Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Spooky's Pizza closed its doors, leaving local pizza lovers with fond memories + Domino's is building out its new space at the former location to continue serving pizza in town.

A new study by Upgraded Points shows that middle class families in Rutherford County face an effective tax rate of 10% so that a household earning $102,316 takes home $92,049 after taxes.

The report said Tennessee’s low tax burden from not having a personal income tax makes the area one of the best for stretching a dollar + and contrasts with large metros that have nearly double the tax rates.

Last week, the Rutherford County Schools Communications Department earned three national awards in Washington, D.C. including the Golden Achievement Award for a rebranding project that began in July 2024—Communications Specialist Mealand Ragland-Hudgins got a merit award for her article while Barton Henley received an honorary mention for the weekly video series and Chief Communications Officer James Evans was named the 2025 School Communicator of the Year.

The City of Murfreesboro released details of a proposed settlement with BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee, LLC and Republic Services to resolve its lawsuit over environmental impacts at Middle Point Landfill.

City Council will vote on the settlement—designed to require treatment systems, regular testing for PFAS, and a gas and odor management plan—at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. on July 31, and the settlement will not affect the city’s opposition to landfill expansion.

Lee Smith, a professional engineer with 27 years of experience, was named Deputy Director of Transportation and City Traffic Engineer to manage Murfreesboro's traffic operations.

His first day was July 14 and he will lead a team (previously at TDOT and FDOT) to improve traffic control (including signals and markings).

Rutherford County Commissioners approved a $2.6M weapons detection system for all schools that will go online after Labor Day—originally expected to be ready by the first day of school on August 8.

The project will use state funds for this high performance upgrade and uses the OpenGate system, which is different from Metro Nashville Public Schools' EVOLV system.

Former MTSU standout Trace Phillips signed with the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday as an undrafted free agent after forgoing his remaining college eligibility—he agreed to a reported $629,200 deal and will now begin his professional career with a top farm system.

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.

Modern Calligraphy Workshop for Beginners

6:00-7:30 p.m. — RSRVD Event Studio — Ticket required — Explore the art of modern calligraphy in a creative workshop perfect for all craft enthusiasts.