Good morning, Johnson City.

The Clinch-Powell RC&D Council — named a USDA Grant Packager — now offers Helene survivors a chance to apply for a USDA Direct Home Loan and a home repair grant of up to $44,000.

Survivors must submit documentation and work with local staff to complete the process.

Phillips Landscaping in the Tri Cities reported a bounce back this season after lower tree sales last holiday season (the family business has been active since 1984).

Economic factors and a trend toward artificial trees are said to have impacted their sales.

Members of the local Jewish community will celebrate Hanukkah this Saturday at 5 p.m. at B'nai Sholom Congregation in Bristol, TN, bringing the community together to honor the holiday of light + the historic lighting of the menorah.

Visit Johnson City is pitching to keep the Big South basketball tournament after 2026 by citing nearly $6 million in visitor spending and planned improvements at Freedom Hall (including upgraded locker rooms and office space).

Officials are meeting this week as tourism leaders aim to secure events through 2029.

Science Hill High School senior Julia Fulk is gaining hands-on STEM experience with Kingsport-based STREAMWORKS through the Work-Based Learning program, where she manages orders + shipments for the international Robot Drone League.

She is balancing school and work as she prepares for a future in aerospace engineering.

Veterans advocates have pressed for more gravesites at Andrew Johnson National Cemetery to help families who travel over 30 miles to visit loved ones, and the Greene County Commission approved a resolution + will forward it to park officials and the President for review.

Midnight at The Big Top

8-11:30 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG — Champagne required — Ring in 2026 with a live DJ, acrobats, and circus magic.