Mary, the life-sized elephant statue that has become Rise Erwin's mascot, is on display in downtown Erwin for this week's second annual Erwin Elephant Revival.

Elephant advocate, author speaks in Erwin

With the second annual Erwin Elephant Revival officially underway and elephants literally the talk town, a Tuesday visit by Carol Bradley, an advocate for captive animals and author of the book “Last Chain on Billie” was most timely.

Updated Today at 9:34 PM

West Side Elementary School

Hundreds contribute to West Side's $80,000 playground

ELIZABETHTON — All students at West Side Elementary School are now enjoying a new playtground, after hundreds of people came together to raise more than $80,000 for the school's new All Abilities Playground.

Today at 9:19 PM

This crossing of the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals is recreated each Sept. 25 in remembrance of the historic march in 1780 by the Overmountain Men.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Sycamore Shoals Celebrates 237th Anniversary of Gathering of the Overmountain Men

ELIZABETHTON — The biggest dates of the year for Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is Sept. 25. That is the day in 1780 that 400 mounted militamen, led by Col. William Campbell, coming from Abingdon, Va. crossed the Watauga River to join with other Overmountain Men at Sycamore Shoals. That scene has been reenacted every year since the nation's bicentennial in 1976.

Updated Today at 7:55 PM

Earthquake

7.1 magnitude quake kills 104 as buildings crumble in Mexico

The quake caused buildings to sway sickeningly in Mexico City and sent people throughout the city fleeing from homes and offices, and many people remained in the streets for hours, fearful of returning to the structures.

Today at 7:32 PM

Suppression motion

Washington County Judge rules allows warrantless evidence seized in stabbing

A Johnson City man accused of stabbing and trying to rape a woman he met at the non-profit where he worked lost a bid to keep evidence police obtained without a warrant because other criteria was met, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Today at 6:59 PM

Earthquake

7.1 magnitude quake kills at at least 55 as buildings collapse in Mexico

Initial calculations show that more than 30 million people would have felt moderate shaking from Tuesday’s quake. The US Geological Survey predicts “significant casualty and damage are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.”

Today at 6:16 PM

United States President Donald Trump speaks during the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

North Korea

At UN, Trump threatens 'total destruction' of North Korea

“Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime,” said Trump, using a belittling nickname for the North Korean leader. He said of the U.S.: “If it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.”

Updated Today at 1:57 PM

Ballad Health

Merger approved: State allows Mountain States, Wellmont merger

The local health care landscape will soon be transformed as all hospitals in the Tri-Cities will be operated under one entity.

Updated Today at 12:49 PM

Toys 'R' Us

Toys 'R' Us files for bankruptcy, but keeps stores open

NEW YORK — Toys ‘R’ Us, the toy retailer struggling with $5 billion in debt and intense online competition, has filed for bankruptcy protection ahead of the key holiday shopping season — and says its stores will remain open for business as usual.

Updated Today at 11:32 AM

In this July 13, 2017, file photo, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., left, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., right, talk while walking to a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senate Republicans are planning a final, uphill push to erase President Barack Obama's health care law. But Democrats and their allies are going all-out to stop the drive. The initial Republican effort crashed in July in the GOP-run Senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said after that defeat that he'd not revisit the issue without the votes to succeed. Graham and Cassidy are leading the new GOP charge and they'd transform much of Obama's law into block grants and let states decide how to spend the money.

health care

GOP expresses hope for Obamacare repeal bill, hurdles remain

WASHINGTON — Top Senate Republicans say their last-ditch push to uproot former President Barack Obama’s health care law is gaining momentum. But they have less than two weeks to succeed and face a tough fight to win enough GOP support to reverse the summer’s self-inflicted defeat on the party’s high-priority issue.

Today at 10:15 AM

Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria smashes Dominica, now menaces other islands

The storm was on a track to wallop Puerto Rico on Wednesday “with a force and violence that we haven’t seen for several generations,” the territory’s governor said.

Updated Today at 8:53 AM

On Monday, dozens of students and community activists gathered at East Tennessee State University to call on Congress to oppose the end of the DACA program.

Immigration

'Like a punch to the gut:' ETSU Dreamers reveal deportation fears at solidarity rally

On Monday, dozens of students and community activists gathered at East Tennessee State University to call on congress to act and oppose the directive issued by Jeff Sessions following Trump’s announcement, which stated that no new DACA applications will be accepted.

Updated Today at 9:24 AM

Carter County Commission

Robert Acuff elected chairman of Carter County Commission

ELIZABETHTON — Robert Acuff was elected chairman of the Carter County Commission on Monday night.

Yesterday at 11:00 PM

A firetruck sits outside the current site of Hands On! Regional Museum in downtown Johnson City

Johnson City Commission

City Commission to vote on purchasing Hands On! Museum building

The lease agreement between the city and Hands On! would effectively transfer the property to the city, but would allow Hands On! to stay in downtown until it completes its move to the Fossil Site, which is expected sometime in the spring.

Yesterday at 11:00 PM