Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Local barber Shawn Moses has maintained a 31-year tradition by providing free back-to-school haircuts to every K-12 student at A Cut Above the Rest Neighborhood Barbershop, easing school preparation costs for families — and reinforcing community ties.

Ten animals nominated by local shelters are featured for The Tennessean Pet of the Week — residents can vote for playful dogs and curious kitties with the poll open until noon, Aug.

10 as these pets search for a forever home.

Wawa will open its Murfreesboro location on Sept.

10 at 5208 Veterans Parkway with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. as part of a multi-store rollout that includes openings in Dickson and Lebanon to add jobs in the state.

The Biscuit Place on Medical Center Parkway will change from Maple Street Biscuit Company to Biscuit Belly before the end of 2026, updating its look + adding a cocktail list while keeping its famous biscuits for customers.

The change is part of a deal involving 35 locations from Cracker Barrel.

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department promoted 11 employees to specialized roles for training and safety on Wednesday as voters prepare for state, federal and municipal elections today—with live coverage beginning at 7 p.m. from Hop Springs.

Local Papa Murphy’s closed its outlets amid a parent company downsizing.

On August 5, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture released new food safety scores for retail locations across Rutherford County.

The report covers grocery stores, gas stations (and more) in Murfreesboro, Rockvale, Smyrna, and La Vergne.

Former Riverdale and Central Magnet baseball coach Buddy Powers died Aug.

4 at age 63 after battling cancer, his daughter confirmed. He led school teams to multiple state tournaments during his long career.

Runners are preparing for Murfreesboro’s inaugural Hops Half Marathon on Saturday, Oct.

24 at Hop Springs Beer Park. The 13.1-mile course rewards finishers with a complimentary beverage and supports the Child Advocacy Center, while training groups led by Fleet Feet (and TOA Westlawn) help participants get ready.

After a brawl erupted following a scrimmage on July 31, TSSAA put Beech football on one-year probation and extended Rockvale’s probation through next season, suspending several players and fining both schools (each $500) per a report sent on Aug.

5 (from TSSAA).

Former MTSU head baseball coach Jim Toman died Monday, Aug.

4 in Murfreesboro from complications of brain cancer. He coached the Blue Raiders from 2019 to 2022 and led them to their highest win total since 2015 with a career record of 78-102.

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.