Daily editionFriday, November 7th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
Community
Amanda Richardson, a SNAP recipient with four children, said she has been without benefits since November 1 and now must choose between feeding her kids and buying daily essentials.
Local food pantries are serving over 52,000 people in Northeast Tennessee while donations fall—costs have risen from $800 to up to $2,400—raising community concerns about food access.
WCYBRead more
Mistletoe Market is open today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will also run Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—tickets are available for purchase.
WCYBRead more
Parents in Kingsport say drivers are ignoring school bus stop signals near a blind curve on Lebanon Road — risking student safety.
Local police have begun coordinating resources — urging drivers to follow the law and keep children safe.
WCYBRead more
Business
FoundersForge is hosting its third Startup Mountain Summit from Nov. 6-8 at the Brinkley Center, sponsored by ETSU’s College of Business and Technology to offer founders and students valuable resources and networking opportunities — the Pitch competition on Thursday had six startups vying for $10,000, and today’s schedule features workshops, speakers and an Adventure Networking event on ETSU’s ropes course.
The East TennesseanRead more
Culture
ETSU will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month with a free performance by Cody Blackbird on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium.
He will perform a mix of Native American flute and rock music to honor indigenous traditions.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU's Greyscale holds its Lucky 13 concert today at 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Center’s Foundation Grand Hall to celebrate its 13th season with innovative pop and jazz covers + the ensemble invites campus and community audiences to experience high-energy vocal performances.
The East TennesseanRead more
Education
ETSU held its biggest first-generation celebration at University Commons on November 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — over 24 departments offered resources and activities as the event honored student achievement before National First-Generation College Student Day on November 8.
The East TennesseanRead more
More than 100 students from three local schools gathered yesterday at Daniel Boone High School for the Punt, Pass, and Kick event that built social and teamwork skills among students with disabilities—helping them learn to communicate in public.
Organizers said they plan to host the event again to continue offering these valuable networking opportunities.
WCYBRead more
Hampton High School received $10,000 from the Tennessee Education Association + National Education Association to rebuild its campus after severe flood damage.
Construction is ahead of schedule with classes held at the old Keenburg Elementary School as students plan to return in January.
WCYBRead more
Government
Tri-Cities Airport is fully operational despite proposed nationwide flight reductions but some flights to certain destinations may face cuts.
Passengers are advised to check in before arriving and allow extra travel time—contacting their airline if needed.
WCYBRead more
Sports
The ETSU men’s soccer team lost their final regular-season game on November 4 to VMI—dropping to a 2-8-4 record and earning the fourth seed in the SoCon Tournament.
They will play Wofford today in Greenville at 4 p.m.—a win that will earn them a semifinal matchup with Furman on November 9 and a chance to reach the championship on November 15.
The East TennesseanRead more
ETSU’s Shadow of the Mountain Climbing Competition will return this week with between 35 and 50 climbers from ETSU and regional clubs testing 18 routes on the indoor climbing wall at the Basler Center for Physical Activity—officials said updated safety measures and increased prizes will help make this year’s event the largest yet.
The East TennesseanRead more
Johnson City Events
BST Gaming Con
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 · 11 AM – 8 PM — Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG — Vending show — The Tri-Cities' inaugural video game convention with special voice actors and gaming events.
Ricky Melton Live Comedy Show
Friday, November 14th, 2025 · 8-9 p.m. — Wallace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the humor of Ricky Melton, a rising star in the comedy scene blending styles of iconic comedians.
Mobile Pantry Food Distribution
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 · 8:30-10 a.m. — Citi Solutions Center — No registration required — Offering fresh produce and dry goods to anyone in need, no questions asked.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Cost TBD — Experience the quirkiness and competition of a spelling bee in a lively and engaging environment.
Repticon Show - Johnson City, TN
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 · 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG — Admission fee varies — Explore a vibrant marketplace for reptile and exotic pet lovers with a range of supplies and merchandise.
ETSU vs Central Arkansas Men's Basketball Game
Saturday, November 29th, 2025 · 5-7:30 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Check online for ticket pricing — Catch the exciting matchup between ETSU and Central Arkansas in a thrilling basketball showdown.
Glory Shone Around Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 · 4-10 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Celebrate the holiday season with a mix of classic and contemporary music performed by a large ensemble of student and faculty musicians.
Jolabokaflod Celebration
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Shakti in the Mountains — $15 — Celebrate the joyful tradition of exchanging books and chocolate with cozy crafts and community spirit.