Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Rutherford County will celebrate America250—the 250th anniversary of American independence—with a year-long series of events starting in July that include fireworks in Smyrna, a music festival in Murfreesboro on July 4, and heritage tours plus holiday lights across fall and winter.

WGNS, Rutherford County's longtime Good Neighbor Station, turns 79 as it continues broadcasting local news, sports and community events; it first aired (Dec.

31, 1946) on AM 1450 in Murfreesboro and FM 100.5 in Smyrna and stays a trusted voice for residents.

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital announced that Callie Reisser delivered Banks Thomas Reisser, the first baby of 2026, at 5:55 a.m. on Jan.

1 (the baby weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 19¾ inches). The family celebrated this joyful milestone.

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital delivered Banks Thomas Reisser, the first baby of 2026, at 5:55 a.m. on Jan.

1 – his arrival marks a joyful start to a growing Murfreesboro community.

On Jan. 1, TriStar Health celebrated its first birth of 2026 when baby Jermani was born at 12:17 a.m. at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center; additional New Year’s babies were delivered at other network hospitals.

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will open CUSA play at 6 p.m. today against the Kennesaw State Owls at the KSU Convocation Center in Kennesaw, Ga, & fans are eager for their season debut.

The Middle Tennessee men's basketball team will host games against LA Tech and Sam Houston at home during its first full week of Conference USA contests.

MTSU Athletics said the contests will mark the start of their new year in the local sports schedule.

Middle Tennessee men's basketball has 21 conference games remaining after a 7-5 start, with an upcoming home stand against Louisiana Tech and Sam Houston State and a game against rival Western Kentucky in Murfreesboro on Jan.

31. The season continues with a road contest in Bowling Green on Feb. 14 and a finale in Springfield on March 7.

Murfreesboro Home Expo

12-6 p.m. — Tennessee Miller Coliseum — Free admission — Discover huge savings, live demos, and a chance to win prizes at this home show.

Walking the Line and Gold Dust Woman Tribute Experience

7 p.m. — Hop Springs — Cost Info Not Provided — Celebrate the music of Johnny Cash and Stevie Nicks with heartfelt tributes in a night of legendary tunes.

Line Dance Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free — Boot-stompin' good times with instruction and live music from The Rockin' Country Band.