☀️ Today’s Weather
Light drizzle today with a high of 82°F and a low of 71°F — 33% chance of rain, so maybe keep an umbrella in the car.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is one of the few places where you can walk out of a new French bakery, pass a 100-year-old hardware store, and be standing at an ETSU campus building before you’ve finished your croissant — and somehow that all feels completely normal.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The city’s first mayor was also the man it was named for. Who was Johnson City’s first mayor?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
WCSO: Man Charged After Allegedly Choking, Dragging Victim
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic incident after a victim stated a man had allegedly choked and dragged her. A suspect was located and charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault, and was transported to the Washington County Detention Center. The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in the region.
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New Cuisine Coming to Johnson City
Johnson City’s dining scene is set to expand with new cuisine recently announced for the area. Details on the type of restaurant and its location are available in the full report. Head to the link below to find out what’s in store for local food lovers.
Lots of Cats Up for Adoption — Tails and Paws
The area’s animal shelters are looking for forever homes for a number of cats featured in this week’s Tails and Paws segment. If you’ve been thinking about adding a feline friend to your household, now is a great time to visit your local shelter. Check the link below for photos and more information on the adoptable cats.
📅 Upcoming Events
Fridays After 5 — Free Summer Concert Series
Downtown Johnson City’s free outdoor concert series continues at King Commons Park every Friday from 6:30–8:30 PM through July 31. This week’s performer is Isaac Hadden (July 17) with the series wrapping up July 24 and July 31. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy live music in the heart of downtown — free to attend.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
The Collective x Umoja: Poetry, Music & Fine Attire Night
On Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00 PM, The Collective is partnering with Umoja for a special evening in downtown Johnson City featuring fine attire, poetry, cocktails, and live music. The event is 21+ and BYOB; small snacks will be available for purchase. The precise venue address will be emailed to ticket holders on the morning of the event.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Business Book Club — July 26
The Business Book Club meets on Sunday, July 26, from 5:30–7:00 PM at a local Johnson City teahouse. This month’s selection is The 80/20 Principle. No registration is required — it’s a drop-in event open to all, with food and beverage purchases encouraged to support the nonprofit teahouse host.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
10 Years Live at Capone’s
Knoxville alternative hard rock act 10 Years returns to Capone’s (227 E. Main St., Johnson City) on Friday, July 31. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show starts at 8:00 PM. The event is ages 18+ with a valid state-issued or US military photo ID.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
Meet the Mountains Festival — Winged Deer Park
Save the date for the Meet the Mountains Festival, taking place August 14–16, 2026 at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City. This multi-day festival is one of the area’s signature summer events. Visit the link below for full details and schedule information.
Read more at Visit Johnson City
The Farmer & The Chef Culinary Event — Blackthorn Club at the Ridges
On Sunday, August 30 from 4:00–7:00 PM, join regional chefs at Blackthorn Club at the Ridges for The Farmer & The Chef — a signature culinary event featuring locally grown food to benefit the effort to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For more information or to register, visit netfoodbank.org.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Ninety-five years ago today in 1931, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that city Commissioner Tip Williams, his wife, and a neighbor were injured when a hit-and-run driver struck their car near Bolton curve on the Johnson City–Elizabethton highway. Williams was on his way to a funeral at Milligan in Fire Chief Spinnenweber’s De Soto roadster. Police were notified immediately but had not located the driver — described as an old-model light blue Buick sedan — by late that night.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Henry Johnson, the settler and businessman whose land donation helped establish the railroad depot around which the city grew.