☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 77°F and a low of 64°F. There’s a 31% chance of rain — keep an umbrella handy.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Johnson City has a Memorial Day weekend tradition: the transit stops running, the pools still aren’t open, and somehow the weather is somehow both 77 degrees and “might rain.” Enjoy the long weekend anyway.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City is home to one of the most celebrated independent roots music venues in the entire country — The Down Home. On what street in Johnson City is The Down Home currently located?
Answer: The Down Home is currently located on Spring Street in Johnson City.
🔝 Top Stories
JC Commission Extends Data Center Moratorium
The Johnson City Commission has voted to extend a moratorium on data centers, buying city staff more time to draft regulations for the fast-growing industry. City staff recently secured a deadline extension to finalize the data center regulations. The move reflects growing community and local government interest in managing data center development carefully, particularly in light of concerns about consumer protections.
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.
ETSU Approves Tuition Increase, Cuts Pharmacy Costs
East Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees recently approved a 4.3% increase in tuition and fees for the 2026–27 academic year. For a full-time, in-state undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours, tuition and fees will be $11,468 per year — an increase of $474. In a notable contrast, the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy will see a 10% tuition decrease thanks to a $3.2 million recurring state appropriation, bringing significant savings for pharmacy students.
Johnson City Medical Center ER Expansion to Add 39 Treatment Rooms
Johnson City Medical Center’s ongoing emergency room expansion project is set to add 39 new treatment rooms to the facility. The project is part of a broader construction effort recently announced at JCMC to improve capacity and patient care. For more details on the scope and timeline, visit the source link below.
Downtown Crash Suspect Appears at Preliminary Hearing; Case Moves to Criminal Court
The suspect accused of killing one person and injuring three others in the downtown Johnson City crash recently appeared in court for a preliminary hearing. The case has now been bound over to criminal court. The crash, which occurred earlier this month, drew widespread community attention and grief.
Wallace Subaru of Johnson City Donates $27K to Niswonger Children’s Hospital
Wallace Subaru of Johnson City recently donated more than $27,000 to Niswonger Children’s Hospital, continuing the dealership’s tradition of philanthropic giving to the local healthcare community. The contribution will support the children’s hospital and its mission of serving young patients and families in the region.
Washington County Denies WCS Budget for Third Time
Washington County commissioners have voted to reject the Washington County Schools budget for a third consecutive time, prolonging a tense standoff between county leadership and the school district. The school board had previously cut its budget request in hopes of gaining approval, but commissioners denied it again. The ongoing dispute raises questions about how schools will proceed with budget planning heading into the new fiscal year.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Rolling Thunder TN4 Ride for Freedom
Date/Time: Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Location: Freedom Hall, Johnson City, TN
Rolling Thunder’s Tennessee Chapter 4 hosts this annual Ride for Freedom event at Freedom Hall in Johnson City.
More info at johnsoncitytn.org
Little Chicago Cabaret at The Philosopher’s House
Date/Time: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave, Johnson City, TN
Little Chicago Cabaret returns to The Philosopher’s House for an evening of live performance. For tickets and more information, visit the event link.
4th Annual Car Show at 140 Technology Lane
Date/Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Rain Date: June 6)
Location: 140 Technology Lane, Johnson City, TN
The fourth annual car show features classic cars, food trucks, live music, Best of Class awards, door prizes, dash plaques for the first 50 vehicles, and a 50/50 drawing. Vehicle registration begins at 9:30 AM by donation. All proceeds benefit the Activity Department for local residents.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Chuck Brodsky Live at The Jackson Theatre
Date/Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Location: The Jackson Theatre, Johnson City, TN
Singer-songwriter and storyteller Chuck Brodsky takes the stage at The Jackson Theatre for a rescheduled performance. Brodsky is known for his rootsy, finely crafted songs and storytelling style.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Second Harvest Food Bank Golf Classic
Date/Time: Monday, June 1, 2026, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Blackthorn Club at The Ridges, Johnson City, TN
The 33rd Annual Second Harvest Golf Classic returns to support hunger relief efforts across Northeast Tennessee. Golfers are invited to tee off in support of the regional food bank’s mission to end food insecurity. For registration and more details, visit the event link.
Fridays After 5 Summer Concert Series
Dates: Fridays in June & July 2026
Location: Downtown Johnson City (The Pavilion at Founders Park)
The popular Fridays After 5 summer concert series returns to downtown Johnson City for another season of free Friday evening entertainment. Specific lineup dates and performers have been announced — visit the link below for full details.
More info at Downtown Johnson City
From The Edge @ Lakeside Music Series
Date/Time: Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Location: Wing Deer Park, Johnson City, TN
The Lakeside Music Series at Wing Deer Park kicks off with a performance by From The Edge. For more information, check local event listings.
Johnson City Transit: Memorial Day Weekend Service Suspension
Dates: Memorial Day Weekend 2026
Johnson City Transit service will be halted for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Riders should plan alternate transportation. Visit the Johnson City Transit page for specific dates and resumption of service.
Read more at Johnson City Press