☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 73°F and a low of 58°F — there’s a 42% chance of rain, so keep an umbrella handy.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Eastman employs thousands, sponsors half the town, and occasionally gets a fine for an air permit violation — and somehow none of that stops it from being the answer to “so, what does Kingsport run on?”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What Kingsport stadium is closely associated with Fun Fest concerts?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
4 First Responders Injured After Being Struck on I-26
Four first responders were injured after being hit by a vehicle while working a crash on Interstate 26 in the Kingsport/Sullivan County area. The incident occurred on September 22, 2026. Updates on the conditions of those injured have been reported by local outlets as the story continues to develop.
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FIRE Announces Lawsuit Against Kingsport Over First Amendment Auditor Arrest
A local self-described First Amendment auditor is suing the city of Kingsport, its police chief, and its officers, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The auditor, who adopted the moniker “Big G Audits,” uploads videos of police on duty; in October 2022, he filmed a Kingsport Police Department SUV speeding at night without lights or sirens in violation of department policy and state law. The disorderly conduct charge against him was dismissed by the Tennessee Appellate Court as of August 2026, and he had originally filed the lawsuit against the City of Kingsport and members of the Kingsport Police Department in 2023.
Eastman Chemical Company Pays $51K Fine After Air Permit Violations
Eastman Chemical Company has paid a fine following the discovery of air permit violations, according to state regulators. The fine was issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Local residents can read the full details of the violations and the regulatory action at the link below.
ConnectKingsport App Paying Off for Users
The city of Kingsport’s free ConnectKingsport app is reportedly delivering real results for residents who use it to report local issues. The app allows residents to report everything from potholes and damaged street signs to other quality-of-life concerns, using GPS to recognize location and allowing users to upload pictures or videos. Residents can track the status of reports they or other community members have submitted until an issue is resolved. The latest reporting highlights how the app is making an impact across the city.
Symphony of the Mountains Preparing to Open 80th Season
The Symphony of the Mountains is gearing up to launch its 80th season, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s most beloved performing arts institutions. The orchestra is based in Kingsport and has been a cornerstone of the local cultural scene for decades. Details on the upcoming season’s performances and schedule can be found at the link below.
📅 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.
Tennessee Lit Con 2026
Date/Time: Friday, September 25, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
Location: MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
Tennessee Lit Con 2026 is a literary convention bringing together book lovers, authors, and readers in the Tri-Cities area.
Hidden Gems – Downtown Kingsport Photo Hunt
Date/Time: Friday, September 25, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Kingsport
Hidden Gems is a photo scavenger hunt challenging participants to discover and capture the hidden gems of downtown Kingsport.
Folkfest Fall Shindig
Date/Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
Location: 140 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN
Folkfest Fall Shindig is a fall folk arts gathering celebrating music and community in downtown Kingsport.
Exchange Place Fall Folk Arts Festival 2026
Date/Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
Location: Exchange Place Kingsport TN 1850s Farm
Exchange Place Fall Folk Arts Festival is an annual folk arts festival held at the historic Exchange Place farm, celebrating Appalachian heritage and traditional crafts.
Smokin’ Bones CJ’s Debut
Date/Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 9:00 PM
Location: 516 G Morelock St, Kingsport, TN
Smokin’ Bones CJ’s Debut is a live music performance event in Kingsport.
Motivating Magic Show — Kingsport, TN
Date/Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM
Location: Temple Baptist Church, Kingsport
The Motivating Magic Show is a live magic performance event coming to Kingsport.
2nd Annual Hearth & Holiday: A Christmas Market
Date/Time: Saturday, December 19, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM
Location: Kingsport Farmers Market
The 2nd Annual Hearth & Holiday is a Christmas market event held at the Kingsport Farmers Market.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, the longtime Kingsport venue that has hosted major concerts and events as part of the Fun Fest celebration.