Market — May 23, 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Johnson City area
Art in Bloom is a spring art market celebrating local and regional artists alongside the beauty of the season. Browse original works, handmade goods, and more at this community favorite. Visit the link below for location and vendor details.
More info at Visit Johnson City