☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy drizzle with a high of 82°F and a low of 70°F — 65% chance of rain, so keep that umbrella handy today, Johnson City.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend starts Friday, and Johnson City will have more traffic on North Roan Street than the entire rest of the state combined. Every year. Without fail. Someone is always surprised by this.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Which university operates the Gray Fossil Site and Museum?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Sen. Blackburn Makes Stop in Johnson City
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn recently visited Johnson City. For details on what was discussed during the stop, visit the link below.
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.
John Sevier Center Costing JC Development Authority $50–60K a Month
The Johnson City Development Authority continues to carry significant monthly costs associated with the historic John Sevier Center as it awaits redevelopment. The JCDA has been working toward a sale to developer Lansing Melbourne Group, with a groundbreaking tentatively scheduled for October 2026 and an estimated project completion planned for May 2028.
Portobello’s Italian Bistro Wins Tri-Cities Best Pasta
Portobello’s Italian Bistro has taken home the Tri-Cities Best award for pasta. The recognition highlights one of the area’s beloved local dining establishments. Visit the link for more details on the award.
Why Do Pop-Up Thunderstorms Form on Hot Summer Afternoons?
With the Tri-Cities region seeing frequent afternoon storms this summer, WJHL’s weather team breaks down the science behind those sudden pop-up thunderstorms that seem to appear out of nowhere on hot days. If you’ve been caught off guard by one this season, this explainer is worth a read.
📅 Upcoming Events
Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend
Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Location: Retailers across Johnson City (including North Roan Street area)
Tennessee’s annual Tax-Free Weekend kicks off Friday, giving shoppers a break on sales tax — a popular time to stock up on back-to-school supplies and clothing. Check with your local retailers for participating items.
Now Now – Live at Down Home
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: Down Home, Johnson City, TN
Indie band Now Now is scheduled to perform in Johnson City. For tickets and additional details, visit the link below.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Meet the Mountains Festival
Date: August 14–16, 2026
Location: Winged Deer Park (199 Carroll Creek Rd), Johnson City, TN
This free annual festival showcases Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor recreation assets and provides a one-stop shop to explore the region’s outdoor opportunities. Hosted by Visit Johnson City, the event is open to all and free to attend.
The Oak Ridge Boys – Live at ETSU
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026, 7:30 PM
Location: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
The legendary Oak Ridge Boys are coming to Johnson City for a live performance at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. For ticket information, visit the link below.
The Farmer & The Chef Culinary Event
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM
Location: Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City area
This signature culinary event features regional chefs using locally grown fresh food to support efforts to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For more information or to register, contact lwalker@netfoodbank.org or visit the link below.
The Temptations and The Four Tops – Live at ETSU
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 7:30 PM
Location: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
Two of Motown’s most iconic groups, The Temptations and The Four Tops, are coming to Johnson City for a joint performance. For ticket information, visit the link below.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Eighty-five years ago today in 1941, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that a Washington County volunteer collecting scrap aluminum for the national defense effort had gathered every piece in his territory — except one near a dog’s house and another near a beehive. He had vowed to get both. The county had collected close to 10,000 pounds of aluminum and the campaign had been extended to July 31.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
East Tennessee State University, which manages the site and conducts ongoing paleontological research there.