☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies with a high of 94°F and a low of 72°F — bring an umbrella just in case, with a 31% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City is one of the few places where people argue passionately about a swimming pool at a city commission meeting, then drive home past two closed pools to get there.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Interstate 26 links Johnson City in the direction of what North Carolina mountain city?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Aquatics Center Stays in Johnson City Budget — For Now
Johnson City’s proposed aquatics center remains in the city’s 2026–27 budget after the commission passed a second reading without changes, but the debate is far from over. Multiple residents spoke out at both the first and second readings, urging commissioners to reconsider the spending amid concerns about taxes and existing infrastructure. Commissioners may consider amending the budget language before the third and final reading, with Mayor Greg Cox suggesting the funds be listed more broadly for Parks and Recreation capital improvements rather than tied specifically to aquatics center debt.
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 Regional Planning Commission Approves Data Center Amendment
The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission recently approved a data center zoning amendment along with a parking proposal tied to the State of Franklin area. The vote comes after weeks of public input and debate about how the city should regulate large data center facilities within its zoning code. Residents had raised concerns about buffer distances and other specifics ahead of the vote.
Tri-Cities Airport Runway Reopens After Sinkhole Closure
Runway 5/23 at Tri-Cities Airport has reopened after being shut down for evaluation and repairs following the discovery of a sinkhole. The closure caused flight cancellations over multiple days while crews assessed and addressed the issue. Normal operations have since resumed at the airport.
Northeast Tennessee Home Sales Flat, Prices Up
A new report from the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors (NETAR) shows that home sales in the region have remained relatively flat while prices have continued to climb. The trend reflects broader pressures seen across the housing market, with buyers facing higher costs even as transaction volume holds steady. Local residents looking to buy or sell can find more details in the full report.
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
AT Labs
Most people don’t think about what happens to communications when a disaster hits and infrastructure goes down. What does AT Labs actually build, and what problem does it solve in plain terms?
When most people think about communication, they think about cell phones and internet service. The problem is that disasters don’t care how much we rely on those systems. At AT Labs, we build equipment that helps emergency responders, utility workers, and military units stay connected when traditional infrastructure becomes unavailable, overloaded, or unreliable — whether it’s a tornado, flood, wildfire, or search and rescue operation. One of our core beliefs is what we call “We Are the Infrastructure.” We focus on giving responders the ability to bring their own communications capability with them, establish it where it’s needed, and keep operating even when surrounding infrastructure is gone. In plain terms, we build tools that allow teams to create their own communications network instead of depending on someone else’s.
Your gear is designed by responders for responders. How does that background shape what you build?
A lot of technology is designed in conference rooms. Ours is designed around the realities of the field. Before starting AT Labs, I spent time in emergency services here in East Tennessee and saw firsthand how often responders have to work around equipment limitations and coverage gaps. My own life was on the line with flaky communications — and I wanted to fix that. Because of that experience, we focus heavily on reliability, simplicity, and practical deployment. The goal isn’t to replace existing tools. It’s to solve real operational problems by providing technology that works specifically where others fail.
You’re based right here in the Tri-Cities and certified Made in Tennessee. What does that mean to you?
The Tri-Cities has a strong tradition of manufacturing, innovation, and public service. Building here keeps us connected to the communities and responders we serve. It also means we’re proving that advanced technology doesn’t have to come from Silicon Valley. There are talented people, strong work ethics, and innovative ideas right here in Appalachia. For us, building locally is about investing in our community and demonstrating that world-class solutions can come from East Tennessee.
Learn more at at-labs.tech.
📅 Upcoming Events
Walnut Street Music Series
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Downtown Johnson City
Live music returns to Walnut Street in downtown Johnson City for an evening concert series event.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Tree Streets Pride
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
A Pride celebration taking place in the Tree Streets neighborhood of Johnson City.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Northeast TN Farm Tour
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
A self-guided farm tour across Northeast Tennessee giving residents a chance to visit and explore local farms in the region.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Fridays After 5 – Lucille Klement (Free Summer Concert Series)
Friday, June 13, 2026 | 6:30 PM | 601 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37601 (King Commons)
The free outdoor summer concert series continues in downtown Johnson City featuring performer Lucille Klement.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Johnson City Doughboys vs. Elizabethton River Riders
Sunday, June 14, 2026 | TVA Credit Union Ballpark, Johnson City
The Johnson City Doughboys host the Elizabethton River Riders in Appalachian League baseball action.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Greeneville Flyboys at Johnson City Doughboys
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | TVA Credit Union Ballpark, Johnson City
The Johnson City Doughboys take on the Greeneville Flyboys in a home Appalachian League matchup.
Fridays After 5 – The Maggie Valley Band
Friday, June 19, 2026 | 6:30 PM | 601 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37601 (King Commons)
The free outdoor summer concert series in downtown Johnson City continues with The Maggie Valley Band performing live.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
Books & Crafts Fair
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 3302 W Market St, Johnson City, TN 37604
A books and crafts fair open to the community in Johnson City.
Sunny War – Live @ The Cardinal Music Hall
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | The Cardinal Music Hall, Johnson City
Sunny War performs live at The Cardinal Music Hall in Johnson City.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Asheville, the vibrant western North Carolina city that sits along Interstate 26 and serves as a cultural and economic neighbor to Johnson City.