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Johnson City Scoop – May 25, 2026

☀️ Today’s Weather

Heavy rain today with a high of 79°F and a low of 65°F — 94% chance of rain, so grab that umbrella before heading out.


😄 Only in Johnson City

Science Hill lets out, ETSU graduates, and suddenly every coffee shop, parking lot, and stretch of I-26 acts like it got a memo that summer officially started — all on the same afternoon.


🧠 Trivia Q&A

Question: Johnson City has a colorful Prohibition-era nickname that still comes up in local lore today. What was that nickname — and what earned it?

Answer: Johnson City was nicknamed “Little Chicago” during the 1920s Prohibition era, due to its ties to bootlegging activity in the Appalachian Mountains. Local stories persist that the city served as one of several distribution centers connected to Chicago gang networks during that period.


🔝 Top Stories

Johnson City Still Weighing Options for Freedom Hall Pool Repair

City officials continue to discuss the future of the Freedom Hall pool, with repair remaining a live option under consideration. The ongoing deliberations reflect the broader budget conversations happening at the commission level heading into the new fiscal year.

Read more at WJHL


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Frazier Plumbing

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Johnson City Medical Center ER Expansion Construction Underway

Construction has recently begun on a major expansion of the Johnson City Medical Center’s emergency room. The project, which is part of Ballad Health’s ongoing investment in the region, is set to significantly increase the ER’s treatment capacity.

Read more at WJHL


Proposed $37M Johnson City Aquatic Center: New Details Emerge

New details have surfaced about the city’s proposed aquatic center, which carries a price tag of approximately $37 million and would be funded in part through a property tax increase. City commissioners have been weighing the proposal as part of the FY27 budget process.

Read more at WJHL


JC Man Faces Murder Charges in Carter County Homicide Case

A Johnson City man is facing charges in connection with a homicide investigation in Carter County. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has one person in custody following the death investigation, which is being treated as a homicide.

Read more at WJHL


Johnson City Volunteers Plant Flags to Honor Fallen Soldiers for Memorial Day

Volunteers in Johnson City recently gathered to plant flags at the gravesites of fallen soldiers in observance of Memorial Day. The annual effort is a community tradition honoring those who gave their lives in military service.

Read more at Johnson City Press



📅 Upcoming Events

Six the Musical — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts

When: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Where: ETSU Foundation Grand Hall at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City

Six the Musical comes to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts for an evening performance.

Find event details at AllEvents.in


4th Annual Car Show — 140 Technology Lane

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Rain Date: June 6)

Where: 140 Technology Lane, Johnson City, TN

The 4th Annual Car Show features classic cars, food trucks, live music, Best of Class awards, door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing. Vehicle registration begins at 9:30 AM by donation, and all proceeds benefit the Activity Department for residents. All makes and models are welcome.

Find event details at Visit Johnson City


Jazz at Langston Centre

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Where: Langston Centre, 315 Elm Street, Johnson City, TN

An evening of jazz music at the historic Langston Centre in Johnson City.

Find event details at AllEvents.in


Chuck Brodsky at The Jackson Theatre

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Where: The Jackson Theatre, Jonesborough, TN

Singer-songwriter Chuck Brodsky performs at the Jackson Theatre in a rescheduled show. Brodsky is known for his storytelling, wit, and rootsy songwriting style.

Find event details at Visit Johnson City


Second Harvest Food Bank Golf Classic

When: Monday, June 1, 2026, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Where: Blackthorn Club at The Ridges, Johnson City

The 33rd Annual Second Harvest Golf Classic is a charity golf tournament benefiting hunger relief in Northeast Tennessee. For more information, visit netfoodbank.org or contact lwalker@netfoodbank.org.

Find event details at Second Harvest Food Bank


Fridays After 5 — Free Summer Concert Series

When: Fridays in June and July, beginning June 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Where: King Commons, Johnson City

Johnson City’s beloved free outdoor summer concert series returns to King Commons on Friday evenings throughout June and July. The series kicks off June 5, 2026.

Find event details at Downtown Johnson City


The Acacia Strain at Capone’s

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Where: Capone’s, Johnson City

Heavy music act The Acacia Strain performs live at Capone’s in downtown Johnson City.

Find event details at AllEvents.in


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