☀️ Today’s Weather
Weather data unavailable.
😄 Joke of the Day
A tourist stops a local on Main Street in Johnson City and asks, “Is it true people here are friendly?” The local smiles and says, “Well, we did name a whole street after ‘Roan’ — but don’t worry, nobody’s charged admission yet.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City’s MTPO (Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization) is working on a long-range plan that looks decades into the future. What year does the current MTPO transportation plan horizon extend to — and what type of public input opportunity is being held in April 2026 to gather community feedback?
Answer: The MTPO’s current long-range plan looks ahead to the year 2050. In April 2026, the organization is holding an open house to gather public input on the plan.
🔝 Top Stories
Tennessee House Passes Ballad Health COPA Termination with Amendment
The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a bill that proponents believe is the first step toward promoting more competition with Ballad Health. The bill would terminate the state’s Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) between the state of Tennessee and Ballad Health by 2028, removing the Tennessee Department of Health’s oversight of Ballad while still retaining pricing restrictions to be supervised by the Attorney General. An amendment offered by Rep. Timothy Hill (R-Blountville) would bring repeal of “certificate of need” (CON) laws — though only in the Ballad footprint — into the same timeline as those regulations on Ballad would cease in mid-2028. The Federal Trade Commission warned of potential anticompetitive consequences to patients if the bills are enacted, raising concerns over higher healthcare costs and lower quality of care.
Johnson City MTPO to Hold Open House on 2050 Transportation Plan
The Johnson City Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) is inviting the public to weigh in on the future of local transportation. An open house is being planned to gather community feedback on the long-range 2050 transportation plan, which will shape how Johnson City grows, moves, and connects over the coming decades. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their priorities and concerns directly with planners.
Parents and Community Outraged by School Board Member’s Comment to Student
A Washington County school board member is drawing sharp criticism after a comment made to a student sparked outrage among parents and community members. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the standards expected of elected school officials and their interactions with students. The story follows a previous report from WJHL noting that the board member said a video of the interaction was missing context.
Morgan Wallen Foundation Donates $5,000 to Three Hawkins County Schools for Music Programs
The Morgan Wallen Foundation has donated $5,000 to three Hawkins County schools to support their music programs. The gift reflects the foundation’s ongoing commitment to music education in the Tri-Cities region, where the country music superstar grew up. The contribution will help provide students with greater access to musical instruments, instruction, and resources.
Travel Company Celebrates First-Ever Location with Ribbon Cutting in Elizabethton
A travel company has opened its very first brick-and-mortar location in Elizabethton, TN, marking the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 7, 2026. The opening represents a new option for Tri-Cities residents looking for in-person travel planning services. Details about the company and its specific offerings can be found in the full story.
Washington County, VA Celebrates New Animal Shelter with Ribbon Cutting
Washington County, Virginia marked a significant community milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new animal shelter. The new facility is expected to improve conditions for animals and expand the county’s capacity to care for and rehome pets. Local leaders and animal welfare advocates attended the celebration to mark the occasion.
Early Campers Arrive for Race Week at Bristol Motor Speedway
Fans are already setting up camp ahead of race week at Bristol Motor Speedway, signaling the kickoff of one of the most anticipated motorsports events in the region. The iconic track draws tens of thousands of visitors to the Tri-Cities area each race season, providing a significant boost to local businesses and hospitality. The energy around the speedway is already building as race week approaches.
📅 Upcoming Events
🍺 Thirsty Orange Beer Festival — April 18, 2026
The Thirsty Orange Beer Festival returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a full day of sampling 150+ craft beers, ciders, and meads from breweries across the region, held at Founder’s Park, 225 Commerce Street, Johnson City, TN. Expect great drinks, food trucks, and a true beer-festival atmosphere in the heart of Johnson City. This is a 21+ event. Premium Access ticket holders may enter at 1:00 PM; General Admission begins at 2:00 PM.
Get tickets and more info at thirstyorange.com
🎨 Art·Struck Festival — April 25, 2026
The Johnson City Public Art Committee will hold the 6th annual Art·Struck Festival on Saturday, April 25, at The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., in downtown Johnson City from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will include a market with over 50 local artists, art demonstrations and activities, a variety of live performances, and food trucks. Attendees of all ages will be able to enjoy mask decorating, graffiti stenciling, bucket drumming, a weaving fence, and wand making, among others. This event is free and open to the public.
🎵 Magnolia Park – Nights After VAMP Tour — April 24–25, 2026
Magnolia Park performs at Capone’s in Johnson City on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM, with a second show — Magnolia Park: Nights After VAMP Tour — on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM, also at Capone’s. For tickets and more information, check Capone’s event listings.
🍽️ State of the City, County & Town Luncheon — April 9, 2026
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City, County, Town luncheon gives Chamber members an opportunity to hear directly from the Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County mayors. The event takes place Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Grace Meadows Farm, 170 John France Rd., Jonesborough, TN. Doors open and networking begins at 11:00 AM, with lunch served at 11:30 AM and the program beginning at noon. Individual tickets are $75; a full table of 8 is $800.
Learn more at the Johnson City Chamber
🚂 Mother’s Day Express — May 9, 2026
Celebrate Mom with a special excursion hosted by the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Depart Johnson City by motor coach to Knoxville, board the Three Rivers Rambler steam engine for a scenic journey through the city, then enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville paddlewheel riverboat on the Tennessee River.
For more information contact the Johnson City Railroad Experience at 423-631-5273.