NEWSBREAK ORIGINAL

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - In a contrast of fiscal policies across East Tennessee, the Greeneville City Council, Johnson City Commission, and Elizabethton City Council have all recently announced significant property tax hikes, while Kingsport has managed to resist such changes for the coming fiscal year.

Hampton, Tenn. - A striking early morning fire has devastated a cherished landmark in the Hampton area, the Southern Craft Restaurant at Watauga Lake, triggering an outpouring of community grief and sparking urgent multi-county firefighting efforts. For over six decades, the establishment at 2340 Highway 321 has been an integral part of Carter County's culinary and cultural fabric, known previously as the Captain's Table and recently as the Southern Craft BBQ.

BRISTOL, Va. - A media revolution is underway in Southwest Virginia as PBS Appalachia Virginia steps into uncharted territory with the launch of the nation's first all-digital public television station. The innovative platform, set to go live on Saturday, June 10, results from a unique partnership with global entertainment brand Hard Rock International.

Elizabethton, Tenn. - Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled weekend as Elizabethton's Evening Breeze Arena hosts a captivating rodeo event sanctioned by the prestigious Southern Rodeo Association (SRA). Set to take place on June 9 and 10, 2023; this thrilling rodeo extravaganza guarantees an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The potential transformation of Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) into a university hospital, partnering with East Tennessee State University (ETSU), promises significant implications for Ballad Health and the wider regional healthcare landscape. As this monumental discussion unfolds, examining the broader context of university hospitals within Tennessee and the surrounding states and evaluating the potential regional and state-level impacts is essential.

Johnson City, Tenn. - Johnson City, a small town in the mountainous region of Eastern Tennessee, is known for its down-home charm and southern hospitality. The Pride Community Center is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity in this traditional setting.

Three witnesses say the pilot of a business plane that took off from Tenessee flew over Washington DC then crashed in Virginia was slumped over as if unconscious. The Cessna Citation took off from Elizabethton, Tennessee, and was heading to Long Island’s MacArthur Airport. The millionaire owner of the plane revealed to news outlets that his daughter, a nanny, and 2-year-old granddaughter were on board.

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. — An eerie silence hovered over Elizabethton Municipal Airport on Sunday, serving as a stark contrast to the explosive events that unfolded earlier in the day. In the afternoon, a Cessna Citation aircraft originating from this small-town airport spiraled out of control over the nation's capital, triggering an urgent military response and an eventual fatal crash in the Virginia wilderness.

BRISTOL, Tenn. - The scent of burning rubber, the thrilling roar of engines, and the palpable anticipation of fans: all familiar aspects of the NHRA New England Nationals that will be carried into this weekend's much-anticipated NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. A sudden twist in the weather has reset the stage for the heart-pounding eliminations originally set for New England, now to take place in the heart of Thunder Valley.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Bryan Winston, a local business titan and general contractor, is invigorating the commercial landscape around the Tweetsie Trail, a popular recreation site in Johnson City and Elizabethton, Tennessee. His ventures are diversifying the local business environment and fostering a community culture of outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

Bristol, VA — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, currently known as Bristol Casino, is set to offer exciting opportunities for its Unity Members to bag some significant rewards this June. The casino has introduced a 'Spin to Win' raffle prize wheel event, set to be held every Friday of the month.

Photo byCourtesy of East Tennessee State University. In the landscape of American philanthropy, few names echo as loudly as that of C.M. "Wild Bill" Gatton. A formidable figure in the automobile industry, Gatton left an indelible imprint not only in the business world but also in the realm of higher education. His legacy, continued by the Gatton Foundation, has changed the face of institutions such as the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City and the University of Kentucky.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – As the nation prepares to observe Memorial Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Johnson City and Washington County, Tennessee, gear up for their day of commemoration. From poignant public ceremonies to intimate personal remembrances, the last Monday in May holds deep significance for the community.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — As Memorial Day weekend dawns, families pack their picnic gear and set their sights on a gem nestled in the heart of Bristol, Tennessee — Steele Creek Park. This 2,200-acre park, a haven that caters to various recreational interests, is bracing for an influx of visitors eager to kick off the holiday weekend amidst its lush greenery and engaging activities.

KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE - Ten years ago, the Kingsport Aquatic Center first splashed onto the scene, and since then, it has left a lasting ripple effect on the community. This past Thursday, residents of Kingsport gathered to celebrate a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of the beloved center that brought more than just waves to their community.

TRI-CITIES, Tenn. — The community spirit is buzzing in the Tri-Cities this week as Ballad Health, the region's most extensive health system, spearheads a celebratory gesture to honor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals during National EMS Week.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Johnson City is filled with anticipation as its cherished annual celebration of community, music, and wellness, the Blue Plum Festival, reveals a game-changing move for its 2023 rendition - a venue shift from Founders Park to the expansive King Commons.

MOUNT CARMEL, Tenn. — This National EMS Week, a small-town ambulance station in Mount Carmel, Tennessee, is planning for a brighter future after a tumultuous history saw the city-owned station changing hands and enduring significant damage from a vehicular collision.

EMS Station 4 in Gray, TennesseePhoto bycourtesy of Washington County-Johnson City EMS. Johnson City, Tenn. - As National EMS Week descends upon the country, the spotlight in Northeast Tennessee is firmly placed on Washington County-Johnson City EMS (WC-JC EMS). As the largest EMS provider in the region, WC-JC EMS has kicked off a week of celebrations, community engagement, and employee appreciation events.

BRISTOL, TN — The culinary scene in Bristol is once again set to heat up with Discover Bristol's second annual Bristol Wing Walk, taking place this Saturday, May 20, from 2-6 PM. This deliciously spicy and unique event gives wing lovers and gastronomes alike the perfect opportunity to sample, savor, and cast their vote for the best wings in town.