Good morning, Murfreesboro.

FOX 17 News and Bart Durham Injury Law celebrated Jacqueline Steubbe, an 82-year-old disabled veteran who served in the Navy & Army, as the July Military Appreciation honoree.

She works as a substance abuse counselor to help children and adults.

United Way of South Central Tennessee celebrates 15 years of its Stuff the Bus initiative by providing school supplies to students — donations will be accepted through July 27 at public drop-off sites across several local counties.

City Barbecue hosted a Friends & Family tasting with a full menu preview ahead of its official opening on Monday, July 20 at 107 N.

Thompson Lane. The event let local families test dishes from brisket to pulled pork and other favorites as Austin explained each dish's signature twist.

Rutherford County’s Cripple Creek Cloggers and Slim Chance Band arrived in Zagreb on July 15 and are performing at the 60th International Folklore Festival at Cultural Center Travno.

The 14-member group shares Appalachian clogging & bluegrass music with international audiences through Saturday, July 18.

Rutherford County farms are adapting to shrinking acreage; USDA data shows nearly 17,000 acres lost since 2017, and farmers are planting winter canola, whose statewide acreage grew from 4,000 to up to 8,000 acres, with blooms seen along South Rutherford Boulevard + Veterans Parkway.

Tennessee's unemployment rate dropped to 3.5 percent in June, which remains below the national 4.2 percent.

The state added 25,300 nonfarm jobs over the past year, with strong gains in health care and leisure (social assistance also rose).

Tennessee employers added 25,300 nonfarm jobs over the past year as the unemployment rate dropped to 3.5% in June.

Local data shows Murfreesboro had a 2.7% rate in May + June figures are still pending.

Middle Tennessee school districts have set start dates for the 2026-27 school year, with Murfreesboro City Schools beginning with a half day on Aug.

7 and a full day on Aug. 14, while nearby districts adjust schedules by grade levels. Check each school’s website for details.

Oakland football sophomore quarterback Kam Morton discussed his progress and highlighted strong local QB talent in Murfreesboro at a recent event.

His remarks point to a growing promise for homegrown football talent in the area.

Blackman transfer quarterback Chase Bell discussed his goals as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 TSSAA football season later this fall, aiming to lead his team & inspire competitive play.

The US Youth Soccer Girls’ National Championships run until July 23 in Murfreesboro & Smyrna with matches at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex & Rotary Soccer Park, attracting more than 300 teams, 7,000 players and 10,000 spectators to help boost local businesses.

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.