☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 99°F and a low of 69°F. Only a 7% chance of rain — but stay cool out there, Kingsport!
😄 Only in Kingsport
Fun Fest doesn’t start for another two weeks and people are already rationing their lawn chair space on Clinchfield Street like it’s a competitive sport.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Before highways and railroads shaped the region, Kingsport was important as what kind of shipping point?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🔍 KPD Lead Detective Gives New Insight Into Layla Santanello Investigation
The Kingsport Police Department announced that the lead detective in Layla Santanello’s disappearance believes she is dead. KPD stated: “Based on the evidence, search warrants, subpoenas, and interviews conducted, it is the belief of the lead detective working the investigation that Layla is dead.” Corporal William Clare, the lead investigator, said police have developed new information since the early days of the case, having conducted thousands of interviews and used subpoenas and search warrants throughout the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Kingsport Police Department.
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🏅 Kingsport Local Wins Two Gold Special Olympic Medals
A Kingsport athlete recently brought home two gold medals from Special Olympics competition, a proud moment for the local community. Details on the specific sport and competition were not available from free sources, but the achievement highlights the dedication of local Special Olympics participants. Congratulations to this local champion!
Read more at Kingsport Times News
🏊 Kingsport Aquatic Center to Host Fun Fest Night Swim
The Kingsport Aquatic Center has announced a special night of swimming in connection with the annual Fun Fest celebration. The Fun Fest Night Swim will take place on July 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy swimming, dancing, and more in the Outdoor Water Park, with concessions available. Tickets are $4.00 per person for those who preregister.
🌡️ Heat Relief Available for Vulnerable Residents
With temperatures soaring into the upper 90s, local organizations are stepping up to assist Kingsport’s most vulnerable residents. The Salvation Army Kingsport is offering heat relief resources to those in need during the dangerous heat stretch. Residents in need of assistance or cooling resources are encouraged to reach out to local shelters and organizations.
📅 Downtown Kingsport July Events Preview
Downtown Kingsport has a full lineup of events planned for July, giving residents plenty to look forward to through the month. From the upcoming Independence Day celebration to Fun Fest programming, downtown is set to be the hub of summer activity. Check out the full overview for details on what’s happening close to home this month.
📅 Upcoming Events
🍝 SMILE Foster Closet Gift-a-thon & Spaghetti Dinner — July 10, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026 | Doors 5:00 PM, dinner 5:15–7:00 PM, drawing 7:30 PM
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Rd, Kingsport
A spaghetti dinner and prize drawing benefiting SMILE Foster Closet and the local foster families they support. Dinner is $3 per person ($3.50 to-go). Gift-a-thon tickets are $2 each or six for $10, with no limit on entries. Every prize is worth at least $50, including themed baskets, gift cards, and event tickets.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
A river shipping port, using the South Fork Holston River to move goods downstream toward larger markets and connecting the region to the broader economy.