Good morning, Murfreesboro.

MFRD firefighters Ryan St. Peter and Dillion Meyer received the 2025 Firefighter of the Year Award from the Exchange Club of Rutherford County on Wednesday for their brave rescue of an elderly man from a burning home on E.

Burton Street in August — they administered a Cyanokit before the man was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

MTSU won the 2025 'Bleed Blue, Beat WKU' Red Cross Blood Drive in Murfreesboro by collecting 301 donations while WKU had 211 (the engraved trophy marks their victory and commitment to saving lives).

The friendly contest boosted school pride and community service at a time when the Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage.

Middle Tennessee towns are set to celebrate Christmas with festive tree lightings and parades that will bring families together.

In Murfreesboro, the Rutherford County Christmas Tree Lighting on the historic courthouse square is scheduled for Dec 5 at 5:00 PM — followed by the City Christmas Parade on Dec 14 at 2:00 PM with a Sweet Christmas theme.

Greenhouse Ministries distributed 650 turkeys and all the fixins to local families in need on Friday and Saturday — nearly 1,000 volunteers helped expand the program from its humble beginnings of 50 turkeys into a cherished Thanksgiving tradition.

Rutherford County Schools set a new record on November 21 when 28 schools were named Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education—raising the county record and highlighting its steady academic improvement.

The district also earned Level 5 status for student growth for the sixth year and serves over 51,000 students amid continued growth and debates over the new voucher program.

Lu Xiong, associate professor at MTSU, won a nearly $18K grant from the Casualty Actuarial Society to fund research on a secure data collaboration platform for the insurance industry—using federated learning and encryption to let companies share processed data without exchanging raw details. The project, selected among nine global proposals in March, will complete in about two years.

Ascend Federal Credit Union donated $10,000 and raised nearly $5,000 more from employees and members to support Blood Cancer United’s Dare to Dream Project—a program that helps improve care for children with blood cancer.

The annual Costumed for a Cure fundraiser has brought in over $58,000 in 19 years to fund research and support services.

Middle Tennessee State beat Sam Houston 31-17 on November 22 to break a seven-game losing streak and secure their first Conference USA win at home.

After falling behind 10-0, the Blue Raiders scored 31 unanswered points—boosting confidence as coach Derek Mason thanked seniors before their final home game.

MTSU beat Sam Houston 31 to 17 on Saturday at Floyd Stadium by coming back from a 10 to 0 start to end a seven-game losing streak.

Senior linebacker Parker Hughes made seven tackles and one interception and quarterback Roman Gagliano help the team win—now they will travel on November 29 to play NM State.

Borodash 2025

2-5:30 p.m. — 111 W Vine St, Murfreesboro, TN — Registration Cost Varies — Participate in a festive run or walk to support local community wellness.

Joey Fletcher Band Live

7-11 p.m. — Hop Springs — Ticket info not specified — Experience the raw Southern Rock vibe of Tennessee's own Joey Fletcher.

Small Business Saturday Holiday Market

Join us for a festive shopping experience at the 1660 Middle Tennessee BLVD B, Murfreesboro, TN 37130! Discover unique gifts, support local businesses, and get into the holiday spirit.

Small Business Saturday Holiday Market

Join us for a festive shopping experience at the 1660 Middle Tennessee BLVD B, Murfreesboro, TN 37130! Discover unique gifts, support local businesses, and get into the holiday spirit.

Pictures with Santa

1-4 p.m. — Licker & Whine Pet Market — $15 for pet photos — Capture a festive photo of your furry friend with Santa and support local cats in need.

Paskong Pinoy 2025

6-11 p.m. — Clarion Inn Murfreesboro — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas with the Filipino American community through food, music, and joy.

POWER HOUR Networking - Murfreesboro

9-10 a.m. — Steak 'n Shake — Free entry — Connect with fellow Christian professionals to build valuable relationships and exchange referrals.

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders vs. Cumberland University Phoenix

1-2:30 p.m. — Murphy Athletic Center, 2650 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN — Tickets available — Witness an exciting matchup between the Blue Raiders and the Phoenix in a thrilling basketball showdown.