☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 83°F and a low of 68°F. A 22% chance of rain — keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Johnson City
August in Johnson City means two things are guaranteed: ETSU students are back, and everyone on State of Franklin is suddenly confused about which lane they’re supposed to be in.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: This Johnson City historic site includes a house originally built by Colonel John Tipton. What is it called?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Power Outage Affects Over 1,000 Johnson City Customers
A significant power outage hit Johnson City, knocking out electricity for a large number of BrightRidge customers. According to reports, breakers protecting circuits in two substations opened, possibly due to an obstruction on a primary transmission line. BrightRidge crews responded to restore service to affected areas.
Sponsored by
Frazier Plumbing
Got a leaky pipe, a water heater on its last legs, or a drain that’s given up? Frazier Plumbing has been solving plumbing problems for Tri-Cities homeowners since 1980 — family-owned, locally operated, and available 24/7 when things go wrong at the worst possible time. No runaround, no oversized crews. Just experienced local plumbers who show up and fix it right.
Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands Hosts Third Annual Dragon Boat Race
The Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands recently held its third annual Dragon Boat Race, bringing the community together for a patriotic fundraising event. The race supports Honor Flight’s mission of taking veterans to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C. For full event details, visit the source link below.
Washington County General Election Sees Voter Uptick
Washington County’s recent general election saw increased voter participation compared to previous years, according to local reports. The uptick reflects growing civic engagement in the county. Visit the link below for full coverage and results.
Read more at Johnson City Press
National Night Out Preview — Community Events Coming This Week
National Night Out, the nationwide community-police awareness event held on the first Tuesday of August, is coming up this week. Local neighborhoods and law enforcement are expected to participate in events that bring residents and first responders together. Check the link below for details on local activities.
📅 Upcoming Events
National Night Out — August 4, 2026
National Night Out is the annual community-police awareness event held on the first Tuesday of August. Communities across the country, including Johnson City, participate with neighborhood gatherings aimed at building stronger ties between residents and local law enforcement. Check with JCPD or your neighborhood association for local event locations and times.
Freedom Hall Civic Center Event — August 15, 2026 at 8:00 PM
An event is scheduled at Freedom Hall Civic Center (1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604) on Saturday, August 15 at 8:00 PM. Visit the Freedom Hall website or call (423) 461-4884 for details on the performer and tickets.
Buy Tickets / More Info at johnsoncitytn.org
The Oak Ridge Boys: Celebrating Route 66 — August 28, 2026 at 7:30 PM
The Oak Ridge Boys bring their “Celebrating Route 66” tour to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts (1320 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37614) on Friday, August 28 at 7:30 PM. The legendary country and gospel group are known for timeless harmonies and decades of chart-topping hits. Tickets are available through the ETSU Martin Center.
Buy Tickets / More Info at ETSU Martin Center
Now Now — August 9, 2026
The band Now Now is scheduled to perform in Johnson City on August 9, 2026. For venue details, ticket information, and start time, visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitor Bureau’s events page.
More Info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Ninety-five years ago today in 1931, word reached Johnson City that former Tennessee Governor Alf “Uncle Alf” Taylor, recovering near here from a kidney operation, had been given “a fighting chance to live” by his physician. The 83-year-old had taken his first nourishment since falling critically ill and had begun recognizing visiting relatives after a restful night.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, one of the most historically significant properties in East Tennessee and the setting of a famous frontier-era conflict.