Good morning, Murfreesboro.

JazzFest 2026 will take over the Fountains at Gateway on May 1 and May 2 with an expanded lineup featuring top jazz bands from MTSU and Belmont University, a student showcase from middle and high schools, and lab trailers from Rutherford County Schools offering interactive learning.

Rutherford County Schools now ranks among the nation's top 80 largest districts as enrollment tops 50,000 (a rise driven by new family arrivals and increasing middle school numbers).

District officials are planning for more classroom space and potential school expansions to meet future needs.

Dr. Mark Kestner warns that a new synthetic drug called cychlorphine is 10 times more potent than fentanyl and undetectable in standard tests — posing serious overdose risks in Tennessee.

His Murfreesboro office urges those in need to keep naloxone handy if signs of overdose appear.

Rutherford Source shares local restaurant news for this week — eateries have rolled out new deals and menu items, from Krispy Kreme’s $2 dozen doughnuts for March Madness to la Madeleine’s Tennessee café opening in Mt. Juliet and Taco Bell’s fresh chicken innovations.

Coach Rick Insell, Middle Tennessee women’s basketball history’s winningest coach, announced his retirement after the 2025–26 season.

Associate head coach Matt Insell will take over at a press conference on Tuesday, Mar. 24 at 11 a.m. at Kennon Sports Hall of Fame (for the Blue Raiders).

Walker Valley holds a 34-25 lead at halftime over Farragut in the 4A quarterfinal while Whitehaven beat Blackman 71-41; tournament play continues today with semifinals scheduled later, and fans can purchase $15 tickets online with free parking available nearby.

Photos from March 19 showed Day 2 action in the TSSAA State Boys Basketball Championships quarterfinal games for Class 4A and 1A at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.

They document key moments from the tournament playoffs — a visual record of local high school sports.

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.

Distribution & Operations Conference

All day — Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro — Cost not provided — Engage with industry experts and explore distribution operations strategies.