☀️ Today’s Weather
Foggy today with a high of 80°F and a low of 55°F. Only a 1% chance of rain — pack a light layer for the morning fog.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a full-scale aquatic center, a mountain park with wolves and a planetarium, and a free summer concert series every Friday night — and the biggest debate at the end of August is always whether Fun Fest went by too fast again.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The animals on the Kingsport Carousel were created using what traditional craft method?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Police Department to Get Body Cameras After BMA Approval
The Kingsport Police Department will soon be equipped with body cameras after the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the funding. Police Chief Jason Bellamy said the cameras will help with community transparency and noted that research shows body cameras are associated with reductions in use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints. The system will integrate with existing equipment, including in-car cameras and tasers.
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Clinchfield Street Bridge Repairs to Begin in July
The City of Kingsport has announced that the Clinchfield Street Bridge will undergo significant repairs starting July 6. The six-month project will involve removing and replacing a portion of the existing concrete deck and widening the sidewalk on the west side of the bridge. Northbound traffic heading toward Stone Drive will be detoured during the course of the project.
Holston Habitat for Humanity Builds New Home for Kingsport Family
Holston Habitat for Humanity recently broke ground on a new home for a Kingsport family as part of its 2026 Faith Build initiative, which brings together local churches to support affordable housing construction. The project near Church Circle reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, affordable homes for families in need across the Kingsport area. Local faith partners from several area congregations are participating in the build.
New CPR Classroom Bringing Lifesaving Lessons to Kingsport
A new CPR classroom has recently opened in the Kingsport area, offering residents access to lifesaving training. The facility aims to make CPR instruction more accessible to the local community. Visit the link below for full details on courses and how to sign up.
Read more at Kingsport Times-News
📅 Upcoming Events
Kingsport’s Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Centennial Park area, Downtown Kingsport
Kingsport’s fifth-annual Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Celebration returns to downtown, featuring food trucks, live music, fireworks, and more. This year’s free headlining concert will feature Grand Funk Railroad, with fireworks estimated to begin at 9:45 PM. The event celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary and is free and open to the public.
Fun Fest Block Party Weekend
Dates: July 10–12, 2026
Location: Various locations across Kingsport
Fun Fest’s Block Party Weekend serves as the pre-kickoff to Kingsport’s signature summer festival. Block parties can be private neighborhood gatherings or public events open to everyone. Visit funfest.net for full details on how to participate or find a party near you.
Fun Fest 2026 – Sunset Concert Series
Dates: July 17–25, 2026 (Sunset concerts July 24 & 25)
Location: Various venues across Kingsport; Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium
Kingsport’s signature nine-day summer festival returns with events at more than 50 locations. The Sunset Concert Series headliners include Daughtry and Switchfoot (July 24) and LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne (July 25) at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. Visit funfest.net for full schedules and ticket information.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
They were hand-carved and hand-painted, a painstaking traditional process that gives each carousel animal its own character and makes the Kingsport Carousel a distinctive piece of folk art.