☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 94°F and a low of 70°F. Just a 12% chance of rain — but still a good day to stay cool indoors or find some shade.
😄 Only in Johnson City
You know you’re in Johnson City when the Doughboys open their season, a new tea shop opens downtown, a data center debate makes it to the planning commission, and someone’s still arguing about where to put a pool — all in the same week. Busy place for a small town.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Gray Fossil Site was not discovered by archaeologists on a planned dig. What kind of project uncovered it?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Johnson City Planning Commission Approves Data Center Zoning Rules in 4-2 Vote
Johnson City’s Regional Planning Commission recently approved a new data center zoning amendment in a split vote, along with a parking proposal related to the State of Franklin corridor. The new rules set standards for how data centers can be developed within the city’s limits, a topic that has drawn considerable public attention and debate in recent months. Some residents have continued to raise questions about whether the approved setbacks and regulations go far enough.
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St. Paul AME Zion Church in Johnson City Vandalized
St. Paul AME Zion Church in Johnson City was recently vandalized, according to a report from WJHL. Details on the nature and extent of the damage were not immediately available, but the incident has drawn concern from the community. Authorities are reportedly looking into the matter.
Ballad Health Responds to Report Classifying 2 Hospitals as ‘At Risk of Closure’
A report from the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care classified two Southwest Virginia hospitals operated by Ballad Health — Dickenson Community Hospital and Smyth County Community Hospital — as “at risk of closure,” the second-highest risk level. The report cites low patient volumes, rising costs, workforce shortages, and low reimbursement rates as primary drivers. Ballad Health responded by stating that no community in Southwest Virginia has lost access to a hospital under its management, and that it will “advocate aggressively to preserve rural access to community hospitals.”
Sinkhole Shuts Down Tri-Cities Airport’s Main Runway; Flights Affected
A sinkhole forced the closure of the main runway at Tri-Cities Airport, affecting flights for at least two consecutive days. The disruption led to flight cancellations and is causing travel headaches for passengers in the region. Airport officials are working to assess and address the situation.
Walnut Street Music Series Coming to Downtown Johnson City
A new Walnut Street music series is set to bring live performances to downtown Johnson City. The series adds to the city’s growing lineup of outdoor entertainment options this summer. Residents looking for details on dates and times are encouraged to visit the source link below.
Johnson City Raising Cane’s Announces July 7 Opening Day
The highly anticipated Johnson City location of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has announced it will open on July 7. The restaurant has been hiring approximately 140 employees in preparation for its debut. Fans of the Louisiana-based chain have been eagerly awaiting its arrival in the area.
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Floor Shield of East TN
If you’ve ever dealt with a peeling, yellowing garage floor, you already know epoxy’s limitations. The scratching, the fading, the smell that lingers for days — it’s a common story. Floor Shield of East TN has a better answer. Using a 100% polyaspartic coating system, Floor Shield delivers a premium finish that cures fast, resists UV damage, and won’t scratch or yellow over time. It costs more than epoxy, and it’s worth it.
Owner Paul Harris founded the company on a simple principle: do the work right and stand behind it. That same work ethic carried him through his military service, and it shows up in how Floor Shield operates today — serving Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Greeneville, and giving back through Toys for Tots and veteran community events. Most residential garage floors run between $6 and $9 per square foot, and free evaluations are available so there are no surprise quotes.
Learn more at floorshieldtn.com.
📅 Upcoming Events
Fridays After 5 – Summer Concert Series
Downtown Johnson City’s free summer concert series returns every Friday evening in June and July. Concerts are held at King Commons, 112 N. Commerce St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The series is family-friendly and open to all.
Read more at Downtown Johnson City
TEDxJohnsonCity 2026
TEDxJohnsonCity, an independent, community-led event, returns on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The annual event highlights change-makers in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. It will be held at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, 1320 West State of Franklin Road, Johnson City.
Read more at ETSU Martin Center
Johnson City Chamber Morning Connections Breakfast
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Morning Connections Breakfast on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Carnegie Hotel, 1216 W. State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN. Registration is required — contact the Chamber for details.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber
Business After Hours with Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards
The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and regional Chamber partners are hosting a Business After Hours networking event on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. Light refreshments will be provided and each guest will receive one complimentary drink ticket. Registration is required.
Read more at Johnson City Chamber
Freedom Hall Civic Center – Upcoming Events
Freedom Hall Civic Center at 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, has several upcoming events this summer, including programs on June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 10–12. An Auxiliary Gym event is also scheduled for July 17 through August 1. Visit the link below or call (423) 928-5131 for details on each event.
Read more at johnsoncitytn.org
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
A Tennessee Department of Transportation road-widening project, making it a major accidental fossil discovery in the region.