Good morning, Murfreesboro.

World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro will host its annual Fall Festival on October 11 and October 18 with free outdoor fun, food trucks, live music and worship starting at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. respectively.

Sunday services with special guests will be held on October 12 and 19 at 9:30 a.m. with seating available both outside and inside—this event aims to strengthen community ties.

Black bears were seen across Rutherford County as TWRA told people to stay safe while Murfreesboro’s Puppy Plunge fundraiser helped Greenhouse Ministries and hospitals struggled with low blood supplies and youth mental health needs.

Local leaders debated growth as Mayor McFarland said 80% of capital funds went to roads and County Mayor Carr offered the Plan Rutherford proposal — with Smackdab Brewing set to open downtown next year and a 3.0% unemployment rate showing a strong job market — which may shape the region’s future.

A new analysis from Upgraded Points shows that many young adults in Tennessee face rising credit card debt, yet the Murfreesboro–Smyrna–La Vergne corridor is buoyed by a 14% long-term job increase and a 47.1% rise in wages over five years — helping over 70% of local households live within their means. This economic strength contrasts with areas like Memphis that report higher credit card usage and delinquency.

Middle Tennessee State University Honors College started its fall Buchanan Lecture Series today with the theme 'Spaces and Places' and nearly 50 honors students enrolled in the course.

Lectures are held at 3 p.m. every Monday until Nov. 17 at the Simmons Amphitheater on Blue Raider Drive—visitors must have a parking permit.

Middle Tennessee State University’s History Department will host historian Marc Eagle at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct.

1 in Room 207 of Peck Hall—he will discuss the 17th-century slave trade in the Caribbean with a focus on Santo Domingo as an entry point for enslaved Africans. The free lecture is open to the public and promises new insights from primary research on this lesser-known history.

The groundbreaking for a $15 million Forensic Center in Smyrna happened on August 28—with county leaders, law enforcement and emergency personnel at the event.

The facility will raise autopsy capacity, speed up results by four weeks and finish in 2027 without new taxes.

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford launched its new Structural Heart and Valve Center to give Rutherford County residents access to advanced heart treatments without traveling far.

The center, led by cardiothoracic and structural heart specialists, builds on recent cardiovascular service expansions—offering procedures like TAVR and minimally invasive valve repairs.

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center received a unanimous need-certification to build a new $19 million emergency room at the S.

Church Street—Warrior Drive intersection in southern Murfreesboro to offer 24/7 care with 11 treatment rooms, a trauma bay and advanced imaging that will ease the burden on residents traveling to Smyrna for care.

Residents in Murfreesboro can vote for the top TSSAA football offensive player based on Week 5 games, with nominees including Blackman's Jaevion Elliott, Cannon County's Eli Garrett, Eagleville's Jonathan Jordan, MTCS' Alie Bangura, Oakland's Craig Tutt, PCA's Porter Dedman, Riverdale's Gavin Hampton, Rockvale's Jonathan Hamby, Siegel's Braelyn Albea, Smyrna's Zeke Key and Stewarts Creek's Jamarcus Brown— the poll will close at noon on Oct. 3.

In Conference USA Week 5, Western Kentucky beat Missouri State 27 to 22, Middle Tennessee lost 16 to 24 to Kennesaw State, and Louisiana Tech won 30 to 11 over UTEP.

Standout plays by Maverick McIvor and La’Vell Wright set up a competitive Week 6 — teams will use these wins to improve standings — as matchups are planned for upcoming games.

Voters in Murfreesboro are invited to vote for the top defensive player in the TSSAA football season — nominees include Blackman’s Jaden Lark, Cannon County’s Zeke Walkup, MTCS’ Eric Bowling, Oakland’s Traivon Jackson, PCA’s Sean Birkofer, Riverdale’s Ayden Emmons, Rockvale’s Melvin Boone, Siegel’s Nathaniel Hand, Smyrna’s Jerry Martin, and Stewarts Creek’s Daniel Johnson. The poll, based on Week 5 games, will close at noon on Oct. 3.

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.

Modern Calligraphy & Pumpkin Lettering Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — RSRVD Event Studio — Ticket price not specified — Explore the art of modern calligraphy with a festive pumpkin theme for beginners.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders Football

6:30-8 p.m. — Floyd Stadium — Cost varies — Experience college football rivalry live at Floyd Stadium as the Gamecocks take on the Blue Raiders.