Daily editionFriday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
Culture
The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts presents The Music Man (a six-time Tony Award-winning musical) from Jan. 26-28 in the Grand Hall, offering a lively family show that brings Broadway charm to the community.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
On Jan. 8, NURSE: Empathy Heals premiered at the ETSU Martin Center, where the film documented nurse workshop stories from the Nurse Narratives Initiative – a collaboration among ETSU College of Nursing, Ballad Health and other local partners to promote empathy training for better care.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU students and faculty recently traveled to Podar College (India) over winter break for Destination Nawalgarh, a study abroad program that offered hands-on learning about sustainability and Indian culture through local lectures and visits to landmarks.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU encourages students to ease start-of-semester stress by reading poetry (which promotes empathy), and the Sherrod Library offers a range of volumes and quiet spots for discovering new poets.
The East TennesseanRead more
Government
The Johnson City Fire Department celebrated its new $1M engine at a push-in ceremony today (thanks to local generosity) to enhance emergency response.
WCYBRead more
11-year-old cancer survivor Willa wrote a letter to oppose a rezoning request to build two high-purity depleted uranium processing facilities after speaking out about her past battle with eye cancer.
The planning commission voted 4-2 against the proposal, and a final vote will be held on Feb-25.
WCYBRead more
Health
ETSU researcher Dr. Brooke Schmeichel has been awarded over $2.5 million from NIH to study how fentanyl contaminates methamphetamine and affects brain chemicals in addiction treatment.
Her team will test FDA-approved hypocretin receptor blockers to manage withdrawal in Appalachia — research that may soon aid patients.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
On Saturday, the Buccaneers traveled to Alabama to face the Samford Bulldogs and edged a 76-75 win as Blake Barkley scored career highs with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
ETSU now extends its win streak against Samford to three games.
The East TennesseanRead more
On Jan. 17, the ETSU women’s basketball team lost 53-41 to Chattanooga.
The team will face Western Carolina on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU women’s tennis team lost 7 to 0 to No. 11 NC State on Jan. 17 in Raleigh, finishing with a 1 to 2 record; the Bucs will play Tusculum today at 10 a.m. at Dave Mullins Tennis Complex as they aim to bounce back.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
Saving Shirley Live
Friday, January 30th, 2026 · 9 PM – 12 AM — Capone's — Cover charges may apply — Rock out to the energetic 2000's party tunes from WNC's premier cover band.
Beginner Bladesmithing: Seahorse Knives Workshop
Saturday, January 31st, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The Inventor Center — 40–45% less than regular rates — Forge your own knife and learn essential blacksmithing skills in a welcoming environment.
Furman Paladins vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Basketball
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Cost varies — Cheer on the Furman Paladins as they take on the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in an exciting basketball showdown.
Chattanooga Mocs vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Basketball
Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — $43+ — Catch an exciting college basketball matchup with budget-friendly tickets.
SuperBull Pro Bull Riding Event
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 · 8-10 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Registration closes Feb 18 — Experience the thrill of SEBRA Bull Riding & Ranch Bronc Riding in Johnson City.