Daily editionFriday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
Culture
ETSU-Con will run March 7-8 at the D.P. Culp Student Center with a cowboy theme featuring cosplay contests, panels, gaming tournaments, and special guests including Chris Tergliafera and Roger Clark.
ETSU students get free entry while community members can buy tickets and volunteers enjoy added perks (free T-shirt and merch).
The East TennesseanRead more
Bud Frank Cinema is presenting the Video Poetry Festival 'Is This Really The End?' today at 7 p.m. The screening will show two films— the 1962 French short 'La Jetée' and the futuristic horror 'Vlog II'— and is free for all.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
ETSU's Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy ranked among the nation's top five accredited schools after its Class of 2025 achieved a 97.7% NAPLEX pass rate & a 96% MPJE pass rate.
Tuition cuts and curriculum changes are drawing more students to the program.
The East TennesseanRead more
Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands celebrated a milestone on Thursday, Feb. 19 by serving over 100,000 schools across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Student support coordinators held events in 115 schools and gave students cupcakes for kindness acts and candy for attendance.
WCYBRead more
Health
Dr. Valentin Yakubenko at ETSU is studying a new brake pedal on inflammation using CPP (Carboxyethylpyrrole) that may help control the immune response.
His lab in Johnson City is exploring ways to prevent cytokine storms linked to long-term diseases.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
On Saturday, Feb. 14, ETSU's men's basketball lost 82 to 71 in overtime to Samford in a closely fought game with 13 lead changes & 12 ties.
The team held an 11 to 3 record, played on Feb. 18 at Furman, and will play on Feb. 21 at UNC Greensboro.
The East TennesseanRead more
At Thomas Stadium on Feb. 13, ETSU rallied from a 4 to 2 deficit when Tristan Curless’ grand slam turned the game into a 6 to 4 win over Marist.
The Buccaneers are 3 to 1 and will host Sacred Heart today.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU women’s tennis won a tough home match on Saturday, Feb. 14 when they edged Lipscomb by a single point; the team clinched the win in doubles & singles play and will face Virginia Tech on Sunday, Feb. 22 in Blacksburg.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.
Candlelight Concert Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 · 8:45-9:44 p.m. — MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center — Get your tickets now and enjoy a magical evening of music under candlelight.
Beth Snapp Performance
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — Down Home — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of local music in a cozy setting at The Down Home.
Main Street Days Festival - St. Paddy's Edition
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 · 11 AM–7 PM — Downtown Yoga Center — Free entry — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with music, shopping, and family-friendly fun as Main Street turns GREEN.
Olivia Wolf Duo Performance
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Gypsy Circus Cider + BBQ Smokehouse — Free entry — Enjoy the harmonious sounds of the Olivia Wolf Duo while sipping on craft cider and indulging in delicious BBQ.
Albert Lee Concert with Special Guests
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 · 3-6 p.m. — The Down Home — Cost info not provided — Experience a delightful afternoon of live music featuring Albert Lee and friends.