Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Veterans Park in Murfreesboro is under active construction with a destination playground, eight pickleball courts & a 5,000 sqft splash pad expected by early fall as crews finish grading and set the main entrance.

The park spans 150 acres with 3.7 miles of trail and is set to open in early 2027.

Ten free family events from today through next Wednesday include Raptor Rhapsody at 1 p.m. at Wilderness Station and a guided tour of Cannonsburgh Village at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Additional activities feature Turtle Talk, homeschool sessions, and junior tennis draws.

Former manager Larry Kirk died early Wednesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville.

He served for decades at Murfreesboro Electric Department and led community projects with the Rotary Club + local leaders honored his dedication to service.

MTSU celebrated nearly 700 Blue Raider grads on Aug.

8 at Murphy Center and is preparing for fall classes starting Aug. 24. The university will welcome the new freshman class of 2030 at a convocation on Aug. 22 (featuring Edward J. Larson).

County officials dedicated the renovated Recovery Court building to honor Judge Don Ash and Mary Schneider — pioneers who developed the county’s recovery program — with a $1.5 million renovation that now offers expanded classroom and training space.

7 Brew launched its mobile app yesterday, offering order-ahead+ secret menu access, rewards, and a 100K-point sweepstakes for customers, while several eateries are starting fall offerings with seasonal flavors.

Student-athletes and coaches gathered today at Siegel High School for Rutherford County Schools Fall Media Day to preview upcoming high school football & girls soccer seasons, with local media covering key rivalries and season outlooks.

The Murfreesboro Little League team ended its championship run with a 3-2 loss to Whitefish Bay last Wednesday.

Pitcher Eli Goodman led a strong effort while the team rallied late but fell short in a tough game on the national stage.

MTSU running back DJ Taylor returns healthy and is competing for the starting role after a shoulder injury; he hopes to build on his late-season performance from last year.

The Blue Raiders will open their season at home on Sept. 5 against Murray State.