Daily editionSaturday, May 16th, 2026

Good morning, Johnson City.

The Daily Johnson City Team

Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.

Business

Gold Spectrum, one of Tennessee's largest hemp retailers, is laying off 121 employees and closing seven retail stores as THCA sales will be banned on June 30.
The company will keep 60 staff and move out-of-state while still serving Tennessee customers online.
WCYBRead more
New food truck Blue Crab Bites, owned by Kyle & Chelsea Combs, is serving fresh crab dishes from classic crab rolls to gluten-free bowls across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
The owners, originally from Delaware, post their upcoming locations online.
WCYBRead more

The Appalachian Fair in Gray expands two days for its 100th anniversary—featuring the U.S. Army Golden Knights sky diving.
Officials said more details including the concert lineup will be revealed soon.
WFHGRead more

Greenbean Ventures will lay off 121 employees across Northeast Tennessee in locations including Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City.
The layoffs will begin on July 13 according to a Tennessee WARN Notice.
WCYBRead more

Johnson City leaders are considering an aquatic center with an indoor competition pool, diving facilities, and family water features in the upcoming budget.
A potential 28-cent property tax increase may help fund the plan, driven by community input from surveys and stakeholder meetings, according to Deputy City Manager Steve Willis.
WCYBRead more
The Johnson City Police Department honored four fallen officers on National Peace Officers Memorial Day by dedicating a permanent memorial in its lobby on May 15.
Dozens of current and former officers attended the tribute to remember their service.
WCYBRead more

Stateline Sports Reporter interviewed ETSU Women's Basketball Coach Brenda Mock Brown on a podcast discussing the basketball offseason, recruiting efforts and NCAA expansion proposals.
Fans can listen to her insights on the team’s future.
WCYBRead more