☀️ Today’s Weather
Mainly clear skies today with a high of 79°F and a low of 60°F — zero chance of rain. Enjoy it while it lasts, Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is one of the few places where you can walk into a store in shorts and a t-shirt for Tennessee’s tax-free weekend, and by the time you’re done shopping, you’re genuinely wondering if you should’ve grabbed that hoodie off the rack too.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The nearby city of Bristol is widely known by what country music nickname?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Red Roof Inn in Johnson City Faces Closure; Staff Left with Unanswered Questions
The Red Roof Inn in Johnson City is facing an impending closure, leaving its staff with significant uncertainty and unanswered questions about their employment future. The situation has drawn local attention as workers grapple with what comes next. Visit the link below for the full report.
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.
Johnson City Schools Superintendent Interviews Underway
With the new school year approaching, WJHL is airing a series of superintendent interviews each weeknight at 6:30 p.m. on the free WJHL+ streaming app. The interviews include Johnson City Schools’ recently hired superintendent, with two airing every weeknight at 6:30 p.m. on the free WJHL+ streaming app. The series gives residents a chance to hear directly from local education leaders about their goals for the coming school year.
Christmas Comes Early to the Model City
Johnson City is getting into the holiday spirit ahead of schedule, with a Christmas-themed event or announcement bringing some seasonal cheer to the community in late July. Details on what’s prompting the early yuletide festivities can be found at the link below.
TDOT Lowers Speed Limit on Portion of Highway 11E
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has reduced the speed limit on a stretch of Highway 11E, dropping it from 65 mph to 55 mph. Drivers who regularly travel this corridor should take note of the change to avoid citations. Check the full story for the specific affected section.
Severe Storms Bring Tornado Warnings and Power Outages to the Tri-Cities
Severe thunderstorms swept through the Tri-Cities region on July 28, prompting tornado warnings across multiple areas and leaving several residents without power. First responders and utility crews responded to the impacts of the storms. See photos and the latest details at the link below.
📅 Upcoming Events
Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend
When: July 31 – August 2, 2026
Where: The Mall at Johnson City and area retailers
Tennessee’s Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend runs July 31 – August 2, 2026 — a great time to shop for first-day outfits or classroom essentials while skipping the sales tax.
More info at The Mall at Johnson City
Meet the Mountains Festival
When: August 14–15, 2026
Where: Winged Deer Park Lakefront, 199 Carroll Creek Road, Johnson City, TN
The Meet the Mountains Festival offers activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels, located at the Winged Deer Park Lakefront in Johnson City, TN, showcasing Northeast Tennessee’s natural outdoor recreational landscape. The event features activities like kayaking, ziplining, live music, and a dog splash contest.
The Oak Ridge Boys in Johnson City
When: Friday, August 28, 2026, 7:30 PM
Where: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
The Oak Ridge Boys are coming to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City on Friday, August 28, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM.
The Farmer & The Chef Culinary Benefit Event
When: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City, TN
Join regional chefs using locally grown fresh food at Blackthorn Country Club for this signature culinary event supporting the mission to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. The event runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
When: September 19, 2026
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is coming to the area on September 19, 2026. This annual fundraising walk supports research and care for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Visit the link below for registration and location details.
The Temptations and The Four Tops at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
When: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 7:30 PM
Where: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
The Temptations and The Four Tops are scheduled to perform at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Birthplace of Country Music, a title Bristol holds in recognition of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions recorded there by Ralph Peer.