Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Cracker Barrel sold most Maple Street Biscuit Company sites to Biscuit Belly—its Murfreesboro location will convert this fourth quarter as the new brand plans to expand to over 60 locations across the Southeast by the end of 2028.

MTSU and partners celebrated a milestone on Tuesday, July 21 when the final beam was installed on the $62 million flight training center (52,000 sqft) at Shelbyville Municipal Airport.

The center will boost the university’s aerospace training and complete in spring 2028.

Federal changes that took effect on July 1 now limit borrowing for Tennessee college students and their parents by pro-rating loans based on enrollment hours and capping Parent PLUS loans at $20,000 per year.

Some current borrowers have until July 2028 to adjust repayment plans (financial aid offices are helping guide these changes).

Dozens of school nurses honed clinical skills at the Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building during a summer training day held by MTSU in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education — they practiced advanced procedures using high-fidelity simulation models.

Rutherford County will open Poplar Hill Middle School at 3695 Blackman Road with an orientation on Aug.

7 and first classes starting Aug. 10. The $59.9 million campus will accommodate about 850 students and is led by new principal April Sneed as the district moves students from portables into permanent space.

Poplar Hill Middle School officially opened in Murfreesboro Monday, July 27 and is set to serve about 850 students as Rutherford County Schools marks its 53rd campus.

The district also announced orientation and first-day dates for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

Blackman kicked off the first official TSSAA football practice today—marking the start of the Will Hester era—with local players beginning season preparations.

MTSU now sells single-game tickets for all six home games at Floyd Stadium at prices starting at $22 for End Zone Reserved and $28 for Sideline Reserved seating, including special packages for groups of 20 or more that offer discounted food vouchers and on-field experiences.

The Titans will start training camp this week as preseason practices kick off, with new offensive plans boosting hopes while challenges with the O-line spark concern.

Quarterback Cam Ward’s progress remains key (coaches and fans focus on his development) for the upcoming season.

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.