☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 84°F and a low of 57°F. Just a 4% chance of rain — a good day to get outside.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has free outdoor concerts every Friday night on Broad Street, an IMAX theater opening next month, and a nine-day summer festival with national headliners coming in July. Somewhere in there, somebody still found time to organize a turtle race.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s early planned-city design is often described as drawing from what city-planning ideas?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
United Way’s 34th Annual Week of Caring Now Underway
The 34th annual Regional United Way Week of Caring began Monday, June 15th. The week-long volunteer event covers Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and is sponsored by Eastman Credit Union. More than 1,400 volunteers are expected to serve the community, with more than 20 companies in Kingsport alone completing over 150 projects at 32 different organizations. Most projects will wrap up June 19th.
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.
Lamplight Theatre Seeks Sponsors for Summer Camp Program
Lamplight Theatre is reaching out to the community for support as it looks for sponsors to help fund its summer camp program. The theatre serves area youth through performing arts education, and sponsorships would help ensure the program remains accessible to participants. Visit the link below for information on how to get involved.
Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant Closes After Nearly 40 Years
Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant, a longtime Kingsport dining staple, has officially closed its doors after nearly four decades in business. The closure marks the end of an era for many longtime customers who grew up with the beloved local eatery. The community has been sharing memories and farewells as the news spread across the area.
Kingsport Police Still Searching for Man Charged with 2nd-Degree Murder
Kingsport Police Department continues to search for a man charged with second-degree murder. The case has been an ongoing focus for local law enforcement, and investigators are asking the public for any information that could help locate the suspect. Residents with tips are encouraged to contact Kingsport PD.
📅 Upcoming Events
Red, White and BOOM – Independence Day Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 (activities throughout the afternoon and evening)
Location: Main Street, Centennial Park area, Downtown Kingsport
Kingsport’s fifth-annual Red, White and BOOM Independence Day Celebration returns on July 4th in Downtown Kingsport, featuring food trucks, fireworks, live music, and more. New this year: a hot dog eating contest in partnership with Hot Dog Hut, and a kids’ watermelon eating contest. The event is free and open to the public.
Fun Fest 2026
Date/Time: July 17–25, 2026
Location: Venues across Kingsport, TN
Fun Fest runs July 17–25, 2026, with 9 days of fun, 40+ locations, and 100+ events across Kingsport. The Sunset Concert Series will headline at J. Fred Johnson Stadium and features Brothers Osborne, LeAnn Rimes, Daughtry, and Jeremy Camp among the performers.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Garden City and City Beautiful planning principles, which emphasized organized green spaces, broad streets, and the thoughtful separation of residential, commercial, civic, and industrial areas.