Daily editionTuesday, May 19th, 2026
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of May.
Environment
Residents and visitors at Boone Lake are forming a coalition to ask TVA to lower Watagua Lake levels so Boone Lake can gain water during the ongoing drought.
TVA said current low rainfall leaves little room for adjustments — urging boaters to drive slowly on the lake.
WFHGRead more
Government
Washington County residents will receive nearly $3M from the state's unclaimed property program today — over 2,000 claims were processed by the Tennessee Department of Treasury to return funds to rightful owners.
WCYBRead more
The Tennessee and Virginia Departments of Transportation will lift construction lane closures on interstates and state routes starting Friday, May 22 until Tuesday, May 26 so motorists can enjoy smoother travel during Memorial Day weekend (long-term projects may still affect some routes).
WFHGRead more
Health
Ballad Health began construction on a $72 million emergency department expansion at Johnson City Medical Center to add space and new technology for pediatric, adult, and trauma care.
The project will be built in phases through 2027 to meet growing healthcare needs + limit disruptions for patients.
WCYBRead more