☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy showers today with a high of 78°F and a low of 70°F — grab an umbrella, there’s a 73% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU just got ranked one of Money’s Best Colleges, which is great news — though local students have known for years that the best education in Johnson City happens the first time you try to navigate the one-way streets downtown.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City’s ballpark has been around for decades. What year did it open?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Five Arrested After Violent Home Invasion Robbery on Mint Hill Road
Johnson City Police responded to an apartment on Mint Hill Road shortly before midnight on July 8 after 911 received multiple text messages for help. Officers found that a group had forced their way into the apartment, demanded money from a resident, and severely injured a victim during the confrontation. All five suspects were charged with especially aggravated robbery and transported to the Washington County Detention Center.
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ETSU Named Among Money’s Best Colleges for 2026
East Tennessee State University has been recognized on Money magazine’s Best Colleges list for 2026. The honor highlights ETSU’s standing as a strong value in higher education, adding to a string of recent accolades for the Johnson City institution. Visit the link below for more details on the ranking.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Tennessee’s Rusty Crowe Invited to White House Leadership Conference
Tennessee’s Rusty Crowe has been invited to a White House leadership conference, according to a recent report. The invitation marks a notable recognition for the local official. Visit the link below for full details.
Weekend Events: Fun Fest Block Party, Pokémon in the Park, and More in the Tri-Cities
A variety of events are lined up for the Tri-Cities this weekend, including a Fun Fest Block Party and a Pokémon in the Park gathering. Residents looking for things to do this weekend are encouraged to check the full listing for locations, times, and details.
📅 Upcoming Events
Party in the Park – Recurring Fridays in July
The City of Johnson City is hosting free Party in the Park events for kids throughout July. Check the city’s official pages for specific dates, times, and locations.
Practical AI for Business Professionals Workshop
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Eastman Credit Union Board Room at the Chamber of Commerce, 602 Sevier St., Unit 101, Johnson City, TN
This workshop hosted by the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce goes beyond the basics to provide hands-on use cases for applying AI effectively in professional settings. Registration is required.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber
Freedom Hall Civic Center – Upcoming Shows (July 17 – August 1, 2026)
Dates: July 17 – August 1, 2026
Location: Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604
Freedom Hall has events scheduled from July 17 through August 1. Visit the Freedom Hall website or call (423) 461-4884 for full event details and ticketing information.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
Johnson City Jaunt (TN) Scavenger Hunt – Ongoing
The Johnson City Jaunt is an ongoing scavenger hunt adventure around the city, available for participants to join at their convenience. Visit Eventbrite for date, time, and registration details.
The Farmer & The Chef Culinary Event
Date/Time: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City, TN
This signature culinary event features regional chefs using locally grown fresh food to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For more information, contact Lee Walker at lwalker@netfoodbank.org or visit the link below.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, the Knoxville Sentinel reported that General Richards was in Johnson City reviewing plans for the Soldiers’ Home — 50 buildings on 450 acres — before returning to New York to report to the board of managers. He was expected back shortly to oversee construction. That institution is now the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
1956, making it one of the older minor and collegiate league ballparks still in active use in the region.