SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — In the rolling Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians of northeast Tennessee, Sullivan County is building a reputation as an affordable, scenic golf destination. With a blend of public courses, resort-style amenities, and growing ties to tourism, the county's golf scene is flourishing, even as slow population growth and economic pressures loom on the horizon.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - In an era dominated by smartphones, e-books, and online databases, the question arises: Are public libraries still necessary? In Washington County and Johnson City, Tennessee, public libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities, offering more than just books.​

BRISTOL, Va. — Food enthusiasts and fans of NBC’s newest culinary competition series, Yes, Chef! We will soon have a rare opportunity to meet and taste the creations of the show’s standout chefs. On Saturday, May 3, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol will host an exclusive, seven-course dining experience featuring five contestants from the highly anticipated series.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education has ignited a fierce debate across Tennessee, exposing deep divisions among lawmakers, educators, and policy advocates over the future of public education.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Boone Lake Association (BLA) is set to host its 26th Annual Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025, inviting community members across Northeast Tennessee to participate in a large-scale effort to preserve and beautify Boone Lake. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., culminates in a festive picnic at Winged Deer Park, celebrating the collective environmental efforts of volunteers.​ cca.johnsoncitytnchamber.com.

BRISTOL, Va. — Comedian Jeff Ross, the Emmy-nominated “Roastmaster General,” is bringing his new solo show, Take A Banana For The Ride, to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol on June 27 at 8 p.m., marking an early stop in a limited nine-city tour before heading to Broadway.

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. — To expand healthcare career opportunities and address regional workforce needs, Ballad Health has announced the launch of a no-cost phlebotomy training program. The program offers classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to aspiring healthcare workers.

Johnson City, TN — Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, died Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88, the Vatican announced. The pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure, following a coma. His death marks the end of a transformative 12-year papacy characterized by humility, progressive reforms, and advocacy for the marginalized. The news prompted mourning, prayer services, and reflections on the pope’s enduring impact in Johnson City, Tennessee, home to a close-knit Catholic community. Reuters.

BRISTOL, Va. — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol has announced two major acts for its 2025 Hard Rock Live lineup: comedian and television icon Jay Leno, and rock band Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters.​

SULPHUR SPRINGS, Tenn. — Along Tennessee Highway 75 in the small town of Sulphur Springs, the scent of slow-smoked meat drifts from a modest building at 1301 Gray Station Sulphur Springs Road. Inside, Swifty Pig BBQ has become a beloved local eatery, serving a menu that blends Southern barbecue tradition with generous hospitality.

BRISTOL, Va. — April 18, 2025 — High-stakes excitement is coming to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol as the resort hosts its first-ever $25,000 Blackjack Tournament on Sunday, April 27, beginning at noon.

BRISTOL, Va. — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol has unveiled two major additions to its 2025 entertainment lineup at Hard Rock Live: comedian Rodney Carrington and rock band The Revivalists.​

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) announced on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the confirmation of two new measles cases in Middle Tennessee, bringing the state's total to six confirmed cases this year.Both individuals are recovering at home and were already under quarantine due to known exposure to previously confirmed cases. TDH reports no evidence of additional exposures or sustained community transmission.​

GRAY, Tenn. — The Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, Tennessee, will host Circus Classic from April 18 to 20, 2025. Produced by a family with 16 generations of circus heritage, this event promises a blend of traditional charm and modern excitement.​

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — Homeowners across Sullivan County are reeling after receiving 2025 property tax reappraisal notices showing assessments that, in many cases, have nearly doubled. The sharp increases are not due to a tax rate hike, officials say, but rather a routine — and legally required — revaluation process that has caught many off guard amid stagnant wage growth and rising living costs.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — A coalition of more than 15 civic and political organizations, led by the Washington County Democratic Party (WCDP) and including groups such as the Tennessee Justice Center, held a demonstration Saturday to protest recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal initiative launched under President Donald Trump’s second term and led by Elon Musk.

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. — In the wake of Hurricane Helene's catastrophic impact on East Tennessee, the Carter County School Board has unanimously voted to rebuild Hampton High School at its original location along the Doe River. This decision comes as the community grapples with extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and public facilities caused by the storm. ​Axios.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 10, 2025) — Bristol Motor Speedway is set to host a historic NASCAR tripleheader this weekend, April 11–13, featuring the Weather Guard Truck Race, SciAps 300 Xfinity Series race, and the Food City 500 Cup Series race. However, a looming rain forecast threatens to dampen the festivities, raising concerns about potential delays and fan turnout.​

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In response to the challenges faced by seniors in rural East Tennessee, who often must choose between purchasing essential medications and meeting basic needs, Cherokee Health Systems (CHS) has expanded its prescription delivery program. This initiative, supported by a $2.6 million grant from the United Health Foundation, aims to improve health outcomes for older adults in the region.​