Co-authored and images by Raylee McKenzie Thousands of Northeast Tennesseans gathered on West State of Franklin Road on Oct. 18 for the "No Kings 2.0" protest against "executive overreach” and “perceived threats to democratic norms.” The Johnson City demonstration was part of a coordinated nationwide effort that organizers estimate involved nearly 7 million Americans. It was echoed locally by simultaneous sister protests in Bristol and Kingsport. Held on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon, the...

One year after Hurricane Helene tore through the region, more than 1,000 residents gathered at the Cocke County Fairgrounds for "Roots and Reins," a free community celebration that honored the county's remarkable resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. The event, which ran nearly seven hours, brought together families, first responders and community organizations in a powerful display of unity — a testament to how far this community of 37,000 has come since the disaster...