Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Stephanie Brackman, chief operating officer and executive director of Leadership Rutherford, was named the 2026 TCCE Professional of the Year.

Her 27-year tenure has driven chamber growth and connected local business, government and nonprofit leaders to bolster community success.

A two-mile stretch of I-840 between mile markers 53 and 55 has been designated as the Kyler Gatica Memorial Highway to honor the 16-year-old Mt. Juliet student who lost his life in a multi-vehicle crash near Murfreesboro almost two years ago.

Donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Rutherford County increased after her Aug.

25 passing; United Way reported a surge as local supporters gave via the website and direct channels to help send books to 17,000 children monthly.

The Grand Ole Opry will honor Dolly Parton today at 7 p.m. CT with a tribute show featuring performances by Carly Pearce, Kathy Mattea + T.

Graham Brown while ticket sales partly benefit her Imagination Library. Parton died Aug. 25 after a brief battle with cancer.

Little Hollywood, Tennessee is a documentary that follows 24 high school filmmakers at MTSU's Governor's School for the Arts and will screen at the Nashville Film Festival from Sept.

24 to Sept. 30. The film gives a look at a program that has long nurtured local talent.

Murfreesboro's 77-year-old farmer Jeffrey Dismukes says talks with county schools and city officials changed his plan to sell 86 acres for a school — he aims to keep his shop — after a road interchange proposal risked his property.

Talks started last March and now aim to improve traffic.

James Bridgeforth began his role as MTSU's new vice president of student affairs and dean of students this summer and plans to boost student engagement with new programs and a student-led social media account this fall (his office is in Keathley University Center room 212).

On Sept. 21, 2025, MTSU women's soccer rallied in the second half to beat Miami University 3-2 at Dean A.

Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium, with a late penalty kick preserving their unbeaten streak.

MTSU football will debut a commemorative jersey patch honoring Dolly Parton during its season opener on Sept.

5 at Floyd Stadium. At season’s end, a jersey with the patch will be donated to the Center for Popular Music (featuring her signature and butterfly from 1946 to 2026).

The Titans will cut their roster to 53 players on Sunday (cut day) as team decisions about quarterback Will Levis’ future are under review.

Preseason predictions hint at important changes ahead for the regular season.