Daily editionFriday, August 29th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
Community
Second Harvest held an event to mark Hunger Action Month declared by Governor Bill Lee and to remind residents that many people still lack enough food.
Executive director Rhonda Chafin said that people need to donate food, time, or money all year long—United Way’s Kat Latham also urged those affected by Helene to join support efforts.
WCYBRead more
Culture
Best-selling author John Green will be the keynote speaker at the Festival of Ideas at ETSU on February 26, where he will share insights on his popular books—ticket reservations will open this fall and admission is free.
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Economy
Tourism in Washington County grew in 2024 as visitors spent over $348 million—a nearly 9.5% increase from last year—that produced $23 million in state tax revenue and nearly $13 million locally.
Local leaders said outdoor recreation and events helped boost tourism that supported businesses and jobs.
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Education
ETSU will soon add two new campus food options—Jimmy John’s at the D.P. Culp Student Center serving lunch and dinner and local Blended Pedaler opening in Treehouse with acai bowls, smoothies and superfoods.
Student enthusiasm has been high and mobile ordering is expanding for more easy ordering.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU Quillen College of Medicine will expand its class size next year from 78 to 100 students to help meet a growing need for doctors—over 4,000 applicants apply each year.
This change will let the college choose more strong students to serve communities that need better doctor coverage.
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East Tennessee State University kicked off the new academic year on Wednesday with Welcome Week that featured the 27th annual ETSU Pride Community Showcase where over 60 local businesses offered free food and merchandise to students, faculty, and staff—helping newcomers connect with campus and community events. The week also included academic, cultural, and recreational programs that aim to help students settle in.
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Sports
Nine ETSU football players received Preseason All-SoCon honors on July 22 at Hotel Hartness in Greenville—an improvement from three honorees last season—and are expected to boost the team as the season begins.
ETSU will open on Aug 30 in Johnson City against Murray State at 5:30 p.m. at the Bank of Tennessee Field.
The East TennesseanRead more
The ETSU women's volleyball team won an exhibition match against Gardner Webb by winning three sets with scores of 25 to 19, 25 to 22 and 25 to 14 on Aug 22 at Brooks Gym.
Head coach Lindsey Devine said the win gave the team energy as it prepares for tournament matches, including a game today at 6 p.m. against South Carolina in Columbia.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
Jam in JC 2025
Saturday, August 30th, 2025 · 12-2 p.m. — King Commons Park — Free entry — Celebrate local culture with music, food, and art at this vibrant outdoor festival.
2025 Tennessee State Pickleball Championships
Friday, September 5th, 2025 · 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Memorial Park Community Center — Registration fees apply — Compete for medals in various pickleball divisions across multiple skill levels.
Soggy Doggy: Dog Swim
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Legion Street Pool — $5 per dog (2 dogs per handler) — Let your pups dive into a splash party with toys and fun at this dog-only swim event.
Sorghum Festival and Breakfast
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · 8 a.m.–4 p.m. — Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site — $10 with breakfast, $6 without — Experience traditional sorghum making, enjoy local music, and savor a delicious biscuit and gravy breakfast.
Pierre Bensusan Concert
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Down Home — Tickets required — Experience the extraordinary guitar mastery of Pierre Bensusan bringing his unique sound to Johnson City.
Date Night in the Flower Field
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Harvey Family Farm — $75 per couple — Enjoy an intimate evening surrounded by blooms with a charcuterie spread and bouquet-picking experience.
Laniidae Live Concert
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 9-10:30 p.m. — Capone's — Ticket info not specified — Experience an incredible night of music featuring Laniidae, Mind the Drive, and The Dirty Secrets.
Shirefest
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 2-4:30 p.m. — Johnson City Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate the charm of the Hobbits’ Shire with storytelling, live music, and family-friendly festivities.
Sip into Fall: Seasonal Cocktail Making
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Tennessee Hills Brewstillery — Cost not specified — Celebrate the arrival of fall with cocktails and mini charcuterie boards featuring warm spices and local flavors.
Contra Dancing at Mulligan's
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Mulligan's Irish Pub — Free entry — Experience the joy of classic contra dancing with guidance from the Jonesborough Historic Dancing Society.