Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
Good morning, Murfreesboro.
🎭 Culture
At the Roots Rendezvous Festival at Hop Springs in Murfreesboro, the MTSU String Band opened the event on Sept.
19 by playing classic bluegrass and old-time songs that set the tone for the weekend—local vendors offered handmade crafts that celebrated the town’s musical heritage.
🎓 Education
The 2000 homecoming queen nominees at MTSU answered questions on the qualities and duties needed to represent the university and community.
The Sidelines 100 project is showcasing their responses (one of 100 stories) from the student newspaper archives.
Harper Mullicane, a sixth grader from Siegel Middle School, was named American Heart Association Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2025-2026 school year + she will work to promote healthy habits among classmates and the community.
Inspired by her father's recovery from severe heart problems, she will share her story to encourage heart health + support local awareness in Murfreesboro.
MTSU Sidelines held a panel on Sept.18 to mark the student newspaper's 100th anniversary in the Student Union Parliamentary Room.
Four alumni and one current staff member shared how working at the paper built practical journalism skills — from practicing tough interviews to forming strong bonds — which helped launch their careers.
Yesterday, U.S. News released its new 2026 rankings for colleges, showing fifteen Tennessee national universities—including Vanderbilt, UT Knoxville, and Middle Tennessee State—and five Tennessee liberal arts colleges such as Sewanee and Rhodes.
The rankings evaluated over 1,700 schools and noted methodology changes to help guide college choices.
🌲 Environment
Hobbyist beekeeper Zane Cantrell said honeybee colonies work in the warm months to collect nectar and make honey—new queens form when a hive swarms or splits to keep the colony running.
A state bee conference is set for October 9-10 at MTSU where experts will share research and advice on beekeeping.
🏥 Health
A Vanderbilt doctor warned that a strong synthetic opioid called nitazenes is reappearing in the street drug supply and can be up to 20 times stronger than fentanyl.
About 90 deaths have been linked to nitazenes, and experts say victims may need extra doses of naloxone—communities should use test strips and harm reduction methods—while testing improves.
🏈 Sports
Sarah Wilkerson, a senior at Cumberland University, earned the women’s cross-country Runner of the Week award by finishing second in a 3.7-mile race at the Midway Invitational—she led her team to a title against five Kentucky teams.
Two former Rutherford County runners, Sami Parker and Alexa Rumpf, also finished in the top 11.
🎉 Murfreesboro Events
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Comics & Graphic Novels Book Club
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Linebaugh Public Library — Free entry — Explore the world of comics and graphic novels, revisiting classics and discussing new titles.
Powerslave Concert
8-11:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — Tickets starting at $32.25 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Powerslave and Alice Unleashed.
TENA Educational Conference and Industry Partner Show
9 AM-6 PM — Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro — Check official website for entry fees — Join industry professionals for enlightening sessions and networking opportunities.
Modern Calligraphy Workshop at Tailgate Brewery
6-7:30 p.m. — TailGate Brewery Murfreesboro — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity with a fun modern calligraphy class for beginners!
Micro Wrestling Federation Live Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Happy's Sports Lounge — Tickets from $68 — Experience an unforgettable night of micro wrestling entertainment.
Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders Football Game
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Floyd Stadium — Ticketed event — Catch the excitement as the Blue Raiders host the Bears in a thrilling college football matchup.
Make Your Own Wine with Prohibition
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Hop Springs — $350 for one guest — Create your own wine in a fun, hands-on three-session class at a local winery.
🏠 Murfreesboro Real Estate
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💼 Murfreesboro Job Board
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📣 Murfreesboro Announcements
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