☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 79°F and a low of 52°F — just an 8% chance of rain. Not bad for a Sunday!
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU just graduated over 2,000 students, which means Johnson City is simultaneously the most educated and the most nostalgic it’ll be all year — right up until the moving trucks show up on Monday.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: ETSU’s football program has a storied history in Johnson City — but the Buccaneers didn’t always play in the Southern Conference. In what year did ETSU first establish its football team, and what was the university’s name at that time?
Answer: ETSU established its first football team in 1920, when the university was still known as East Tennessee State Normal School.
🔝 Top Stories
Fatal Downtown Crash Leaves One Dead, Three Injured
A serious crash in downtown Johnson City early Saturday morning resulted in one fatality and three injuries. A man now faces charges in connection with the Market Street collision. The incident has drawn community attention and concern, with a local business also rallying support for one of its employees who was involved.
Read more at Johnson City Press
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ETSU Celebrates Spring Commencement with 2,061 Graduates
East Tennessee State University recently honored its Class of 2026 at spring commencement, celebrating 2,061 graduates. Among the notable moments was recognition of the student behind Bucky the Buccaneer, ETSU’s beloved mascot. The ceremony marked a milestone for the university and the wider Johnson City community.
First Residential Development on Mary Patton Nearing Final Approval
The first residential development proposed along Mary Patton Drive in Johnson City is approaching final approval. The project represents a new chapter for that corridor’s development and has been working its way through the city’s planning and approval process. Residents and officials are watching closely as the proposal moves toward a final decision.
Read more at Johnson City Press
Freedom Hall Pool’s Future Gets Clearer After Commission Work Session
A Johnson City Commission work session recently brought additional clarity to the long-discussed question of what to do with the Freedom Hall pool. Commissioners discussed options and next steps during the meeting, advancing the conversation on a topic that has been a recurring issue for city leaders. Residents waiting for a resolution should stay tuned for further updates.
ETSU’s Jacolby Criswell Signs with Canadian Football League
Former ETSU quarterback Jacolby Criswell is heading north after recently signing with a Canadian Football League team. Criswell’s move to the professional ranks marks another milestone for ETSU’s football program, which has seen growing recognition for its players at the next level. The signing adds to a strong stretch for Buccaneer football alumni.
Children’s Business Fair Held for 3rd Year in Johnson City
Johnson City recently hosted its third annual Children’s Business Fair, giving young local entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their ideas and products. The event has become a growing tradition in the community, celebrating creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit among the city’s youth. Families and community members turned out to support the young business owners.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎉 Spring Block Party — May 16, 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Atlantic Ale House, Johnson City
A community spring block party in Johnson City for an evening of warm-weather fun with your neighbors.
More info at Visit Johnson City TN
🎶 Symphony of the Mountains: “Show Me the Paths: A Concert of Light and Hope” — May 17, 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 3:00 PM
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts (ETSU Foundation Grand Hall), Johnson City
The Symphony of the Mountains presents a concert featuring the Kruger Brothers, Voices of the Mountains, and the world premiere of a newly commissioned symphonic work blending Appalachian musical traditions with a full orchestra. The concert is part of the organization’s Paths to Dignity program. Tickets are available through the Martin Center Box Office.
More info at ETSU Martin Center
🎭 SIX The Musical — May 26–28, 2026
Tuesday–Thursday, May 26–28, 2026 | 7:00 PM nightly
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts (ETSU Foundation Grand Hall), Johnson City
The Broadway touring production of SIX — the global sensation that reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as pop icons — comes to Johnson City for three nights. Doors open at 6:00 PM; the show runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. Sponsored by Tri-Cities Airport.
More info at ETSU Martin Center
🎶 Fridays After 5 Summer Concert Series — Fridays in June & July 2026
Fridays in June and July 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
King Commons, 112 N. Commerce St., Johnson City
Downtown Johnson City’s beloved free outdoor summer concert series returns for another season of live music. The eight-week lineup was recently announced by the Main Street Program. Presenting sponsors for 2026 include Cherokee Distributing, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, Gypsy Circus Cider, Ballad Health, and Atmos Energy.
🚂 Johnson City Railroad Experience’s Big Train Show
The Johnson City Railroad Experience is hosting its Big Train Show — a celebration of the region’s rich railroad heritage. For exact dates, times, and ticket information, visit the link below.
More info at WJHL Daytime Tri-Cities