☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 81°F and a low of 56°F. No rain in the forecast — 0% chance of precipitation.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU students are back on campus, which means downtown parking has gone from “annoying” to “a spiritual experience.” Enjoy the walk — the hills are free.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Tipton-Haynes is closely tied to an attempt to create a separate state before Tennessee became Tennessee. What was that movement called?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
TBI Identifies Man in Bristol Highway Death Investigation
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released the identity of a man who died on Bristol Highway over the weekend, identifying him as Geoffrey DeVault, 52. The death occurred in the 3500 block of Bristol Highway on Saturday afternoon, and the investigation into DeVault’s death remains ongoing. No additional details about the circumstances of his death have been released.
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.)
Reeves Contests Washington County Mayoral Race Results
A candidate who ran for Washington County, Tennessee mayor has filed a lawsuit to contest the results of the August 6 election. In the lawsuit, James Reeves, who ran as an independent against Republican incumbent Mayor Joe Grandy, claims that voting machines in multiple precincts malfunctioned. In the lawsuit, Reeves is asking the court to allow his team to access and examine voting machines and to declare the election void.
ETSU Students Excited for New School Year
East Tennessee State University students are back on campus and sharing their enthusiasm for the new academic year. The return of students brings fresh energy to the ETSU campus and surrounding Johnson City community. For the full story on how students are feeling about the semester ahead, visit the link below.
Three Milligan Cyclists Remain Hospitalized, Four Released
Three Milligan cyclists remain hospitalized following the tragic crash that claimed the lives of two teammates earlier this month. Four others who were injured in the crash have since been released. The community continues to rally around the Milligan University cycling program during this difficult time.
📅 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.
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 to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee.
Taco Trek | September — September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM
110 W Market St, Johnson City
A local food-focused community trek event in downtown Johnson City. Visit the link below for full details.
Trivia Night at Yee-Haw Brewing — August 31, 2026
Monday, August 31, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Johnson City
Head to Yee-Haw for a fun trivia night. For more details, visit the Yee-Haw events page.
Live Concert at Yee-Haw Brewing — September 1, 2026
Monday, September 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Johnson City
Live music at Yee-Haw Brewing on Labor Day. Check the Yee-Haw events page for artist details and additional information.
Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27, 2026
Appalachian Fairgrounds
Step into the Home Show for hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers to elevate your home. Free admission for all!
More info at Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, Johnson City’s A.W. Gillespie married Miss Charlsie Klepper of Limestone at the bride’s family home, with the young couple planning to make their home in Johnson City — one of several weddings that made the local social columns that week.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The State of Franklin, a short-lived attempt by settlers in what is now East Tennessee to form their own independent state in the 1780s.