☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 86°F and a low of 70°F. 19% chance of rain — probably fine, but keep an umbrella handy.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU students leave every May, and by mid-July you can actually get through the light at State of Franklin on the first try. Enjoy it while it lasts — move-in weekend is six weeks away.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Sycamore Shoals is closely associated with which river?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
BrightRidge Expands Broadband to Rural Areas
More than 2,000 rural residents and businesses in the region now have access to BrightRidge Broadband following the completion of a Middle Mile grant project this month in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Broadband Office. The project extends high-speed fiber service to previously unserved areas in western Washington County and parts of Greene County.
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.
Johnson City Schools Hosting Back-to-School Community Day
Johnson City Schools is hosting a back-to-school community day for families to get ready for the upcoming school year. The event is an opportunity for students and parents to connect with school resources ahead of the new semester.
ETSU Leading National Study on Rural Healthcare Services
East Tennessee State University is spearheading a national study that examines which healthcare services rural communities consider essential. The research could have significant implications for how healthcare resources are allocated in underserved areas like those in Northeast Tennessee.
Former Johnson City Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Felony Charges
A former Johnson City police officer recently pleaded guilty to two felony charges in connection with a body camera shutdown case. The case drew attention to accountability and transparency issues within the department.
Little City Roller Derby Builds Community Through Competition
Johnson City’s Little City Roller Derby league is gaining attention for how it fosters a sense of community alongside athletic competition. The team brings together participants from across the region who bond over the sport while competing on skates.
📅 Upcoming Events
Party in the Park – Rotary Park
Date/Time: Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Rotary Park, Johnson City
The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its free weekly ‘Party in the Park’ series every Thursday in July. Tonight’s stop is Rotary Park. The events are free and open to all ages, and Parks and Recreation staff will give away free popsicles and prizes.
Dirty Grass Players Live at 324 E Main St
Date/Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Location: 324 E Main St, Johnson City
The Dirty Grass Players are coming to downtown Johnson City for a live performance. For tickets and more information, visit the event page on Eventbrite.
Party in the Park – Powell Square Park
Date/Time: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Powell Square Park, Johnson City
The weekly ‘Party in the Park’ series continues with a stop at Powell Square Park. Free and open to all ages, with popsicles and prizes provided by Parks and Recreation staff.
Coalition For Kids Back-to-School Bash
Date/Time: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Location: 2423 Susannah Street, Johnson City, TN
Coalition For Kids (C4K) will host its second annual Back-to-School Bash, presented by Wellpoint Tennessee. Students attending the free event will receive a backpack filled with essential school supplies while supplies last. The event will also feature inflatables, games, giveaways, free haircuts, health and dental screenings, mental health resources, and a pop-up farmers’ market.
Party in the Park – Carver Park
Date/Time: Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Carver Park, Johnson City
The ‘Party in the Park’ series heads to Carver Park for its third stop of the month. Free, family-friendly fun with popsicles and prizes from the Parks and Recreation Department.
Party in the Park – Legion Street Pool (Free Swim)
Date/Time: Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Legion Street Pool, Johnson City
The ‘Party in the Park’ series wraps up the month with a free swim event at Legion Street Pool. Open to all ages at no cost.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Ninety years ago today in 1936, the Bristol Herald Courier reported that Cab Calloway and his famous orchestra were coming to Johnson City to play a Derby Club dance at the Central Warehouse. Calloway had just finished filming The Singing Kid with Al Jolson and had previously appeared in The Big Broadcast and International House. He was also the composer of “Minnie the Moocher.” Music started at 9 o’clock.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Watauga River, along whose banks the Sycamore Shoals site sits and where some of the earliest Euro-American settlement in Tennessee took place.