Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Asher’s Animals has donated over 5,200 stuffed animals to children and families in need and is now seeking 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to expand its mission across Middle Tennessee while honoring Asher Sullivan’s legacy.

The group is asking for expert volunteers and financial donations to help cover legal and setup costs.

Nick Carver of America’s Swimming Pool Co. in Murfreesboro broke the first-year sales record after opening the location in 2025 and earned both the Multi-Unit Franchise Owner Award and the Best New Start Award at the annual Owners Convention.

Spongebath Records ran in Murfreesboro from 1993 to 2002, signing bands like Self, The Features, Fluid Ounces, and Ruby Amanfu; a national magazine named the city a music mecca in 1997 as it built a vibrant local scene.

After Dolly Parton’s passing on Aug.

25, her Imagination Library continued to boost early literacy in Middle Tennessee by distributing free books to young children + local leaders and educators supported her legacy with resolutions and state funding announced on Sept. 1.

Oxfam’s new analysis showed Tennessee ranked 49th for worker protections+wages and the right to organize as its overall score dropped from 12.14 to 8.64, placing it among five jurisdictions with scores under 10.

The report was updated on Sept. 3 at 12:43 p.m.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, MTSU unveiled a new WWII memorial wall mural at the renovated Alumni Memorial Gym to honor 37 fallen service members plus to complement the historic plaques, with retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith M.

Huber presiding over the ceremony.

Ivy Miller, a Rutherford County fourth grade teacher at Smyrna Elementary, won America's Favorite Teacher on Sept.

3 and is set to appear in an upcoming Reader's Digest edition+ she received $25,000 and plans a summer Hawaii trip while Bill Nye will join a virtual visit later this year.

MTSU announced a $16 million upgrade to Floyd Stadium’s west side seating that will add new patio areas, party decks & improved seating, with construction set to begin after the 2026 season and finish by mid-August ahead of the Sept.

11 home opener.

College football returns this weekend as Fubo offers a free five-day trial with 84 games including a local match at Johnny Floyd Stadium featuring Middle Tennessee vs. Murray State today at 7 p.m. Fans can stream additional games on ESPN+ and other channels as the season unfolds.

Merrol Hyde volleyball secured a five-set win against Hendersonville on Wednesday at home.

The team improved to 5 to 1 as coach Cacy Williams praised leaders Izzy Shaw, Gentry Hansen and senior Jena Wright for pushing their winning streak forward.