Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Dr. Jessica Supakhan, a Holloway alumna (Class of 2000), has been named the new principal at Holloway High School and will also lead Rutherford County Virtual School, according to Dr. Jimmy Sullivan.

She succeeds Sumatra Drayton and her dual role will support innovative and traditional education on the shared campus.

Middle Tennessee State University’s Animation Program was ranked No. 1 by Animation Career Review for the third year, showing its focus on hands-on training and digital skills at the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment — its studio offers students real-world experience.

MTSU updated its AI policies and added a data science certificate after faculty discussions.

Finance professor Keith Gamble (who led the fall 2025 initiative) said the changes encourage ethical use in courses, and a survey (by Sidelines) found nearly 80% of students have used AI, showing a growing campus impact.

Jason Crutchfield has been named the new principal of Rockvale Elementary School by Dr. Jimmy Sullivan today—he brings 18 years of leadership experience from Rockvale High and Smyrna Middle School and will succeed retiring principal Dayna Nichols.

The 2nd Annual Rutherford Races to Read takes place Saturday, April 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Oaklands Mansion – a derby-themed event where families in inflatable horse costumes roll giant dice to help the Rutherford County Library Foundation raise $20k for literacy programs.

During Earth Month, AT&T invites residents to drop off old phones, tablets & chargers at its retail stores across Middle TN including the local Murfreesboro branch; for every 10 lbs collected, a laptop will be donated through a partnership with Compudopt.

MTSU’s Center for Environment and Sustainability marked the arboretum’s Level II status on April 17 outside Peck Hall with a guided tour that showcased 73 tree species and interactive QR tags — a step that highlights campus conservation efforts.

Officials from the Tennessee Wars Commission have awarded $2.6 million+ to six groups to help preserve battlefield lands in Tennessee, including a Stones River project in Rutherford County.

Applications for next year’s grants run from Aug. 10 to Oct. 31.

Local drivers are encouraged to inspect their cabin air filter, top off fluids, rotate tires, and test their battery (a tip from AutoZone) to avoid breakdowns this spring.

Ms. Cheap reviews local lunch spots offering budget-friendly meals with updated menus and pricing changes.

The roundup highlights favorites like Mas Tacos Por Favor, Liz’s Kitchen, and Toot’s (offering cash discounts) to help locals make affordable dining choices.

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.

Area 16 Special Olympic Games for High School and Adults

10 a.m. — Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium — Free admission — Come support local athletes as they showcase their skills in a series of exciting events.

Brooks Herring Band Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Hop Springs — $20.97 — Experience the dynamic country music of Brooks Herring, blending grit and vulnerability in an unforgettable live show.

Line Dance Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free entry — Step out for a boot-stompin' evening with live country music and line dancing instruction.

Gallagher Guitar Fest 2026

5-9 p.m. — Walnut House Event Venue & Recording Studios — Tickets available now — Enjoy live music and support your favorite artists at this community celebration.