Good morning, Johnson City.

ETSU hosted a two-day Spring Literary Festival from April 21–22 featuring guest author Ron Rash.

He held a conversation at the Reece Museum from 3:10 to 4:15 p.m. on April 22 and led a reading at the Bud Frank Theatre at 7 p.m.

On April 15, ETSU Student Government Association hosted its spring concert at Freedom Hall Civic Center where Flatland Cavalry and Gretchen Wilson entertained fans with classic hits + debuted new music.

The event highlighted country roots and local Appalachian influence.

ETSU graduation day is set for Saturday, May 9 at the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini Dome) with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; graduates should complete requirements ahead of time and arrive early to handle parking and check-in.

Last Wednesday, ETSU held its second Boland Research Day at the D.P.

Culp Student Center where over 300 students showcased research and received feedback from academic judges (highlighting a focus on clear communication). Dr. Nick Hagemeier said the event is expected to evolve into a community-wide celebration.

ETSU's Dean of Student Engagement explained that ETSU does not back unauthorized honor society invitations and urged students to verify organization registration using the Buc-Hub (a key campus resource) before joining.

The letter asks students to weigh membership fees against benefits carefully.

A Tennessee law banning kratom will go into effect July 1.

Kay Davis, owner of the Atlantic metaphysical shop in Johnson City, says customers using the herbal remedy for PTSD, chronic pain and opioid recovery may soon need new choices.

Dr. Patrick Bradshaw at ETSU is researching how diet+ketone drinks can slow aging and boost cellular health in Appalachia.

He is recruiting undergraduate students for lab work to help make nutrition-based solutions more accessible locally.

Officials approved a $240 million redevelopment of the old Burlington Mills site west of town, set to add 1,049 residential units and 100,000 sqft retail space—work will begin this May in six phases with completion expected by November—and is designed to boost local tax revenue and improve stormwater infrastructure.