Daily editionSaturday, December 13th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
Business
Breeze Airways launched its first flights from Tri-Cities Airport Friday night, offering nonstop service to Orlando and planning to serve Washington, D.C. on Monday after years of local partnership.
The new route aims to boost tourism and travel options for the region.
WCYBRead more
Workers erected Leclerc Foods signs on Friday morning at the former Ball plant in Bristol as the Canadian-based manufacturer expands its operations to a new facility.
The company already runs sites in Blountville and Kingsport and plans further growth in the region.
WFHGRead more
Education
Data from the 2025 school readiness screening shows an 11% increase in preparedness among kindergarteners across 17 local districts, with gains in language and physical skills.
Dr. Mia Hyde said parents and community partners play key roles, and schools will use this data to better target resources & support early learning.
WCYBRead more
ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy recently held leadership training when about 40 third-year student pharmacists raced to build a Tinkertoy structure to boost communication and teamwork skills.
The exercise aimed to build trust for patient-focused roles in real-life settings.
WCYBRead more
Health
TWRA cautions hunters to use safety measures when handling wild ducks and geese to help stop Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and urges anyone who sees sick or dying birds to report them through the agency's reporting system.
WFHGRead more
Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers football will start their 2026 season with three games—beginning on Sept. 5 in Knoxville against Furman, then facing Georgia Tech in Atlanta and Kennesaw State at home—and play an SEC opener against Texas on Sept. 26; the schedule will feature nine SEC games under a new rule.
WFHGRead more
Accidents
Multiple fire crews responded to a fire at the Carter County Landfill early Thursday, and officials brought the blaze under control before it spread, leaving the site closed Friday with no injuries reported & investigation underway.
WFHGRead more
Johnson City Events
A Winter Gathering Yee Haw Style
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 · 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Yee-Haw Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate winter with fellow riders in a laid-back gathering focused on community and motorcycling fun.
Midnight at The Big Top
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 8-11:30 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG — Champagne required — Ring in 2026 with a live DJ, acrobats, and circus magic.