Chris Paris
Oct 14, 2026
Welcome Back to Tri-Cities Daily |
Happy Wednesday, Tri-Cities! We're back with your weekly guide to Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol and the surrounding Appalachian Highlands.
This week's edition looks at ETSU's plans for the years ahead, a major new entertainment opening in Bristol, healthcare and community developments, the Kingsport Carousel, and ways to enjoy October across our region.
We've also collected useful short updates from Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee, plus a chronological weekend guide. Thanks for welcoming Tri-Cities Daily back into your week. |
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Trivia Question❓Which river flows beneath Elizabethton's historic covered bridge? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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| ★★★★★ |
A Taste of Tradition. A Gift of Hope.
We’re proud to carry forward the Regas legacy through The Original Family Recipe by Regas Bros Seasoning—a revival of Frank G. Regas’ iconic blend.
Rooted in a philosophy of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and genuine hospitality, this seasoning continues to inspire chefs, restaurateurs, and home cooks alike.
More than just great flavor, every purchase has purpose—all proceeds support the Alzheimer’s Foundation, honoring Frank, his sister, and the countless families impacted by the disease.
💜Taste the tradition. 💜Support a cause. 💜Love what you eat
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Brightspeed says stolen telecommunications infrastructure has interrupted service for area customers. Read More... |
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School officials describe building inspections and responses after elevated mold readings. Read More... |
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Bundy's Chapel in Castlewood is receiving $121,000 in Virginia preservation funding, recognizing its role as a longtime church and former school for the local Black community. Read More... |
Bristol father of four Zachary Deel plans to run more than 2,800 miles to California, starting October 17, with his family and personal determination at the center of the journey. Read More... |
Early Voting Underway Across the Tri-Cities Region |
Residents across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia can cast their ballots before the November 3, 2026, general election.
Tennessee: Early voting begins Wednesday, October 14, and continues through Thursday, October 29. Registered voters should check their county election commission for designated locations and hours.
Virginia: Early voting began September 18 and continues through Saturday, October 31. Residents can vote at their local registrar's office or other designated early voting locations.
Early voting offers an opportunity to avoid Election Day scheduling conflicts. Before heading out, verify your registration, check identification requirements, and confirm where and when you can vote.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. |
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Your October 16–18 Weekend Around the Tri-Cities |
Friday, October 16 7 p.m. | Alison Brown at Jackson Theatre, Jonesborough. 7:30 p.m. | Bristol Sessions Festival Night Six, Bristol.
Saturday, October 17 8 a.m. | Jonesborough Farmers Market. 10 a.m. | Rocky Mount Living History Days, regional listing. 11 a.m. | Main Street Days Festival, downtown Johnson City. 2:00 p.m. | A Spot on the Hill Cemetery Play, Jonesborough. 6:30 p.m. | A Spot on the Hill Cemetery Play, Jonesborough.
Sunday, October 18 10 a.m. | Jeffrey Earnhardt Racing Experience, Bristol Motor Speedway. 1 p.m. | Spooky Express, Bristol. 3 p.m. | Hocus Pocus at Jackson Theatre, Jonesborough.
Coming next weekend: Kingsport Farmers Market has announced its annual Fall Festival for October 24.
Always confirm event schedules, locations, ticket availability and weather-related changes with the organizer before setting out. |
Historic Jonesborough hosts its 11th Annual Brews & Boos on October 17. Enjoy an evening of ghost stories from Michael Reno Harrell and Jessica Piscitelli Robinson at Jimmy Neil Smith Park. Read More... |
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Drivers across the Appalachian Highlands face a mix of detours, bridge work and highway improvements. Here's what to watch in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Read More... |
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The October 15 to December 7 window is a chance to compare coverage, prescription costs and provider access. Read More... |
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A practical guide to public transit, specialized rides and regional resources in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol and surrounding counties. Read More... |
Interesting Facts From Around the Tri-Cities |
Tennessee's oldest town: Jonesborough was established in 1779, seventeen years before Tennessee became a state. The historic community also served as the capital of the short-lived State of Franklin.
A railroad connection: The Tweetsie Trail follows part of the former East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad corridor between Johnson City and Elizabethton.
Two states, one downtown: Bristol's State Street serves as the Tennessee–Virginia boundary, giving the community an unusual shared downtown identity. |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Morning Grace Daily |
Start your morning with a little more peace, hope, and encouragement. Morning Grace Daily offers faith-filled inspiration designed to help you begin the day grounded in what matters most.
Visit the website for uplifting daily devotionals, then join the Facebook group to connect with others who are starting their mornings with faith, reflection, and encouragement.
A few quiet minutes each morning can help set the tone for the whole day. |
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Looking for an autumn outing with a memorable destination? Explore Blue Hole Falls, Margarette Falls and Virginia's Cascades, with practical guidance on distance, terrain and planning. Read More... |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Doe River. Elizabethton's covered bridge was built in 1882 and remains one of Carter County's best-known landmarks. |
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Thanks for reading Tri-Cities Daily. We're glad to be back, and we look forward to bringing you useful local reporting, new discoveries and weekend plans each Wednesday.
Know about an event, interesting local business or community project we should cover? We'd love to hear about it. Have a great week, and we'll see you in the next edition. |