Good morning, Murfreesboro.

MTSU hosts its free First Friday Star Party today at 6:30 p.m. in Room 102 of Wiser-Patten Science Hall where physics lecturer Erik Monson explains the universe’s earliest moments plus telescope viewing will follow if weather permits.

John Overton High School has named former MTSU basketball star Desmond Yates as head girls’ coach, following his previous role with the boys’ team & Nike Elite Youth Champions League.

He will build a strong program by focusing on team culture and player development.

Middle Tennessee State University secured a $1.5M TRIO grant to continue funding student support services for 175 current students.

The grant will keep tutoring, academic advising, and financial literacy programs available on campus (in Murfreesboro) to help students reach graduation milestones.

Rutherford County’s Historic Downtown Square will host the 2026 Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the 'Go Green, Breathe Clean' theme that highlights cleaner air and offers a Kids Zone (by Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation) plus a poster contest for local students.

A new statewide program now offers Tennessee drivers up to $15 off two parking visits at participating locations, a benefit from a settlement where Metropolis Technologies paid $8.75 million for deceptive pricing practices.

Eligible drivers with in-state plates must sign up with confirmed details while funding lasts.

A new traffic signal at Veterans Parkway and Rucker Lane on the city’s west side will be fully operational on Wednesday, Apr.

8 after operating in flashing mode since 2:30 p.m. on April 1.

Middle Tennessee State University will host its Positive Aging Conference on Friday, April 17 at Miller Education Center, featuring health experts including keynote Cathy Maxwell from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Online registration closes Friday, April 10 with a $35 fee that covers meals and parking.

Middle Tennessee’s Blue Raiders return to the Volunteer State for the Mason Rudolph Championship hosted by Vanderbilt at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, where their game is a key matchup in the season.

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.

Murfreesboro Football and Life Skills Camp

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Rockvale High School Football Field — Registration required — Enhance athletic skills while gaining valuable life lessons in a supportive environment.

School of Rock 1st Anniversary Bash!

1-7 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free — Celebrate the talent of student bands at an exciting anniversary event.