Good morning, Murfreesboro.

United Communications will use an $18.1M BEAD grant to extend high-speed fiber service to about 1,800 homes and businesses in Middle Tennessee, including communities in Maury, Rutherford, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson counties.

The expansion project will be completed by Dec. 31 and benefit around 4,500 residents.

Big Bad Breakfast is set to open in the former City Cafe location off Murfreesboro Square in downtown.

The popular breakfast spot will relocate after plans for the Veterans Parkway space changed + no opening date has been provided.

Murfreesboro resident Jordan McCollough received a platinum ticket during American Idol’s Monday night Ohana round with votes from contestants, family & industry experts, and he opened the show with his rendition of Bill Withers’ 'Grandma’s Hands.' The new voting system helped determine the top 20.

According to AAA, Tennessee gas prices have risen 42 cents over the past week because of the Middle East conflict, with some stations in Nashville and Bellevue charging up to $3.34 (local drivers cut back spending).

The surge is adding financial strain on residents.

Dr. John Hodge Jones, a longtime educator (mentor to many) behind innovative programs at Murfreesboro City Schools, died peacefully on March 8 at age 89; visitation is planned on March 14 at Woodfin Funeral Chapel with a service and burial to follow.

Blood Assurance reports that supplies of O-positive & O-negative blood and platelets have become critically low after heavy hospital care.

The center urges eligible donors to give blood soon to help local patients, with free St. Patrick’s Day socks offered as an incentive.

Middle Tennessee women's basketball earned the No. 3 seed and will face Missouri State in the Conference USA tournament quarterfinals tomorrow at 2 p.m. CDT in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Lady Raiders split regular season matchups and now prepare for their third contest in a month.

Middle Tennessee men's basketball will face Louisiana Tech in the Conference USA quarterfinals on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CDT at the Propst Center in Huntsville (Alabama).

The Blue Raiders enter the tournament on a five game win streak after closing the regular season with strong offensive and rebounding showings.

Special Kids Race

7-11 a.m. — Murfreesboro Medical Clinic — Entry fee varies — Participate in a 5 km and various fun runs supporting Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center.

U.S. Open Cup: Tennessee Tempo FC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

7-9 p.m. — Richard Siegel Soccer Complex — Check for ticket info — Witness local soccer rivalries unfold in a thrilling cup match.

Line Dance Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free entry — Enjoy boot-stompin' fun with live country music and line dance instruction.

Da Sunday Open Jam

2:30-6:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free entry — Experience the local talent at the Blues Jam with Da Jam Band featuring awesome musicians.

Mastering Situational Awareness Workshop

6-8 p.m. — The Outpost Armory — Free entry — Enhance personal safety skills and gain insights into legal responsibilities in a community-focused setting.

Riverdale Middle School Relays

5:00 p.m. — Riverdale High School — $65 entry fee per school — Compete in exciting middle school relays and field events.

April Fool's Day Painting Event

2-3:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Paid reservation required — Create a whimsical hot dog painting in a fun, family-friendly environment.

Line Dance Night

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free entry — Enjoy boot-stompin' good times with live music and line dance instruction.