☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 91°F and a low of 64°F — a 12% chance of rain means you can probably leave the umbrella at home, but this is Johnson City, so maybe don’t.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Fall in Johnson City means the leaves are thinking about changing, the students have already claimed every parking spot downtown, and someone on I-26 is still surprised there’s construction. Every year. Like clockwork.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The scenery around Johnson City is shaped by which major mountain range?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Fatal Milligan University Cycling Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary findings in the August crash that killed two Milligan University cyclists and injured several others during a training ride on U.S. Route 19E in Carter County. According to the NTSB, a pickup truck overtook the group of 10 cyclists from behind, struck them, and continued through the group before coming to a stop along the edge of the highway. The driver faces multiple criminal charges, and the NTSB and Tennessee Highway Patrol continue their joint investigation to determine the probable cause.
Know a Local Business That Should Be Here?
If you send us a business that becomes a sponsor, we’ll pay you $50 for it. No cap, no catch. Just hit reply with their name and we’ll take it from there. (We still make the final call on fit, same as any other pitch.)
Johnson City Man Charged with Two Counts of Aggravated Rape
Johnson City Police Department announced that a 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of aggravated rape following an investigation that began in 2025. The charges stem from incidents that were investigated over the past year. Residents can read the full details at the links below.
Ballad Health Lawsuit Against United Healthcare Dismissed
A lawsuit filed by Ballad Health against United Healthcare has been dismissed, according to a recent report. The legal dispute between the regional health system and the major insurance company has drawn significant local attention given Ballad’s central role in healthcare across the Tri-Cities area. Visit the source link for full details on the ruling.
ETSU Faculty and Students Weigh In on AI in the Classroom
East Tennessee State University faculty and students are sharing their perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence in academic settings. The conversation reflects a growing national debate about how AI tools are reshaping teaching, learning, and academic integrity. Read the full story for a closer look at how ETSU is navigating this rapidly evolving issue.
JC Commission to Vote on Supplemental Budget and Billing System Upgrades
The Johnson City Commission is set to vote on a supplemental budget as well as upgrades to its billing system, according to a report from the Johnson City Press. The agenda items represent significant decisions for city finances and operations. Check the source link for full details — note this story may be behind a paywall.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Event details are pulled from public listings and can change. Please confirm dates and times on the official event page before making plans.
Shelly Fairchild at The Down Home
Date/Time: Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM
Location: The Down Home, 300 W Main St, Johnson City, TN
Shelly Fairchild performs live at The Down Home in downtown Johnson City. For tickets and more information, visit the venue’s website.
Sorghum Festival and Breakfast
Date/Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM
Location: 2620 S Roan St, Johnson City, TN
The Sorghum Festival and Breakfast returns to Johnson City. For more information, check local listings.
David Nevue – An Evening at the Piano
Date/Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Location: Christ Community Church, Johnson City, TN
Pianist David Nevue performs live in an intimate evening concert setting in Johnson City. For tickets and details, visit the event listing.
Women’s Power Hour with Dr. Erin Slater
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2026, at 11:30 AM
Location: Johnson City, TN (see source for full details)
The Johnson City area Chamber calendar lists a Women’s Power Hour event featuring Dr. Erin Slater. For registration and location details, visit the Chamber’s event page.
More info at Johnson City Chamber
The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Def Leppard’s “Hysteria”
Date/Time: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM
Location: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
The Black Jacket Symphony brings a full live recreation of Def Leppard’s iconic album “Hysteria” to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. For tickets and more information, visit the venue’s website.
FREE Appalachian Fair Home Show
Date/Time: September 25–27, 2026; Friday September 25 at 12:00 PM
Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds, Johnson City, TN
The Appalachian Fair Home Show returns with free admission, featuring hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers. The event runs September 25–27, 2026.
Freedom Hall Events – September 25–27, 2026
Date/Time: Friday, September 25 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:30 PM; Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Location: Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN
Freedom Hall Civic Center has multiple events scheduled across the final weekend of September. Visit the link below or call (423) 461-4884 for full event details and tickets.
More info at johnsoncitytn.org
7th Annual Oktoberfest at Boones Creek
Date/Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM
Location: Johnson City Brewing, Johnson City, TN
Johnson City Brewing hosts its 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Boones Creek. For more details, visit the brewery’s website or local event listings.
The Temptations and The Four Tops at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
Date/Time: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM
Location: ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
Two legendary Motown groups — The Temptations and The Four Tops — take the stage together at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. For tickets and more information, visit the venue’s website.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
Ninety years ago today in 1936, the local paper’s “Personals” column read like a going-away party, with young Johnson City residents scattering to colleges across the South for the fall term — the Beeson sisters off to Tusculum, Doris Taylor and Louise Preas to Salem College in Winston-Salem, and Dorothy Pardue bound for Stetson University in Florida.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Appalachian Mountains, whose ridges, hollows, and peaks define the landscape, culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities of the entire region.