Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Murfreesboro native Staff Sgt. Shawn Zheng of the President’s Own US Marine Corps Band will perform his first Smyrna concert at Stewarts Creek High School on Oct.

6 at 7:30 p.m.—tickets are free but required—and his performance promises to mark a milestone in Rutherford County musical history.

USDA forecasts that beef production will drop by 4% this year and by 2% next year as a shrinking cattle population and rising costs push prices higher — local ranchers report high beef prices with ground beef over $6 a pound and sirloin nearing $15, while some local producers offer lower prices with fresher meat.

At MTSU, first-year physician assistant students took part in a disaster simulation inside the Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building to prepare for their second-year clinical rotations, facing a scenario with blocked roads, one med evac and an overwhelmed ER.

They had 40 minutes to triage injured patients (played by actors) and make rapid treatment decisions.

Rutherford County Schools will host a ribbon cutting at Oakland High School on Sunday, September 28 at 2 p.m.—marking a $61 million expansion that adds over 100,000 square feet with 20 new classrooms, a BioSTEM lab, a 700-seat auditorium and renovated spaces for culinary arts, band and choir. Principal John Marshall will lead the event as the school community welcomes the growth.

Federal officials warn that a government shutdown may begin at midnight on Sept.

30 if lawmakers do not agree on funding, which could leave many of Tennessee’s 32,574 federal workers unpaid. Essential services—such as Social Security, air traffic control and Medicare—will keep operating but without immediate pay for their employees.

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center announced that the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission approved a Certificate of Need for TriStar Murfreesboro ER— a new $19 million, 24/7 freestanding emergency room with 11 treatment rooms, one trauma room, a lab, advanced imaging, and a three-bay ground transport base in the Barfield community that will meet Murfreesboro's growing demand for emergency care.

State officials have issued a warning after medetomidine—an animal sedative mixed with fentanyl—was found in illicit drugs and may increase overdose risks; they urge residents to keep naloxone on hand and share the alert in communities like Rutherford County.

Blood supplies remain critically low in Middle Tennessee hospitals with less than a day’s supply of O–negative blood—jeopardizing treatments for 13-year-old leukemia patient Kaemey Young from Shelbyville.

The Young family hosted a blood drive in her honor and Blood Assurance is offering a $50 gift card incentive until October 10 to boost donations.

Rockvale Rockets won 21—14 over Siegel on Homecoming night Friday as senior receiver RC Chiha caught eight passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns to build an early 21—0 lead.

Siegel struggled with repeated mistakes in the first half and coach James Counce said the win shows the team is growing in tight games.

Oakland Patriots beat Blackman 32-0 at the Inferno on Friday night with key plays from quarterback Donte Cameron and running back Craig Tutt, while Blackman had several promising returns by senior Kari Dixon but failed to score.

Both teams will meet again on Oct-2 as Rutherford County Schools begin fall break next week.

Middle Tennessee State football will face Kennesaw State today at 5 p.m. CT in their first Conference USA game of the season.

The Blue Raiders, coming off a loss to Marshall, will try to overcome the Owls' turnover issues—aiming for a win on the road.

On Thursday, CPA's girls soccer team beat Lipscomb Academy 3—0 as goals by Sydnie Ducharme and Ava Lauren Meadors helped secure an 11 win, 2 loss and 1 tie record.

The Lions, led by first season head coach Rachel White, will face Harpeth Hall on Tuesday as they prepare for the state tournament.

Oakland Middle's volleyball team won the District 6-AA title at Smyrna Middle School on Thursday by beating Siegel Siegel in three sets.

The Chargers will face the District 5-AA winner on Monday, Sept. 29 at Oakland Middle School.

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.

Harry Potter Trivia Night

6-11:59 p.m. — Shelli's Coffee + Social — Limited spots available — Muggles unite for a night of fun-filled Harry Potter trivia competitions.