☀️ Today’s Weather
Heavy rain today with a high of 83°F and a low of 66°F — 19% chance of rain, so keep an umbrella handy just in case.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU just opened a brand-new 67,000-square-foot academic building — and somewhere, a returning sophomore is already convinced they know a shortcut through it.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: ETSU did not start with its current name. What was it called when it was founded in 1911?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
ETSU Cuts Ribbon on New Academic Building
East Tennessee State University officially celebrated the opening of its new Academic Building on August 21, cutting the ribbon on the long-awaited facility located near the Quad in the heart of campus. The new building adds 67,000 square feet of classrooms, learning labs, study areas, and collaborative spaces. Because many of the courses taught inside are part of ETSU’s general education curriculum, university leaders say students from a wide range of majors are expected to use the building throughout their time on campus.
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.)
ETSU Launches “Advance Appalachia” to Help Small Businesses
East Tennessee State University recently announced the launch of a new initiative called Advance Appalachia, aimed at supporting small businesses in the region. The program reflects ETSU’s ongoing commitment to economic development across the Appalachian highlands. Visit the link below for full details on what the program offers and how local businesses can get involved.
Update: Milligan Cyclists — 3 Discharged, 4 Still Hospitalized
Ballad Health has released an update on the Milligan University cyclists who were injured in a crash involving a vehicle in Carter County. Three of the cyclists have been discharged, while four remain hospitalized. The community has rallied around the Milligan family since the tragic incident, with tributes pouring in for those affected.
BigXthaPlug to Perform at ETSU Fall Concert
ETSU has announced that rapper BigXthaPlug will perform at the university’s fall concert. The announcement is generating buzz on campus as students head into the new academic year. Check the link below for ticketing information and additional details.
TDEC Lifts Water Contact Advisory for Cash Hollow Creek
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has lifted a water contact advisory that had been in place for Cash Hollow Creek. Residents and outdoor enthusiasts who use the creek for recreation can take note of the updated status. Visit the link below for full details from TDEC on what prompted the original advisory and what led to its removal.
📅 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.
🏈 ETSU Football vs. Tusculum — September 5, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM
William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The Buccaneers host the Tusculum Pioneers at home. The game also serves as Niswonger Children’s Hospital Day, a fundraising partnership between ETSU Athletics and Ballad Health.
🎵 Lawnstock — A Day of Music in Downtown Johnson City
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 1:00 PM | Founders Park, Johnson City
Johnson City’s new end-of-summer music festival takes over Founders Park today. Head downtown for a day of live music — this is the event’s inaugural year.
🌮 Taco Trek | September
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:30 PM | 110 W Market St, Johnson City
Taco Trek returns to downtown Johnson City for a September edition. Visit the link below for full details.
🏈 ETSU Buccaneers vs. Campbell Fighting Camels
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM | William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City
The Bucs open their home schedule against the Campbell Fighting Camels at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium. Visit ETSU Athletics for ticketing information.
🥗 The Farmer & The Chef
Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Blackthorn Club at the Ridges
A culinary event featuring regional chefs using locally grown fresh food to support the mission to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. Visit the link below for tickets and more information.
🎪 Appalachian Fair Home Show
The Appalachian Fair Home Show takes place September 25–27, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, featuring hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers — with free admission for all.
More info at Johnson City Chamber
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, The Comet happily reported that the “frog pond and mosquito factory” on Market Street near Amour’s packing house had finally been drained, joking that the city should keep the good work going further up the street. A small item, but exactly the kind of neighborhood improvement Johnson City residents loved to see noted in print.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
East Tennessee State Normal School, founded in 1911 to train teachers for the region’s public schools.