Good morning, Murfreesboro.

The 5th Annual Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival will be held Saturday, July 25 at Historic Square from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., offering free admission, chicken competitions, vendor booths, and games that bring the community together.

Federal health officials report a seasonal rise in cyclosporiasis and advise safe food handling amid increasing tick bites.

Early voting begins Friday at local centers, and community highlights include Live in the Boro Sept. 18, MTSU honors, and a new book by historian Carroll Van West.

Kelty Greye, an MTSU alum, has her cinematic cover of Jimmy Eat World's hit song The Middle included in DC Studios' new Supergirl film, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

The music was recorded in her bedroom while studying and reflects the skills honed at the commercial songwriting program.

Murfreesboro City Schools released its 2026-27 calendar on July 13; students will start school with a shortened day on Aug.

7 before their first full day on Aug. 10 and enjoy a four-day weekend in February plus a 17-day Winter Break with classes resuming on Jan. 5.

For Murfreesboro donors, the American Red Cross urges blood donations as the national supply dropped nearly 25% in June and hospitals need 3,500 extra units weekly; donors who give blood before July 31 may receive a Fandango Movie Ticket (up to $15).

The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed two measles cases in Middle Tennessee and said that people visiting local spots (such as Catfeine Cat Cafe on June 29 to 30 and Waxing the City on July 1) should watch for symptoms that can appear from seven to 21 days later.

Blue Raider Kids Club for children 12 and under begins for the 2026-27 season; memberships cost $35 and include Family Fun Zone season tickets, welcome packages, and game day perks.

A launch party is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Strike and Spare Family Fun Center (with additional giveaways).

Former Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen launches the Rising Stars youth football league featuring girls flag football and boys 7-on-7 teams for grades two to eight; games will be held at Riverdale in Murfreesboro and at schools in Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville during a five-week season.

Three Blue Raiders were selected on Sunday in Philadelphia—Drew Horn joined St. Louis, Owen Nowak joined Houston, and David Horn Jr. joined Tampa Bay—marking the program’s record for 20-round picks since 2018.

Taste of Rutherford

6-8 p.m. — Oaklands Mansion — $65 General Admission / $150 VIP — Enjoy tastings from over 25 local restaurants with live music at this annual fundraiser.

Free Legal Clinic – Rutherford County

3-5 p.m. — Greenhouse Ministries — Free consultation — Meet with an attorney for confidential advice on civil legal matters.

Friday Night Live on the Square

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Main Street Murfreesboro — Free entry — Experience an evening of live music and dancing in the heart of downtown Murfreesboro.