☀️ Today’s Weather
Partly cloudy. High 79°F, Low 65°F. 20% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Every fall, Washington County Schools gets a brand-new app to track where the school bus is. Meanwhile, half the parents are still trying to figure out the one-way streets downtown.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The modern Appalachian League operates as a summer collegiate league connected with which two organizations?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Jenny Brock to Seek Reelection to Johnson City Commission
Johnson City Commissioner Jenny Brock has announced she will seek reelection to her seat on the City Commission. Brock’s decision keeps her in the race as the filing deadline approaches and the field of candidates continues to take shape.
Know a Local Business That Should Be Here?
If you send us a business that becomes a sponsor, we’ll pay you $50 for it. No cap, no catch. Just hit reply with their name and we’ll take it from there. (We still make the final call on fit, same as any other pitch.)
Washington County Schools Rolls Out New Bus Tracking App
Washington County Schools is introducing a new app called BusRight that allows parents to track their children’s school bus in real time. The app is designed as a safety tool, notifying parents when their student boards or exits the bus and allowing the district to quickly identify who is on board in case of an emergency. The BusRight app is available for download on both iOS and Android.
Goodwill Prepares for Grand Opening of Largest Tri-Cities Location in Johnson City
Goodwill is preparing to open what is described as the largest store in the region in Johnson City. The grand opening was recently announced, bringing a major retail and donation hub to the area.
Affidavit Details Moments Before Deadly Milligan Cycling Team Crash
New details have emerged about the crash that killed members of the Milligan University cycling team, with an affidavit shedding light on the moments leading up to the deadly collision. The incident has prompted conversations about road safety for cyclists across the region. A former principal also recently shared personal memories of one of the cyclists killed in the crash.
Three New Democrats to Join Washington County Commission
Three newly elected Democratic commissioners are set to be sworn into office on the Washington County Commission, marking a notable shift in the body’s political composition. The incoming members were elected during the recent general election cycle.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Event details are pulled from public listings and can change. Please confirm dates and times on the official event page before making plans.
🏈 ETSU Football vs. Tusculum — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The Buccaneers host the Tusculum Pioneers at home. The game also serves as Niswonger Children’s Hospital Day, a fundraising partnership between ETSU Athletics and Ballad Health.
Sing-Along Brunch at Off Leash Social — August 23, 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Off Leash Social – Eat. Drink. Pet Dogs., Johnson City
A sing-along brunch event at Off Leash Social in Johnson City. For full details, visit the event page.
ETSU Football vs. Campbell — August 29, 2026
Friday, August 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The East Tennessee State Buccaneers host the Campbell Fighting Camels for a home football game. For tickets and more information, visit ETSU Athletics.
The Farmer & The Chef — August 30, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City
A signature culinary event featuring regional chefs using locally grown fresh food, held to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. Proceeds benefit the Northeast Tennessee Food Bank.
More info at Northeast Tennessee Food Bank
Taco Trek | September — September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM
110 W Market St, Johnson City
Taco Trek returns to downtown Johnson City. For full details, visit the event listing.
Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games 2026 — September 4, 2026
Friday, September 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (continuing September 5)
Johnson City area
The Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games returns for 2026. For full schedule and location details, visit the event listing.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
September 25–27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City area
The Appalachian Fair Home Show features hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers. Admission is free.
More info at Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
Two hundred and forty-two years ago today in 1784, part of what is now Upper East Tennessee — including the Johnson City area — briefly declared itself the independent State of Franklin, an attempt at statehood that Congress ultimately refused to admit to the Union. The short-lived state is one of the more curious chapters in the region’s early history.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, which jointly support the league as a development platform for amateur players.