In this Jan. 26, 2016 file photo, the empty playground at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia, Mo. The Supreme Court has ruled that churches have the same right as other charitable groups to seek state money for new playground surfaces and other non-religious needs. The justices on Monday, June 26, 2017, ruled 7-2 in favor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Missouri. The church sought a grant to put a soft surface on its preschool playground, but was denied any money even though its application was ranked fifth out of 44 submissions

Supreme Court playground ruling feeds school voucher debate

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and other proponents of school voucher programs are praising a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said a Lutheran church was wrongly denied a state grant for its preschool playground. But opponents say the ruling is far from an endorsement of the use of public money for religious schools.

Today at 9:23 AM

Dear Abby

Widower finds companionship, but isn’t ready for romance

DEAR ABBY: My wife died of cancer four years ago. She was my best friend, and the pain of losing her was more than I could cope with. I was in a fog for about two years, just going through the motions. Eventually the fear of spending the next 20 Today at 9:00 AM

Ray gives an acceptance speech after being installed as the new governor

Johnson City

New Rotary Club governor hopes to continue legacy of philanthropy

The Rotary Club held a ceremony Monday at the Millennium Centre to officially install a new governor for district 7570, which includes 82 clubs from Greeneville to Winchester, Virginia. The new governor of the district, Richard Ray, said he hopes to continue the civic club’s legacy of philanthropy and community work.

Updated Today at 9:06 AM

Dear Abby

Hospice volunteer’s woeful tales wear her family down

DEAR ABBY: My mother has been a hospice volunteer for six months. I think that’s great. The problem is, all she ever talks about anymore is the families and patients she helps. I’m tired of coming home from school or work and hearing about her Yesterday at 9:00 AM

Dear Abby

Woman takes a hands-off approach to blind dates

DEAR ABBY: I'm a single 38-year-old woman. I haven't been in a relationship in more than 10 years because of school, work and kids. Lately, since I graduated, I have been on a string of blind dates. Men seem to want to hold my hand, touch my hair, Jun 25, 2017 at 4:00 PM

Dear Abby

Family communication gap is sparked by dad’s disapproval

DEAR ABBY: We are from the Middle East. My younger brother married an American woman and moved to Arizona, where her family lives. Because our dad didn’t approve, my brother made the plans behind our back and told Dad in an email. He also didn’t Jun 24, 2017 at 9:00 AM

Good Samaritan Ministries is continuing to collect new school clothes, backpacks and suppliles to help students who are still without.

Johnson City

Good Samaritan Ministries to hold Back to School Picnic in July

“If we can't provide them a safe and healthy learning environment, which includes school supplies and clothes, we are doing a disservice to our community,” Murphy said. “We wanna encourage people in the community to join hands and join hearts. One of the best investments you can make is investing in the lives of our children, because they are the future.”

Jun 23, 2017 at 11:56 PM

These cats are currently housed at the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter and are available or preparing for adoption. You can visit the shelter at 3411 North Roan Street, or visit them online at tailchaser.org. You can also call at 423-926-8769.

Washington County/Johnson City Animal Control

WCJC Animal Shelter, June 23 - VIDEO

It’s a full house at the Washington County & Johnson City Animal Shelter, but, then again, it always is.

Jun 23, 2017 at 11:44 AM

In this June 20, 2014 file photo, Peanut, a 2-year-old mutt is held by owner Holly Chandler after winning the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif. The annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest celebrates homely pooches for their inner beauty in Petaluma. Organizers say the pooches will face off in a red carpet walk and "Faux Paw Fashion Show" during Friday's events. It's intended to show that all dogs, regardless of physical appearance, can be lovable additions to any family.

dogs

World's Ugliest Dog Contest awards underdogs' inner beauty

PETALUMA, Calif. — The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is celebrating man’s best friend’s perfect imperfections in California on Friday.

Updated Jun 23, 2017 at 9:18 AM

Mountain States employers and community members packed backpacks full of supplies to be distributed to area schools for students in need. The backpacks were donated by a local company through the Niswonger Children's Hospital Classic. It was contributions like these that the district hoped for this year for the Back to School Bash.

Johnson City Schools

Johnson City Schools cancels this year's Back to School Bash

For a second year in a row, the Johnson City Schools’ Back to School Bash was canceled because the district couldn’t scrape together the resources to provide students with needed school supplies.

Updated Jun 22, 2017 at 11:17 PM

Brother's Keeper celebrating anniversary with expansion

Brother's Keeper, an enrichment and educational program for young adults with intellectual disabilities and limited opportunities beyond high school, is celebrating its one-year anniversary by doubling the number of young people its serves.

Updated Jun 22, 2017 at 11:15 PM

Wetlands Water Park

Wetlands postpones Fun Friday for All to Friday, July 21

Wetlands Water Park in Jonesborough has rescheduled its first Fun Friday For All, originally set for Friday, June 23, for Friday, July 21.

Updated Jun 22, 2017 at 9:28 PM

Good Neighbor

20,000 Tennessee children need advocates 'to be for the child'

Court Appointed Special Advocates is on a statewide campaign to triple the number of trained volunteers assisting abused and neglected children in Tennessee courts.

Updated Jun 22, 2017 at 7:45 PM