☀️ Today’s Weather
Monday, April 20, 2026 — Overcast. High 61°F, Low 39°F. 4% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Science Hill is a high school. Roan Mountain is a place you go on weekends. And somehow every ETSU student you meet has already been to both.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City is home to East Tennessee State University, one of the region’s most beloved institutions. ETSU was originally founded under a different name — what was that original name, and in what year was it established?
Answer: ETSU was founded as East Tennessee State Normal School in 1911, originally established to educate teachers. The institution eventually became East Tennessee State University in 1963, adopting the name it holds today.
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Starbucks Employees Vote to Unionize
Baristas at the Johnson City Starbucks location have voted to join the Workers United movement, making it the seventh unionized Starbucks in Tennessee. The union election marks a notable labor milestone for the local coffee shop community.
Read more at Johnson City Press
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Johnson City to Convert West State of Franklin for More Downtown Parking
Johnson City is moving forward with a plan to convert a portion of West State of Franklin Road in the downtown area to create additional parking. The project is aimed at addressing ongoing parking demand in the growing downtown corridor.
Thousands Attend 13th Annual Thirsty Orange Beer Festival
The 13th annual Thirsty Orange Beer Festival drew thousands of attendees from across the region this past weekend. The popular annual event celebrated local and regional craft beer culture in Johnson City.
Johnson City Proclaimed April as Donate Life Month, Honors 9-1-1 Operators and ETSU
Johnson City recently held a proclamations ceremony recognizing 9-1-1 operators and ETSU, shining a spotlight on the dedicated public servants and the university’s contributions to the community. The event also included the designation of Donate Life Month.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Washington County EMS Demonstrates Perils of Drunk Driving
Washington County EMS recently conducted a demonstration highlighting the dangers of impaired driving for the local community. The event was designed to raise awareness and promote traffic safety among area residents.
Local CAC Reports Increase in Child-to-Child Abuse Material, Early AI Trend
The local Children’s Advocacy Center has reported a troubling increase in child-to-child abuse material cases, along with what officials are describing as an early trend involving artificial intelligence. The report highlights growing challenges facing child welfare professionals in the region.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📋 Corrections
Correction: Yesterday’s trivia answer incorrectly stated that The Down Home is located on Sevier Street. The correct address is 300 West Main Street in Johnson City, where the venue has been located since it opened on June 18, 1976. We apologize for the error and thank the reader who brought it to our attention.
📅 Upcoming Events
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party — April 24, 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
A block party on West Walnut Street in downtown Johnson City. For full details, visit the Visit Johnson City events page.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Art·Struck Festival — April 25, 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A local arts festival in Johnson City. For full details on location and activities, visit the Visit Johnson City events page.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Washington County Household Hazardous Waste Event
Washington County is hosting a household hazardous waste collection event for residents looking to safely dispose of hazardous materials. Check the source for date, time, and location details.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Holston Habitat’s Rally for Roofs Pickleball Tournament — Registration Open Until May 5
Registration is open through May 5, 2026 for Holston Habitat for Humanity’s “Rally for Roofs Pickleball Tournament.” This fundraising tournament supports Holston Habitat’s homebuilding mission in the region. Visit the source link for tournament date, location, and registration details.
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.
53rd Upper East Tennessee Science Fair
Young scientists from across the region will present their projects at the 53rd annual Upper East Tennessee Science Fair. Visit the source for date, time, and location information.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Mill Spring Makers Faire — May 16, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A makers and crafts fair in the Johnson City area. For full details on location and activities, visit the Visit Johnson City events page.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Art in Bloom Art Market — May 23, 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A local art market in Johnson City. For full event details, visit the Visit Johnson City events page.
Read more at Visit Johnson City