Daily editionThursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
Community
Local leaders gathered at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Sullivan County on Wednesday, Apr. 1 to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month & pledge to strengthen child protection, with Detective Sarah Lawson honored for her work on abuse cases.
WCYBRead more
Parents in Bluff City will have a chance to check that car seats are installed correctly during a child safety seat checkpoint tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. at the Tri-City Flea Market (no tickets or citations will be issued) by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and local agencies.
WCYBRead more
Business
Home BancShares acquired the parent company of Mountain Commerce Bank on April 1, merging it into Centennial Bank.
Customers may notice changes as the merger expands service to eight branches in Tennessee.
WCYBRead more
Culture
ETSU will host Mountain Made Appalachian Folk Festival on Tuesday, April 7 across campus - museum events begin at 12:15 p.m. to showcase Appalachian crafts, storytelling and live music for students, faculty and community members.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU professor Kelly Moore will debut her documentary 'The Opportunity Within' on April 9 at 6 p.m. at Jonesborough’s Jackson Theatre.
The film, funded by the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council, shows jail-based addiction treatment and includes voices with firsthand experience & local efforts to improve care.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts hosted Dirty Dancing in Concert on Sunday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall, where live music & performance revived the nostalgic film for local fans.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU’s Unity Fest returns on Wednesday, Apr. 8 in the University Commons from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature music, food, and activities led by student organizations (including the Black Affairs Association, French Club, and more) as it celebrates diverse cultures.
The East TennesseanRead more
Economy
BWXT began constructing a nuclear plant in Jonesborough to produce high-purity depleted uranium (HPDU) that will create 175 jobs; on March 23, local officials approved a rezoning change to support the project while some residents worry about its environmental impact.
The East TennesseanRead more
AAA reports gas prices have risen by more than one dollar over the past month in our region, straining households on fixed incomes.
State lawmakers are discussing possible relief measures as the ongoing war in Iran adds to price challenges.
WCYBRead more
Education
ETSU's Finance and Administration Committee discussed a proposed tuition and fee increase for the 2026–27 academic year — rising costs are driving affordability challenges; a formal recommendation will be issued at the board meeting in May.
WFHGRead more
Environment
Steele Creek Park’s nature center now features the Aliens Among Us exhibit on invasive species, open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Starting Memorial Day, the center will extend hours to 6 p.m. daily while the park charges a $2 per vehicle fee.
WFHGRead more
Health
ETSU professor Dr. Matthew Zahner leads research to map neural circuits and test a chemogenetic method for spinal cord injury and heart stress responses.
His lab will conduct further studies to improve recovery options for veterans and local families.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
ETSU dropped its midweek doubleheader against Radford on Tuesday, March 31, losing a tense 3 to 2 opener in extra innings and a 10 to 1 rematch.
They will face Western Carolina University in two games on April 3 and a third game on April 4.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
Mind the Drive, EyeCandy and Half Past Dead Live
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 · 9 PM – 12 AM — Capone's — Check the full calendar for ticket info — Experience a night filled with energetic performances from local bands.
Echoes Of Reverie And Light
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — $40 + fees — Experience a captivating musical journey featuring classical masterpieces and emerging talent.
Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 · 1-7 p.m. — Founders Park — Sample over 150 unique beers — Celebrate Tennessee Craft Beer Month at the 13th annual festival.