Good morning, Johnson City.

A Johnson City man won News 5’s March Mania bracket challenge and took home a $1,000 prize from Chantz Scott Kia.

He said he used research — and lots of luck — in his picks and plans to defend his title next year.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Northeast Tennessee’s population reached 532,283 as of July 1, 2025, with Washington County surpassing 140,000 residents and 21,531 people added over five years + matching growth rates last seen from 1990 to 2000.

Smash Meals, a Kingsport-based service, delivers gluten-free, macro-counted meals to Tri-Cities families.

Meals are available for pickup on Sundays and Mondays in Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, and Greeneville — and the company supports local teen job opportunities.

ETSU junior Connor Manning donated stem cells to help save a man with leukemia; his four+ hour procedure took place at a nearby hospital and highlights the life-saving value of registered donors.

A plan to build 97 new homes on a 23-acre field near a congested train tunnel (if approved) has raised concerns that added cars could worsen traffic.

City planners and TDOT are working on a five-lane bridge to bypass the area while the project timeline remains unknown.

Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza

1-7 p.m. — Founders Park — Sample over 150 unique beers — Celebrate Tennessee Craft Beer Month at the 13th annual festival.