Latest issueTennessee's maternal mortality rate tops the U.S., and BWXT plans 181 jobsRead now

Daily Johnson CitySubscribe — it’s free

Daily Johnson City

Johnson City news

Stories from Daily Johnson City’s editions, and every report from Johnson City’s newsrooms.

Top stories

Written for Daily Johnson City’s editions from the reports of two or more newsrooms.

Every edition
HealthTennessee's maternal mortality rate tops the nation's, and nearby counties are maternity care desertsIf you're expecting, or know someone who is, these numbers are worth knowing. In 2023, Tennessee's maternal mortality rate was 28 women per 100,000 live births, compared with 19 for the U.S., according to a state report. Both rates were down from 2021 and 2022 but up from 2018.Today’s editionRead Health CareBallad Health says BlueCare members can switch plans and keep their doctors if talks with BlueCross failIf you have BlueCare, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's TennCare plan, you may have gotten a letter about your doctors. Ballad Health said Monday that negotiations are ongoing and the letters were inaccurate. Ballad says it and its Ballad Health Medical Associates physicians are in-network with the region's other TennCare plans.Tuesday’s editionRead ETSUETSU's pharmacy college will receive $3.2 million in federal money for scholarshipsIf you know a future pharmacist, there's new help. ETSU's Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy announced Monday it will receive $3.2 million over five years from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), according to an ETSU news release. The Johnson City Press put the expected grant at $3.23 million.Tuesday’s editionRead ETSU SportsETSU women's basketball beats UVA Wise 75-55 for its second win of the seasonETSU women's basketball picked up its second win of the season Sunday, beating UVA Wise 75-55 at Brooks Gymnasium. The Bucs led wire-to-wire but never truly pulled away from a Cavaliers team that tested them all afternoon.Monday’s editionRead CommunityA Walk in Their Boots brought living history to Tipton-Haynes ahead of Veterans DayIf you missed it, A Walk in Their Boots brought living history to Tipton-Haynes Historic Site on Saturday. The nonprofit's reenactors were back for the event's 15th year, and the Johnson City Press ran photos of the annual return.Monday’s editionRead ETSU FootballETSU falls to Samford 37-35 on a touchdown as time expires on Senior DayIf you were at William B. Greene Stadium on Senior Day, you saw a finish people will be talking about for a while. No. 19 ETSU fell to Samford 37-35 when the Bulldogs scored as time expired, after taking the ball to the ETSU 7-yard line. ETSU's ROTC cadets fired the cannon behind the end zone to signal the end of the game.Sunday’s editionRead BusinessBWXT will create 181 jobs in a $714.5 million Jonesborough expansionIf you're job hunting in Washington County, BWXT just gave you a reason to look. The company will create 181 jobs and invest $714.5 million to expand its Jonesborough facility, state officials announced Friday. The plant will produce high-purity depleted uranium metal for the federal government.Saturday’s editionRead ETSUETSU seeks $145.5 million in state funding for engineering and medical expansionsIf you care where ETSU is headed, Friday's trustees meeting offered a map. Officials outlined plans to expand engineering and medical education, including new engineering degrees, additional medical faculty and a proposed $151 million engineering building.Saturday’s editionRead Washington CountyTDEC and BWXT answered questions on the Jonesborough expansion, and residents said they got no noticeIf you live near Jonesborough, here's the latest on the BWXT expansion. TDEC and BWXT answered questions Thursday night about an air contaminant permit application as the company expands its high-purity depleted-uranium facility. BWXT Ordnance Tennessee's Jeff Messaros said the process uses two scrubbers.Friday’s editionRead ETSU SportsETSU hosts Samford on senior day Saturday looking to bounce backIf you're heading to senior day, here's the setup: ETSU is trying to bounce back from its first Southern Conference loss of the season when it hosts Samford. The Johnson City Press calls it a contrast of styles, and WJHL notes the Bulldogs have won two straight under first-year head coach John Grass.Friday’s editionRead Helene RecoveryWashington County's Helene recovery group will stop taking new requests Nov. 16If you still need help after Hurricane Helene, mark Nov. 16. That's when the Washington County Long Term Recovery Group will stop accepting new assistance requests. The group announced Tuesday that it will be formally deactivated by Dec. 31.Thursday’s editionRead HealthCarter and Greene County health departments mark Pink & Pearl Day on Fri., Nov. 6If you've been putting off a screening, here's your nudge. The Carter County Health Department is running its seventh annual Pink & Pearl Campaign for breast and lung cancer awareness during October and November. The Greene County Health Department is promoting the same campaign, with Pink & Pearl Day on Fri., Nov. 6.Thursday’s editionRead

Around Johnson City

From WJHL, Johnson City Press and 9 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service, in the last two days.

  1. WJHL1 hour ago

    Mother of Ballad Health patient speaks out amid Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiations

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Patients covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield are left with questions amid ongoing insurance negotiations with Ballad Health. That includes Kaleigh Hodge, who is concerned about coverage for her son Silas’s medical treatment. Silas was diagnosed with epilepsy back in April and has been receiving the majority of his care

  2. WJHL1 hour ago

    Tennessee Hills releases new lager in honor of Jonesborough veteran

    JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tennessee Hills Distillery has released a new amber lager named for a veteran from Jonesborough. Tennessee Hills announced on Veterans Day that it was launching the LOBO amber lager, which is named for the call sign of the late Maj. Gen. Gary L. Harrell. Harrell served in the U.S. Army for

  3. WJHL2 hours ago

    Eastman Credit Union to contribute $15K to local Red Kettle locations, launches Sponsorship Day

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Salvation Army announced that Eastman Credit Union (ECU) will host a Red Kettle Sponsorship Day to support the Red Kettle Campaign. ECU will also contribute to three local kettles. ECU will contribute $5,000 to the Salvation Army locations in Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol to support the campaign. In

  4. Johnson City Press2 hours ago

    Checkmate: Chess club grows past capacity, expands to Washington County

    A Johnson City chess club is expanding to libraries in Gray and Jonesborough in January after growing attendance and community demand prompted the addition of two new locations.

  5. WJHL3 hours ago

    Watch the 2026 Milligan University Christmas Concert

    CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — News Channel 11 will once again bring viewers the sounds of the 2026 Milligan Christmas Concert this holiday season. The concert will air on ABC Tri-Cities at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve and on News Channel 11 at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day. The concert will also stream on WJHL.com

  6. The Bristol Herald Courier3 hours ago

    Washington County Sheriff's Office conducts multi-agency drug indictment roundup

  7. WJHL4 hours ago

    Second Harvest kicks off 'Project Thanksgiving' food box packing, volunteers still needed

    KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is calling on volunteers to help finish filling 9,000 food boxes as regional needs increase. The food boxes are part of Second Harvest’s 18th “Project Thanksgiving.” “We know so many families are in need of a Thanksgiving meal,” Rhonda Chafin, CEO of Second Harvest

  8. WJHL5 hours ago

    Battle of the Build preps for 10th year

    This weekend will mark the 10th annual Battle of the Build. The annual CTE competition brings high school students from different schools together to see who can design and build the best project. David Isaacs, the chairman of Battle of the Build, and Lisa Luster, the executive director of the Johnson City Home Builders Association,

  9. Elizabethton Star5 hours ago

    ETSU receives HRSA funding to offer pharmacy scholarships

    East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy has received a major federal grant expected to provide $3.23 million over five years, opening doors to pharmacy education and strengthening

  10. Elizabethton Star5 hours ago

    “The Botanical History of Holiday Traditions”

    Horticulturist Shaun Barr will discuss “The Botanical History of Holiday Traditions” on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, 300 W. Market St., Kingsport,

  11. WJHL6 hours ago

    ETSU Health and Ballad Health to host free baby shower in Elizabethton

    ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – ETSU Health and Ballad Health will host a free Community Baby Shower this weekend for expecting parents and growing families in Elizabethton. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at ETSU Health Ballad Health Pediatrics – Elizabethton, 1505 W. Elk Ave. Attendees will connect

  12. Elizabethton Star7 hours ago

    Carter County Sports Hall of Fame banquet reservations go on sale Thursday

    Reservations for the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame’s fall/winter banquet go on sale Thursday. The Saturday, Dec. 12, event will be held at Milligan University’s McCormick Dining Center. Doors […]

  13. 96.9 WXBQ8 hours ago

    2 injured in Carter County motorcycle crash, rider facing multiple charges

    A motorcyclist faces multiple charges after a crash sent two people to the hospital in Carter County yesterday afternoon. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the wreck happened around 3:25 at the intersection of...

    Also reported byWJHL

  14. 96.9 WXBQ8 hours ago

    Johnson City man charged with Rape

    A Johnson City man is facing a rape charge following an investigation by local police. According to the Johnson City Police Department, Shawn Dunn was charged after a Washington County grand jury handed down...

    Also reported byWCYB

  15. Elizabethton Star8 hours ago

    Polar Express movie night to roll into Elizabethton Dec. 5

    Elizabethton Parks and Recreation will bring the magic of Christmas to Edwards Island Park on Dec. 5 with a Polar Express-themed movie night featuring free activities, train rides and a

  16. The Bristol Herald Courier8 hours ago

    Supervisors pass ordinance putting limits on data center construction

    ABINGDON, Va. - No data centers are currently planning to locate in Washington County, Va., but it one does it will have to meet the criteria of the county's new

  17. Charlotte Observer9 hours ago

    Creature seen for first time in NC state park came from another state, tag shows

    An endangered species of bat has been found for the first time in a North Carolina state park, and biologists believe it flew there from another state for food.

  18. Johnson City Press10 hours ago

    Washington County officials defer Salvation Army emergency shelter fund request

    The local nonprofit requested $60,000 to help fund its White and Red Flag programs.

  19. WCYB11 hours ago

    ETSU set for home opener against Campbell

    The Bucs open their home slate on Wednesday against Campbell.

    Also reported byWJHL

  20. WJHL11 hours ago

    Washington Co., Va. approves data center ordinance

    WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Tuesday night, the Washington County, Virginia Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that adds restrictions for data centers. The county previously had no zoning language that referenced data centers. “I would say we need this very much,” Stephen Richardson, Washington County’s zoning official, told the board during

  21. Johnson City Press17 hours ago

    Highlands Horrorfest celebrates 'Five Years of Fear' at ETSU

    Highlands Horrorfest returns for its fifth anniversary with "5 Years of Fear," celebrating independent horror filmmaking, regional creativity, and the filmmakers who continue to push the genre into new and unexpected territory.

  22. Johnson City Press17 hours ago

    Get to know… Duane Frye

    Take a few minutes and get to know Duane "Catfish" Frye, and then go see him play some blues.

  23. Johnson City Press17 hours ago

    Florencia and Donnie invite you to the 'Family Reunion'

    The Pub Outback is set for a great night of entertainment as Florencia and the Feeling welcome their good friends Donnie and the Dry Heavers for a "Family Reunion."

  24. Knox TN Today18 hours ago

    Gibbs Eagles win Class 4A postseason showdown with Elizabethton

    Gibbs scored the first 21 and final 14 points of its first-round Class 4A playoff game against Elizabethton on Friday. Certainly doesn’t sound like a game that was only two points apart with less than two minutes to play. But it was. In between those scoring surges were some tense moments for the Eagles, but […]

  25. Knox TN Today18 hours ago

    High School Sports Roundup: East Tennessee runners bring home state championships

    East Tennessee high school athletes delivered an impressive collection of state championships and individual honors at the TSSAA Cross-Country State Championships, held November 5–6 at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis. Knoxville Catholic, Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) and Gatlinburg-Pittman captured team championships, while Maryville produced two individual state champions. Several other area schools also celebrated […]

  26. WJHL19 hours ago

    Quilts of Valor ceremony honors veterans, active-duty service members touched by war

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Veterans and active-duty service members were honored for their service and sacrifice during a Quilts of Valor ceremony on Tuesday. The ceremony was organized by the Sherrod Library at East Tennessee State University. Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts awarded to service members or veterans who have been touched by

  27. Johnson City Press22 hours ago

    JC Planning Commission approves plans for 11 homes off Antioch Road

    A preliminary plat for an 11-lot residential subdivision on Antioch Road, next door to Grace Fellowship Church, passed the Johnson City Planning Commission Tuesday night.

  28. WJHL23 hours ago

    Johnson City Salvation Army Angel Tree donation drop-off to wrap up next week

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – During the holiday season, the Salvation Army holds its annual angel tree donation program, giving the community the opportunity to donate clothes, toys, or just essentials. Maureen Diffley, a Corps officer at the Johnson City Salvation Army, told News Channel 11 how many children have registered for the Angel Tree

  29. WJHL23 hours ago

    Downtown Johnson City shop owner wins first place in National Main Street America Pitch Competition

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The co-founder of The Generalist in downtown Johnson City won first place and $10,000 in a national contest that teaches small business owners how to find and use funding. Lora Eshbach pitched live to a national panel of judges on Nov. 4 after passing through a 12-week competition that started

  30. Johnson City Press23 hours ago

    Tennessee announces more than $422 million in rural health grants

    Local organizations secured nearly $23 million in federal funds.

  31. WJHLYesterday

    School districts face budget shortfall following rising diesel, bus prices

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Rising diesel prices and the price of new school buses are putting a strain on local school districts as they are now faced with re-evaluating their budgets. For many school districts across the region, transportation costs are becoming more expensive. In Washington County and Greene County, the cost of a

  32. Johnson City PressYesterday

    Jonesborough BMA adds Tom Pardue to Faces of Jonesborough

    The decision to add Pardue to the project resolution was voted on unanimously by Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen during their monthly meeting Monday night. A prior resolution on the project, which aims to provide a way to commemorate the individuals throughout the town's history was passed unanimously in October.

  33. WJHLYesterday

    Snow is in the forecast. What does it mean for the Tri-Cities?

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — As winter approaches, the possibility of snow becomes a popular topic across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. But anyone who has lived in the region knows snowfall can look very different depending on where you are. One community may wake up to several inches of snow, while another just a

  34. WJHLYesterday

    ETSU basketball offers free tickets to veterans

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The ETSU Bucs are inviting those who serve or have served in the military to enjoy some basketball at no charge. Active and retired military members and their families can enjoy up to four complimentary single-game tickets for each home basketball game (both men’s and women’s) this season. Eligible veterans

  35. WJHLYesterday

    Appalachian Mountain Project Access helps uninsured patients access specialized medical care

    JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Accessing specialized medical care can be difficult for those who are underinsured or uninsured, but the local non-profit Appalachian Mountain Project Access is making sure patients get the care they need. The Appalachian Mountain Project Access connects patients who require specialized medical care, such as treatments for cancer, heart disease

  36. The Bristol Herald CourierYesterday

    Ballad Health to begin screening for weapons following violent incidents

    Ballad Health will activate weapons detection systems at hospitals Nov. 11 following increased workplace violence incidents and security concerns.

  37. WJHLYesterday

    Sycamore Shoals State Park to host Colonial Harvest Celebration

    Chad Bogart with Sycamore Shoals, previews this weekend’s Colonial Harvest Celebration at the park in Elizabethton! Watch our interview with Bogart for more information.

  38. Teknovation.bizYesterday

    BWXT doubles its Jonesborough workforce with $714.5M defense-uranium expansion

    On Friday, the state signed an agreement supporting the expansion of BWX Technologies at its Jonesborough facility. The company said the expansion will create 181 jobs, doubling its workforce in...

    Also reported byGreenevilleSun.comWJHL

  39. WCYBYesterday

    Ballad Health to launch new weapons detection systems on Wednesday

    Ballad Health announced that it will launch new weapons detection systems on Wednesday.

    Also reported byWGRV.comThe Bristol Herald CourierJohnson City Press

  40. Elizabethton StarYesterday

    Community Calendar

    Tuesday, Nov. 10 Narcotics Anonymous meets from 7 to 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Wednesday, Nov. 11 Al-Anon meets at 6 p.m. at 411 E. Elk Ave. “New Way […]

In brief

The short notes of Daily Johnson City’s last two editions. Open one to read it, with its sources.

  • JonesboroughBWX Technologies says its Jonesborough expansion will create 181 jobs, doubling its Washington County workforce, and bring a $714.5 million investment.

    BWX Technologies says its Jonesborough expansion will create 181 jobs, doubling its Washington County workforce, and bring a $714.5 million investment. A grant from Tennessee's Nuclear Energy Fund backs it, and the site will support production of high-purity depleted uranium metal for the federal government.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: Teknovation.biz

  • School busesRising diesel and bus prices are forcing local districts to revisit budgets, and a bus now costs roughly $150,000 in Washington and Greene counties.

    Rising diesel and bus prices are forcing local districts to revisit budgets, and a bus now costs roughly $150,000 in Washington and Greene counties. Washington County Schools budgeted $220,000 for diesel this year, and with diesel over $5.00 a gallon, Superintendent Jerry Boyd said the district may have to re-evaluate.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: WJHL

  • Main Street winLora Eshbach, co-founder of The Generalist downtown, won first place and $10,000 in a national Main Street America pitch competition.

    Lora Eshbach, co-founder of The Generalist downtown, won first place and $10,000 in a national Main Street America pitch competition. She plans to spend it on a photo booth built into an original display case and an in-house print shop.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: WJHL

  • Angel TreeThe Johnson City Salvation Army has 1,014 children registered for its Angel Tree program this year, up from 770 last year.

    The Johnson City Salvation Army has 1,014 children registered for its Angel Tree program this year, up from 770 last year. Donation drop-off wraps up next week.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSource: WJHL

  • ETSU hoopsETSU hosts Campbell in its home opener tonight at 7 p.m.

    ETSU hosts Campbell in its home opener tonight at 7 p.m. at Freedom Hall. The Bucs, led by senior guard BJ Ward, are looking for their first win after road losses to Arizona State and NC State.

    News Notes · Today’s editionSources: WJHL, etsubucs.com

  • Rural healthTennessee has announced more than $422 million in rural health grants.

    Tennessee has announced more than $422 million in rural health grants. Local organizations secured nearly $23 million in federal funds.

    Around Tennessee · Today’s editionSource: Johnson City Press

  • Cross-countryAt the TSSAA cross-country state championships in Memphis, University School of Johnson City and Gatlinburg-Pittman tied at 72 points in the Division I Class A boys race.

    At the TSSAA cross-country state championships in Memphis, University School of Johnson City and Gatlinburg-Pittman tied at 72 points in the Division I Class A boys race. The sixth-runner tiebreaker went to Gatlinburg-Pittman, whose Wyatt Mathis placed 30th, ahead of University School's sixth runner in 52nd.

    Around Tennessee · Today’s editionSource: Knox TN Today

  • PlayoffsGibbs beat Elizabethton 49-33 in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs on Friday, ending the Cyclones' season.

    Gibbs beat Elizabethton 49-33 in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs on Friday, ending the Cyclones' season. Elizabethton, undermanned because of injuries, kept it within two points with less than two minutes to play, but Gibbs scored twice in the final 1:09. Gibbs (10-1) now travels to undefeated White County (11-0).

    Around Tennessee · Today’s editionSources: Knox TN Today, Elizabethton Star

  • North RoanIf you drive North Roan Street, expect sewer inspections to affect traffic starting Mon., Nov.

    If you drive North Roan Street, expect sewer inspections to affect traffic starting Mon., Nov. 16. Gulf Coast Underground will inspect sewer lines and shut down one lane from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, through Nov. 25 or until the work is done, city officials said. Work starts between 1808 and 2219 North Roan St. and extends into neighborhoods to the southwest.

    News Notes · Tuesday’s editionSources: WJHL, Johnson City Press

  • ErwinA Monday public forum on a plan to relocate an Erwin business that treats low-level nuclear material got sometimes heated.

    A Monday public forum on a plan to relocate an Erwin business that treats low-level nuclear material got sometimes heated. Company representatives and state environmental officials gave details on the plan.

    News Notes · Tuesday’s editionSource: Johnson City Press

  • PlanningOne month into his role, Johnson City Planning Director Steve Neilson is eyeing stronger data center regulations.

    One month into his role, Johnson City Planning Director Steve Neilson is eyeing stronger data center regulations.

    News Notes · Tuesday’s editionSource: Johnson City Press

  • ETSU footballThe Bucs fell 37-35 to Samford on Saturday after the Bulldogs scored a touchdown as time expired, dropping ETSU to 6-4.

    The Bucs fell 37-35 to Samford on Saturday after the Bulldogs scored a touchdown as time expired, dropping ETSU to 6-4. Two conference road games remain.

    News Notes · Tuesday’s editionSource: WJHL

  • ETSU hoopsETSU men's basketball plays its first regular-season home game at Freedom Hall on Wed., Nov.

    ETSU men's basketball plays its first regular-season home game at Freedom Hall on Wed., Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. against Campbell. Head coach Brooks Savage said there were 800 people at the High Point exhibition and "You got to get a better student crowd in here."

    News Notes · Tuesday’s editionSource: WJHL