Daily editionFriday, April 10th, 2026
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 10th of April.
Community
Johnson City residents and Bucs can sign up for volunteer opportunities through ETSU programs and local groups like the Animal Shelter, Public Library, and Coalition for Kids.
A guide released on April 9 encourages community service to boost health, learning, and local ties.
The East TennesseanRead more
Business
Swig opened in early March and continues to draw long lines at its new location at 2424 N. Roan St. The shop offers customizable Dirty Sodas plus a range of Refreshers, energy drinks, hot chocolate and snacks for local customers.
The East TennesseanRead more
The Toasted Yolk Cafe has opened its first location offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and specialty drinks at 2519 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City.
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., founders Chris Milton and Matthew DeMott created unique scratch recipes for a one-of-a-kind taste experience.
The East TennesseanRead more
Culture
On Sunday, Mar. 29, students and community members gathered at Bud Frank Cinema at ETSU for a National Theatre Live screening of Hamlet that combined theatre and film with academic collaboration — the venue plans to host premieres on April 17 and April 30.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Community Theatre left its longtime home and moved to a storage unit last spring; it is now searching for a new venue with help from local volunteers (founded in 1885) to keep its tradition of live performances.
The East TennesseanRead more
Economy
Local business leaders say downtown is growing rapidly with projects such as the John Sevier project and West Walnut Street improvements underway, adding new retail, housing, and commercial spaces that will boost the local economy—efforts that extend to regional growth and increased investment across downtown.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
Last week's ETSU SGA election saw Shelby Koerten re-elected as president for a second term — vice presidents Macy Miller and Audie Brown won unopposed.
The election also filled senator seats for several colleges.
The East TennesseanRead more
Students at Towne Acres, Fairmont and Mountain View elementary schools celebrated reading on April 9 when Riley the Reading Raccoon visited as part of Read Across Tennessee Month.
The event recognized student achievements and supported early literacy under efforts by Johnson City Schools, the Tennessee Department of Education and partners.
The East TennesseanRead more
Health
ETSU researcher Dr. Qian Xie is developing MET-targeting CAR T-cells (a method to reprogram immune cells) with local surgeons in Johnson City to treat aggressive cancers.
Her work is moving toward clinical testing to improve care for Appalachian patients.
The East TennesseanRead more
Sports
Bristol Motor Speedway is hosting the Food City 500 today through April 12 with racing, free concerts & fan zones drawing visitors from across the nation.
The event also paves the way for local drag races to start after the track is repaved.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Doughboys will soon start their season as part of the Appalachian Development League, partnering with MLB to train college athletes and create a roster scheduled for release later.
The team, dating to 1975 & rebranded in 2021, will present fun-themed nights and giveaways.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
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.