☀️ Today’s Weather
Weather data unavailable.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport’s transit system offers a free ride day, Fun Fest is six weeks out, and the IMAX opens next month — somehow the Model City keeps adding things to do faster than anyone can keep up with the schedule.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What massive Kingsport park is home to a planetarium, animal habitats, trails, and a reservoir?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Murder Suspect Arrested After Multi-State Pursuit
A Kingsport man charged with second-degree murder was arrested after an alleged homicide investigation. According to court documents, police responded to a home in the 1000 block of Hickory Street amid reports of a stabbing. The investigation developed Levi Carter as the suspect — identified as the victim’s son — who allegedly entered the home’s basement and stabbed the victim in the chest. The Kingsport Police Department confirmed Carter had been taken into custody after he allegedly stole a vehicle in Scott County, Virginia and fled from law enforcement, with the pursuit eventually entering Tennessee and ending in the Church Hill area.
Sponsored by
Crosscut Tree Services
Got a tree that’s leaning, dying, or just getting a little too comfortable with your roofline? Terry and the crew at Crosscut handle it all — removal, trimming, and 24/7 emergency service when a storm doesn’t wait for business hours. They’re local, they’re licensed, and if you’ve seen their reviews, you know they show up on time and do the job right the first time. Free quotes. No pressure.
Renovations Underway at Kingsport and Sullivan County Schools
With the school year wrapping up, renovation work has begun at schools across Kingsport and Sullivan County. The projects are aimed at improving facilities ahead of the next academic year. Visit the link below for details on which schools are affected and what work is planned.
Sinkhole Shuts Down Tri-Cities Airport Main Runway
A sinkhole has forced the closure of a runway at Tri-Cities Airport for evaluation and repairs, with no reopening date currently set. The closure is affecting flights at the regional airport that serves the Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol area. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest flight information.
Kingsport Transit Service to Offer Free Rides on June 18
The Kingsport Area Transit Service (KATS) is offering free rides on June 18. Residents looking to try out the local bus system or skip the drive for a day have a chance to ride at no charge. Visit the link below for more information on routes and schedules.
📅 Upcoming Events
Lights, Camera, Music: Summer Musical Revue
FHG Productions presents their summer musical revue June 11-14 at 2152 Hawthorne St in Kingsport. The show features live musicians, ensemble performers, and choreography celebrating memorable moments from cinema. Thursday through Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 3pm.
More info at FHGProductions.org
Fun Fest 2026 – Block Party Weekend
Fun Fest’s pre-kickoff Block Party Weekend is set for July 10, 11, and 12. Block parties can be a private neighborhood gathering of friends or a public party anyone can attend — or anything in between. Visit funfest.net for details on how to host or find a block party near you.
Fun Fest 2026 – Main Festival
Fun Fest runs July 17–25, 2026, with 9 days of fun, 40+ locations, and 100+ events across Kingsport. The Fun Fest Parade through downtown Kingsport marks the official kickoff to the annual festival, with colorful floats, marching bands, and community spirit. Visit the link below for the full schedule and event details.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Bays Mountain Park, a sprawling city-owned nature park that offers one of the most diverse collections of natural and educational attractions of any municipal park in Tennessee.