☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy rain expected today with a high of 84°F and a low of 67°F — keep an umbrella handy, with a 40% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
School just started back, which means Johnson City now has two rush hours: the one on 26 everyone expects, and the one in every school zone where someone is absolutely convinced the speed limit sign doesn’t apply to them.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Before becoming East Tennessee State University, the school had another name. What was it?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Holds Annual National Night Out Event
Johnson City’s annual National Night Out event brought the community together for a night of engagement between residents and local law enforcement. The event is part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Head to WJHL for a video recap of this year’s gathering.
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.)
Police Increase Patrols Around School Zones as New Year Begins
With the new school year underway, local law enforcement has ramped up patrols around school zones across the area. The increased presence is aimed at keeping students and pedestrians safe during drop-off and pick-up hours. Drivers are reminded to follow posted speed limits and school zone rules.
$50,000 Lottery Ticket Sold at Johnson City Gas Station
A lucky lottery player recently purchased a winning $50,000 Powerball ticket at a local gas station in the Johnson City area, matching four numbers plus the Powerball. The Tennessee Lottery confirmed the sale in a news release. It’s one of just three such winning tickets sold across the state.
Cranberries in Johnson City to Reopen Under New Ownership
Cranberries, a longtime Johnson City lunch staple on Knob Creek Road known for its soups, sandwiches, and salads, is set to reopen under new ownership. New owner Joe Buckles, who also owns Black Mountain Games, said he was a regular at the café and did not want to see it close for good. Buckles has said he plans to keep the menu mostly the same while making some upgrades to the space.
Johnson City’s ‘Lawnstock’ Lineup Announced for Late August
Downtown Johnson City has announced the full lineup for Lawnstock, a free day of live music coming to Founders Park on August 22. The event will run from 1–8 p.m. and feature live bands, food trucks, vendors, and lawn games. Performing acts include Homecookin’, Resonant Mirage, Indigo Lodge, Donnie & The Dry Heavers, and The Gringos.
📅 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.
Redneck Brawl 14 – “Hillbilly Slugfest”
Date/Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City, TN
Redneck Brawl 14 returns to Johnson City with its signature sanctioned boxing event featuring competitors from across the Appalachian Mountains. The event is sanctioned by ISKA. Tickets are available for reserved seating at various price levels.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Lawnstock | A Day of Music in Downtown Johnson City
Date/Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Founders Park, Downtown Johnson City
A free, full day of live music featuring five acts: Homecookin’, Resonant Mirage, Indigo Lodge, Donnie & The Dry Heavers, and The Gringos. Food trucks, vendors, and lawn games will also be on-site.
ETSU Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels Football
Date/Time: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Location: William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
ETSU kicks off the home football season against the Campbell Fighting Camels. Note that the stadium has recently gone cashless, so plan accordingly when purchasing concessions.
ETSU Buccaneers vs. Tusculum Pioneers Football
Date/Time: Friday, September 4, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Location: William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
ETSU hosts rival Tusculum in an early-season home matchup under the lights at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, the first entertainment of the season was held at the Johnson City fairgrounds, where horses were put through their paces on the track to pick out the fastest contenders ahead of the October races — an early glimpse of what would become a beloved local tradition.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
East Tennessee State College, the name the institution carried before it was elevated to university status.