Good morning, Murfreesboro.

MTSU student Sloane Underhill is recruiting community members for the Relay for Life fundraiser on March 28 at the Campus Recreation Center gym—1848 Blue Raider Drive—.

The event will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 200 to 300 people are expected to help reach a $20,000 goal; over $4,000 has been raised so far.

MTSU held its second annual Norwuz celebration on March 22 in the James Union Ballroom — where community members and students enjoyed traditional Iranian music, art stations and a grand meal by MTDining — with assistant professor Mohammad Meerzaei emceeing the event and greeting every attendee.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. will expand its headquarters in Rutherford County by investing $76.4 million in a new facility at 8808 Manchester Pike—this move will add 183 new jobs and serve as the main site for firearms production.

Trader Joe’s at 2305 Medical Center Parkway will open in early April as construction moved ahead of schedule+ the opening was moved from the original May 2 plan.

Police shot and killed an armed man who reportedly threatened officers with a shotgun during a domestic call at a home on the 2600 block of Goose Creek Lane on Sunday afternoon in Murfreesboro—investigators are reviewing the case and awaiting autopsy results.

MTSU associate professor Vishwas Bedekar was named the national Distinguished Faculty Advisor by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers for 2024 for the second time in three years—he is one of eight winners recognized for mentoring students and advancing manufacturing.

He received a certificate and $250 for professional development and serves as the coordinator for the mechanical engineering technology concentration.

MTSU may face delays in financial aid after an executive order signed March 20 closed the Department of Education plus federal aid was moved to the Small Business Administration.

About 83% of students rely on this aid, and the college has not yet received details on the changes.

Officials said Middle Tennessee recorded the state's first measles case as Tennessee becomes the 19th state to have a case, and the infected person is under home quarantine while health officials work to find out where the exposure came from.

The CDC reported 378 confirmed cases this year with two measles-related deaths nationwide — a reminder to protect vulnerable groups.

Nick Ray Concert

7-11 p.m. | Boro Bourbon & Brews | Ticket required | Enjoy an evening of live music with Nick Ray in Murfreesboro.

Virtual Tour of Creekside Assisted Living

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Creekside at Three Rivers Assisted Living | Free entry | Explore our award-winning senior living community and enjoy guided tours highlighting exceptional care and dining.

Brandt Carmichael Concert

5-11 p.m. — Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Murfreesboro — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening with live music from Brandt Carmichael at a local venue.

AFL Grappling II

9 AM – 3 PM — Grand Station — Compete for AGOGE GRAPPLING SERIES medals in a showcase for grapplers of all skill levels and ages.

Modern Calligraphy Workshop for Beginners

6:00 – 7:30 PM — RSRVD Event Studio — Ticket required — Explore the art of modern calligraphy and take home your own beginner's kit.

Fifth Annual Heroes & Villains Crafts Show

10 AM – 5 PM — Grand Station — Free entry — Explore a variety of local handcrafted items and enjoy themed contests and games at this vibrant craft show.

April Monthly Mixer

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Dapper Owl — Free entry — Connect with local creatives over coffee and conversations at this relaxed mixer.