☀️ Today’s Weather
Light drizzle with a high of 88°F and a low of 68°F — 39% chance of rain today. Grab an umbrella just in case, but don’t let it stop your plans.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU move-in week hits, and suddenly every Walmart, every road, and every drive-thru has a line that defies all logic. Johnson City didn’t get bigger — it just got 14,000 people who are very confident they know a faster way to get to Stone Drive.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: East Tennessee State College officially became East Tennessee State University in what year?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Fatal Shooting in Gray Stemmed from Parking Dispute, JCPD Says
A deadly shooting in Gray on Friday morning left one man dead after an apparent argument over a handicap parking spot, according to the Johnson City Police Department. Police say the dispute took place at a smoke shop in Gray, and a person of interest was detained and questioned. Gray Elementary School was placed on lockdown for approximately 20 minutes as a precaution, though that lockdown was subsequently lifted.
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.)
Meet the Mountains Festival Wraps Up in Johnson City
Johnson City’s annual Meet the Mountains Festival concluded recently, bringing the community together for a variety of outdoor activities. The festival featured options ranging from kayaking and rock climbing to axe throwing and local food vendors, offering something for attendees of all ages and interests. For those who missed it, keep an eye out for next year’s event.
WJHL Rewind: Elvis in Johnson City
WJHL is taking a look back at Elvis Presley’s historical connection to Johnson City in a new “WJHL Rewind” segment. The feature digs into local archival history tied to the King of Rock and Roll’s presence in the area. Head to the link below to check out the full historical retrospective.
Tails and Paws: Animals in Need of a Home This Week
Local animals are looking for their forever homes in this week’s Tails and Paws feature from WJHL. If you or someone you know is considering adoption, this is a great opportunity to find a new furry friend right here in the Tri-Cities area. Visit the link below to see which pets are currently available.
Washington County Fair Traditions Carry On
The Johnson City Press spotlights cherished fair traditions that continue to bring the community together each season, highlighting both aerial and arena activities that have become beloved staples of the local fair experience. The piece celebrates the longstanding cultural significance of the fair in the region. Visit the link for the full story.
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.
Lawnstock: A Day of Music in Downtown Johnson City
Lawnstock is happening on Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM at Founders Park in Johnson City. The new end-of-summer music festival is described as a laid-back celebration of local and regional music. For more details, visit the event page.
Johnson City Chamber Quarterly Membership Breakfast with ETSU
The Johnson City Chamber is hosting its August Membership Breakfast with ETSU at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. Speakers will include ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland and newly appointed Vice President of ETSU Advancement, Howard Reddy. Doors and breakfast open at 7:00 AM with the program beginning at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 1320 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social
Stand-Up Comedy Night at Off Leash Social is happening on Saturday, August 29, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM at Off Leash Social in Johnson City. For more details on tickets or the lineup, visit the event page.
ETSU Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels — Season Opener
The East Tennessee State Buccaneers take on the Campbell Fighting Camels on Friday, August 28, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium in Johnson City. This is the ETSU football season opener — a great chance to kick off fall with Bucs football.
Taco Trek | September
Taco Trek | September is happening on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM at 110 W Market St in Johnson City. For more information on this food-themed event, visit the event page linked below.
Appalachian Fair Home Show — Free Admission
The Appalachian Fair Home Show is taking place September 25–27, 2026, at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, featuring hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers. Admission is free for all.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, six-year-old Lowell White was struck by a car in front of his family’s home on East Holston Avenue while playing with friends in the street. The driver swerved hard to try to avoid him, and though the boy suffered a minor skull fracture, doctors expected a speedy recovery.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
1963, when the institution was granted university status reflecting its expanded academic programs and research mission.