Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Nichole Bell cared for her mother and built her career as a Rutherford County educator—earning her the title of this week's My Hero.

Bart Durham Injury Law will donate $250 to the Nashville Rescue Mission, the charity she chose.

United Way of South Central Tennessee is running its 14th annual Stuff the Bus event to collect school supplies for students in need through August 4; the drive has served over 30,000 local students since 2012 and relies on community donations plus support from local sponsors such as Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford and First Baptist Murfreesboro.

Tennessee’s Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend will run from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 25 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 27, letting Murfreesboro families buy clothing, school supplies, and computers without sales tax ahead of the new school year—designed to ease back-to-school costs for students starting on August 7 and 8.

After years of legal battles and community frustration, the Murfreesboro City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to annex Middle Point Landfill into city limits to improve control over stormwater runoff and tax revenue+ councilmember Shawn Wright stressed that the decision does not allow for future expansion. Residents who have long complained about odors, truck traffic and water quality hope the move will finally bring better oversight to the area.

The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department has launched a fleet of state-of-the-art drones to improve emergency response—each drone features high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, gas sensors and advanced mapping, allowing responders to reach any part of the city in under 12 minutes. The new tool helps firefighters locate victims quickly and assess danger zones during crises.

Four-star athlete Joel Wyatt transferred to Oakland High School for his senior year on July 16 after playing at The Webb School and is rated Tennessee's No.2 football prospect.

He caught 49 passes for 907 yards last season and now joins the Patriots fresh from a Class 6A state championship win—his move adds notable talent to the team.

2nd Annual Berry Festival

10 AM – 2 PM — Hop Springs — $5 parking — Enjoy fresh produce, local vendors, and family-friendly fun at this berry celebration.

Authentic Jeep Meet

11 AM – 5 PM — Hop Springs — Free entry — Celebrate the inaugural 4x4 event with vendors, food, live music, and community spirit while benefiting local veterans.

Pour Your Own Epoxy Class

12-2 p.m. — Cedar Glade Brews — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity while making unique epoxy art in a fun and supportive environment.

Public Safety Wellness Course

N/A — July 28-29 — Rutherford County Emergency Management — Free entry — Learn resiliency strategies to enhance mental and physical well-being for law enforcement professionals.

Tennessee EMS Education Association I/C Course

8:30-4:00 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro — Admission fee required — Complete your I/C endorsement with this essential EMS training course.

Grupo Corona Boys Live Concert

10 p.m. — Mi Patria Mexican Restaurant #2 — Tickets available — Experience a night of vibrant regional music with Grupo Corona Boys and immerse yourself in the excitement of a live concert.

Writers Mingle

3-5 p.m. — Dapper Owl — Free entry — Connect with fellow writers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Southern Chiropractic Conference

5 PM — Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro — Cost Info Unknown — Explore chiropractic practices and network with professionals from the southern states.

Tin Roof Cats

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Tickets from $14.34 — Experience the spirit of the Dead through new-age interpretations of their iconic songwriting and improvisation.