Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Ronda Spivey, Esq. and Tosha Price, a strategic partnership specialist with Ascend Federal Credit Union, were honored at the 12th Annual ATHENA Awards held May 16 at Middle Tennessee State University—recognizing their leadership and community service in Rutherford County.

A scholarship valued up to $5,000 was also awarded to Stephanie Figueroa from Rutherford County—supporting further educational advancement for women.

Drivers on I-24 near Joe B.

Jackson Parkway saw a zebra on Saturday afternoon that prompted police to briefly shut down the highway while wildlife officers and the zebra’s private owner worked to safely capture the animal—no injuries were reported.

Local officials warned parents and teen drivers that crash risks will be high between Memorial Day and Labor Day because distractions, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts make accidents more likely in Rutherford County.

Data shows new drivers and teens with friends are especially at risk—parents should set clear car rules and lead by example.

Former Siegel Middle School counselor Daniel Odell Gregory, a 50-year-old, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and was sentenced to four years in jail by Coffee County Circuit Court, with credit for time served from September 8, 2024 and his sentence set to end on September 8, 2028.

Over 260 Guardsmen from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment began their nearly year-long deployment from Knoxville and Smyrna on May 30 and are now training at Fort Cavazos, Texas for their mission in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Kuwait.

After finishing training, the unit (Task Force Two) will replace the task force already serving in Kuwait to help bolster regional defense and stability.

Rutherford County’s housing market is becoming tougher for first-time buyers as rising home prices and limited affordable options have squeezed the starter home market—local homes now have a median price of $392,083 with only 41.6% offering an affordable mortgage.

New construction trends favor larger homes, and local officials may need to adjust policies to expand affordable options for new buyers.

Cracker Barrel is sponsoring the Cracker Barrel 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race taking place today at 6 p.m. CT at Nashville Superspeedway—celebrating its local roots with the original store in Lebanon just 17 miles away.

This event highlights the company's heritage in Middle Tennessee and its continued growth in a familiar community.

Banana Pudding Festival

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Hop Springs — Free entry — Indulge in delicious banana pudding flavors at this sweet community celebration.

The Taste Food Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Patterson Park Community Center — Admission varies — A vibrant community celebration featuring food tastings, live music, and local vendors.

Open House at 1422 Rebecca Johns Drive

7-9 p.m. — 1422 Rebecca Johns Drive, Murfreesboro, TN — Free entry — Explore a beautiful newly updated townhome in a gated community with access to wonderful amenities.

Titus2Talks: Women's Relationship Forum

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Linebaugh Public Library — Free entry — Engage in meaningful discussions and insights about romantic relationships over food and conversation.

Vacation Bible School

10 PM — Zoom — Contact for more info — A spiritually enriching online experience for the community.