☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy showers today with a high of 77°F and a low of 64°F — 67% chance of rain, so keep that umbrella handy, Johnson City.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Science Hill students are out here getting perfect ACT scores while ETSU students are using a hiking club to walk shelter dogs through the mountains. Meanwhile, the rest of us are stuck on I-26 wondering why three lanes turned into a merge zone at the worst possible moment. This is the city that somehow makes all of that feel completely normal.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City is home to one of the most storied small college football traditions in the South. ETSU’s football program competes in the Southern Conference — but in what year did ETSU football play its very first season, and in what conference does the program currently compete?
Answer: ETSU football played its first season in 1920. The Buccaneers currently compete in the Southern Conference (SoCon).
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Teen to Be Tried as Adult in AI-Generated Exploitation Case
A Johnson City teen charged with using AI to create pornographic pictures and video of classmates will now be tried as an adult. According to court documents, 17-year-old Christian Zarate allegedly took images from victims’ social media accounts and used an AI app to generate explicit pictures and videos of them. There were four victims, all 17 or younger at the time, and Zarate faces 28 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, among other crimes.
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Washington County Primary Election Results: Sheriff, Commissioner, School Board Races Decided
Washington County voters headed to the polls on May 5 for the 2026 primary election, with several key local races on the ballot. Voters cast ballots in competitive contests across the county, including the Washington County Sheriff’s race, school board primaries, and a closely watched commissioner race. Results were reported throughout the evening as Johnson City Press tracked live returns.
Read more at Johnson City Press (Sheriff’s Race)
Read more at Johnson City Press (Commissioner Race)
Read more at Johnson City Press (School Board)
EMS, 9-1-1, and Visit JC Request Budget Increases from the City
Several Johnson City departments and organizations recently made their case for increased funding in the upcoming city budget process. Emergency Medical Services, the 9-1-1 dispatch center, and Visit Johnson City all appeared before city officials to request additional budget allocations. Residents can follow the budget discussion as the city works toward finalizing its fiscal year plans.
Read more at Johnson City Press
ETSU Doctors Awarded Funds to Relieve Student Debt
ETSU physicians were recently awarded funding aimed at helping to relieve student debt burdens. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to support medical professionals who train and practice in the region. Additional details on the award amount and eligibility can be found in the full article.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Johnson City Parks & Recreation to Host Two Events for Local Kids
Johnson City Parks & Recreation has announced two upcoming events designed for local children. The events are part of the department’s ongoing commitment to providing recreational programming for families in the community. Visit the full article for details on dates, times, and locations.
Republican Women and American Legion Team Up to Fight Veterans’ Suicide
The Washington County Republican Federated Women recently announced a new partnership with American Legion Post 24 to combat veteran suicide in the region. The collaboration aims to raise awareness and connect local veterans with available resources and support services. See the full article for more details on the initiative.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Washington County’s Got TEEN Talent
The Jackson Theatre will host Washington County’s Got TEEN Talent on Saturday, May 9 at 7:00 PM. Head to the Jackson Theatre for a showcase of talented local teens.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Little City Roller Derby — First Game at Freedom Hall Civic Center
Little City Roller Derby is officially moving to Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City. They are looking forward to bringing Little City Roller Derby back to Johnson City and invite the public to their first game back on May 9th.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Salvation Army of Johnson City Outdoor Lunchtime Concert
A bass trio from Symphony of the Mountains will perform on May 11th at noon outside the Center of Hope on Ashe Street. Organizers say the event is open to the public and designed to bring the community together while highlighting local support services.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Symphony of the Mountains — “Show Me the Paths” Concert
The Symphony of the Mountains will present a deeply moving and uniquely collaborative concert, “Show Me the Paths,” on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. This is the final performance in the 2025-2026 Free Community Performance Series. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis. Enjoy a night out with the family and celebrate the arts at NPAC!
More info at Johnson City Chamber Calendar
Downtown Spring Block Party — King Commons Park
Downtown Johnson City is throwing a 2026 Spring Block Party featuring craft brews, live tunes, downtown vendors, delicious food, and good times with downtown neighbors. Soluna Sage Studio will host yoga in the park starting at 4PM, with live music starting at 5PM. The event will be held in King Commons Park on Saturday, May 16th from 4–10 PM.
More info at Visit Johnson City
SIX The Musical — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
SIX (Touring) is happening on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 PM at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City. The hit Broadway musical brings the six wives of Henry VIII to center stage in a pop-concert spectacular.
4th Annual Car Show — Technology Lane
The 4th Annual Car Show is set for Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 140 Technology Lane, Johnson City, TN (Rain Date: June 6). All makes and models are welcome. The event features food trucks, live music, Best of Class & Special Awards, door prizes, and dash plaques for the first 50 vehicles, plus a 50/50 drawing. Vehicle registration begins at 9:30 AM by donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Activity Department for residents.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Chuck Brodsky at The Jackson Theatre
Join us at the Jackson Theatre on Saturday, May 30 at 7 PM for Chuck Brodsky — originally scheduled for January 24, 2026. Chuck Brodsky is a storyteller, a songwriter, a troubadour, and a modern day bard. His wit and irony, down-to-earth warmth, and quirky, rootsy, finely crafted songs tell stories of oddball and underdog characters.
More info at Visit Johnson City