☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy rain expected today — High 85°F, Low 69°F, with a 52% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy, Johnson City!
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU is tracking fall foliage timing this week, which means we’ve officially entered the season where locals argue about whether the leaves are “almost changing” or “definitely changing” — usually while stuck on State of Franklin waiting for a light to turn green.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: ETSU’s sports teams sail under what nickname?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Pedestrian Killed in Crash on West Market Street
The Johnson City Police Department reports that a pedestrian has died following a crash that took place Wednesday evening on West Market Street. Authorities said the pedestrian was crossing West Market Street around 8:50 p.m. when a pickup truck struck him. According to Johnson City police, preliminary findings show no indication that speed, distraction, or impairment played a role, and the review into what happened remains ongoing.
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.)
City Says Crime Down Since Last Call Ordinance Took Effect
The City of Johnson City says police data shows crime has declined in the city since it implemented an ordinance to change the last call for alcohol sales from 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. According to the JCPD, aggravated assaults have decreased significantly across Johnson City in the year since the “last call ordinance” was put into effect. Capone’s, a bar in downtown Johnson City, has filed a lawsuit against the city regarding the ordinance, claiming it has experienced “irreparable harm” due to loss of business.
ETSU Holds First-Ever 9/11 Stair Climb to Honor Lives Lost
East Tennessee State University recently held its first-ever 9/11 stair climb event to honor the lives lost in the September 11 attacks. The event brought together members of the ETSU community in a commemorative tribute on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. For full details on the event, visit the link below.
Johnson City First Responders Honor 9/11 at Memorial Service
Johnson City first responders gathered to mark the anniversary of the September 11 attacks at a local memorial service, sharing personal recollections of that day. The event brought together members of the local emergency response community to reflect on the lives lost and reaffirm their commitment to service. Visit the link below for full coverage.
Lowest August Health Inspection Scores in the Area
The Johnson City Press has published its monthly roundup of the lowest health inspection scores recorded in August. The report highlights local food service establishments that received notably low marks from health inspectors. Readers can check the full list at the link below.
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.
Iron Mountains Invitational Cross Country Meet — Today, September 12, 2026
The Iron Mountains Invitational returns to Winged Deer Park in Johnson City on September 12, 2026, bringing together hundreds of student runners from more than 60 elementary, middle, and high schools. Hosted by Visit Johnson City in partnership with meet director David Nutter, this annual cross country event is free and open to the public, making it a great opportunity to cheer on both local and visiting athletes.
More info at Visit Johnson City
DREAD POPS Horror Anthology Screening — Tonight, September 12, 2026 | Doors 6 PM, Screening 7 PM
Join the Jackson Theatre for a special screening of the first four episodes of Dread Pops, an original horror anthology series created by local filmmakers Jeffrey Payne and Dustin Miller — come experience it on the big screen, in the dark, and LOUD. Doors open at 6 PM and the screening begins at 7 PM.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Senior Softball World Series — Through September 13, 2026 | Winged Deer Park
The ISSA Senior Softball World Series comes to Johnson City through September 13, 2026, bringing senior athletes from across the country to compete at Winged Deer Park across multiple age and skill divisions — and admission is free!
More info at Visit Johnson City
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show — September 25–27, 2026 | Appalachian Fairgrounds
The Appalachian Fair Home Show is taking place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, with free admission. Attendees can step in for hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers to elevate their home.
More info at Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, The Comet reported that Johnson City’s popular night policeman, George F. Campbell, had been presented with a handsome billy club made from a piece of timber salvaged from the battleship Olympia — a gift from a friend who had just returned from New York with the unusual souvenir.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
Trivia Answer: The Buccaneers (Bucs)!
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Buccaneers, a pirate-themed nickname that has been associated with ETSU athletics for decades.